What is the earliest deadline for college applications?

The earliest deadline for most colleges is November 1, which is common for Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) applications. Some schools may allow slightly later deadlines, such as mid-November or until December 1. These early programs are great options if you have a clear first-choice school or want to receive admissions earlier.

In addition, colleges with November deadlines notify applicants of their decision by mid to late December, providing clarity much earlier than regular admissions timelines. Remember to check each college’s website or admissions portal for specific deadlines, which can vary depending on the school and academic program.