Common App Timeline
The Common App application cycle follows a predictable annual pattern:
| Date | Milestone | |------|-----------| | August 1 | Common App opens for new cycle | | September | Start adding schools, draft essays | | October 1 | FAFSA opens (not part of Common App) | | November 1-15 | Early Decision / Early Action deadlines | | January 1-15 | Most Regular Decision deadlines | | February-March | Rolling admission deadlines | | March-April | Admission decisions arrive | | May 1 | National Decision Day (enrollment deposit due) |
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Early Decision (ED)
What it is: A binding agreement — if accepted, you must attend.
| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Typical deadline | November 1 or November 15 | | Decision by | Mid-December | | Binding? | Yes | | Best for | Students with a clear top choice who don't need to compare financial aid |
Important caveat: ED commits you before you see financial aid offers from other schools. If cost is a factor, consider EA or RD instead.
Early Action (EA)
What it is: An early, non-binding application round.
| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Typical deadline | November 1 or November 15 | | Decision by | January-February | | Binding? | No | | Best for | Students who want an early answer without commitment |
Some schools offer Restrictive Early Action (REA) — you can only apply EA to that one school, but it's still non-binding.
Regular Decision (RD)
What it is: The standard application round.
| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Typical deadline | January 1-15 (varies by school) | | Decision by | Late March - April | | Binding? | No | | Best for | Most students — gives time to compare offers |
Beyond Common App Deadlines
Here's what catches families off guard: Common App deadlines are only 1 of 20+ deadline types per school.
After you submit your application, you still need to track:
Financial Aid Deadlines
- FAFSA priority deadline (varies by school, often February-March)
- CSS Profile deadline (varies by school)
- School-specific financial aid forms
- Scholarship application deadlines
- Financial aid verification documents
Post-Acceptance Deadlines
- Enrollment deposit (May 1)
- Housing deposit (varies, often May-June)
- Orientation registration (May-July)
- Health forms and immunizations (June-August)
- Course registration (often at orientation)
- Final high school transcript (July)
- AP/IB score reports (June-July)
- Meal plan selection (June-August)
- Move-in date (August)
That's 15+ additional deadlines PER SCHOOL.
If you're applying to 10 schools, that's potentially 150+ deadlines that Common App doesn't track.
How Families Stay on Track
The families who handle this best use a system that tracks all deadlines — not just applications. Appffeine tracks 20+ deadline types per school with automatic email reminders and family sharing.
| Deadline Type | Common App Tracks? | Appffeine Tracks? | |---------------|-------------------|-------------------| | Application submission | Yes | Yes | | FAFSA deadline | No | Yes | | CSS Profile deadline | No | Yes | | Scholarship deadlines | No | Yes | | Enrollment deposit | No | Yes | | Housing deposit | No | Yes | | Orientation | No | Yes | | Health forms | No | Yes | | Course registration | No | Yes | | Move-in date | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a Common App deadline?
For ED/EA: You miss that round entirely. Contact the school — some may allow you to apply RD instead. For RD: Contact the admissions office immediately. Some schools have brief grace periods.
Can I submit Common App after the deadline?
No. Common App enforces school deadlines strictly. Submit at least 24 hours early to avoid technical issues.
Are all school deadlines the same on Common App?
No. Each school sets its own deadlines. Check each school's requirements in your Common App dashboard.
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Never Miss a Deadline — Any Deadline
Common App tracks application deadlines. Appffeine tracks the other 15+ deadline types per school that determine your enrollment, housing, financial aid, and move-in.
Limited time: Free-for-1-Year access for early families — all features, unlimited schools, and deadline reminders included.
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Last updated: February 11, 2026. Deadline information based on Common App documentation and typical university timelines.