College Application Timeline
The college application cycle follows a fairly predictable rhythm every year, even though exact deadlines vary school by school. Here's the general shape of it, month by month, so you know what's coming and when.
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Applications open
The Common App and most other application platforms open August 1 for the upcoming admission cycle — a good time to start your college list and draft essays.
October
FAFSA opens
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) typically opens October 1. Aid from some states and schools is first-come, first-served, so submitting early can matter.
November
Early Decision & Early Action deadlines
Most Early Decision (binding) and Early Action (non-binding) deadlines fall around November 1-15. Early Decision means committing to attend if admitted; Early Action does not.
December
Early Decision/Action results
Early Decision and Early Action decisions are typically released in mid-to-late December.
January
Regular Decision deadlines
Most Regular Decision deadlines fall between January 1 and 15, though this varies by school — always confirm exact dates directly with each one.
March-April
Regular Decision results
Most Regular Decision admission results are released between mid-March and early April.
May 1
National Decision Day
May 1 is the standard deadline for admitted students to submit an enrollment deposit and commit to a school.
These are typical dates, not universal deadlines — always confirm exact requirements directly with each school you're applying to.
Common questions
When do college applications open?
Most applications, including the Common App, open August 1 for that year’s admission cycle.
What’s the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?
Early Decision is binding — if admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw other applications. Early Action is non-binding — you apply and hear back early, but stay free to apply elsewhere and decide later.
When is the FAFSA deadline?
The FAFSA typically opens October 1. Federal deadlines are generous, but many states and schools award aid first-come, first-served, so submitting early is worth it.
When do I have to decide where to enroll?
May 1 is the standard National Decision Day for most schools — the deadline to submit your enrollment deposit.