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Early Decision and Early Action Calendars

Early Decision and Early Action Calendars


bigfuture.collegeboard.comReference: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying-101/quick-guide-the-anatomy-of-the-college-application

If you’re planning to apply early decision or early action, follow these steps to stay on track.

 

Junior Year

January–June

    • Take college admission tests.
    • Visit colleges during spring break, if possible.
    • Use College Search to see if the colleges you’re interested in offer an early admission plan.
    • Keep working hard and staying involved in extracurricular activities.

Senior Year

September–October

    • Download or request early decision or early action applications from your top-choice colleges and begin working on them.
    • Request letters of recommendation from your teachers, your counselor or other references.
    • Complete and submit any early admission applications that are due in October by the college deadline.
    • Take a college admission test if necessary. (You must take the SAT by October, for example, for your scores to be available in time for early decision and early action programs.)
    • Register for CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®, if necessary.
    • Follow up with your references to make sure they have written and sent their letters of recommendation.

November

    • Submit any early applications due in November by the college deadline.
    • Follow up with any remaining references to make sure they have written and sent their letters of recommendation.
    • Complete and submit regular-decision applications. (If you’re not accepted through an early admission program, you’ll be glad you have a backup plan.)
    • File the CSS/Financial Aid Profile and all other required financial aid forms.
    • Review all requirements and deadlines for financial aid applications and get all your documentation ready to send when requested.

December–January

    • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • If necessary, compare offers and decide which school to attend.