College Prep

Important Deadlines

Late Summer/ Early Fall (August-September) 

As you go into your senior year, you should have finalized a list of colleges that interest you. You might want to apply to schools that will likely accept you, as well as schools that have stricter admissions policies. It’s important that you’re mindful of all of the requirements of your preferred schools, including different standardized tests or recommendation letters. 

Dates and deadlines:

• August 1st: The Common Application opens, along with many other schools’ applications for admissions online.

• End of September: Have at least two teachers or community members set to write you a letter of recommendation.

• End of September/Early October: Retake any standardized tests to boost your scores, including the SAT, ACT, or SAT subject tests.

Ask a school guidance counselor if you need financial help with applications and would like a fee waiver.

Mid to Late Fall - October-November

After you’ve figured out what schools you like, it is a good idea to start working on your supplemental essays and overall application. If you like a particular school a lot, consider applying to an early action or early decision program that will let you know your admissions decision sooner. Most schools have scholarship programs for merit or need, too, so do a little investigating to see if you’re eligible and map out the dates in your planner.

Tip: Have a friend, parent, or teacher look through your essay and application before you send it off. Running your essay through a grammar or spell check can also spot typos before it’s too late.

Dates and deadlines:

• October: Start looking for university-specific scholarship programs.

• October/November: Check out national scholarship programs like Coca-Cola Scholars, Gates Scholars, or Jack Kent Cooke that have deadlines in the fall.

• November 1st: Most universities have early acceptance program deadlines on this day.

• November: Start exploring community or field-specific scholarships and considering your financial needs. There are even apps like Scholly to help with this!

• December - FAFSA opens

Winter - January-February

Now that you’ve got most of your application material submitted, you can focus on finding external scholarships and sending any mid-year reports that your preferred schools require. Consider signing up for an alumni interview or doing a second tour if you find out that you have been accepted. 

Dates and deadlines:

• January 1st: Most universities have regular admissions deadlines on this day.

• January/February: Schools that require a CSS profile have varying deadlines.

Spring - March-May

At this point in your senior year, you’ve almost made it! You’ll be walking in your cap and gown in no time at all. Now, all that is left is to make your final decisions and tell your schools what you decide. You should feel a massive load off of your shoulders at this point. Chin up, though, and make it through senior year strong! Remember, colleges will look at your grades from your last semester of high school. 

Dates and deadlines:

• March/April: Most universities will release their admissions decisions.

• March/April: Start preparing for AP, IB, or final examinations.

• April: Send supplemental materials to any colleges that have waitlisted you.

• May 1: Most schools have their decision deadline.

Give yourself a big pat on the back for making it this far! While this process of applying to colleges can feel full of emotions, keeping on a schedule and being organized will calm your nerves and make you feel like you’re on top of it. While the guidelines change from school to school, keep this as your general guide for the year— and best of luck!