# College Application Timeline for Seniors (2026–27): Month-by-Month Checklist

> This comprehensive checklist outlines critical admissions, testing, and financial aid deadlines for high school seniors applying to college during the 2026–27 academic year.

- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/blog/college-application-timeline-for-seniors-2026-27-month-by-month-checklist
- Category: Admissions Advice
- Author: CollegesRef Editorial
- Published: 2026-11-03
- Updated: 2026-11-06

High school seniors applying for admission to the 2027–28 academic year must manage a timeline that begins in August 2026 and runs through National Decision Day on May 1, 2027. Key milestones include early deadlines in November, regular decision deadlines in January, and financial aid applications that open in September. Every college sets its own specific dates, which applicants must verify directly on each institution's admissions website.

This timeline dictates the daily schedule for high school seniors, their families, and school counselors. A common error is assuming all colleges follow the same schedule or that federal financial aid deadlines align with college admission deadlines. While the federal deadline to submit the 2027–28 FAFSA is not until June 30, 2028, individual state agencies and college financial aid offices set their priority deadlines much earlier, often in January or February 2027. Missing a college's specific priority date can cost an applicant thousands of dollars in institutional grant aid.

## Key takeaways

- The 2027–28 FAFSA opened on September 23, 2026, with a final federal submission deadline of June 30, 2028.
- CollegesRef data shows the median acceptance rate across 1,408 published U.S. higher education institutions is 78 percent.
- Highly selective colleges with acceptance rates under 25 percent have a median graduation rate of 92 percent.
- First-year dependent undergraduate students are limited to borrowing $5,500 in federal Direct Loans.
- Applicants must submit enrollment deposits by National Decision Day on May 1, 2027, to secure their college placement.

## Understanding the College Application Timeline for the 2026–27 Academic Year

### The Major Milestones of Senior Year

The college application process for the 2026–27 academic year requires managing multiple deadlines across different systems. High school seniors must coordinate the submission of the Common Application or Coalition Application, high school transcripts, teacher recommendation letters, and standardized test scores.

Key milestones occur in distinct phases. Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) deadlines typically fall around November 1 or November 15, 2026. Regular Decision (RD) deadlines generally cluster around January 1 or January 15, 2027. Families must also track financial aid forms. The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened on September 23, 2026, according to the [U.S. Department of Education](https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-earliest-fafsa-launch-program-history-second-consecutive-year). Some private institutions also require the CSS Profile, which often shares a deadline with the school's admissions application.

To track these dates, families can use the [CollegesRef Application Timeline](https://www.collegesref.com/tools/application-timeline). This tool provides a countdown to typical FAFSA, Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and May 1 Decision Day dates, and includes a printable checklist. It does not predict individual admissions decisions or guarantee specific deadlines.

Applicants should consult our [glossary of application terms](https://www.collegesref.com/tools/glossary) to understand the binding nature of Early Decision compared to the non-binding terms of Early Action.

### How Acceptance Rates and Net Prices Vary Across U.S. Colleges

Families often focus on highly selective institutions, but the broader landscape of U.S. higher education offers wider access and varying costs. CollegesRef data on 1,408 published U.S. colleges with at least 2,000 students shows a median acceptance rate of 78% and a median average net price after grants of $13,737.

As shown in the table below, institutional outcomes and costs correlate closely with selectivity. The 63 colleges with acceptance rates under 25% have a median graduation rate of 92% and a median net price of $25,317. In contrast, colleges with acceptance rates of 75% or higher have a median graduation rate of 55% and a lower median net price of $16,880. For example, the [University of Florida](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-florida-2910) has an acceptance rate of 24%, while [Grand Canyon University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/grand-canyon-university-1108) accepts 79% of applicants.

Families can use these figures to calculate a realistic budget. To find your own estimated cost, search each college's website for its Net Price Calculator. This tool requires inputting parent tax returns and asset information to estimate the actual out-of-pocket cost before submitting an application.

| Acceptance rate | Colleges | Median graduation rate | Median net price | Median SAT math (75th pct.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 25% | 63 | 92% | $25,317 | 790 |
| 25% to 49% | 66 | 82% | $21,789 | 730 |
| 50% to 74% | 197 | 64% | $19,975 | 645 |
| 75% or higher | 436 | 55% | $16,880 | 610 |

*Source: CollegesRef analysis of [IPEDS](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/) and [College Scorecard](https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/) data for 762 published U.S. colleges with at least 2,000 students (latest data year 2025). Net price is the average paid by first-time, full-time students who receive grant aid.*

## Late Summer Preparation: August and September 2026

### Finalizing the College List

August is the time to narrow your college list to a manageable number, typically between six and ten schools. You should categorize these institutions into safety, target, and reach schools based on your academic profile.

According to CollegesRef data, the median acceptance rate across 1,408 published U.S. colleges with at least 2,000 students is 78%. However, highly selective schools with acceptance rates under 25% have a median 75th-percentile SAT math score of 790. If your scores fall below a school's 25th-percentile mark, classify that institution as a reach.

Go to the admissions website of each school on your list to record their specific deadlines for Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. Use a spreadsheet to track these dates alongside required application portals, such as the Common Application or Coalition Application.

If you plan to apply early, you must also prepare for the financial implications. You can read more about [when early decision results come out](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/when-do-early-decision-results-come-out-what-each-outcome-means) to understand how these binding agreements affect your timeline and your ability to compare financial aid packages.

### Drafting the Personal Statement

September is the month to write, edit, and polish your main college essay. The Common Application prompts are available online all year, allowing you to begin drafting before senior year classes intensify.

Focus on a singular, concrete narrative that reveals your character rather than trying to summarize your entire high school resume. Keep your draft within the 650-word limit.

During September, you should also identify two academic teachers from junior year and your school counselor to write letters of recommendation. Ask them in person first, then follow up with a formal email request. Provide each recommender with a brief resume or a "brag sheet" that highlights your specific achievements in their classes. This gives them concrete details to reference when writing your letters.

### Registering for Fall SAT and ACT Dates

If you need to take or retake standardized tests, register for the September or October test administrations by late August. Check whether your target colleges require official score reports or if they accept self-reported scores on the application. This distinction can save you money on report fees during the initial submission phase.

For students seeking further guidance on test-optional policies and portfolio requirements, our curated [Admissions Advice](https://www.collegesref.com/blog?category=admissions-advice) offers detailed breakdowns by institutional type. If you plan to submit scores, log into your College Board or ACT account to select the specific colleges that should receive your four free score reports before test day.

## The Early Action and Early Decision Push: October and November 2026

### Securing Letters of Recommendation

By October, you must secure your academic recommenders. Most selective colleges require one counselor recommendation and one or two teacher evaluations. Ask teachers who taught you in core academic subjects during your junior year.

When you make the request, do not just send an automated email through the Common Application or Coalition Shared Application. Speak to the teachers in person first. Once they agree, send them a bulleted "brag sheet" detailing your specific projects, the paper you were proudest of in their class, and your intended major. This gives them concrete details to write about, which helps your application stand out in the admissions office.

### Submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile

The financial aid timeline starts earlier than many families realize. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the 2027–28 FAFSA opened on September 23, 2026. You should submit the FAFSA at studentaid.gov as soon as possible to secure federal aid, including the Federal Pell Grant, which has a maximum award of $7,395 for the 2026–27 award year.

Many private and highly selective public universities also require the CSS Profile to award institutional grants. You can check the College Board website to see if your schools require this form. Because the CSS Profile asks for more detailed asset information than the FAFSA, you should review the [CSS Profile deadlines and fee waivers](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/css-profile-2027-28-deadlines-fees-and-fee-waivers) to avoid missing school-specific priority dates. Gather your family’s 2025 federal tax returns and W-2 forms before you begin typing.

### Meeting the November 1 and November 15 Deadlines

Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) deadlines typically fall on November 1 or November 15. Early Decision is a binding agreement. If a college admits you under ED, you must withdraw all other applications and enroll. Early Action is non-binding, allowing you to compare financial aid offers in the spring.

Confirm each college's policy on standardized testing. Some schools have returned to requiring test scores, so you should review the list of [Colleges Requiring SAT or ACT Scores Again: Who Changed Policy](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/colleges-requiring-sat-or-act-scores-again-who-changed-policy) to see if you need to self-report scores or order official reports from the College Board or ACT.

Before you submit an ED application, use the college's Net Price Calculator. Print the results page showing the estimated "Net Price" line. If the final financial aid package does not match this estimate, your family can use this printout to ask the financial aid office for an appeal or to justify releasing you from the binding ED contract.

## Regular Decision and Mid-Year Requirements: December 2026 and January 2027

### Polishing Regular Decision Applications

By December, the focus shifts to Regular Decision deadlines, which typically fall on January 1 or January 15. Applicants must customize supplemental essays for each institution rather than recycling a single draft. Admissions committees easily spot generic responses to the "Why Our College?" prompt.

This is also the time to finalize financial aid forms. While the federal deadline for the 2027–28 FAFSA is not until June 30, 2028, individual colleges set much earlier priority deadlines to award institutional aid. You should [finish the 2027–28 FAFSA early](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/2027-28-fafsa-changes-early-guide) to ensure you remain eligible for state grants and institutional scholarships before funds run out. If a college requires the CSS Profile, check the financial aid website for its specific receipt deadline, which often matches the admissions application date.

### Submitting Mid-Year High School Transcripts

Most colleges require a mid-year report and an updated transcript showing senior year grades from the first semester or first trimester. Admissions offices use these grades to verify that an applicant has maintained their academic trajectory. A significant drop in grades during the senior year can result in a college rescinding an offer of admission.

Log into your high school's student portal or visit the guidance office to request these submissions. You must formally ask your counselor to send these mid-year records to every college where you have an active application. If you are targeting schools with high acceptance rates and strong student outcomes, consult the list of the [Easiest Colleges to Get Into With High Graduation Rates (2026)](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/easiest-colleges-to-get-into-with-high-graduation-rates) to ensure your mid-year academic profile aligns with their typical admitted student data.

### Preparing for Alumni and Admissions Interviews

Many selective colleges offer optional or required interviews with admissions officers or local alumni during December and January. These conversations are usually evaluative or informative, giving the applicant a chance to elaborate on their achievements.

To prepare, print a copy of your application resume and review your main essay points. You should prepare three specific questions for the interviewer that cannot be answered by looking at the college homepage. For example, ask an alumnus how the local alumni network helps students secure internships in your specific major during junior year. After the interview, send a brief, personalized thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours to express appreciation for their time.

## Waiting and Comparing Financial Aid Offers: February and March 2027

### Monitoring Admissions Portals

During these late winter months, the focus shifts from submitting materials to tracking their receipt. Most colleges send an email containing login credentials for an individual applicant portal shortly after receiving the application. Do not rely on email notifications alone to find out if an application is complete. Log in to each portal to verify that the admissions office has received your official high school transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.

If you applied under a rolling admission policy, you might receive an acceptance letter during this window. Understanding how [rolling admission explained](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/rolling-admission-explained-how-it-works-and-when-to-apply) works can help you plan, as these schools review applications and release decisions on a continuous basis rather than waiting for a single spring release date. For highly selective institutions, including those detailed in our analysis of [Ivy League Acceptance Rates Compared (2026)](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/ivy-league-acceptance-rates-compared), decisions are held until a synchronized release date in late March.

### Analyzing Financial Aid Award Letters

Once acceptance notifications arrive, financial aid award letters will follow, either inside the applicant portal or via postal mail. To compare these offers accurately, you must calculate the actual net price for each school. Locate the total cost of attendance (COA) on the letter, which includes tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and personal expenses. Subtract only grants and scholarships from this total.

Do not subtract student loans or work-study offers to find your net cost. Federal student loans must be repaid, and work-study funds are earned through hourly employment during the semester. For dependent undergraduates, the maximum first-year Federal Direct Loan is capped at $5,500 according to studentaid.gov. If the remaining net price exceeds what your family can pay out of pocket, you will need to look at other options, such as private scholarships or federal Parent PLUS loans.

### Appealing Financial Aid Packages

If a family's financial situation has worsened since filing the tax returns used for the FAFSA, you can request a re-evaluation of the aid package. This process is called a professional judgment review. Contact the financial aid office at the college to ask for their specific appeal form or instructions.

You must provide objective documentation to support your request. Gather documents such as recent layoff notices, medical bills not covered by insurance, or death certificates. Write a concise letter to the financial aid office detailing the exact financial change, such as a specific dollar reduction in annual household income. Do not ask for "more money" generally. Instead, present the clear math of your new financial reality and ask the office to adjust the data elements on your FAFSA.

## The Final Decision and Enrollment Steps: April and May 2027

### Comparing Final Options and Campus Visits

By early April, the final admissions decisions and financial aid award letters will have arrived in student portals. This is the time to compare the actual net price across different institutions. Do not rely on general estimates. Locate the "Total Cost of Attendance" line on each financial aid letter and subtract all offered grants and scholarships.

If a student is choosing between two comparable institutions, they should schedule a final campus visit during admitted student days. These spring events allow accepted applicants to attend actual classes, tour residential halls, and speak directly with department faculty. If an applicant could not [prepare for alumni interviews](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/college-alumni-interviews-common-questions-and-how-to-prepare) or visit earlier in the cycle, this is the last opportunity to evaluate the campus environment before making a binding commitment. Use this visit to ask the financial aid office specific questions about whether institutional merit scholarships are guaranteed for all four years or require a specific minimum GPA to renew.

### Submitting the Enrollment Deposit by May 1

National Decision Day falls on May 1, 2027. To secure a spot in the incoming freshman class, an applicant must submit the nonrefundable enrollment deposit through the college's student portal. This deposit typically ranges from $100 to $500.

Double-depositing, which is the practice of sending enrollment deposits to multiple institutions to buy more time, is highly discouraged. Admissions offices share lists of deposited students. If a college discovers an applicant has committed to another school, they can rescind the offer of admission. If a family cannot afford the deposit, they should contact the admissions office immediately to request a fee waiver before the May 1 deadline.

### Securing Housing and Registering for Orientation

Submitting the enrollment deposit grants access to the next steps in the matriculation process, starting with the housing application. At many universities, housing selection priority is determined by the date a student submits the housing contract and deposit, rather than the initial admissions application date. Log into the student portal to complete the housing questionnaire, specify roommate preferences, and select a meal plan.

During May, students must also register for summer orientation sessions and request that their high school guidance counselor send their final, official transcript to the chosen college. Admissions offices review these final transcripts in June and July to confirm that the student successfully completed senior year coursework and maintained academic standing.

## Early Planning for High School Juniors: Spring and Summer 2026

### Building a Preliminary College List

A junior should start researching institutions before senior year begins to avoid a rushed autumn. You can [build a balanced college list](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/how-to-build-a-balanced-college-list) by grouping schools into safety, target, and reach categories based on academic and financial fit.

To determine financial fit, do not rely on the sticker price. Instead, search the website of any prospective college for its Net Price Calculator, a tool required by federal law. Input your family's latest tax figures, such as adjusted gross income and untaxed income, to estimate your actual out-of-pocket costs.

Families can compare these estimates against national benchmarks. For example, CollegesRef data shows the median average net price after grants across 1,408 published U.S. colleges with at least 2,000 students is $13,737. For highly selective schools with acceptance rates under 25%, the median average net price rises to $25,317.

### Planning Standardized Testing and Course Selection

Spring of junior year is the optimal time to take the SAT or ACT for the first time. This timing allows students to receive their scores, identify weak areas, and study over the summer for a final attempt in autumn of senior year.

When planning senior year schedules, students should request a copy of their unofficial high school transcript from the guidance office. Check this document to ensure all graduation requirements are on track and that the course load maintains rigor. Admissions offices look for sustained academic effort, so juniors should select advanced courses, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes, in core subject areas for their final year.

### Drafting Essays Before Senior Year Begins

The Common Application typically announces its essay prompts in the spring of a student's junior year. Writing draft essays during the summer before senior year prevents the stress of balancing writing with schoolwork in the fall.

A student should focus on the main personal statement first. Write a 650-word draft that highlights a specific personal experience, avoiding generic topics. Share this draft with a college counselor or an English teacher before the school year ends to get feedback on structure and tone. Completing a solid draft by August allows an applicant to focus entirely on school-specific supplemental essays and financial aid forms once September arrives.

## Three Real-World Scenarios for the 2026–27 Application Cycle

### A first-generation student comparing in-state public universities
All household figures in this scenario are hypothetical. A student from a family with an annual income of $45,000 applies to two in-state public universities: the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida. The student starts the process in August 2026 by drafting the main Common Application essay. On September 23, 2026, the student submits the 2027–28 FAFSA immediately upon its opening, as documented by the U.S. Department of Education at https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-earliest-fafsa-launch-program-history-second-consecutive-year. Because of the family's income, the student qualifies for the maximum Federal Pell Grant of $7,395, which is verified at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell.

The student submits a priority application to the University of Florida, which has a 24% acceptance rate according to CollegesRef data, before its November deadline. The student also applies to the [University of Central Florida](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-central-florida-2891), which has a 40% acceptance rate in the CollegesRef database. In March 2027, the student receives financial aid award letters from both institutions. The University of Florida offer includes the $7,395 Pell Grant and a work-study allotment but leaves an unmet need of $5,000. The University of Central Florida offer covers the remaining cost of attendance fully through institutional grants and the Pell Grant. The student chooses the University of Central Florida to avoid taking out any student loans during the first year.

### A student targeting highly selective colleges with test scores
All household figures in this scenario are hypothetical. An applicant with a 1510 SAT score targets colleges with acceptance rates under 25%. CollegesRef data shows that the median 75th-percentile SAT math score for this selective group is 790. The applicant builds a list of six colleges in August 2026, including several where the median graduation rate is 92% based on CollegesRef data.

The applicant requests two letters of recommendation from high school teachers on September 10, 2026. The student completes the CSS Profile in October 2026 to satisfy institutional aid requirements for private universities. The applicant submits one Early Decision application on November 1, 2026, and five Regular Decision applications by January 1, 2027. In mid-December, the Early Decision school defers the applicant to the regular pool. In late March 2027, the student receives three acceptance letters. The family compares the net price calculators and the actual aid letters. One private college offers an financial aid package that brings the net price down to $22,000, which is close to the CollegesRef median net price of $25,317 for schools with under 25% acceptance rates. The student submits a $500 enrollment deposit to this college on April 25, 2027.

### A dependent student financing education with federal loans
All household figures in this scenario are hypothetical. A student with a family income of $115,000 applies to Texas A & M University-College Station, which has a 57% acceptance rate according to CollegesRef data. The student submits the application on October 15, 2026, and completes the FAFSA in November 2026.

The student receives an acceptance letter in January 2027. The financial aid award letter arrives in March 2027, showing no need-based grant aid. The family must cover the net price, which they plan to do using federal student loans and parent loans. The student accepts the maximum Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan limit for a first-year dependent undergraduate, which is $5,500 as stated at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized. The parents apply for a Parent PLUS Loan to cover the remaining $12,000 of the first-year cost. This amount fits under the Parent PLUS annual limit of $20,000 established on July 1, 2026, which is verified at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent. The student submits the housing deposit on April 10, 2027, to secure a dormitory room.

Families can map out these exact steps for their own target colleges by using the [CollegesRef Application Timeline](https://www.collegesref.com/tools/application-timeline).

## Frequently asked questions

### When should I start applying for colleges in my senior year?
You should start applying in August or September of your senior year. This early start gives you time to write your personal statement, request teacher recommendation letters, and compile your transcript before the first deadlines arrive. Starting early also allows you to match your list against admission rates, which CollegesRef data shows ranges from a median of under 25% for highly selective schools to 78% across all 1,408 published U.S. institutions with at least 2,000 students.

### What are the typical college application deadlines for 2026-27?
Typical deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle are November 1 or 15 for Early Action and Early Decision, and January 1 or 15 for Regular Decision. Some public institutions use rolling admissions, which means they review applications as they arrive until the freshman class is full. You must verify the exact date on each college's own admissions website, as some schools set unique deadlines in October or February.

### How does Early Decision differ from Early Action?
Early Decision is a binding agreement that obligates you to enroll if accepted, whereas Early Action is non-binding and allows you to compare other offers. If you apply Early Decision, you, your parents, and your high school counselor must sign a contract. You can only apply to one college under a binding Early Decision plan, and you must withdraw all other applications if you are admitted.

### When does the 2027–28 FAFSA open for senior applicants?
The 2027–28 FAFSA opened on September 23, 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Education at https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-earliest-fafsa-launch-program-history-second-consecutive-year. While the federal deadline to submit the form is June 30, 2028, individual states and colleges set much earlier priority deadlines. You should submit the form as soon as possible after the opening date to maximize your chances of receiving state and institutional grants.

### How many colleges should be on my senior year college application checklist?
Your checklist should contain seven to ten colleges, balanced among target, reach, and safety schools. A balanced list ensures you have viable options when financial aid packages arrive. According to CollegesRef data, the median average net price after grants across 1,408 U.S. colleges is $13,737, but this figure varies widely depending on the selectivity tier of the schools you choose.

### What happens if I miss a college application deadline?
If you miss a deadline, the admissions office will generally not review your application for the upcoming term. You may be forced to wait for the next term, apply to colleges with rolling admissions, or look for schools that have extended their deadlines. If an emergency caused the delay, you can contact the admissions office directly to ask if they will accept a late submission.

### Can I apply to college after the January Regular Decision deadlines?
Yes, you can apply to colleges that use rolling admissions or have late-spring deadlines well after January. Many institutions accept applications into spring and summer until their incoming classes are filled. You can search the Common Application or individual college websites to find programs that remain open for applications in February, March, and April.

### When do colleges send out acceptance letters and financial aid offers?
Colleges send out acceptance letters and financial aid offers between December and late March, depending on the application timeline you chose. Early Action and Early Decision applicants typically receive decisions in December or January. Regular Decision applicants usually receive their admissions decisions and financial aid packages in March, ahead of the traditional May 1 decision deadline.

## How we put this guide together

This guide is organized around the questions students and families ask most about the topic, and aims to help with a real decision rather than repeat general advice.

College figures in this guide come from the federal IPEDS and College Scorecard records CollegesRef imports and checks; the table and chart are CollegesRef calculations from those records. The analysis covers IPEDS and College Scorecard data for 762 published U.S. colleges with at least 2,000 students (latest data year 2025). Net price is the average paid by first-time, full-time students who receive grant aid.

Federal aid rules and amounts were checked against studentaid.gov and the other official sources below on 2026-11-04.

## Sources

- [National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/)
- [U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard](https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/)
- [studentaid.gov: Pell](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell)
- [studentaid.gov: Subsidized Unsubsidized](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized)
- [studentaid.gov: Parent](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent)
- [ed.gov: Us Department Of Education Announces Earliest Fafsa Launch Program History Second Consecutive Year](https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-earliest-fafsa-launch-program-history-second-consecutive-year)

*Editorial note: CollegesRef publishes research guidance, not individualized financial, legal, or admissions advice. College figures come from federal IPEDS and College Scorecard data imported into CollegesRef. Federal aid amounts can change each award year, so confirm them on studentaid.gov before acting. Last reviewed November 3, 2026 by CollegesRef Editorial.*

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Source: CollegesRef, https://www.collegesref.com/blog/college-application-timeline-for-seniors-2026-27-month-by-month-checklist. When citing a figure, include the data year stated next to it.