Submitting Your College Applications on Time

Keeping Up With Application Deadlines When Applying to University

Whether you have just graduated from high school or you are thinking about going back to school, you might be somewhat stressed at the prospect of applying to college. There is usually a hard due date to submit your application, and if you miss that window, you might have to wait months before you can apply again.

The application process can be daunting, but with careful planning, you can avoid the missteps that lead to late submissions. OVC Scholarship Network provides a wealth of resources and tips for students at every stage of the college journey, including incoming freshmen.

What Is Early Action and Early Decision?

Early action and early decision are two ways to apply to college ahead of the usual timeline. Both options typically have deadlines in early to mid-November, and students who apply early often hear back by mid-December. Getting an answer that early can take a lot of pressure off during senior year.

The big difference between the two is commitment. Early action is nonbinding, which means you can apply, get accepted, and still take your time comparing offers from other schools until the spring. Some colleges offer a version called restricted or single-choice early action, which limits where else you can apply early, so read each school’s rules closely.

Early decision is binding. If a school accepts you through early decision, you agree to attend and withdraw your other applications. Most students can only apply early decision to one school. This option can work well if you have a clear first choice, but it also means you may not get to compare financial aid packages before committing. Talk with your family about costs before you sign an early decision agreement.

What Is Regular Decision?

Regular decision is the standard college application timeline, and it is the path most students take. Regular decision deadlines usually fall between early January and early February, although some schools set them later. Colleges typically send decisions in March or early April.

This timeline gives you more time to polish your essays, raise your grades during the fall semester, and retake standardized tests if you want a higher score. It also lets you apply to as many schools as you like without any binding commitment. Many colleges ask admitted students to make a final choice by May 1, so you will have a few weeks to weigh your options and compare aid offers side by side.

Some schools also use rolling admissions, which means they review applications as they arrive and send decisions throughout the year. Applying early in a rolling cycle can still help, since spots and scholarship money can fill up as the year goes on.

What Steps Should You Take Before Applying to College?

Preparing for college applications takes some planning, and starting early can save you a lot of stress later. Here are a few steps to work on before your deadlines arrive:

Build a college list. Pick a mix of schools that fit your interests, budget, and academic record, and keep track of each school’s deadlines in one place.
Start your essays. Write a rough draft of your personal statement over the summer before senior year so you have time to revise it.
Ask for recommendation letters. Give teachers and counselors at least a month of notice, along with a short summary of your activities and goals.
File the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens each fall, and some state and college aid programs have limited funds that run out.
Check testing requirements. Some colleges are test-optional, while others still require SAT or ACT scores.
Look for scholarships. Many scholarship deadlines line up with application season, so search for opportunities alongside your college applications.

Keep copies of everything you submit, and check your email and application portals often. Colleges sometimes ask for missing documents, and a quick response can keep your application on track.

More Guides and Resources From OVC Scholarship Network

OVC Scholarship Network helps students find scholarships and learn about each stage of the college process. Our guides cover topics like writing scholarship essays, understanding financial aid offers, and planning for the cost of college. If you have any questions about open scholarship opportunities, reach out today through our online contact form.