College Application Timeline for Class of 2024

Hey there! I'm in the class of 2024 and I'm trying to plan my college application strategy. When should I start applying for college?

Hello! It's great that you're planning ahead for your college applications. Here's a general timeline for the Class of 2024:

1. Spring (Junior Year): Start researching colleges to create your initial list of schools. Register for and take the SAT or ACT. Begin considering potential recommenders (teachers, coaches, mentors) for your application.

2. Summer (Before Senior Year): Narrow down your college list and sort schools into categories (safety, target, and reach). Visit colleges virtually or in-person, if possible. Begin working on your personal statement/Common App essay and brainstorm ideas for school-specific supplements. Use CollegeVine's chancing tools and resources to help you finalize your list. Start exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

3. Fall (Senior Year): Obtain letters of recommendation from your chosen recommenders. Finish your personal statement and college-specific supplementary essays. Send standardized test scores, if required, to your colleges.

- October:

- Check if your schools accept Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) applications, and consider submitting them by the respective deadlines (usually around November 1st or 15th).

- November:

- University of California (UC) application filing period is from October 1 to November 30.

4. Winter (Senior Year): Finish submitting all Regular Decision (RD) applications by January 1st (or earlier, depending on the college's deadline). Complete and submit the FAFSA and, if needed, the CSS Profile.

- December:

- ED and EA decisions are typically released around mid-December.

- January:

- Submit RD applications before the deadline (often January 1st or January 15th for many colleges, but always double-check each school's specific deadline).

5. Spring (Senior Year): Wait for application decisions. Continue applying for scholarships and financial aid.

- March and April:

- Most schools release RD decisions during these months.

- May 1st:

- National Decision Day: Decide which college you'll attend and submit your enrollment deposit.

- June:

- Receive a high school diploma and send your final transcripts to your college.

This timeline should give you a clear idea of when to start your college application process and a general chronological structure to follow. The key is to begin early and stay organized, ensuring everything is submitted on time. Good luck in your college application journey!