I'm currently a sophomore and am applying to scholarships but also was wondering when it was best to apply to schools to get somewhat ahead.
You can start getting things ready the summer before senior year. And if you want to apply early action then the deadline is somewhere in early first semester and regular is often near the end of the first semester (winter break).
I applied as soon as CommonApp opened in August the summer after my junior year. I also got my letters of recommendation done as soon as I could and it got rid of a lot of stress. But I would wait until the summer after junior year unless you're absolutely sure about a college and they give you early application.
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