8 answers
Brietta
Student
Pine Hill, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
476 views
When should you start applying for college ?
When should you start applying for college?
Login to comment
8 answers
Trudi Parker
Claims Manager II
29
Answers
Gorham, Maine
Updated
Trudi’s Answer
If you really know that you want to go to a specific school, you can apply for early admissions which is usually in November for the following fall. If you are applying to multiple schools, you can just apply all at the same time. Most of them want you to apply by at least February. You would want to know where you got in by at least April, so you can make a commitment. You dont want to have a deadline to commit at one school without knowing if you got into other schools. You will want to compare the cost and the financial package of each and then decide where you really want to go.
Devin Wielar
Senior Customer Support Specialist
8
Answers
Joplin, Missouri
Updated
Devin’s Answer
Hey Brietta,
When you should apply really depends on the type of college you are applying to (community college, public or private university) and also the specific school. Individual school will have application deadlines or windows for each semester. The beginning of your senior year is a good time to start thinking about where you want to go to school and start looking at when their application windows and deadlines are.
A few things to keep in mind:
1. It is ok if you don't know what you want to study yet. Many students do not pick a major until their second year and that is perfectly normal.
2. There is nothing wrong with going to a community college first to get your general education requirements completed before moving on to a larger university to for a major.
3. Don't feel pressured to immediately go to college. Many people will have a gap year after college and use it to work or travel and this gives them time to learn more about themselves and figure out what they want to do with their lives.
When you should apply really depends on the type of college you are applying to (community college, public or private university) and also the specific school. Individual school will have application deadlines or windows for each semester. The beginning of your senior year is a good time to start thinking about where you want to go to school and start looking at when their application windows and deadlines are.
A few things to keep in mind:
1. It is ok if you don't know what you want to study yet. Many students do not pick a major until their second year and that is perfectly normal.
2. There is nothing wrong with going to a community college first to get your general education requirements completed before moving on to a larger university to for a major.
3. Don't feel pressured to immediately go to college. Many people will have a gap year after college and use it to work or travel and this gives them time to learn more about themselves and figure out what they want to do with their lives.
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
203
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Brietta!
Most schools recommend applying to college during your senior year of high school. That way, you're able to start the following fall.
However, not all students follow this expectation everywhere!
Some apply to community college or trade school, where the time you start applying doesn't matter.
Some defer their enrollment to another semester at four year schools, if they're taking a gap year or have another acceptable reason.
You can go straight to school or defer. It's up to you!
Sending you the best as you think about college :)
Most schools recommend applying to college during your senior year of high school. That way, you're able to start the following fall.
However, not all students follow this expectation everywhere!
Some apply to community college or trade school, where the time you start applying doesn't matter.
Some defer their enrollment to another semester at four year schools, if they're taking a gap year or have another acceptable reason.
You can go straight to school or defer. It's up to you!
Sending you the best as you think about college :)
El Maati Salmouni
Branch Manager
2
Answers
Belmont, Massachusetts
Updated
El Maati’s Answer
Hey Brietta! 😊
Just like T.J. mentioned, each person's journey is unique when it comes to college. Generally, people start considering their college options during their junior year of high school and then begin applying in their senior year. However, there's no "one size fits all" approach - some might take a gap year, explore trade school options, or enroll in community college before transferring to their desired school. The important thing is finding the path that works best for you! Good luck! 🌟
Just like T.J. mentioned, each person's journey is unique when it comes to college. Generally, people start considering their college options during their junior year of high school and then begin applying in their senior year. However, there's no "one size fits all" approach - some might take a gap year, explore trade school options, or enroll in community college before transferring to their desired school. The important thing is finding the path that works best for you! Good luck! 🌟
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
The application process for college typically begins during a student's senior year of high school, although some students may start earlier. It's important to check the specific deadlines and requirements for each college you're interested in, as they may vary.
Here is a general timeline for the college application process:
-Junior year: Start researching colleges and majors, take the SAT or ACT, and plan to visit college campuses.
-Summer before senior year: Use the summer to work on college applications, essays, and other requirements. This will give you a head start before your senior year begins.
-Early fall of senior year: Finalize your college list and start submitting applications for early decision or early action programs if applicable.
-Late fall of senior year: Submit regular decision applications for all other colleges on your list.
-Winter of senior year: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any other financial aid applications.
-Spring of senior year: Receive admission decisions from colleges and compare financial aid packages. Make a final decision on which college to attend by the deadline.
It's important to keep in mind that the college application process can be time-consuming, so it's a good idea to start early and stay organized. Don't hesitate to reach out to your high school guidance counselor or college admissions office for guidance and support throughout the process.
Here is a general timeline for the college application process:
-Junior year: Start researching colleges and majors, take the SAT or ACT, and plan to visit college campuses.
-Summer before senior year: Use the summer to work on college applications, essays, and other requirements. This will give you a head start before your senior year begins.
-Early fall of senior year: Finalize your college list and start submitting applications for early decision or early action programs if applicable.
-Late fall of senior year: Submit regular decision applications for all other colleges on your list.
-Winter of senior year: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any other financial aid applications.
-Spring of senior year: Receive admission decisions from colleges and compare financial aid packages. Make a final decision on which college to attend by the deadline.
It's important to keep in mind that the college application process can be time-consuming, so it's a good idea to start early and stay organized. Don't hesitate to reach out to your high school guidance counselor or college admissions office for guidance and support throughout the process.
Shayla Powell
9
Answers
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
Updated
Shayla’s Answer
As someone who once felt overwhelmed by the college application process, I can share some valuable advice to make your experience better.
1.) Seize the moment! Aim to apply for colleges during the beginning to mid-months of your senior year in high school. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore your interests by researching colleges, their acceptance rates, financial aid options, and available scholarships. You could also do this a couple of months beforehand (perhaps during the summer leading into your senior year).
2.) Stay ahead of the game! To avoid the frustration of missed deadlines, check the university websites for their application timeline, and take note of their deadlines. You'll feel so much better knowing you are on top of it.
3.) Chip away and conquer! Dedicate some of your free time and weekends, if possible, to review the application and polish your responses. By starting early and managing your time, you'll turn the lengthy college application process into a rewarding and stress-free experience. Remember, you have the power to take control of your future, and you are absolutely capable of achieving your goals!
1.) Seize the moment! Aim to apply for colleges during the beginning to mid-months of your senior year in high school. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore your interests by researching colleges, their acceptance rates, financial aid options, and available scholarships. You could also do this a couple of months beforehand (perhaps during the summer leading into your senior year).
2.) Stay ahead of the game! To avoid the frustration of missed deadlines, check the university websites for their application timeline, and take note of their deadlines. You'll feel so much better knowing you are on top of it.
3.) Chip away and conquer! Dedicate some of your free time and weekends, if possible, to review the application and polish your responses. By starting early and managing your time, you'll turn the lengthy college application process into a rewarding and stress-free experience. Remember, you have the power to take control of your future, and you are absolutely capable of achieving your goals!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Brietta
Valesca Ribeiro
3
Answers
Updated
Valesca’s Answer
Hey Brietta! 😊
Just wanted to let you know that most students begin their college application journey during senior year of high school. But hey, there's no harm in starting early! Feel free to explore some colleges during your junior year or even take a few college classes in your senior year - now that sounds exciting, doesn't it?
Don't worry about missing any important dates, your school's got your back! They'll provide you with all the necessary deadlines, so you'll be right on track.
Wishing you the best of luck on this awesome adventure! 🌟
Just wanted to let you know that most students begin their college application journey during senior year of high school. But hey, there's no harm in starting early! Feel free to explore some colleges during your junior year or even take a few college classes in your senior year - now that sounds exciting, doesn't it?
Don't worry about missing any important dates, your school's got your back! They'll provide you with all the necessary deadlines, so you'll be right on track.
Wishing you the best of luck on this awesome adventure! 🌟
Isabella Szutkowski
Director
5
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Isabella’s Answer
Usually visits to college should start in early Junior year of high school. At that point you should already be taking your sample exams for college admission that you would normally take in Senior year. When my kids were looking at colleges, I actually started in sophomore year ... whenever we visited a place or went on vacation, I walked them through the college campus and looked on-line what course offerings that school had, so by the time they actually started applying (your high school will give you that schedule and guidance), they knew at least if they liked a large campus or a small campus, a campus close to home or a campus far away. You can also go on line to the college website and take a look at what their schedule is for applications and a lot of colleges have on-line virtual tours of the campus. But the best way is to actually go see it if you can. You may love the college but you may hate the surrounding area . All of this should be thought about when you are applying.