Janice Lozano
Applying to college is an exciting step towards pursuing further education and a field of interest. The application process can be lengthy and demanding, so it is advisable to start as soon as possible. College applications often involve researching institutions and their programs, visiting campuses, and exploring financial aid options. Many schools open their applications in August or September, with deadlines varying from January to June. Some colleges offer early admissions or rolling admissions, allowing students to apply and receive decisions at different times. It is crucial to stay organized and meet deadlines to increase the chances of admission and financial support.
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What You'll Learn
Application deadlines
Early Deadlines
Some colleges offer early admissions options in the fall, which can increase the chance of acceptance, but may bind students to attend that college if accepted. Early deadlines can be in November, December, or January. For instance, Boston University, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Northwestern, NYU, the University of Pennsylvania, and Vanderbilt have early decision deadlines of November 1.
Regular Deadlines
The most common regular decision deadlines are in January and February. Some schools with early January regular decision deadlines include Boston University, Harvard, NYU, and Yale. Students who apply under regular decision usually hear back about their admissions decisions in March or April.
Rolling Admissions
Some colleges have rolling admissions, which means they evaluate applications as they are received and release decisions on an ongoing basis. While there is no hard cutoff date, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as spaces in the incoming class are filled. Some schools with rolling admissions also publicize a priority deadline, which gives students who apply by that date an advantage. For example, the University of Maryland's priority deadline is November 1.
Financial Aid Deadlines
Students should also consider financial aid deadlines. To qualify for federal, state, and institutional aid, students need to first file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens on October 1 every year. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA as early as possible, as most schools have a priority deadline for financial aid.
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Early applications
Applying early to college is an increasingly popular option among students. The majority of colleges open their applications on 1 August, with submissions due in January or February. This gives students the entire fall semester of their senior year to complete their applications. Students can technically turn in their applications the day they are released, but it is recommended to start the application process early.
There are several types of early applications: early decision, early action, and rolling admission. Early decision is a binding agreement where students applying agree to matriculate to the university upon receiving an acceptance. They are prohibited from applying to or attending another institution. This opportunity is beneficial for students who are 100% devoted to a specific school and do not need to compare financial aid offers with other schools. The early decision deadline is typically in early November, with some schools offering a second early decision deadline in January.
Early action, on the other hand, is a non-binding agreement, meaning students are not required to attend the college if they are accepted. Early action deadlines are usually in early to mid-November, with admissions decisions released in December. Students have until the national commitment deadline of 1 May to make their decision. Applying early action can be advantageous as it gives students more time to relax and enjoy their final semester of high school.
Rolling admissions are also offered by many schools, where applications are evaluated as they are received rather than all at once after a certain deadline. Colleges usually open rolling admissions from early September through spring, with some schools closing applications by 1 May.
It is important to note that the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) is closely tied to college application deadlines. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as early as possible to maximize their eligibility for certain aid types and meet FAFSA deadlines.
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Regular decision deadlines
Applying to college is an exciting time, but it can be a long process, so it's important to be prepared and organised. Regular decision deadlines are typically in January, but they can also fall in December or February. The most common dates are January 1, 15, and 31. Students who apply under regular decision usually receive a response in March or April.
It's a good idea to start the application process during the summer before your senior year. This gives you plenty of time to prepare and meet deadlines, which are often near the beginning of winter. You can even begin some college applications during your junior year, giving you more time to make the right decision. Applying sooner means you hear back sooner, which gives you time to confirm your decision or explore other options.
Some schools offer early admissions options in the fall, which can improve your chances of acceptance. However, you may be bound to attend that college if accepted. There are also priority deadlines to consider, which can increase your chances of acceptance if you apply by that date.
If you're applying to colleges with rolling admissions, they may evaluate applications as they are received and release decisions on an ongoing basis. These schools may have a priority filing date but typically don't have a hard cutoff date for applications. Applying sooner during the open period may mean finding out the status of your application sooner.
It's important to note that deadlines can vary depending on the course and institution, so it's always good to check the specific requirements for your desired colleges.
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Rolling admissions
The college application process can be stressful, with many deadlines to keep track of. One option offered by some schools is rolling admissions, which can alleviate some of the pressure associated with applying to college.
Applying as early as possible will always give you the best chance at a spot at your college, as spots can gradually fill over time. Many colleges with rolling admissions also have priority deadlines, which are school-specific deadlines by which students should apply to be considered for certain advantages, such as scholarships or financial aid.
Some colleges with rolling admissions include Rutgers, Purdue, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Penn State, Michigan State, and St. John's University.
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Financial aid applications
The financial aid application process can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you are unsure how you will pay for your education. It is important to be prepared and organized. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the financial aid application process:
Research and Planning
Start researching financial aid programs early on. This includes scholarships, grants, and loans, which can total billions of dollars. Begin your research during your sophomore and junior years of high school or one to two years before you plan to start college. You can find information on college websites, at public libraries, or at various lending institutions. Additionally, connect with your high school's counseling office or local organizations like ISACorps, which often host workshops on navigating the financial aid process.
Contact Colleges
Early in your senior year of high school, or one year before starting college, contact the financial aid offices of your chosen colleges. They will provide information on deadlines and any additional documents required. Each college will have a different Cost of Attendance (COA), which includes tuition, fees, living expenses, books, supplies, and transportation. Understanding the COA will help you estimate your financial need.
Complete the FAFSA
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible once the application period begins on January 1. The FAFSA is a crucial form that must be submitted to be considered for federal, institutional, and state financial aid programs. It is available online via computers, mobile devices, or in paper/PDF format. Certain types of aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting early is advantageous.
Additional Applications
In addition to the FAFSA, there may be other financial aid applications specific to your chosen colleges or state. Complete and submit any scholarship or grant applications, and provide any required transcripts from your high school. If necessary, register for the College Board's CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to apply for non-federal aid.
Compare Awards
Once you start receiving responses from colleges, compare the financial aid packages they offer. Review the amount of grants and scholarships in relation to student loans. Remember, you do not need to accept all the aid offered, and you can turn down loans if they are not needed.
Secure Your Spot
After deciding on a college, secure your spot by sending a deposit and your signed acceptance letter. If you are unable to pay the deposit, contact the college's financial aid office to discuss your options. They can guide you on payment options and procedures, and help you understand your aid eligibility.
Remember, financial aid offices are valuable resources, and they are there to support you throughout this process. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions as you navigate the financial aid journey towards your college education.
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Frequently asked questions
You should start the college application process during the summer before your senior year. Starting early can help give you a better idea of what you want to do and ensure you don't miss any deadlines.
Many schools open their applications in August or September, with deadlines typically in January or February. Some schools offer early admissions in November.
Applying early can improve your chances of acceptance. It also means you'll hear back sooner, giving you time to confirm your decision or explore other options.
