Important College Application Timelines
by Justin B.
As we head into the peak of college application season, keeping track of the wide-ranging dates and deadlines to complete requirements can be dizzying for seniors.
I often tell students that one of the most essential aspects of a successful (and minimally stressful) application process is getting and staying organized throughout. So with that in mind, here is a quick “cheat sheet” of some key college applications dates that seniors should be aware of:
- October 1: Cal State application opened
- October 1: CSS Profile available for 2025-26
- October 15: UNC Chapel Hill Early Action deadline
- November 1: Early Decision/Early Action deadline for many schools, including: CalTech, Stanford and all of the Ivies
- November 15: University of Washington deadline
- December 1: FAFSA available for 2025-26
- December 2: Cal State deadline and University of California deadline
- Mid-December: Early Decision results released
- Early January: Regular Decision / Early Decision II deadlines
- Mid-February: Early Decision II & Early Action results released
- Late-March: Regular Decision results released
- May 1: Celebrate National College Decision Day!
As a general rule of the thumb, it’s advisable for seniors to submit their applications 1 to 2 weeks prior to the application deadline.
While this may not always be possible, it’s worth reaching towards to ensure that you’re not stressed and pressed for time against a deadline. Aside from technical issues that typically arise from the high usage of application systems as deadlines get closer, applying early gives you sufficient time to follow up on the parts of the application you can’t control (supporting documents – transcript/letters of recommendation being sent) and also is a strong indicator for demonstrated interest. Simply by applying early, you’re telling the college that you’re really interested in going there next fall.
If you’re a senior reading this: keep calm and keep working hard! This fall will most likely be the busiest time of your lives to this point but we are here at IvyBoost to help you through it!
