As I'm applying to college, I want to make sure I'm on top of all important dates and deadlines. What are some key dates I should be aware of like financial aid, early decision, and regular decision deadlines? Thanks!
It's crucial to be aware of important dates when applying to college to ensure you don't miss any deadlines. Here's a general timeline of key dates to keep in mind:
August-September
- Common Application and Coalition Application usually open early August.
- Begin working on your application essays, including the personal statement and supplemental essays.
October
- The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on October 1. Submit it as soon as possible to maximize your financial aid eligibility.
- Take any final standardized tests if you are applying to test-optional or test-flexible schools that still consider scores.
- Research schools' early decision (ED) or early action (EA) deadlines, as some may be as early as November 1.
November
- Submit ED or EA applications—deadlines typically fall between November 1 and November 15.
- Continue working on regular decision applications and essays.
December
- Submit any remaining applications with December deadlines (e.g., some ED II schools).
- EA or ED decisions are usually released mid-December.
January
- Regular decision application deadlines are typically between January 1 and January 15. Some schools may have later deadlines in February or even March.
- Begin filling out the CSS Profile if your schools require it for institutional financial aid.
February-March
- Submit any remaining applications with late deadlines or rolling admissions.
- File any required financial aid verification documents, if requested by colleges.
April
- College decisions are usually released by April 1 for regular decision applicants.
- Research and apply for external scholarships to supplement your financial aid package.
May
- National College Decision Day is May 1. Admitted students must accept an offer of admission and submit a deposit by this deadline.
- If you've been waitlisted, continue demonstrating interest in the schools where you're waitlisted. Some schools may begin releasing decisions from the waitlist in late April, but most will do so after May 1.
Make sure to double-check specific deadlines for each of your targeted schools on their college websites, as timelines may vary. In addition, some schools may have additional deadlines for specific programs, so keep that in mind when planning your application process.
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