In college, it’s helpful to have strong time management and organization skills. But, even before you start your higher education journey, these two big skills will help you meet your college application deadlines. Sometimes, processes like applying to college can feel too big to handle, but if you are prepared, then it becomes really manageable.

There are a few types of college applications, so we will share everything you should know so that you don’t miss any college application deadlines for the 2021 academic year.

When Do College Applications Open?

The Common Application and Coalition for College Application opened on August 1, 2020 for those looking to start school in the fall of 2021. Even before college applications are open, students can research what will be required and start to compile the required documentation.

Most colleges have deadlines between November and February for applicants, but this could depend on the admissions options.

Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash

Application Deadlines to Note

There are four main admissions options when it comes to learning about your acceptance or rejection to a school of choice. Here’s how these break down in terms of when you can submit the application and when the deadline happens.

• Early Action

  This option lets you apply before the regular application pool. Early action doesn’t require that you attend the college if you are admitted. It’s beneficial because you have time to compare different schools and choose with more time. Applications open in November with a deadline in December.

• Early Decision

  Early decision has the same deadlines and application timeline as early action, but it requires that you enroll if you’re accepted early. You’ll pay a nonrefundable deposit for this option, so if you’re 100% set on attending a particular school, then it’s a worthwhile option to choose. Applications open in November with deadlines in December.

• Regular Decision

  Majority of students will apply in regular decision timing. Students then have more time to collect the application requirements and take standardized tests. It gives you more timing to also compare the schools you’ve been accepted to. On the downside, if you do not get into the school you wish, then you’ll be waiting until the next year to apply again. You submit in January/February with March/April deadlines.

• Rolling Admission

  Colleges with rolling admissions don’t just have one application period. Instead, they have windows for enrollment throughout the year until the class is filled. These applications generally open in September and stay open until the spots are all filled.

Typical Application Requirements

Whether you are submitting an application for early decision or rolling admission, it’s helpful to start pulling together the items you’ll need to submit. Most colleges require the following to complete an application:

• Standardized test scores

  For most undergraduate schools, you’ll be asked to submit your standardized test scores for either the SAT or ACT. There are some schools like the University of the People that don’t require standardized tests at all. So, it’s best to check with your specific schools requirements before you take these tests as the scores can automatically be sent if needed.

• Transcripts

  Your official high school transcripts show all the classes you’ve taken and grades you received. You can self-report your grades on the application and have an official transcript sent to your schools of choice.

• Letters of recommendation

  Some colleges will ask for letters of recommendation on your behalf written by a teacher, counselor, employer or even a mentor. It’s best practice to start requesting and collecting these letters during your junior year of high school so you’ll have them ready to go when you apply during your senior year.

• Personal statements

  Many college applications will require that you submit a personal statement. They may provide you with a specific prompt to answer or an open-ended opportunity to provide them with more color about who you are and your past experiences. Be sure to give yourself enough time to think of what to write about, write multiple drafts, edit, and get feedback from those you trust.

Types of College Applications

Granted the variety of types of colleges (public, private, online, in-person, hybrid, etc.), there are different types of college applications. Here’s an overview of which you may expect to see during your application process:

• Common Application

  Created in 1975, the Common Application grants students with the ability to fill out one application that can be sent to multiple schools. Across the country, about 900 schools accept this application.

• Universal Application

  In 2007, the Universal Application was created and is like the Common Application whereby students can fill it out once and submit to participating colleges. However, only 9 colleges participate and use this application.

• Individual College Application

  There are some colleges that have their own proprietary application. Some schools will accept this or the Common Application, so it’s best to contact the school to find out if they have a preference.

• The Coalition Application for Access, Affordability and Success

  The Coalition Application started in 2016 to allow students to build a portfolio during their high school experience. 90 institutions accept this form of an application.

• Shared Application

  When colleges are part of a wider system, then they use the Shared Application. For example, state universities may use this, but they may also accept the Common Application. So, if you’re applying to a school within a system as well as other schools outside of that system, then it would make sense to use the Common Application instead.

Photo by Iris Wang on Unsplash

Final Words

The best way to go about applying for college is to start by making a list of the colleges you want to attend. Then, you can check what type of application(s) they accept, the deadlines, and required documentation. If you start early, you’ll have less stress and more time to review your application before submission.

Keep in mind that there are some schools that make the application process very simple. University of the People is one of those schools as we only require a student to have a high school diploma or equivalent and proof of English proficiency to apply. There’s no need for standardized test scores. Here’s a deeper look at how to apply.