When to start college application process?

Hey peeps, question here— when should one ideally start the college application process? What's the general timeline to follow? I'd love some guide or starting point. Thanks!

Hi there! Your question is quite timely and also very crucial. To start with the college application process, junior year (11th Grade) of high school is the best time to intensively start planning and laying the foundation.

1. Summer before Senior Year (12th Grade): This is the perfect time to start drafting the personal statement, college-specific essays, and the "Activities List." Around this time, you should also be finalizing your college list based on academic fit, social fit, and financial affordability.

2. August to January/February of Senior Year: Most colleges' application deadlines fall in this range. The Common Application generally opens on August 1st, hence, this period is the right timeframe to complete and submit your application. Just ensure to keep an eye on those deadlines, which vary based on the school and whether you're submitting an Early Action or Early Decision application, which typically are due between November 1st and November 15th. Regular decision deadlines usually fall in January or February.

3. October/November of Senior Year: This is typically the time when you would want to submit your FAFSA, as it opens on October 1 and it's a good idea to complete it as soon as possible to maximize the amount of financial aid you can receive.

4. March-April of Senior Year: This is when most colleges release their admission decisions. Following which, you generally have until May 1st to decide on where you want to enroll and submit your deposit.

Remember, this is a general timeline and individual circumstances may require some flexibility. It's always best to work backwards from deadlines and make sure to plan out time for each part of the application process. Good luck with your college application process!