College Application Deadline 

7 College Application Deadline 

It’s college application season! Finalizing those essays, collecting recommendations, sending transcripts – it can get overwhelming. But understanding the key deadlines and admission options is the first step. Whether you submit early for a boost or regular decision to polish your materials, certain components are required. This guide outlines everything you need to know to craft a stand-out application. We’ll cover the critical dates, essential elements, and tips to meet each deadline like a pro. Take the stress out of application season and set yourself up for success. Let’s unpack the process and get you on your way to higher education!

College Application Deadlines for Fall 2024

The following table summarizes the most common college application deadlines for the four main admissions windows.

Application DeadlineAdmission Decision
Early ActionNovember 2023December 2023
Early DecisionNovember 2023December 2023
Regular DecisionJanuary/February 2024March/April 2024
Rolling AdmissionVariesUsually within 4-6 weeks

Early Action Deadlines

Many schools offer early action deadlines, allowing applicants to apply early and receive an early admission decision.

Typically, early action deadlines fall in early to mid-November, with admission decisions expected in December.

Early action is advantageous for those seeking an early admission decision without committing to a school. Unlike early decision, it does not require a commitment to attend if admitted.

Early Decision Deadlines

Similar to early action, early decision involves applying to a college and receiving an admission decision around mid-December. Some colleges offer two early decision deadlines, known as Early Decision I and II.

However, unlike early action, early decision comes with a binding commitment to enroll. If admitted, you must pay a nonrefundable deposit and withdraw all other college applications immediately. Therefore, students applying early should be fully committed to attending a specific school.

One drawback of early decision is committing without seeing your financial aid offer. This could be concerning for students relying on financial aid to cover tuition costs. While some schools may assist in exploring additional aid options, adjustments are not guaranteed.

Regular Decision 

Regular decision is the most common application route for college applicants, with deadlines typically in January or February. Responses from colleges are typically received in March or April, and students must decide whether to enroll by May 1.

This application window offers ample time for students to gather materials, work on their essays, and complete any required exams. It also allows for thorough consideration of college options.

However, waiting until the final application window means that if rejected, students may have to wait until the following academic term or year to reapply. Alternatively, they may be placed on a waitlist, with acceptance depending on available spots.

Rolling Admission

Instead of having set deadlines, colleges with rolling admission review applications as they are received, often offering multiple application periods throughout the year. Typically, they continue to accept and review applications until all spots in the upcoming class are filled.

Most rolling-admission colleges begin accepting applications around September 1, with the application window extending into spring, depending on available spots. While some schools may adhere to the May 1 deadline, others may continue admissions until all openings are filled.

Rolling admission policies are commonly used for evaluating transfer applicants as well. Transfer students should initiate the application process well in advance of their prospective school’s posted deadline. Each institution maintains its own application window and transfer credit policies, so it’s essential to carefully review these requirements before applying.

When to Apply for College in Fall 

Planning for college applications requires careful consideration and preparation. For high school students, it’s advisable to request recommendation letters and take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT during 11th grade, particularly if aiming for early action or early decision.

Early admission options, typically resulting in decisions by mid-December, are ideal for seniors who are ready to apply early. These options offer ample time to enjoy the final semester of high school.

Moreover, early applicants often benefit from higher acceptance rates compared to those applying through regular decision.

To meet early deadlines, initiate the application process during the summer months. Focus on drafting your admissions essay, securing recommendation letters, and completing standardized tests.

However, many students prefer the regular decision window, offering more time to compare schools and refine application materials. Ensure to request recommendation letters by September, as teachers may become busy with midterms and other requests later in the fall.

College Application Deadlines 2023-2024

Check out the table below to find the 2023-2024 application deadlines for 50 popular colleges.

College Application Deadlines for Fall 2024 Enrollment
SchoolEarly ActionEarly DecisionRegular Decision
Boston CollegeN/ANovember 1 / January 2January 2
Boston UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 4January 4
Brandeis UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 2January 2
Brown UniversityN/ANovember 1January 3
California Institute of TechnologyNovember 1N/AJanuary 3
Carnegie Mellon UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 3January 3
Case Western Reserve UniversityNovember 1November 1 / January 15January 15
Columbia UniversityN/ANovember 1January 1
Cornell UniversityN/ANovember 1January 2
Dartmouth CollegeN/ANovember 1January 2
Duke UniversityN/ANovember 1January 2
Emory UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 1January 1
Georgetown UniversityNovember 1N/AJanuary 10
Georgia Institute of TechnologyOctober 16 / November 1N/AJanuary 4
Harvard UniversityNovember 1N/AJanuary 1
Johns Hopkins UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 2January 2
Lehigh UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 1January 1
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyNovember 1N/AJanuary 4
New York UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 1January 5
Northeastern UniversityNovember 1November 1 / January 1January 1
Northwestern UniversityN/ANovember 1January 3
Princeton UniversityNovember 1N/AJanuary 1
Rice UniversityN/ANovember 1January 4
Stanford UniversityNovember 1N/AJanuary 5
Tufts UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 4January 4
Tulane UniversityNovember 15November 1 / January 15January 15
University of California, BerkeleyN/AN/ANovember 30
University of California, DavisN/AN/ANovember 30
University of California, IrvineN/AN/ANovember 30
University of California, Los AngelesN/AN/ANovember 30
University of California, San DiegoN/AN/ANovember 30
University of California, Santa BarbaraN/AN/ANovember 30
University of ChicagoNovember 1November 1 / January 2January 2
University of FloridaN/AN/ANovember 1 / rolling
University of GeorgiaOctober 15N/AJanuary 1
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignNovember 1N/AJanuary 5
University of MichiganNovember 1N/AFebruary 1
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillOctober 15N/AJanuary 15
University of Notre DameNovember 1N/AJanuary 1
University of PennsylvaniaN/ANovember 1January 5
University of RochesterN/ANovember 1 / January 5January 5
University of Southern CaliforniaNovember 1N/AJanuary 15
University of Texas at AustinN/AN/ANovember 1 / December 1
University of VirginiaNovember 1November 1January 5
University of Wisconsin-MadisonNovember 1N/AJanuary 16
Vanderbilt UniversityN/ANovember 1 / January 1January 1
Wake Forest UniversityNovember 15November 15 / January 1January 1
Washington University in St. LouisN/ANovember 1 / January 3January 3
William & MaryN/ANovember 1 / January 5January 5
Yale UniversityNovember 1N/AJanuary 2

Summary:

Staying on top of college application deadlines is key for success. Whether pursuing early action, early decision, regular admission, or rolling enrollment, meeting specified time frames allows students to put their best foot forward. By understanding and carefully following each college’s published dates, applicants can complete all required elements and submit a polished, compelling application on time. Being organized and focused on deadlines will maximize your likelihood of admission and set you on the pathway to higher education.