College Help Squad

The 2026 to 2027 college application timeline has several major deadlines families need to track, starting with the Common App, August essay updates, FAFSA, CSS Profile, Early Decision, Early Action, UC, Cal State, and Regular Decision deadlines. Students heading into senior year should begin organizing their application materials early, including basic information, essays, school-specific questions, financial aid forms, and scholarship opportunities. Every college can have different requirements, so families need to check each school carefully and keep all deadlines in one place.

This timeline matters because the college process unfolds in stages. August is the time to prepare applications and essays, October is when FAFSA and CSS Profile become important, November brings early deadlines and UC, Cal State, and University of Washington deadlines, and December through January is when many Regular Decision applications are due. February, March, and April bring admissions decisions, followed by May 1 Decision Day. Staying organized helps students avoid rushed applications, missed financial aid steps, and last-minute stress during one of the busiest years of high school.