For students gearing up for college applications, understanding and keeping track of application deadlines (merit scholarships too!) is crucial. Many schools require applications by November 1 for early decision or early action, but some deadlines fall even earlier in October. Keep in mind, acceptance rates go down by almost 50% once you bump to the regular round so applying early is a strategic choice. Mark your calendars and stay organized to maximize your chances of acceptance and to stay in the running for merit scholarships.
OCTOBER DEADLINES
These October deadlines are a bit of an anomaly because it’s assumed November 1 or November 15 are the earliest college application deadlines. It’s always wise to determine admissions plans for all of your target schools well ahead of any potential deadline but if you’re interested in these particular schools, it’s imperative you keep these October deadlines on your radar! The silver lining? With these super early deadlines typically come much earlier decision dates.
- Florida State University (FSU): October 15 (Florida residents only)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): October 16 (Early Action 1 for Georgia residents), November 1 (Early Action 2 for out-of-state students)
- University of Georgia: October 15
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: October 15
- University of Texas at Austin: October 15
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MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIORITY DEADLINES
If you’re considering merit scholarships, paying attention to priority deadlines is equally important. Some schools require early applications in order to be considered for merit-based financial aid. For instance, Boston University (12/1) and USC (11/1) have hard deadlines for merit scholarship consideration. Failing to meet these dates means you won’t be considered for any merit-based aid at all.
In other cases, such as the University of Alabama and other public institutions, priority deadlines allow you to maximize your chances of receiving merit aid before funds are depleted, helping to reduce the overall cost of your education which continues to soar.
MERIT AID DEADLINES YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Auburn University:Â 12/1 (28% of students receive aid, with an average amount of $8,326)
- Boston College:Â 11/1 (2% of students receive aid, with an average of $24,659)
- Boston University:Â 12/1 (4% of students receive aid, with an average of $32,831)
- Claremont McKenna College:Â 12/1 (7% receive aid, averaging $20,142)
- College of Charleston:Â 11/1 (31% receive aid, averaging $12,329)
- Emory University:Â 11/15 (5% receive aid, averaging $31,847)
- Georgia Institute of Technology :1/31 (7% receive aid, averaging $6,491)
- Purdue University:Â 11/1 (19% receive aid, averaging $5,224)
- Texas Christian University:Â 11/1 (42% receive aid, averaging $21,364)
- University of Alabama:Â 1/10 (36% receive aid, averaging $16,078)
- University of Maryland – College Park:Â 11/1 (16% receive aid, averaging $7,341)
- University of Miami:Â 11/1 (26% receive aid, averaging $23,780)
- University of Richmond:Â 12/1 (24% receive aid, averaging $26,617)
- University of Rochester:Â 12/1 (22% receive aid, averaging $16,251)
- University of Southern California:Â 11/1 (23% receive aid, averaging $18,095)
- Vanderbilt University:Â 12/1 (10% receive aid, averaging $30,039)
- Wake Forest University:Â 11/15 (2% receive aid, averaging $15,142)
- Washington and Lee University:Â 12/1 (6% receive aid, averaging $46,700)
KEY TAKEAWAY
Missing an early or priority deadline can mean missing out on financial aid opportunities or even a spot at your dream school, so be sure to mark these dates on your calendar and give yourself plenty of time to prepare and submit your application materials. Our Common App 911 and Essay Guidance Program bundle will help you meet these deadlines with ease and ensure you submit a compelling and strategic application. And remember, with Top Tier Admissions Private Counseling and Boot Camp students receiving over four million dollars in merit aid annually; you can bet your bottom dollar that they have these dates set on their calendars!
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