For Students Planning to Start in Fall 2026
If you’re planning to begin your undergraduate studies in the United States in Fall 2026, you’ll be applying during the 2025–2026 admissions cycle. U.S. universities offer several types of application plans, each with its own timeline. Understanding these deadlines will help you stay organized and submit your materials on time.
Application Windows
Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED)
Deadline: October 15 and November 15, 2025
Decision Notification: mid-December 2025
Notes: Early Action is non-binding — you can apply to multiple schools. Early Decision is binding — if accepted, you must enroll.
Regular Decision (RD)
Deadline: Typically between January 1 and January 15, 2026
Decision Notification: Usually by March or April 2026
Rolling Admission
Deadline: Varies by university; applications are accepted until spots are filled
Decision Notification: Often within 4–6 weeks of submission.
Deadline: October 15 and November 15, 2025
Decision Notification: mid-December 2025
Notes: Early Action is non-binding — you can apply to multiple schools. Early Decision is binding — if accepted, you must enroll.
Regular Decision (RD)
Deadline: Typically between January 1 and January 15, 2026
Decision Notification: Usually by March or April 2026
Rolling Admission
Deadline: Varies by university; applications are accepted until spots are filled
Decision Notification: Often within 4–6 weeks of submission.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Deadlines
FAFSA (for eligible applicants): Opens October 1, 2025
University-specific scholarship applications: Often due with or shortly after your main application — check each university’s financial aid page.
University-specific scholarship applications: Often due with or shortly after your main application — check each university’s financial aid page.
External scholarships: Deadlines vary, but many fall between October 2025 and February 2026.
EducationUSA advises students to begin preparing 12–18 months in advance of their intended start date.
That means:
Spring–Summer 2025: Research universities, prepare for standardized tests, begin drafting essays
Fall 2025: Finalize applications and submit Early Action/Decision
Winter 2026: Submit Regular Decision applications
Spring 2026: Receive decisions, apply for visas, and prepare for departure
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