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General Application Deadlines
Individual College Deadlines
Early Application Deadlines
If You Miss a Deadline
When Should I Start Applications?
Navigating the college application process involves understanding various deadlines to ensure your applications are submitted on time.
Keep reading for general college application deadlines, individual deadlines for various colleges, early application deadlines, and advice on what to do if you miss a deadline.
Most colleges in the United States use the Common Application (Common App) or have similar deadlines for their own application systems. Prospective freshman applicants can choose to apply Early Action (EA) or Regular Decision (RD).
Here are some general deadlines:
Below is a table of some popular colleges and their specific application deadlines for the 2023-2024 school year:
College/University | Regular Decision Deadline |
---|---|
Harvard University | January 1, 2024 |
Stanford University | January 5, 2024 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | January 5, 2024 |
University of California (all campuses) | November 30, 2023 |
New York University (NYU) | January 5, 2024 |
University of Chicago | January 4, 2024 |
Princeton University | January 1, 2024 |
Yale University | January 2, 2024 |
Columbia University | January 1, 2024 |
University of Pennsylvania | January 5, 2024 |
Early application options can be advantageous if you have a strong preference for a particular college. These include Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED), both of which typically have deadlines in early November. Here's a summary of these deadlines:
Below is a table of 2023-2024 early application deadlines for some top colleges:
College/University | Early Action Deadline | Early Decision Deadline |
---|---|---|
Harvard University | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
Stanford University | November 1, 2023 | N/A |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | November 1, 2023 | N/A |
New York University (NYU) | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Chicago | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
Princeton University | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
Yale University | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
Columbia University | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Pennsylvania | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
In addition to the Common App, some schools use the Coalition Application. Here are the Coalition App deadlines for selected top colleges:
College/University | Regular Decision Deadline | Early Action Deadline | Early Decision Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
University of Florida | January 15, 2024 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Washington | January 15, 2024 | November 15, 2023 | November 15, 2023 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | January 15, 2024 | October 15, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | January 15, 2024 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Maryland | January 15, 2024 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Texas at Austin | January 15, 2024 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Georgia | January 15, 2024 | October 15, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Miami | January 1, 2024 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
Indiana University Bloomington | January 15, 2024 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
University of Pittsburgh | January 15, 2024 | November 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
Once the regular decision deadline passes, which typically falls between November 1 and mid-February, applying for the fall term becomes challenging. However, some institutions extend their deadlines into March, April, and May, and others offer rolling admissions, allowing for applications until all spots are filled.
Submitting an application after the deadline can significantly reduce your chances of being considered, particularly at competitive institutions. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to contact the admissions office immediately to explore any available options. You may also consider applying for the next term such as the winter or spring semester.
While missing application deadlines can be stressful, there are still options available. However, it's best to contact the admissions office directly to inquire about late submission policies.
Maybe you're just starting to think about college. Or maybe you feel like you’re drowning in the application process. Either way, preparation is key to a successful college application. Ideally, you should start preparing your application materials at least six months before the deadlines. This includes:
Navigating the college application process can be overwhelming, but understanding and adhering to deadlines is critical for success. While missing a deadline can complicate matters, knowing your options and acting promptly can mitigate the impact.
If you miss a deadline, consider alternative terms or schools with rolling admissions, and always reach out to the admissions office to explore your options. Preparing well in advance, staying organized, and being proactive can make a significant difference in your college application journey.
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