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Applying to college can be a little intimidating given all the deadlines and time-sensitive logistics there is to juggle. Starting with junior year, there are tests to register for, summer programs to apply to, and college visits to schedule. Beyond that, there are essays to write, recommendations to gather, and applications to complete. Don’t let all the important dates and deadlines get the best of you.
Here, we’ve compiled the important dates of the college application process into a timeline, so that you can keep track of the various responsibilities you’ll need to take care of on your track to college. While some of these commitments may vary from student to student, we’ve covered all the basics. With this timeline, you’ll be able to think less about when you need to finish the first draft of your college essay, and more about how you can ensure it’s the best representation of your personality and ambitions.
As you use this timeline, keep in mind that some specific deadlines will vary from student to student. While these dates will certainly give you a rough idea of what should be accomplished when, a CollegeVine consultant can provide more insight tailored specifically to your unique situation.
Read on for CollegeVine’s timeline for applying to college.
| Date | Task |
| September | Begin to keep an eye out for scholarship opportunities. While most are not due until senior year, some — especially larger awards — do have deadlines during junior year. Remain alert in order to capitalize on potential scholarships available to you. |
| September 15 | Confirm PSAT registration with counselor if you plan on taking the PSAT. If none is offered at your school, contact other area schools to arrange a test date. |
| Mid-September | Registration deadline for October ACT, if applicable. |
| September | Get serious about making your college list. Revise it throughout the year as needed. |
| October | Take the PSAT. Three dates are typically available, but the test will only be offered at your school once. |
| Early-October | Registration deadline for November SAT, if applicable. |
| Late October | ACT administration. |
| November | Registration deadline for December SAT and ACT. Preview SAT Subject Test calendar dates and availability. Make a schedule that accommodates the tests you plan to take. |
| Early November | SAT and ACT administrations. |
| Early December | SAT administration. |
| January-February | Common App essay topics are released for the upcoming year. |
| Mid November – March | Deadlines for many summer programs. Start planning now! |
| Mid-January | Registration deadline for February ACT. Take your first ACT now if you plan on taking it but have not already. |
| Winter-Spring | Attend college fairs. Visit colleges if your schedule allows. |
| Mid-February | Take your first ACT if you plan on taking the ACT and have not already. (NOTE: No ACTs available in New York State on this date.) |
| Mid-February | Registration deadline for March SAT. Take your first SAT if you plan on taking it but have not already. |
| Before March 1 | Confirm AP registration with AP teachers, or discuss registration with AP coordinators if self-studying. |
| Before March 1 | Check AP calendar for any potential exam conflicts. Speak with AP coordinator to coordinate a late-testing date if necessary. |
| Early-March | ACT administration date. |
| Mid-March | SAT administration date. (NOTE: There are no SAT Subject Tests available on this date.) |
| Early-April and Early-May | Registration Deadlines for May and June SAT administrations. Juniors should plan to take SAT Subject Tests on these dates. |
| Early-Mid May | AP Exams. |
| May-June | Think about scheduling college visits as time allows over the summer. |
| End of Junior Year | Request teacher recommendations and start to think about your Common App essay. |