Track Every College Deadline
in 3 Simple Steps
Your guide to using DeadlineCampus — plus answers to the most common questions about college application deadlines, FAFSA, and the Common App.
Getting Started
Find Your Schools
Search for any college or university using the search bar, or browse all schools alphabetically. You can also filter by state to find schools in a specific region.
- →Use the search bar on the home page to find schools instantly
- →Browse by state to discover schools in your target region
- →Filter by school type: public, private, liberal arts, and more
Check Every Deadline
Each school page shows all deadline types: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, FAFSA, scholarship, and enrollment deadlines — with countdown timers showing days remaining.
- →Look at ED deadlines first if you have a clear top-choice school
- →Note FAFSA deadlines separately — they are often earlier than admission deadlines
- →Bookmark the school pages you care about most
Build Your Timeline
Use the Application Timeline page to understand the full arc of the college application process, from junior year research through National Decision Day on May 1.
- →Start your college list as early as junior year
- →Allow 2–3 weeks before each deadline to review and finalize your application
- →Always verify deadlines directly with each school's official admissions page
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Early Decision vs Early Action?
Early Decision (ED) is a binding agreement: if you are accepted, you must attend and withdraw all other applications. Early Action (EA) is non-binding: you apply early and receive an early decision, but you are not obligated to attend. You can apply EA to multiple schools simultaneously, but only one school ED.
When is the FAFSA deadline?
The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, but most colleges have much earlier priority deadlines — often February 1–15 — to be considered for the full range of institutional aid. Some schools use a January 1 FAFSA deadline. Always check each school's specific financial aid deadline on their admissions website.
What is the Common App deadline?
The Common Application platform opens August 1 each year and is used by 1,000+ colleges. Each school on the Common App sets its own deadline — there is no single Common App deadline. Most top universities have November 1 for Early Decision/Action and January 1 for Regular Decision.
What is Regular Decision?
Regular Decision (RD) is the standard application round. Deadlines typically fall January 1–15, with decisions released in late March or April. It is non-binding — you have until May 1 (National Decision Day) to choose where you enroll.
What is Rolling Admission?
Rolling Admission means the university reviews applications as they are submitted and releases decisions continuously, usually within 4–8 weeks of applying. There is often no fixed deadline, but applying earlier gives you a better chance of admission and more time to arrange housing and financial aid.
When should I submit my application?
Aim to submit at least 1–2 weeks before the deadline to avoid technical issues. For EA/ED, aim for October 15–20 if the deadline is November 1. For Regular Decision, target December 15–20 if the deadline is January 1. Never wait until the last day.
What is a CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used by 400+ colleges (primarily private institutions) to award their own institutional grants and scholarships. It is more detailed than the FAFSA and asks about assets, home equity, and other financial data. Many schools have CSS Profile deadlines as early as November 1 for Early Decision applicants.
What is National Decision Day?
National Decision Day (also called National College Decision Day) is May 1. This is the standard deadline by which students must submit their enrollment deposit to the school they plan to attend, and decline offers from all other schools. Some schools may offer extensions — contact the admissions office if you need more time.
Can I apply to multiple ED schools?
No. Early Decision is a binding agreement and you may only apply to one school Early Decision at a time. Applying to multiple schools ED is a violation of the agreement and can result in rescinded admission offers. However, you can apply Early Action to multiple schools simultaneously, and you can apply to one school ED and others EA at the same time.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
If you miss an Early Decision or Early Action deadline, you will typically need to apply Regular Decision or wait until the next cycle. For Regular Decision deadlines, some schools accept late applications on a space-available basis — contact the admissions office immediately. Missing a FAFSA deadline can cost you significant grant money, so prioritize financial aid forms.