Key takeaways:
- The universal application deadline is January 1 for regular decision submissions, but not every college uses this specific date.
- You’ll have to submit your application earlier if you wish to apply under Early Action or Early Decision.
- Most colleges won’t accept late submissions but may make exceptions for emergencies.
Many colleges and universities in the United States require applications by January 1st, the universal application deadline. However, deadlines, available application types, and material requirements vary from school to school. You should always note your schools’ due dates on your calendar to avoid submitting your applications late.
When is the universal application deadline?
The universal application deadline is January 1st, the most common due date for regular decision college applications.
However, January 1st is not every school’s deadline. Some colleges and universities have theirs on January 15 or in December, while others don’t require applications until March or April.
Research deadlines and material requirements as you compare your colleges. Work on the applications that are due first.
A few common terms and deadlines you should know include:
- Materials deadline: Some schools require materials, such as ACT/SAT scores and transcripts, by the same date of your application, but others allow you an extra week or two.
- Early Action: Early Action applications are typically due on November 1 or 15. They indicate interest in a school and tend to have higher acceptance rates.
- Early Decision: Early Decision applications are usually due on November 1 or 15. It’s a binding application. If you’re accepted, you’re expected to attend.
- Rolling decision: Colleges review rolling decision submissions as they’re received. The earlier you apply, the earlier you’ll hear back. These schools have cut-off dates or accept applications until full. If you apply too late, your application may be considered for the following semester or year.
- Priority deadline: Some colleges list priority deadlines which reference preference for admission or scholarships. You typically have a higher chance of an acceptance letter and larger financial aid package by applying by this date.
- Decision deadline: For most colleges, you need to indicate your decision – whether you’ll be attending – by May 1 and submit a deposit.
What are college application requirements?
College application requirements depend on the school you’re applying to. Some of the more common items required in the application package include:
- High school GPA or transcripts: Colleges request self-reported GPAs or official transcripts from your high school. If you self-report and are accepted, your college may then request the official transcripts.
- ACT or SAT scores: Select which schools you’d like to receive your standardized test results through your ACT or College Board account.
- Application form: Provide your contact information, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, and any other details the college requests.
- Essay or personal statement: Read over any requirements, such as word counts or suggested topics.
- Recommendation letters: How you submit the recommendation letters depends on the school. You may have to invite the teacher or mentor to be a collaborator on your application.
- Application fees: Some schools charge an application fee, which can be up to $100. They average around $47.
What happens if you miss the regular decision deadline?
Most colleges don’t accept late applications, even if you ran into technical difficulties with the school’s website or had another issue that was outside of your control.
If you miss your application deadline, reach out to the college’s admissions department to ask about your options. Some make exceptions for personal and family emergencies. If you’re allowed to submit a late application, you might have to send it by mail or fax.
However, do your best to avoid this situation entirely. Never wait until the last minute to submit your applications (or any of your assignments). You never know when a technical error, internet outage, or emergency will impact your submission.
Once you submit your applications and January 1 is in your rearview window, your work isn’t quite done. In the coming weeks and months, you’ll need to review acceptance letters, compare financial aid offers, and choose a school to attend.
As your acceptance letters and financial aid offers roll in, identify the best school for your goals and financial future. Just upload your award letters to out financial aid offer letter comparison tool, and you can compare your options side by side to see who is giving you the best deal.
