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Key points
- Submitting an “early action” application allows you to submit your application early, apply to multiple schools, and leave your options open since your admission is non-binding.
- You should only apply for “early decision” if you are absolutely sure about the school you want to attend, as acceptance for admission is binding.
- If you do not apply early, you may apply during a school’s regular admissions period. If you choose this option, you may apply to multiple schools simultaneously.
- Some schools offer a rolling admissions system, which works on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Senior year of high school is full of deadlines and decisions for students looking to attend college. Colleges set their own deadlines for applying for admission, so it’s important to thoroughly research schools to learn more about their deadlines and application processes.
Many schools allow you to apply early if you submit your application materials before the early action or early decision deadline. You also have the option to apply during the regular admissions period, and some schools offer rolling admissions, which provides a more flexible application timeline. Each type of application has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to understand them before you begin the application process.
This article discusses the different types of college application deadlines and provides an overview of deadlines and admission types for several popular colleges. Read on to learn more about college application deadlines and prepare to get into the college of your choice.
When are the deadlines for submitting applications to college?
The information below reflects a general time frame of typical college application deadlines and application decision dates. Please note that these dates vary based on each school’s schedule, so you may encounter schools with deadlines that do not fall within these ranges.
Types of college admission applications
While many colleges offer different application deadlines, not all of them offer the same ones. Below, we’ve outlined the most common options for college application deadlines, along with brief explanations, to help you decide which option is best for you.
Early action
Early action is when you apply to schools before the regular admissions deadline, but you leave your options open. If a school accepts your admission, you can still consider other schools. This allows you to apply to multiple schools at once and examine and compare financial aid packages, campus life, academic programs, and other relevant matters that may influence your final decision.
Early decision
Early decision means that you will attend the school you apply to if you are accepted. This option is binding and only allows you to apply to one school at a time, so you should only choose it if you are absolutely sure which school you want to attend. This shows that you are committed to the school and are not applying to others. If your application is not accepted, you can apply to other schools.
Regular admission
Regular admission means you must apply before the regular admission deadlines for colleges and universities. The regular admission date is after the early decision or early action admission dates. Applying before the regular admission deadline allows you more time to work on improving your GPA, write your admission essay, research financial aid packages, or retake the SAT or ACT if needed. You can also apply to multiple schools during regular admission.
Rolling Admission
With rolling admissions, schools evaluate admissions applications on a first-come, first-serve basis over a longer application period, rather than based on a set deadline. Schools that offer this application option typically make their decisions in about four to six weeks, and these offers are nonbinding.
Open admission
Choosing a school that offers open admission can be a great option if your GPA is a bit lower than average, as many of these schools have lower GPA requirements. Open admission is common at many community colleges and online schools, so high school graduates or those with a General Educational Development (GED®) certificate are typically admitted.
Deferred admission
Submitting your application before the early action or early decision deadline does not necessarily mean you will find out sooner if you have been accepted. It is common practice for colleges and universities to postpone admission decisions until the final student review period, even if students apply early. If your admission is postponed, you may still be admitted after further evaluation.
A deferred admission gives you more time to improve your grades or test scores to make yourself a more competitive candidate if you still want to attend the school that deferred your application. It also allows you to apply to other schools if you don’t want to wait for a final decision from the school that deferred your application.
When does Common App® open for 2024?
Common App is a nonprofit organization that enables college applicants to connect and apply to over 1,000 educational institutions in the U.S. and 20 other countries. It simplifies and streamlines the college application process by providing a variety of resources and information in one place and allowing students to apply to colleges through its online application platform. The 2024-2025 Common App launches August 1, 2024.
Fall 2024 College Application Deadlines
While many college application deadlines for first-year applicants are similar, some may be earlier or later depending on the school. Below we list some of the top schools or school systems and their corresponding deadlines for first-year undergraduate applicants. Graduate programs may have different deadlines and requirements.
You can apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Schools may have their own FAFSA deadlines. If applicable, we have included these deadlines in the table below.
Should you apply for early admission, early decision, or regular admission to college?
When you should apply to college depends on when you are ready, how many schools you are considering, and how much flexibility you have in your school choice.
Early action allows you to apply to multiple schools in advance without committing to a specific school. Regular admission also allows you to apply to multiple schools at once according to their regular application deadlines.
You should only apply for early admission if you are sure of your first choice and do not plan to apply elsewhere unless you are not accepted to your first choice school. With early admission, you only apply to one school at a time and your acceptance is binding, so you should be sure of your choice if you choose this option.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Application Deadlines
What are most college application deadlines?
Deadlines vary by school, but most early application deadlines are in the fall. Most regular application deadlines are in January or February, but these deadlines range from November through June.
What is the last date to apply for admission to university?
The deadline to apply for regular admission varies, but is typically in January or February. This deadline can be earlier or later at many schools, so it really depends on the school you choose. Some schools also offer open or rolling application deadlines, so you may be able to apply later at these schools.
What time of year is too late to apply to college?
When it’s too late to apply depends on the school. At some schools, applying in the spring may be too late, but you may still be able to apply at schools with open or rolling admissions.
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