When does the academic year usually start at most colleges?

I'm doing some planning for my senior high school year and I'd like to know, when does the academic year usually kick-off for most colleges in the US? Are there significant variations in the start dates?

Generally speaking, the academic year for most colleges in the United States begins between late August and early September. However, this can vary between institutions and depending on the academic calendar they follow. For instance, some colleges operate on a semester system, while others follow a quarter or trimester system.

Colleges on the semester system usually start their academic year towards the end of August or the beginning of September, and their first term (fall semester) ends in December. The second term (spring semester) typically begins in January and ends in May.

On the other hand, schools on the quarter system usually have four terms: fall, winter, spring, and summer. The academic year typically begins in late September, and each term lasts 10 weeks. Universities that follow a trimester system may also have start dates later in September or October.

Dates may fluctuate from year to year by a few days, so it's always recommended to check the official academic calendar of the particular college you're interested in for the most accurate dates. This can usually be found on the university's website.

Keep these timelines in mind as you plan your transition from high school to college, especially if you have commitments that would be impacted by your college start date.