When can I start applying to colleges?

Hey peeps, I'm a junior and I'd like to be proactive about my college applications. When can I actually start applying to colleges? Thanks for your help!

Hey there! It's awesome that you want to be proactive about your college applications. While you can't formally apply to colleges until the summer or fall of your senior year, there are many things you can do right now to prepare.

Most college applications open up during the summer before your senior year. The Common Application, for example, typically becomes available on August 1st. Coalition Application and the Universal College Application, as well as many individual school applications, also open around this time. Meanwhile, the University of California application system opens on August 1st, but you can only submit your application between October 1st and November 30th.

In the meantime, you can focus on a few things to get ready for the application process:

1. Create a college list: Research potential colleges you're interested in and organize the list based on qualities like location, size, academic programs, and cost.

2. Plan for standardized tests: If you haven't already, schedule or prepare for the SAT or ACT, and consider taking SAT Subject Tests if they're relevant to your intended major or the schools you're applying to require or recommend them.

3. Strengthen your extracurriculars: Pursue activities that you're passionate about and show dedication, leadership, and a willingness to learn and grow.

4. Work on essays: Draft and revise your personal statement and main Common App/Coalition App essay.

5. Research scholarship opportunities: Begin exploring potential scholarship opportunities to make paying for college easier.

6. Campus visits and virtual tours: If you can, visit colleges on your list or take virtual tours to get a sense of the campus environment.

Remember that while you can't formally apply just yet, taking the time now to familiarize yourself with the process, research schools, and work on your overall profile will benefit you greatly when you do reach that point. Good luck!