When do I submit my application for admission?

The US university academic calendar runs from the end of August to the end of May.  

Applications for admission are submitted well in advance of the August start date. Application deadlines will span anywhere from 1 November of year 12 to mid-January, depending on the application method.

One of the complexities in applying to US universities is the lack of a standard applications process nor a uniform application deadline. Instead, these vary per university.

Below is some application terminology to help you decide the best time to apply.

Early Action (EA) –Applicants apply early, usually 1 November and find out their admission decision early, between mid-December to end of January. Applicants can apply to multiple early action universities if the respective EA policy allows this.

Early Decision (ED) – this application deadline is usually 1 November, and students are notified of their admission decision by late December. This method is binding, meaning if an applicant is offered admission, they are committing to attend. Applicants may only apply to one ED institutions. This method required a signed agreement by the applicant, their parents/guardian and your school counsellor.

Priority – some universities chose not to have EA or ED and instead have priority application deadline. There is no uniform deadline for this method which can be as late as 1 December or 1 January.

Regular Decision (RD) – application deadline is usually early January, and applicants will be notified of their admission outcome anywhere from March to early April. Applicants may submit as many RD applications as they wish, and their EA application decisions may reduce the number of universities they ultimately decide to apply.

National College Decision Day – 1 May is the traditional deadline to accept offers of admission and submit appropriate enrolment forms. Applicants should also decline offers they will not be undertaking.   

Internationally Educated works with a limited number of students from year 10. Contact us to learn how we work with students to yield best admission outcomes.