When should I start my college applications?

Hi, I'm currently a sophomore and I'm trying to plan out my high school journey. I was wondering, do people usually start applying to colleges during their junior year or do they wait until senior year? I'd really appreciate any advice!

Hello there! It's great that you're thinking ahead about your college applications. The usual timeline for submitting applications is the fall of your senior year. However, the preparation for it actually starts much earlier. Junior year is key for researching colleges, preparing for standardized tests, and perhaps attending college fairs or college visits. It’s in the summer before senior year when you should start working on your actual applications, such as drafting personal statements and compiling a list of accomplishments. Some students begin to draft essays or fill in parts of applications like the Common App during the latter part of junior year. Just remember that keeping up with your coursework and maintaining good grades throughout your high school career is crucial, as is participation in extracurricular activities that interest you. I'd recommend creating a timeline for yourself to make sure you stay on track!