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College Application Timeline
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Navigating the U.S. college application process
is a significant milestone in your academic
journey. However, its not just about crafting
the perfect essay or securing stellar
recommendation letters timing is everything. The
U.S. college application timeline is a
well-choreographed dance, with each step having
its own specific deadline. Understanding this
timeline is crucial for a stress-free and
successful application experience. So, lets dive
into the key milestones that will shape your
journey towards higher education in the United
States.
Introduction
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The year before college applications (Grade
11/Year 12)
May Take AP exams if applicable Plan summer
activities to enhance your extracurricular
profile. Consider interning or volunteering in
your community. August and September Understand
and discuss your finances for college education.
This will help you narrow down your college
list. Create a Collegeboard.org account to
assist with research. Start working on a college
comparison list, including each universitys
requirements. Visit some colleges both in-person
and virtually.
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September, October and November Follow
admissions offices on social media so you dont
miss any important announcements. Research
scholarship options that you could qualify
for. Start filling out important dates in a
calendar.
December Take the first round of SAT or ACT.
This way you will have time to retake the test if
you dont get the scores you were hoping
for. Understand financial aid in the US. Look up
some tutorials about the ISFAA and CSS Profile
(this form may be required for institutional
funding) and the FAFSA (for dual citizens of the
US).
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January, February and March Make sure to
actively continue research and participate in
virtual events.
March, April, May, June and July March, April,
May, June and July Review personal finances and
adjust lists and search as necessary. Finalize
your college list and relevant dates. Understand
your admission plans early decision, early
action or regular decision. Think about essays
and supplements. Keep track of required essay
prompts for your schools and begin brainstorming
and writing. Let your school administration and
teachers know about your plans to apply. Be
prepared to help them understand letters of
recommendation and any school forms required by
universities.
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The Application Year (Grade 12/Year 13)
August and September Keep track of application
portals and financial aid portals (FAFSA for dual
citizens of the US, CSS, and ISFAA) and when they
open! Make sure you get yours started! Write
your college-specific supplemental
essays Continue to research scholarships, adding
requirements and deadlines to your
list. Schedule a meeting with your school team
(teacher, administrator, counselor) to review
your college list to get his or her feedback and
review your application deadlines, and ask any
questions you may have. Set up virtual or in
person interviews with colleges. Check in with
your recommendation writers and ask for a letter
of recommendation from your school
counselor. Apply to scholarships throughout the
school year. Start preparing financial aid
paperwork and develop a deadlines list.
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September, October and November Check
school/national exams and calendar them along
with application dates to stay organized. Continu
e participation in college presentations and
college fairs (in person and virtual). Complete
your application for financial aid using the
ISFAA, FAFSA or CSS/PROFILE. Have a trusted
adult (preferably trained in the process) look
over your application. This review cycle can take
many weeks, especially writing revisions. Complet
e and send out all Early Action and Early
Decision applications no later than late October.
(These deadlines are typically around November
1.) Many portfolio-based arts programs have
December 1st deadlines. And some universities
require submission by December 1st to be
considered for scholarship opportunities. Check
whether your schools allow self-reported
standardized scores and send your test
scores. Remind your school team to upload/send
letters and transcripts to colleges.
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December Regular Decision (RD) deadlines are
typically around January 1. Complete and send out
all RD applications no later than
mid-December. Note This is also recommended if
you have deadlines in February/ March or later as
long as the application is complete and
well-done. January, February and March You will
start hearing back decisions about your ED
applications in January and the RD results in
March/April. If deferred, send an email to your
admissions representative. Reaffirm your interest
in the school and offer any updates (activities,
achievements, awards, etc). March and
April Evaluate financial aid packages to figure
out what is affordable for your family. Students
need to enroll and submit a deposit by May 1. A
deposit is made to save your spot at college, and
the amount is usually credited to your school
account. Be sure to check whether the deposit
includes a tuition payment.
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May Take AP/IB exams, as required by school.
Your school may have other exams throughout the
year. Notify your school team and your grown-ups
(teacher, administrator, counselor,
parent/guardian) of your college decisions and
Financial Aid options. Thank your letter of
recommendation writers and any grown-ups/peers
for supporting you through your application
process. If youve been waitlisted, this is a
good time to send a)your Id like to stay on the
waitlist form and b) the email to your
designated admissions rep which states your
interest in the school and offers updates
(activities, achievements, awards, etc). Sign-up
for campus housing if you plan to live on campus.
June, July and August Check for waitlist
notifications. Complete your visa application
and book your interview appointment. Make travel
arrangements (You can enter the US 30 days before
your program starts). Reach out to International
Students services about setting up a bank
account.
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Important Application Deadlines
Common App Opens
August 1
November 15
ED applications due
January 2
RD applications due
ED results announced
February 15
RD results announced
April 1
Decisions deadline to accept
May 1
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