When do College Applications Open in 2024?

Applying to college can be a tough task, but keeping track of when applications open can be the key to your success. 

Did you know that the application process can be a chance to challenge yourself and push beyond your limits? It requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance, but the rewards can be life-changing.

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Missing out on these deadlines can lead to missed opportunities, so it’s crucial to stick to the deadlines set by the institutions.

With the right mindset and preparation, you can maximise your chances of getting admitted to your desired program and embark on a journey of personal and academic growth.

Moreover, it also offers the chance to adjust to your new environment before the academic year begins.

In case you encounter some unfamiliar words while reading the blog, here are a few terms to keep in mind:

Have you ever wondered which intake would be the best for you? It’s the September intake!

This is because the fall season is the start of the academic year in many countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom and it allows students to have a fresh start at the beginning of the year.

Admission Timeline for Graduate 

Applying for the September intake for undergraduate programs offers benefits such as avoiding the rush of applications, greater program choices, and access to scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

It can be a smart choice for students seeking to maximise their chances of being admitted to their desired program.

The admission timeline for a UG (Undergraduate) program in the September intake for universities abroad can vary slightly depending on the specific university and country. 

Here’s a general breakdown to give you an idea:

Early Stages (6-12 months before application deadline):

Step 1: Start researching universities and programs that align with your interests. Explore university websites, rankings, and program details.

Step 2: If required by your chosen universities, register and take standardised tests like SAT or ACT well in advance. Score deadlines can be earlier than application deadlines.

Step 3: Prepare for and take English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL if English isn’t your native language. 

Note: Scores typically have validity periods, so plan accordingly.

Step 4: Consider relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or achievements that showcase your skills and interests.

Step 5: Research tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarship opportunities. Start exploring financial aid options to cover the costs associated with studying abroad.

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Mid Stages (3-6 months before application deadline):

• Contact Universities: Reach out to universities you’re interested in with specific questions about the program, application process, or any additional requirements.
• Request Letters of Recommendation: Identify teachers or mentors who can write strong letters of recommendation highlighting your academic abilities and potential.
• Draft Application Essays: Start brainstorming and writing application essays or personal statements that showcase your motivations, goals, and suitability for the program.

Late Stages (1-3 months before application deadline):

• Gather Documents: Ensure you have all required documents like transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and financial documents ready for submission.
• Prepare Online Application: Carefully complete the online application forms for each university, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
• Meet Deadlines: Submit your application packages well before the deadlines set by each university. Deadlines can vary significantly, so pay close attention.

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Post Application (After Application Deadline):

• Wait for Decisions: Universities will review applications and send out acceptance/rejection decisions. This process can take several weeks or even months.
• Accepting an Offer: Compare university offers based on program fit, costs, and location. Choose the best fit, accept the offer, and follow any additional instructions from the university.
• Visas and Permits: Start researching and applying for student visas and any other permits required to study in your chosen country.

Remember: Always refer to the specific university websites for the most up-to-date information on their application deadlines, requirements, and any specific procedures for international students.

Admission Timeline for Post-Graduate

Applying for a postgraduate program in the September intake can offer several advantages, such as access to a wider range of courses, more scholarship opportunities, and higher employability prospects. 

The admission timeline can vary depending on the university and country you’re applying to, but starting your research and preparation at least 6-12 months before the application deadline is recommended. 

Here’s a breakdown with estimated timeframes, keeping in mind some key variations for popular study destinations:

Early Stages (6-12 months before the application deadline):

Step 1: Start researching universities and programs that align with your interests. Explore university websites, rankings, and program details. Focus on this from December to May.

• Step 2: US, Canada: Many programs, especially in STEM fields, require GRE scores. Register and take the tests well in advance. Aim for April or June deadlines. GMAT scores might be needed for business programs.
• UK, Australia: GRE/GMAT scores are less common, but some programs might require them. Check with specific universities.

Step 3: Prepare for and take English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL if English isn’t your native language. Scores typically have validity periods, so plan accordingly. Aim to take them by May.

Step 4: Highlight relevant work experience, research projects, or achievements that showcase your skills and suitability for the program. Build your resume or CV throughout the year.

Step 5: Research tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarship opportunities. Start exploring financial aid options to cover the costs associated with studying abroad.

Mid Stages (4-6 months before application deadline):

• Contact Universities: Reach out to program coordinators or professors at universities you’re interested in with specific questions about the program, research opportunities, or any additional requirements. This is especially important in countries like the US and Canada, where faculty involvement can strengthen your application.
• Request Letters of Recommendation: Identify professors, employers, or supervisors who can write strong letters of recommendation highlighting your academic or professional capabilities. Request them by June.
• Draft Application Essays/SOP: Start brainstorming and writing a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) that showcases your motivations, research interests, career goals, and suitability for the program. This is crucial for all countries.

Late Stages (2-3 months before application deadline):

• Gather Documents: Ensure you have all required documents like transcripts, test scores (if applicable), SOP, letters of recommendation, resume/CV, and financial documents ready for submission.
• Prepare Online Application: Carefully complete the online application forms for each university, ensuring all information is accurate and complete. Pay close attention to program-specific requirements and deadlines. Be mindful that some countries like the US might have additional essay prompts.
• Meet Deadlines (Varies by Country):
  • US, Canada: Applications for top universities often have deadlines as early as December – February. Aim to submit well before these deadlines to ensure consideration.
  • UK, Australia: Deadlines are generally later, falling between March – July. However, some universities might have earlier deadlines for specific programs.

Post Application (After Application):

• Wait for Decisions: Universities will review applications and send out acceptance/rejection decisions. This process can take several weeks or even months.
• Accepting an Offer (Varies by University): If you receive offers, carefully compare them based on program fit, costs, location, faculty expertise, and research opportunities. Choose the university that best aligns with your academic and career goals. Once you decide, accept the offer and follow any further instructions from the university (typically by deadlines set by the university).
• Visas and Permits (Varies by Country): Start researching and applying for student visas and any other permits required to study in your chosen country. This process can take time, so begin as soon as you have your acceptance letter.

Remember: This is a general guideline. Always refer to the specific university and program websites for the most up-to-date information on their deadlines, requirements, and any specific procedures for international students.

What is a Common App?

Are you ready to take on the challenge of applying to multiple colleges and universities in the United States and around the world? Look no further than The Common Application! 

This amazing non-profit organisation provides a streamlined online platform that simplifies the entire application process. 

With The Common App, you can easily fill out a single application and submit it to numerous schools, saving you time and effort. 

The platform includes sections for personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essays, making it easier than ever to put your best foot forward. 

The Common App dashboard helps you stay on top of your applications by providing:

• A clear overview of your progress
• Upcoming deadlines
• Required documents

This feature ensures that you don’t miss out on any critical deadlines and can submit your applications on time without any last-minute stress.

When does the common app open?

Starting your college application process can be nerve-wracking, but with the right approach, you can feel confident and prepared.

• The annual Common App application cycle typically begins on August 1st.
• It’s essential to keep a close eye on the deadlines for your desired schools.
• While early action or early decision programs usually have deadlines between November and December, regular decision deadlines generally fall around January 1st.
• Verify exact deadlines with each college you’re interested in.
• You can create a Common App account at any time and transfer your information to the new application cycle when it opens.

Starting early and staying organised shows initiative and can boost your confidence in presenting yourself well, thereby improving your chances of getting into your desired school.

How do you complete the CommonApp application?

• Start your application: Visit commonapp.org and click “Start your application.” Here, you’ll find instructions on creating an account and logging in. Alternatively, download the Common App mobile app to manage deadlines, request recommendations, and set reminders on the go.
• Choose your path: Select “First-Year Student” or “Transfer Student,” depending on your application type.
• Provide basic information: Enter your name, email, phone number, address, date of birth, and prospective enrollment year.
• Complete your profile: Fill out the requested details about your education, extracurricular activities, demographics, household information, and more.
• Gather recommendations: Add collaborators like teachers, counsellors, and others who will provide letters of recommendation or supporting documents.
• Explore your options: Search for and add colleges to your “My Colleges” list.
• Apply with confidence: Familiarise yourself with each college’s specific application requirements and follow them carefully during the submission process.
• Check your application status: Use the icons on your dashboard to easily track the progress of your applications. A green checkmark indicates a completed submission, a yellow circle shows applications in progress, and a red dash means a section is not required for that college.
• Don’t forget to submit! Meet the deadline by submitting all your application materials by 11:59 PM (local time) on the date listed in your Common App dashboard.

What is a Coalition Application?

The Coalition Application can be your ultimate resource to streamline the application process.

With this platform, you can apply to a diverse range of member colleges and universities using a single application, making the process much more accessible and manageable. 

The application comes equipped with a variety of user-friendly tools and resources that help you stay organised and on track with your application. 

When does the Coalition Application open?

• You can submit your applications through the Coalition App every year in either July or August.
• As early as ninth or tenth grade, you have the opportunity to initiate building your profile and gain an advantage.
• Your profile holds a major weightage of 70% in your applications to the schools that you are interested in.
• The main goal of the Coalition App is to enhance the accessibility of higher education for students who come from under-resourced and historically underrepresented communities.
• Your likelihood of being accepted into the college you aspire to attend can be improved by submitting your application through the Coalition.
• Check the member schools list to see if your college accepts Coalition applications.

Universities with their own Applications

Did you know that some universities create their own custom applications instead of using centralised systems like the Common App or Coalition App? 

These personalised applications are available on the schools’ official websites and provide a unique experience tailored to each institution. 

Many private colleges offer this option, so be sure to check each school’s admissions website. 

Remember: Keep in mind that these applications may require additional components such as specific common app essay prompts and recommendation letters. 

Note: The deadlines for these applications are typically earlier than those for other universities, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Here is a list of universities that have their own application: 

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Southern California (USC)
• Columbia University
• Duke University
• Yale University

Wrapping it up

Planning and keeping track of the application timeline is crucial for success while applying to universities abroad. 

Starting early and researching well in advance is key to maximising your chances of getting admitted to your desired program. 

By following the general admission timeline, students can ensure they have all the required documents and meet the deadlines set by each university. 

Enrolling in the September intake for undergraduate or postgraduate programs can offer several benefits, including access to a wider range of courses, scholarship opportunities, and higher employability prospects. 

Remember to always refer to the specific university websites for the most up-to-date information and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions