Key College Application Deadlines for Fall 2024

Key Takeaways

• College applications generally start becoming available on August 1.
• Application deadlines for EA/ED are usually November 1 or 15.
• Application deadlines for ED II and Regular Decision is usually around January 1. In all cases, students should double check the deadlines with the colleges they will be applying to.
• In addition to the 2024 college application deadlines, students should also be aware of SAT/ACT testing dates, financial aid deadlines, and other program specific deadlines.

As you head into your senior year of high school, it’s important to know the college application deadlines for fall 2024. By keeping track of these essential dates, you can plan ahead, reduce stress, and create a solid strategy for applying to your potential colleges. Here are some must-know dates and deadlines to mark on your calendar:

College Application Deadlines for Fall 2024

Many colleges and universities in the United States follow a very similar pattern for their college admission deadline. If you’re interested in attending college in fall 2025, these are the common college application deadlines you’ll need to know in the fall of 2024:

• Early action: November 1 or 15
• Early decision: November 1 or 15
• Early decision II: On or around Jan 1
• Regular decision: On or around Jan 1
• Priority rolling admission: On or around Jan 1

Students interested in attending college in fall 2024 may find available spots at a school that offers open admission. These schools usually accept applications just before classes start or up to 2 weeks after classes start, but exact dates can depend on the school.

For students planning to transfer for the spring semester, applications are often due anywhere between July 1 and January 15.

Quick Tips on Application Deadlines

• Always double check with your school’s application deadline. Colleges can have different due dates for applications and related materials.
• January 1 isn’t a universal date for all regular admissions schools. Tulane University, for example, doesn’t require applications until January 15. Students applying to the University of Michigan have until February 15.
• Some colleges can also have a regular admission deadline of January 1, but recommend earlier application submissions if you’re requesting institutional financial aid. The University of West Florida, for instance, suggests that you submit your application by December 1, 2024, their Scholarship Priority Consideration Deadline.
• If you’re interested in a college, always write down the application due dates so you can easily track them.
• Make sure you understand the types of college Applications.

6 Types of College Applications

Deadlines for college applications in 2024 depend on the type of application you’re submitting and the school you’re applying to. The most common types of college applications include:

1. Early Action

Early action allows students to apply ahead of the regular decision deadline. This is a non-binding option, which means even if you’re accepted, you won’t be obligated to attend. While a majority of colleges allow you to apply to several schools under early action, some schools are introducing single-choice early action, which means while you’re not bound to that school should you be accepted, you are agreeing that you are only applying to that single college.

Students who apply through early action are usually set on one particular college and want to demonstrate their interest.

2. Early Decision

Early decision deadlines are before regular decision, but unlike early action, early decision is binding. This means, if you’re accepted to the school, you’re expected to attend. There are some exceptions – if you didn’t receive the expected financial aid you needed to attend, for instance – but you generally shouldn’t apply to a school under early decision unless you’re sure that’s the college for you.

Some schools also offer early decision II. This has the same requirements as early decision I, but with a later deadline.

3. Regular Decision

Most students will apply to colleges under regular decision. Students can apply to as many schools as they wish under this application type.

4. Priority Rolling Admission

Rolling admission means that the school accepts applications year round. However, priority rolling admission deadlines are the dates you need to pay attention to in fall 2024. This means that, while the school does accept applications after the priority deadline, the students who apply before that date will be given first consideration. Those applying after the deadline could miss out on a spot, even if they have a well-rounded application.

5. Open Admission

Community colleges, online schools, and some 4-year colleges have open admission. This means they accept nearly all students who apply, year round.

6. Transfer Applications

Transfer applications are necessary if a student wants to change colleges. First year applications and transfer applications usually have slight differences, so it’s important to complete the correct form.

Other College Application Deadlines and Dates to Note for 2024

College application deadlines aren’t the only dates you’ll need to know for fall 2024! The following dates and deadlines are important, too, and they could impact your admission chances, financial future, and school decisions:

SAT/ACT Test Dates and Deadlines

While some schools are doing away with required SAT and ACT testing, a majority of colleges still require or recommend submitting your results. It’s vital, therefore, that you sign up for a test date this fall and be able to submit your SAT and ACT scores before college applications close.

Here’s a quick glance at the upcoming test dates for the SAT and the ACT this fall and their registration deadlines:

In general,  common application deadlines, these are the last dates you can take the SAT and ACT and have the results in time:

However, different factors can impact your last available test date. For example, it’s unlikely that ACT test results from the October 26 test date will be ready for early action and early decision deadlines on November 1. While some colleges accept score results late, some are very strict about needing them before their application deadlines.

If your college has an earlier regular decision deadline, you’ll need to take the ACT or SAT sooner rather than later. For schools that offer rolling admission, you can also take the ACT or SAT later, though you might not make it in time for their priority due dates.

Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) usually opens on October 1 every year, but for 2024, it won’t become available until December 1. This is due to updates to the form and application process. Although the FAFSA isn’t technically due until June 2025, colleges and universities will have their own financial aid deadlines if you’d like to be considered for institutional grant aid.

In 2023, the FAFSA also had a late release, and schools pushed their FAFSA due dates back as a result. However, it is unclear if schools will change their financial aid due dates in 2024, too. Always check in with your college’s FAFSA deadlines to ensure you’re submitting them on time. It’s a good idea to complete the application as soon as it becomes available on December 1.

Several states have their own financial aid forms as well. If you’re applying to a school, grant, scholarship, or other financial aid program that considers your state’s financial aid form, it’s important to complete these as soon as they become available. For example, Florida has the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) which opens on October 1. The FFAA is required for the Bright Futures program. Although the FFAA and Bright Futures program submissions aren’t technically due until August 31, the program has an early evaluation date of January 31.

Program Specific Deadlines

Some college programs have specific due dates for supplemental application portions, such as a portfolio. If you’re applying to one of these programs, it’s essential to note if the application deadlines are different for you. Some arts programs require much earlier application submissions.

Application Responses

For most students applying under early action or early decision, they can expect to hear the school’s decision by mid-December. Some schools take until January, however, to notify students. For those who were accepted under early decision, a deposit is often due right away, but this can be delayed if you’re waiting on a financial aid offer.

2024 College Application Deadlines for College Raptor’s Hidden Gem Colleges

Your senior year of high school, especially the first half, is going to be a busy one! It’s important to put these dates on your calendar, in your planner, and in your phone. Forgetting them can be a costly mistake!

If you haven’t started yet, you need to determine which colleges you’re going to be applying to. But with thousands of colleges in the United States, it can be tough to find the ones right for you. College Raptor’s College Match makes it easy to find the schools that fit your wants, needs, and more. Start here!