September 30, 2024

As the college admissions season is upon us, it is crucial for applicants to stay informed about important deadlines. Understanding application timelines, testing dates, and when results will be available can help you stay organized and reduce stress. In this article, we will outline key college admissions deadlines, including Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), Regular Decision (RD), and standardized testing dates for the SAT, ACT, and English proficiency tests. We will also cover important financial aid deadlines and highlight state-specific application systems.

Different colleges have varying application modes, including Early Decision (ED), which is a binding commitment; Early Action (EA), which is non-binding; Regular Decision (RD), the standard timeline; and Rolling admissions, where applications are reviewed and accepted continuously, so it's essential to check each college's specific deadlines.

Early Decision (ED)
A binding commitment where if you are accepted, you must attend that college.
Deadlines: Usually November 1 or November 15 (varies by institution)
Notification: Typically mid-December

Early Action (EA)
Allows you to apply early without a binding commitment.
Deadlines: Usually November 1 or November 15
Notification: Usually by mid-December or early January

Regular Decision (RD)
The standard application process.
Deadlines: Typically January 1 or January 15
Notification: Generally by late March to early April

Common Application

The Common Application is now open for submissions, providing students with a streamlined way to apply to over 1,100 colleges.

Scoir

The Scoir Application is now open for submissions to over 140 colleges.

California

University of California (UC) Application
Opens: August 1, 2024
Deadline: December 2, 2024

California State University (CSU) Application
Opens: October 1, 2024
Deadline: December 2, 2024

Texas
Application System: ApplyTexas
Deadlines: Vary by institution; generally:
Regular Decision: Usually January 15 or later.
Early Decision: Typically November 1.

New York
Application System: SUNY (State University of New York) Application
Deadlines: Vary by campus, but many follow:
Regular Decision: April 1.
Early Action: November 15.

North Carolina
Application System: The University of North Carolina System has its own application portal.
Early Action Deadline: October 15.
Regular Decision Deadline: January 15.

Pennsylvania
Application System: The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has its own application.
Deadlines: Vary by school, but most schools have a priority deadline around December 1.

SAT

For students planning to take the SAT, here are the upcoming test dates and registration deadlines. When registering past the regular deadline, late fees apply.

October 5, 2024
Registration Deadline: September 20, 2024 (date passed)
Late Registration: September 24, 2024 (date passed)
Results Available: October 15, 2024 (in time for early applications)

November 2, 2024
Registration Deadline: October 18, 2024
Late Registration: October 22, 2024 (late fee applies)
Results Available: November 12, 2024 (in time for early applications)

December 7, 2024
Registration Deadline: November 22, 2024
Late Registration: November 26, 2024 (late fee applies)
Results Available: December 17, 2024 (in time for regular applications)

March 8, 2025
Registration Deadline: February 21, 2025
Late Registration: February 25, 2025 (late fee applies)
Results Available: March 18, 2025

May 3, 2025
Registration Deadline: April 18, 2025
Late Registration: April 22, 2025 (late fee applies)
Results Available: May 13, 2025

June 7, 2025
Registration Deadline: May 22, 2025
Late Registration: May 27, 2025 (late fee applies)
Results Available: June 17, 2025

ACT

For those opting for the ACT, here are the important dates. When registering past the regular deadline, late fees apply.

October 26, 2024 (last opportunity for Early Decision and Early Action deadlines)
Deadline: September 20 (date passed)
Late Registration Deadline: October 7 (late fee applies)
Results Available: November 5, 2024

December 14, 2024 (last opportunity for Regular Decision deadlines)
Regular Registration Deadline: November 8
Late Registration Deadline: November 22 (late fee applies)
Results Available: December 23, 2024

February 8, 2025
Regular Registration Deadline: January 3
Late Registration Deadline: January 20 (late fee applies)
Results Available: February 17, 2025

April 12, 2025
Regular Registration Deadline: March 7
Late Registration Deadline: March 21 (late fee applies)
Results Available: April 22, 2025

June 14, 2025
Regular Registration Deadline: May 9
Late Registration Deadline: May 23 (late fee applies)
Results Available: June 24, 2025

For international students, taking an English proficiency test is often a requirement for college admissions. It is essential for students to confirm test dates and registration details for their home country to ensure they meet the application deadlines.

TOEFL
Test dates are offered multiple times throughout the year, but specific dates vary by location. Students should check with their local testing centers for available dates and registration deadlines.

IELTS
Similar to TOEFL, IELTS is available on various dates, and the schedule can differ by country. Applicants should verify the test dates through their local test centers.

As you prepare for college admissions, it is also essential to keep track of the Advanced Placement (AP) exam schedule. The 2025 AP Exams will be administered over two weeks in May: from May 5–9 and May 12–16. Here's a summary of the exam dates:

April 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)

AP Seminar and AP Research: submit performance tasks 

AP Computer Science Principles: submit your Create performance task

Monday, May 5, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: Biology, Latin

12 p.m. Local Time: European History, Microeconomics

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: Chemistry, Human Geography

12 p.m. Local Time: United States Government and Politics

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: English Literature and Composition

12 p.m. Local Time: Comparative Government and Politics, Computer Science A

Thursday, May 8, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: African American Studies, Statistics

12 p.m. Local Time: Japanese Language and Culture, World History: Modern

Friday, May 9, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: Italian Language and Culture, United States History

12 p.m. Local Time: Chinese Language and Culture, Macroeconomics

Deadline: AP Art and Design portfolio submissions due by 8 p.m. ET.

Monday, May 12, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: Calculus AB, Calculus BC

12 p.m. Local Time: Music Theory, Seminar

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: French Language and Culture, Precalculus

12 p.m. Local Time: Environmental Science, Physics 2: Algebra-Based

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: English Language and Composition, German Language and Culture

12 p.m. Local Time: Physics C: Mechanics

Thursday, May 15, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: Art History, Spanish Language and Culture

12 p.m. Local Time: Computer Science Principles, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

Friday, May 16, 2025

8 a.m. Local Time: Physics 1: Algebra-Based, Spanish Literature and Culture

12 p.m. Local Time: Psychology

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential for securing federal financial aid but is only available to U.S. citizens and green card holders. Important dates include:
Opening Date: December 2024 (specific date to be confirmed)
Submission Deadline: Varies by state, but generally by June 30, 2025, for the next academic year. Some states and institutions have earlier deadlines, so be sure to check their websites.

CSS Profile

The CSS Profile is used by many private colleges to determine eligibility for non-federal financial aid and is applicable to both U.S. citizens and international students. Important dates include:
Opening Date: October 1, 2024
Submission Deadline: Varies by institution, typically aligning with their application deadlines (e.g., Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision).

Staying organized and keeping track of all deadlines is essential for a successful college application process. Missing a deadline can lead to missed opportunities, whether it is for submitting applications, taking standardized tests, or receiving financial aid. For international students, it is especially important to note the time zones associated with these deadlines. Ensure you account for any time differences, as some colleges may set deadlines based on their local time. 

Create a calendar
List all your deadlines, including application submissions, testing dates, and financial aid deadlines, to keep everything in one place.

Set reminders
Use digital tools or apps to set reminders for each important date so you don’t miss anything.

Prepare in advance
Start preparing your applications and studying for standardized tests early to ensure you meet your deadlines without last-minute stress.

Check each college's website
Admissions deadlines can vary by institution, so always verify specific dates on each college's admissions webpage.

Plan backwards
To ensure you meet all application deadlines, work backwards from your final submission dates to schedule all previous deadlines, including standardized tests and English proficiency exams, so that results are available in time for your applications.

In conclusion, the college admissions landscape is filled with many deadlines, from application submissions to standardized tests and financial aid forms. Staying organized and diligently tracking these dates is crucial for success, as missing even one can significantly impact your opportunities. Prioritize your planning and keep a detailed calendar to stay on top of everything.

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