✍️Planning Ahead: Key Dates for Rising Seniors - Class of 2026

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Sara_AdmissionsConsultant
Sara_AdmissionsConsultant Posts: 4
in Parents & Guardians

Being aware of key dates and timelines is essential for effective planning in your senior year. Here's a comprehensive month-by-month guide that includes important test dates, college application deadlines, and financial aid timelines to keep in mind.

senior year timeline.png
  • August:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • SAT:
        • August 23, 2025 (Registration Deadline: August 8, 2025; Late Registration: August 12, 2025)
    • College Applications:
      • Most college applications (including the Common Application) typically open in August.
      • Continue working on essays and gathering required documents (transcripts, test scores).

Fall 2025 (Senior Year - Class of 2026)

  • September:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • ACT:
        • September 6, 2025 (Registration Deadline: August 1, 2025; Late Registration: August 19, 2025)
      • SAT:
        • September 13, 2025 (Registration Deadline: August 29, 2025; Late Registration: September 2, 2025)
    • College Applications:
      • Refine your college essays.
      • Ensure you’ve finalized your teacher recommenders and connected with your counselor to coordinate their letter and supporting documents like the school report.
      • Start submitting applications, especially for rolling admission schools.
  • October:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • ACT:
        • October 18, 2025 (Registration Deadline: September 12, 2025; Late Registration: September 30, 2025)
      • SAT:
        • October 4, 2025 (Registration Deadline: September 19, 2025; Late Registration: September 23, 2025)
      • PSAT/NMSQT: Usually administered in October for juniors.
    • Financial Aid:
      • The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) typically opens in October (for 2025-2026, it opened November 18, 2024, but subsequent years should be closer to October 1st). Complete this as early as possible.
      • The CSS Profile (required by some private colleges for institutional aid) opens October 1st. Check individual college requirements.
  • November:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • SAT:
        • November 8, 2025 (Registration Deadline: October 24, 2025; Late Registration: October 28, 2025)
    • College Applications:
      • Early Action (EA) & Early Decision (ED) Deadlines: These are typically between November 1-15, 2025. If you're applying early, make sure all components are submitted by these dates, including any financial aid applications.
      • Follow up with colleges and check your portals to ensure all application materials have been received.
  • December:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • ACT:
        • December 13, 2025 (Registration Deadline: November 7, 2025; Late Registration: November 24, 2025)
      • SAT:
        • December 6, 2025 (Registration Deadline: November 21, 2025; Late Registration: November 25, 2025)
    • College Applications:
      • Some Regular Decision (RD) and priority merit deadlines are in December. Continue submitting applications.
      • Begin hearing back from Early Action/Early Decision applications.

Winter 2026 (Senior Year - Class of 2026)

  • January:
    • College Applications:
      • Regular Decision (RD) Deadlines: Most RD deadlines are between January 1-15, 2026.
      • Continue submitting FAFSA/CSS Profile if you haven't already, keeping in mind state and institutional deadlines.
      • Follow up with colleges and check your portals to ensure all application materials have been received.
  • February:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • ACT:
        • February 14, 2026 (Registration Deadline: January 7, 2026; Late Registration: January 21, 2026)
    • College Applications:
      • Continue following up with colleges and checking your portals to ensure all application materials have been received.
      • Start preparing for interviews if required by colleges.
  • March:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • SAT:
        • March 14, 2026 (Registration Deadline: February 27, 2026; Late Registration: March 3, 2026)
    • College Decisions: Many regular decision admission decisions are released in March and April.

Spring 2026 (Senior Year - Class of 2026)

  • April:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • ACT:
        • April 11, 2026 (Registration Deadline: March 6, 2026; Late Registration: March 24, 2026)
    • College Decisions: Continue to receive admission decisions.
    • Evaluate financial aid packages from accepted colleges.
    • Attend Admitted Student Days at colleges you are highly considering.
  • May:
    • Standardized Testing:
      • SAT:
        • May 2, 2026 (Registration Deadline: April 17, 2026; Late Registration: April 21, 2026)
      • AP Exams: Typically held in the first two weeks of May.

National College Decision Day: May 1, 2026 - This is generally the deadline to commit to a college and submit your enrollment deposit.

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