Senior year moves fast. This month-by-month timeline keeps you on track from September through May, ensuring you submit quality applications on time and navigate the admissions process with confidence.
Fall: Early Applications and Essays
Fall senior year is when most applications open. Early Decision and Early Action deadlines (typically November 1 or 15) come first. Spend September finalizing essays; submit early applications by early November.
- September: Finalize Common App essay; draft school-specific supplements
- September–October: Request final recommendation letters if not done
- Early October: Complete and review all application materials
- November 1–15: Submit Early Decision/Early Action applications
- November–December: Complete and submit regular decision applications
Winter: Regular Deadlines and Scholarships
Regular application deadlines span January through March. After submitting, focus on scholarship applications (due dates vary widely—start NOW if you haven't already). Monitor your application portals for updates and additional requests.
- January 1–15: Submit applications with January deadlines (most common)
- January–March: Complete remaining regular decision applications
- January–April: Search and apply for scholarships (local, state, national)
- February–April: Watch for application portal updates; respond to requests
- March 1: FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines for most schools
Spring: Decisions and Deposits
Schools send decisions March through April. Once you've heard from all colleges, evaluate financial aid packages and make your final choice by May 1 deposit deadline.
- March: Early Decision results released; binding commitment begins
- March–April: Regular decision results released gradually
- April: Compare financial aid offers; use Net Price Calculator
- April 15: Admitted student days; visit if possible before deciding
- May 1: Deposit deadline; submit housing forms and declare major (if required)
Key Takeaways
- Submit early applications (ED/EA) by mid-November; these deadlines come first and move quickly.
- Regular decision deadlines cluster in January–March; create a master calendar of each college's exact deadline.
- Don't miss FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines (March 1); these determine financial aid eligibility.
- Wait until May 1 to commit; take time to compare colleges, financial packages, and gut feelings.
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