Deadlines & Timelines

  • Early Action means you apply early but you are not committed to attend the school if accepted.

    For many Maryland students, this should be your default strategy.

    Why EA matters:

    • Priority consideration for merit scholarships

    • Automatic review for honors colleges (ex: UMD Honors College)

    • Access to living-learning programs

    • Earlier admissions decisions

    • Shows strong interest to the university

    Example:

    At University of Maryland, College Park, applying Early Action is strongly recommended. Students who apply Regular Decision are often not considered for Honors College or many scholarships.

    Typical EA deadline: November 1

  • Early Decision is binding. If you get accepted, you must attend.

    This option makes sense if:

    • You already know your clear first-choice school

    • Your application is strong by October

    • Financial aid is not a major uncertainty

    Some selective schools (like Johns Hopkins) admit a higher percentage of students through ED, but it’s only worth using if you’re completely sure.

    Typical ED deadlines:

    • ED I: November 1

    • ED II: January 1

  • Regular Decision is the most common deadline and gives students more time to prepare their applications.

    However, waiting until RD can reduce scholarship opportunities at some schools.

    Typical RD deadlines:

    • January 1

    • January 5

    • January 15

    (varies by university)

  • FAFSA determines eligibility for:

    • federal grants

    • work study

    • subsidized loans

    • many state scholarships

    • some university aid programs

    Even families who think they won’t qualify for aid should still submit it.

    Students in Maryland should try to complete FAFSA as soon as it opens.

    Recommended FAFSA completion window:

    October – November of senior year

    Some aid is first-come, first-served.

  • Ask teachers early in senior year (or late junior year if possible).

    Best time to ask: September

    Teachers receive many requests. Asking early usually means stronger letters.

  • Here’s what a realistic and successful schedule looks like.

    Spring of Junior Year

    Start building your activities list
    Think about recommenders
    Begin exploring colleges seriously

    Summer Before Senior Year

    Create your Common App account
    Write your personal statement draft
    Visit campuses (if possible)
    Research scholarship deadlines

    September - October

    Finalize your college list
    Request recommendation letters
    Start supplemental essays

    October - November

    Submit Early Action applications
    Complete FAFSA

    December - January

    Submit Regular Decision applications


    Maryland Students: Priority Deadlines That Matter Most

    If you're applying from Maryland, these dates are especially important:

    UMD Early Action: November 1
    (for Honors College + scholarships)

    Johns Hopkins Early Decision: November 1

    UVA Early Action: November 1

    Missing these doesn’t mean you can’t get in, but it does reduce access to special programs and merit aid.

  • If you’re unsure what timeline to follow, use this:

    Apply Early Action to 4–6 schools
    Apply Regular Decision to 3–5 schools
    Use Early Decision only if you truly have a first choice

    This keeps your options open while maximizing scholarship opportunities.