When Do I Apply to College?
When do I apply to college? Good question!
Simply put: You’ll apply to colleges in 12th grade, and it’s a good idea to be ready to apply by Nov. 1 of your senior year.
Why you ask? First, let’s review some important college admissions deadlines.
Early Decision: You can apply to one school early decision, and if you’re accepted with financial aid that makes attending possible for your family, you commit to enrolling and withdrawing other applications. If you have a top choice school that you’ve determined to be a good fit academically, socially and finanially, then you may consider applying early decision.
Due Date: These applications are due on or around November 1
Early Action: You can apply to multiple schools early action; if you are accepted, you can compare your options and decide where to enroll, typically with a deposit deadline of May 1.
Due Date: These applications are usually due on or around November 1. You’ll want to check the specific college website to confirm their deadlines.
Priority Deadline: Many schools use a priority deadline to encourage early applications. In fact, most schools that offer a priority deadline accept the majority of their students at that time.
Due Date: Typically November 1
Regular Decision: You can apply to as many schools as you wish; if you are accepted, you can compare your options and decide where to enroll, typically with a deposit deadline of May 1.
Due Date: These applications are due on or around January 1.
Rolling Admission: This means schools accept and review applications as they are sent in, as opposed to waiting to review all applications at one time.
Due Date: We recommend sending in your application as soon as possible.
So, you can see that Early Decision, Early Action, and Priority Deadline applications are due on or around November 1 — and you’ll have decisions (accepted, declined, or deferred) in December. This gives you plenty of time to weigh all your options — especially when it comes to financial aid packages — before deciding where to go.
And, even if you decide to apply Regular Decision, it’ll feel great to have your application ready to go well before the January deadline.
Regardless of when you apply, you’ll typically give colleges your decision by May 1, unless you applied and were accepted Early Decision. But, if you wait until May 1, keep in mind that you may be missing housing deadlines, so check those out as you’re making your decision!
Remember: Our motto is start early, stress less. So, make sure your Application Profile in Scoir is complete, request any required documents (like your transcript and letters of recommendation), and put those finishing touches on your essays — and be ready to hit submit by Nov. 1!
One final note: Most of these deadlines apply to first-year applicants only; if you’re a transfer student, we recommend you consult the colleges you’re applying to about deadlines.
