Hey everyone, I'm a rising junior and I'm just starting to dive into the college application process. Can anyone provide insight into what the typical timeline looks like for college admissions? When should I expect to start applying to colleges, hearing back, etc? Any sort of calendar or schedule would be super helpful!
Hey! Glad you're starting to think about your application timeline. For most U.S. colleges, the application cycle starts the summer before your senior year, when the Common Application (or Coalition Application, UC Application, etc.) typically updates for the next application cycle. Depending on the colleges on your list, you'll likely be dealing with a mix of different admission 'types' and associated dates.
Let's break this down:
1. Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA): These are typically due between November 1st and November 15th of your senior year. You would usually hear back from these colleges in mid-December. Remember, ED is binding—if you get accepted, you're committed to attending barring extraordinary circumstances, like an inadequate financial aid package.
2. Regular Decision (RD): These are typically due between January 1st and January 15th, though some colleges might have slightly later dates. You would typically hear back between late March and early April.
3. Rolling Admissions: For colleges with rolling admissions, you can apply at any point and you should hear back within a few weeks. It's usually beneficial to apply earlier because schools might fill their spaces as they go.
If you're considering schools with EA or ED programs, you'd want to start work on your applications during the summer between junior and senior year. However, I would advise starting on your applications over the summer regardless of whether you're applying early or not. That way, you have plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essays without the stress of senior-year classes and activities.
Don't forget about financial aid! The FAFSA and CSS Profile (if required by your schools) can be submitted as early as December 1st of your senior year.
Finally, once you get your acceptances (and, hopefully, financial aid packages), you'll typically have until May 1st to decide which college to attend.
Hope this helps! Remember this schedule can vary somewhat from school to school, so make sure to check the specifics for each college on your list.
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