When is the Common App due?

I’m starting my Common App and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the components. Can someone remind me of the actual deadline for submission? Are there benefits to submitting earlier?

The deadline for the Common App can vary depending on a few factors. For regular decision, most colleges require that applications be submitted by January 1 or January 15. However, some schools have different deadlines, which could be in February or even as late as March.Universities also often have earlier deadlines for Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) applicants, typically between November 1 and November 15. The deadline for these options allows you to hear back from colleges sooner, usually in December, but comes with the trade-off of having to prepare your application materials earlier. Applying Early Decision carries the additional commitment of having to attend the school if accepted (barring exceptional circumstances such as insufficient financial aid), so this is a binding decision that should be approached with careful thought.

There can be potential benefits to submitting your application earlier, even if you're applying for regular decision. Some colleges have rolling admissions, which means they evaluate applications as they come in and could potentially fill up their spots before the official deadline. Additionally, submitting your application early means putting it in front of the admissions committee sooner, which, theoretically, could increase its chance of consideration.Finally, getting your application in earlier can simply reduce stress, as you'll have more time to troubleshoot issues or unexpected delays. It's a good practice to aim for a personal deadline a week or two ahead of the actual college deadline.Remember, it's not just about submitting the Common App—your school will also need time to send transcripts and your recommenders will need time to write and submit their letters. It's crucial to respect these timelines and coordinate accordingly with all parties involved.