What are the application deadlines like for most colleges?

So I'm a junior and as the school year is wrapping up, I realized that I need to start getting serious about my college applications. For many universities, when are the applications usually due? Is there a universal deadline, or does it vary from college to college? Pretty stressed out here, need some insight.

College application deadlines do vary from college to college, but there are some common patterns. Generally, colleges operate under a few different types of application systems:

1. Regular Decision: This is the most common, with deadlines typically falling in the December–January range. Depending on the university, regular decision deadlines can be as early as December 1st or as late as January 15th.

2. Early Decision (ED): This is a binding agreement where, if accepted, you are committed to attend the college. Deadlines for ED applications are generally early November, often November 1st or 2nd.

3. Early Action (EA): This plan allows you to apply early (like ED) but without the commitment to attend if accepted. EA deadlines are often the same as ED deadlines though some schools offer EA round 2 with deadlines in early January.

4. Rolling Admissions: Some colleges practice rolling admissions, where they accept and review applications periodically over a window of time. It is beneficial to apply as early as possible in a rolling admissions process.

5. Transfer admissions: If you're planning to start at a community college or another institution and transfer, deadlines can be very different, often in the March or April of the year you plan to enroll.

It's crucial to check individual schools' websites or contact their admissions offices to verify dates, as not all schools fall within these general outlines. A good rule of thumb is to start working on applications the summer before your senior year and aim to have most applications finished by winter break. That way, you'll be ready whether a school's deadline is in November, December, or January.