Hey guys, I'm a junior right now, and I'm wondering when college decisions generally start coming out for seniors? I know it's different for every school, but is there like a general timeframe? Also, are there any major dates I should be aware of? Thanks!
Hi there! It's indeed true that college decision release dates can differ significantly depending on the institution and whether you're applying for Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), or Regular Decision (RD). However, I can certainly provide you with a general timeframe for each type of application.
1. Early Decision/Early Action: Decisions for these applications usually come out in mid-December, but some schools may release decisions earlier, around late November. It's essential to check each specific school's website for the most accurate release dates. Early Decision II decisions will come out later, around February.
2. Regular Decision: Decisions for Regular Decision applicants typically start rolling out in late February and continue through March and early April. Again, this varies from school to school, and highly selective universities, in particular, tend to release decisions closer to April 1st.
Some significant dates to keep in mind are:
- National College Decision Day: May 1st is the standard decision deadline for students to accept or decline their college offers. It's important to be aware of this date, as you'll need to make a choice by then.
- FAFSA deadline: For financial aid consideration, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be submitted by June 30th of your senior year. However, it's a good idea to complete your FAFSA much earlier, ideally as close to October 1st, when the form becomes available, as possible, because some schools disburse aid on a first-come, first-served basis.
Keep in mind that some individual schools or scholarship programs may also have their own specific deadlines, so always check the details and requirements for each institution and program within that institution that you're considering. Good luck with your college journey!
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