Finalize your college list—including reach, target, and safety schools—and map out your fall application deadlines.
Schedule your college visits to experience campus life firsthand if you haven’t done so already.
Develop your activities list and polish your resume to showcase your extracurricular achievements.
Begin completing your profile on the Common App. Although it officially opens on August 1, you can start entering general information in advance.
Draft your application essays—including the main Common App essay and any supplemental essays. Use our expert tips to create compelling narratives that resonate with admissions officers.
Keep your scheduled appointments with your school counselor to ensure that all required documents are submitted on time.
Finalize your Common App essay: proofread it carefully, correct any grammatical errors, and read it aloud to ensure it flows naturally and powerfully.
Complete your supplemental essays.
Ensure that your official SAT, ACT, and AP scores are sent directly from the testing agencies to each college on your list.
Decide whether to apply via Early Action or Early Decision based on your college strategy.
Start entering your financial aid details when the FAFSA and the CSS Profile open on October 1, 2025.
Note that deadlines vary by state; for Texas, the FAFSA priority deadline is now April 15, 2026. Always verify each institution’s requirements.
Apply via Early Action or Early Decision if it aligns with your academic goals. For example, the Early Action deadline for both Texas A&M (engineering applicants) and UT Austin is October 15, 2025.
If you haven’t already, polish your Common App and supplemental essays in preparation for Regular Decision deadlines.
For Early Decision applicants, note that Rice University’s Early Decision I deadline is November 1, 2025.
Finalize and submit your Regular Decision applications. The deadline for both Texas A&M and UT Austin is December 1, 2025.
Review your Early Action or Early Decision acceptances carefully.
If applicable, apply via Early Decision II—for example, Rice University’s Early Decision II deadline is January 4, 2026.
Continue studying for your final exams and maintain strong grades; your academic performance remains critical throughout senior year.
Search for and apply to college scholarships to help fund your education.
Evaluate your Regular Decision acceptances and compare the financial aid packages offered.
Make your final decision and submit your enrollment deposit by May 1, 2026!
Every student’s journey is unique. Adjust this timeline to fit your individual needs—whether you need to accelerate your efforts or take advantage of extra time by starting early, this guide is designed to keep you on track.
Below is a summary of important deadlines to help you navigate the Texas college application process:
October 1, 2025: Begin entering financial aid details for the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
October 15–November 1, 2025: Typical deadlines for Early Action and Early Decision applications (e.g., UT Austin and Texas A&M).
December 1, 2025–January 4, 2026: Common deadlines for Regular Decision and Early Decision II applications.
Mid-December 2025: Latest date for Early Action applicants to receive admissions decisions from Texas A&M Engineering.
January 15, 2026: Latest date for Early Action applicants to receive admission decisions from UT Austin.
February 15, 2026: Latest date for Regular Decision applicants to receive admission decisions from UT Austin.
Late March 2026: Latest date for Regular Decision applicants to receive admissions decisions from Texas A&M.
April 15, 2026: FAFSA priority deadline for Texas.
June 2, 2026: Regular Decision deadline for UH.