When do colleges typically start their new academic year?

Hi everyone! I'm in the process of planning my senior year and was wondering when colleges usually start their new academic year. Are there set dates that most colleges follow or is it different for each college?

Hi! The start dates for the new academic year at colleges can vary, but most colleges in the United States begin their fall semester in late August or early September. Typically, the academic year is divided into two semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester usually runs from late August/early September to mid-December, while the spring semester starts in January and lasts until early or mid-May.

However, some colleges follow a trimester or quarter system. In those cases, the academic year is divided into three or four terms, respectively. For trimester schools, the start of the academic year is generally around the same time as semester schools (late August or early September), while schools with a quarter system might start slightly later, usually in mid-to-late September.

Keep in mind that the specific start dates can vary by institution and may also fluctuate each year. To find the exact dates for the colleges you're interested in, it's best to check their academic calendars on their official websites.

Make sure to also consider orientation and move-in dates (if you'll be living on campus), as these events usually take place a few days or a week before the start of the academic term. There may also be pre-orientation events for freshman, such as outdoor trips for community building, that you'll want to factor into your plans, if you're interested in participating in any.

Overall, you can expect your college journey to start at the end of the summer/beginning of the fall, but specific dates can vary slightly from school to school. If you want more details from any particular college and can't find them on their website, don't hesitate to reach out to their admissions office for clarification! Best of luck with your college process and senior year as a whole!