When do colleges usually open their applications?

As a junior, I'm trying to plan out my college application timeline. Does anyone know when most colleges open their applications? Are there any differences between rolling admissions schools and those with specific deadlines? Thanks!

Most colleges open their applications in August, with the Common Application and Coalition Application typically releasing their new applications on August 1st. These platforms host applications for many institutions, so it's a convenient way to apply to multiple colleges using a single application.

Rolling admissions schools may open their applications earlier, sometimes as early as July. The difference with rolling admissions is that they review applications as they come in rather than waiting until a fixed deadline. This means decisions are made on an ongoing basis, so you want to apply as early as possible - the longer you want, the more spots will have been filled, and plus, receiving a response earlier helps you with your own planning. Be mindful, however, that rolling admissions schools may still have priority deadlines for scholarships, financial aid, or specific programs.

There are also Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) programs which have deadlines in the fall, usually around November 1st or November 15th, depending on the school. Regular Decision deadlines are typically around January 1st or January 15th. It's essential to research each college's specific application deadlines and plan accordingly, but the major dates you should be aware of are in August, when applications open, in November, when ED/EA applications are due, and in January, when RD applications are due.

To stay organized, create a timeline for yourself, including information on each school's application deadlines, materials required, and any other relevant details. Referring to this timeline will help you ensure that you are prepared and on track as you embark on your college application journey.

Best of luck!