Application Timelines
Month-by-month checklists so every deadline is met with time to spare — early action, early decision, and regular.
Know your deadline types
Each application path has its own rhythm. Pick the one that fits your senior and plan backward from the due date.
- Early Decision (ED) — binding, usually due Nov 1. Only apply if it's a clear first choice.
- Early Action (EA) — non-binding, usually due Nov 1–15, with answers by mid-winter.
- Regular Decision (RD) — usually due Jan 1–15, with answers in March–April.
- Rolling Admission — reviewed as they arrive, so earlier is almost always better.
Month-by-month checklist
Summer before senior year
Finalize your college list, draft the main essay, and request recommendation letters.
September
Open the Common App, confirm testing plans, and start supplemental essays.
October
Finish FAFSA prep, polish essays, and confirm recommenders have what they need.
November
Submit early action / early decision applications by Nov 1.
December
Complete remaining supplements and give regular-decision apps a final review.
January
Submit regular-decision applications and double-check every portal for missing items.
February–April
Track decisions, compare offers, and celebrate acceptances.
Built by a first-time senior mom
These timelines come from living the process in real time — organized so you never miss a date that matters.
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