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scarlette
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Vienna, Virginia
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what is the time to get college admissions?
admission tips
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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
A good guidance counselor can tell you about college planning sessions, scholarships, and college fairs. They can also give you the inside scoop on which colleges regard graduates from your high school favorably and which schools tend to admit only one student (or none) each year. Ditto for which schools consider class rank — and which ones don’t look at rank. Counselors should know the published admittance rates for schools as well as unpublished info like how many students from your area applied and were admitted last year — and how many of those admitted applied early action. They can suggest excellent colleges and universities you’ve never considered. And, since they know your school inside and out, they should be able to steer you toward high school teachers who write great letters of recommendation (and away from teachers who tend to miss deadlines).
APPLYING EARLY DECISION OR EARLY ACTION IMPROVES YOUR CHANCES Approximately 450 colleges have early decision [ED] or early action [EA] plans, and some have both. ED and EA applicants apply earlier in the fall — way before regular applications are due — and it can substantially increase your chances of getting into your first-choice school. ED typically gives your application a generous boost toward acceptance, with a ED acceptance rate around 20%. The risk associated with this reward, however, is that ED is binding, so if you're accepted, you must attend that college. Early action, on the other hand, is non-binding, so students can still go elsewhere even if they’re admitted. EA applications typically provide less of an admissions advantage, but not always. There are two more benefits of EA applications over ED: students can apply EA to multiple schools (unless the school has a restriction in place, like Princeton University), and for students seeking financial assistance, EA applications give you time to review aid packages from other schools to make the right financial choice, too.
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS EARLY
Most students don't realize the number of awards and scholarships that students can start applying for as early as your freshman year in high school. Check them out at LifeLauncher, Scholarships, and Unigo. For example, the Unigo Scholarship for $10,000 asks applicants to submit 250 words or less answering the question, “Weighing the expected investment and return, is college worth it for you? The Horatio Alger Scholarship provides $25,000 scholarships to “high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.” My advice is you have nothing to lose by applying, and much to gain — including practice writing essays, an important skill that will assist you in your writing classes, SAT and ACT tests, and in your college application essays.
LEADERSHIP MATTERS
College admissions officers admit they’re attracted to applicants who’ve been recognized by their teachers or peers for their leadership qualities. So if you've been your highschools student council president or a team captain, that’s terrific. Luckily, leadership comes in lots of guises, and it’s definitely not too late for your to get immersed in an activity and be recognized by your teachers, coaches, or peers for your excellence. Perhaps they can pursue being a Boys/Girls club state representative, a senior patrol leader, a student mentor, or hold an office in the drama club. If you're not currently involved in an activity your passionate about, I encourage you to start a new group, club, or sport and get it accepted as a school-sponsored activity now.
A good guidance counselor can tell you about college planning sessions, scholarships, and college fairs. They can also give you the inside scoop on which colleges regard graduates from your high school favorably and which schools tend to admit only one student (or none) each year. Ditto for which schools consider class rank — and which ones don’t look at rank. Counselors should know the published admittance rates for schools as well as unpublished info like how many students from your area applied and were admitted last year — and how many of those admitted applied early action. They can suggest excellent colleges and universities you’ve never considered. And, since they know your school inside and out, they should be able to steer you toward high school teachers who write great letters of recommendation (and away from teachers who tend to miss deadlines).
APPLYING EARLY DECISION OR EARLY ACTION IMPROVES YOUR CHANCES Approximately 450 colleges have early decision [ED] or early action [EA] plans, and some have both. ED and EA applicants apply earlier in the fall — way before regular applications are due — and it can substantially increase your chances of getting into your first-choice school. ED typically gives your application a generous boost toward acceptance, with a ED acceptance rate around 20%. The risk associated with this reward, however, is that ED is binding, so if you're accepted, you must attend that college. Early action, on the other hand, is non-binding, so students can still go elsewhere even if they’re admitted. EA applications typically provide less of an admissions advantage, but not always. There are two more benefits of EA applications over ED: students can apply EA to multiple schools (unless the school has a restriction in place, like Princeton University), and for students seeking financial assistance, EA applications give you time to review aid packages from other schools to make the right financial choice, too.
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS EARLY
Most students don't realize the number of awards and scholarships that students can start applying for as early as your freshman year in high school. Check them out at LifeLauncher, Scholarships, and Unigo. For example, the Unigo Scholarship for $10,000 asks applicants to submit 250 words or less answering the question, “Weighing the expected investment and return, is college worth it for you? The Horatio Alger Scholarship provides $25,000 scholarships to “high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.” My advice is you have nothing to lose by applying, and much to gain — including practice writing essays, an important skill that will assist you in your writing classes, SAT and ACT tests, and in your college application essays.
LEADERSHIP MATTERS
College admissions officers admit they’re attracted to applicants who’ve been recognized by their teachers or peers for their leadership qualities. So if you've been your highschools student council president or a team captain, that’s terrific. Luckily, leadership comes in lots of guises, and it’s definitely not too late for your to get immersed in an activity and be recognized by your teachers, coaches, or peers for your excellence. Perhaps they can pursue being a Boys/Girls club state representative, a senior patrol leader, a student mentor, or hold an office in the drama club. If you're not currently involved in an activity your passionate about, I encourage you to start a new group, club, or sport and get it accepted as a school-sponsored activity now.
Reema Patel
sales associate
86
Answers
Greenwood, South Carolina
Updated
Reema’s Answer
The journey to college admission is a several-month-long adventure that can slightly differ based on the school and country you're applying to. Typically, this exciting journey kicks off in the fall of your final high school year. This is the time when you start exploring different colleges, getting ready for standardized tests, and assembling all the necessary application materials.
Usually, you'll need to submit your applications between November and January. If you're applying for early decision or early action, you'll have to meet the November deadlines. For those opting for regular decision, the deadlines are generally in January. Once you've sent off your applications, you might be asked to attend some interviews or provide some extra materials.
Then comes the anticipation! Admission decisions are typically announced between March and April. You'll then have until May 1st, affectionately known as National College Decision Day in the U.S., to make your final college choice.
Once you've made your decision, it's time to start preparing for your college life. This includes selecting your housing, registering for classes, and attending orientation. All of these happen during the summer, just before you embark on your exciting new academic year.
Usually, you'll need to submit your applications between November and January. If you're applying for early decision or early action, you'll have to meet the November deadlines. For those opting for regular decision, the deadlines are generally in January. Once you've sent off your applications, you might be asked to attend some interviews or provide some extra materials.
Then comes the anticipation! Admission decisions are typically announced between March and April. You'll then have until May 1st, affectionately known as National College Decision Day in the U.S., to make your final college choice.
Once you've made your decision, it's time to start preparing for your college life. This includes selecting your housing, registering for classes, and attending orientation. All of these happen during the summer, just before you embark on your exciting new academic year.
Bonnie Garza
Revenue Sales Operations VP
58
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hello Scarlette, it's great to see you planning for your future! If you're still navigating through high school, it's ideal to start exploring colleges and universities during the spring season of your junior year. This is the perfect time to start envisioning your future. Then, gear up to kick-start your applications in the summer leading up to your senior year, continuing into the early autumn. You're on the cusp of an exciting journey! Remember, your school counselor is there to guide you, so don't hesitate to reach out to them to ensure you're on the right track. Wishing you all the best, you've got this!
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Scarlette,
The college admissions timeline typically follows these general steps and deadlines:
Junior Year:
Fall/Spring: Begin researching colleges and preparing for standardized tests (SAT/ACT).
Spring/Summer: Visit campuses, start working on your resume, and consider summer programs or internships.
Senior Year:
August-September: Finalize your college list, start working on application essays, and gather recommendation letters.
October-November: Submit early decision/early action applications (usually due in November).
November-January: Submit regular decision applications (deadlines typically range from January 1 to January 15).
February-March: Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile for financial aid.
March-May: Receive admissions decisions and financial aid offers.
Good luck on your journey!
The college admissions timeline typically follows these general steps and deadlines:
Junior Year:
Fall/Spring: Begin researching colleges and preparing for standardized tests (SAT/ACT).
Spring/Summer: Visit campuses, start working on your resume, and consider summer programs or internships.
Senior Year:
August-September: Finalize your college list, start working on application essays, and gather recommendation letters.
October-November: Submit early decision/early action applications (usually due in November).
November-January: Submit regular decision applications (deadlines typically range from January 1 to January 15).
February-March: Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile for financial aid.
March-May: Receive admissions decisions and financial aid offers.
Good luck on your journey!
andrea milman
call center
1
Answer
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
andrea’s Answer
Definitely take advantage of any counselling opportunities at your school. Your guidance counselor should be able to reference the times that are appropriate to begin the submissions process. Good luck in your future endeavors!
Amina Bahar
PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT
22
Answers
Cambridge, Maryland
Updated
Amina’s Answer
The timeline for getting college admissions typically involves several key phases: preparation, application submission, and waiting for decisions. Here’s a detailed timeline for the college admissions process, focusing primarily on undergraduate admissions in the United States:
Junior Year of High School (11th Grade)
1. **Fall:**
- **Research Colleges:** Start researching potential colleges and universities. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and campus culture.
- **PSAT/NMSQT:** Take the PSAT in October for National Merit Scholarship qualification and practice for the SAT.
2. **Spring:**
- **SAT/ACT:** Take your first SAT or ACT. Consider taking both to see which test you perform better on.
- **College Visits:** If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment and culture of the schools you are interested in.
- **Course Planning:** Ensure you are taking the necessary courses to meet college admissions requirements.
Summer Before Senior Year
1. **Prepare for Applications:**
- **Finalize College List:** Narrow down your list of colleges to which you will apply.
- **Start Applications:** Begin working on your college applications, including writing your personal statement or essays.
- **SAT/ACT Prep:** Continue preparing for or retake the SAT/ACT if needed.
2. **Letters of Recommendation:**
- **Request Letters:** Ask teachers, counselors, or mentors for letters of recommendation. Provide them with plenty of time and any necessary information about your achievements and goals.
Senior Year of High School (12th Grade)
1. **Fall:**
- **Finalize Applications:** Complete and submit your college applications. Pay close attention to deadlines.
- **Early Decision/Early Action:** Deadlines are typically in November. Decisions are usually received by December.
- **Regular Decision:** Deadlines are usually between January 1 and February 1.
- **FAFSA and CSS Profile:** Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, if required, the CSS Profile for financial aid. The FAFSA opens on October 1.
- **Supplemental Materials:** Submit any required supplemental materials, such as portfolios or additional essays.
2. **Winter:**
- **Application Follow-Up:** Ensure all parts of your application are complete, including transcripts and test scores.
- **Interview:** Some colleges may offer or require interviews. Prepare and schedule these if necessary.
3. **Spring:**
- **Admissions Decisions:** Regular decision admissions results are typically released in March or early April.
- **Financial Aid Awards:** Review financial aid award letters that accompany admissions offers.
- **Campus Visits:** Revisit campuses if needed to make a final decision.
- **Decision Day:** National College Decision Day is May 1, by which you must confirm your enrollment and submit a deposit.
Tips for a Successful College Admissions Process
1. **Stay Organized:** Keep a calendar of important deadlines and a checklist of required materials for each application.
2. **Communicate:** Maintain regular communication with your high school counselor and the admissions offices of the colleges to which you are applying.
3. **Review Requirements:** Each college may have different application requirements, so ensure you meet all criteria.
4. **Stay Focused:** Continue to perform well academically during your senior year as colleges will review your final transcript.
Junior Year of High School (11th Grade)
1. **Fall:**
- **Research Colleges:** Start researching potential colleges and universities. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and campus culture.
- **PSAT/NMSQT:** Take the PSAT in October for National Merit Scholarship qualification and practice for the SAT.
2. **Spring:**
- **SAT/ACT:** Take your first SAT or ACT. Consider taking both to see which test you perform better on.
- **College Visits:** If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment and culture of the schools you are interested in.
- **Course Planning:** Ensure you are taking the necessary courses to meet college admissions requirements.
Summer Before Senior Year
1. **Prepare for Applications:**
- **Finalize College List:** Narrow down your list of colleges to which you will apply.
- **Start Applications:** Begin working on your college applications, including writing your personal statement or essays.
- **SAT/ACT Prep:** Continue preparing for or retake the SAT/ACT if needed.
2. **Letters of Recommendation:**
- **Request Letters:** Ask teachers, counselors, or mentors for letters of recommendation. Provide them with plenty of time and any necessary information about your achievements and goals.
Senior Year of High School (12th Grade)
1. **Fall:**
- **Finalize Applications:** Complete and submit your college applications. Pay close attention to deadlines.
- **Early Decision/Early Action:** Deadlines are typically in November. Decisions are usually received by December.
- **Regular Decision:** Deadlines are usually between January 1 and February 1.
- **FAFSA and CSS Profile:** Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, if required, the CSS Profile for financial aid. The FAFSA opens on October 1.
- **Supplemental Materials:** Submit any required supplemental materials, such as portfolios or additional essays.
2. **Winter:**
- **Application Follow-Up:** Ensure all parts of your application are complete, including transcripts and test scores.
- **Interview:** Some colleges may offer or require interviews. Prepare and schedule these if necessary.
3. **Spring:**
- **Admissions Decisions:** Regular decision admissions results are typically released in March or early April.
- **Financial Aid Awards:** Review financial aid award letters that accompany admissions offers.
- **Campus Visits:** Revisit campuses if needed to make a final decision.
- **Decision Day:** National College Decision Day is May 1, by which you must confirm your enrollment and submit a deposit.
Tips for a Successful College Admissions Process
1. **Stay Organized:** Keep a calendar of important deadlines and a checklist of required materials for each application.
2. **Communicate:** Maintain regular communication with your high school counselor and the admissions offices of the colleges to which you are applying.
3. **Review Requirements:** Each college may have different application requirements, so ensure you meet all criteria.
4. **Stay Focused:** Continue to perform well academically during your senior year as colleges will review your final transcript.