College Admissions Deadlines: What Parents Need to Know by Month and Grade
College prep starts early, and the road is long. At times, it feels like it may never end! Rest assured, there will be light at the end of the tunnel – your child will find a great college that fits their needs and interests. The key is staying organized with deadlines and following a structured process that breaks down milestones into manageable tasks.
Here are some big ones to note year by year and month by month, so you can avoid last-minute panic and stay ahead of the game.
9th and 10th Grades
These early high school years are all about building a foundation. You want your child to establish good study habits and learn how to manage their time well while juggling multiple commitments.
During 9th and 10th grades, focus on a strong start (your GPA matters now) and consider taking the PSAT for practice during the fall of your child’s sophomore year.
11th Grade
This is a critical year for college prep and admissions deadlines. Here are key timelines to be aware of during your student’s junior year.
September – November:
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship qualifier)
- Start narrowing down their college list
- Attend college info sessions and open houses
- Plan SAT/ACT dates (many high schoolers take their first test this year)
December – February:
- Register for a spring SAT/ACT date if not already done
- Prep for SAT/ACT
- Lock in their final college list
- If you haven’t already, it’s time to schedule a college planning consultation to map strategy and establish accountability
March – May:
- Take SAT/ACT (and retest if needed)
- Ask for letters of recommendation before summer break
- Plan summer campus visits
- Begin thinking about the college application essay
- Research scholarships
- Draft College Essays
12th Grade
Senior year is go-time. It’s the final stretch, and it’s a high-speed ride. Throughout the year, keep communication open with your student, college consultant and others assisting you in the process, and continue to get organized with a college application folder. Many families find it helpful to centralize application credentials with things like login information, deadlines and submission status. When juggling multiple applications and requirements, a centralized tracking system can help you stay organized.
Key dates for 12th grade include the following:
August – September:
- Build college application strategy based on due dates – gather everything you need!
- Polish application essays (the Common Application typically opens in August)
- Complete applications for Early Action/Early Decision
- Ensure you have recommendation letters in hand
October – November:
- Submit Early Action and Early Decision applications
- Finish FAFSA application and CSS Profile
- Keep an eye on priority scholarship deadlines
December – January:
- Submit regular decision applications (most deadlines are in January)
- Continue applying for private scholarships
- Ensure test scores and official transcripts are sent to colleges
- Prepare for interviews
February – April:
- Review financial aid packages
- (Re)visit campuses (if admitted)
- Make final decision by May 1st (National Decision Day)
- Notify all schools of your decision
Feeling Overwhelmed? Contact Us at College Inroads for Help
Navigating college deadlines can feel like a full-time job, and for us, it is! We help your teen develop a personalized game plan so they stay on track while finding the right college fit for them.
At College Inroads, we help families build customized, month-by-month timelines based on your student’s goals and schools of interest so nothing gets missed, and no one feels overwhelmed. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family prepare for college.
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