How does the college decision calendar work?

Hi there! I've been hearing about something called a decision calendar. Can someone fill me in on how it works? Is it like an official timeline for decision releases, or just a way for students to plan around their application process?

Hi! The college decision calendar you're referring to is likely an informal timeline that many students create or follow to keep track of the important dates and deadlines during the college application process. Though there isn't an official, universal decision calendar for all schools, there are some key dates and timeframes to keep in mind. Here's a general outline for your reference:

1. Early Decision (ED)/Early Action (EA) application deadlines: These typically fall around November 1st or 15th. Some schools, however, may have slightly different deadlines, so be sure to double-check!

2. Early Decision/Early Action decision release: Schools usually release their ED/EA decisions in mid-December. Specific dates can vary, so it's important to check each college's website for the most accurate information.

3. Regular Decision (RD) application deadlines: The RD deadlines are more spread out than ED/EA deadlines, with many schools having deadlines around January 1st, while others may extend into February. Be sure to take note of the specific deadlines for the colleges you're applying to.

4. Financial Aid/Scholarship deadlines: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) typically opens on October 1st, and the deadline to submit can vary depending on the state and school. Similarly, scholarship and aid application deadlines may vary, so make a note of them for each college on your list.

5. Regular Decision decision release: Most schools will release their RD decisions in late March or early April. You may receive an acceptance, rejection, or waitlist notification. As with EA/ED decisions, the specific release dates depend on the college, so it's essential to stay informed about each college's timeline.

6. National College Decision Day: This is traditionally on May 1st and is the deadline for students to commit to a college and pay the enrollment deposit.

7. Waitlist updates: Students on the waitlist may receive updated decisions between late spring and summer, with some schools continuing to admit students up until the start of the academic year.

Remember that these timelines are general guidelines, and each college will have its own specific deadlines. Creating your own decision calendar tailored to the schools you're interested in can help you stay organized and informed throughout the college application process. Good luck!