Every deadline below is typical rather than universal. Confirm each school's dates on its profile.
August to September
Finalize the list. Draft the main essay. Ask two teachers for recommendations before they are buried in requests.
October
FAFSA and CSS Profile open. Early action and early decision applications are due at the end of the month or in early November.
November to January
Regular decision deadlines cluster around January 1 to 15. Submit aid forms by each priority deadline.
February to April
Decisions arrive. Compare aid letters using the net-price method. Visit admitted-student days.
May 1
National deposit deadline. Deposit at one school only.