University Application Timelines

Deborah Sandstrom | Posted on March 01, 2023
applying to college

Knowing "when to apply" is essential to the application process

Application deadlines to U.S. universities will vary. Each school makes their own timeline. Students must look at websites of the universities and programs that they wish to apply to. Application deadlines vary according to undergraduate or graduate application and by school and program. The following schedule gives an idea of what you need to do. Your own spreadsheet must be your guide.

General Schedule, focused on undergraduate programs:

The year before you want to study. (Start in June of 2023 to apply to August of 2024)  

June - September 

  1. Decide the list of universities to apply to (Aug - Sept) Make a list of 5-8 schools.
  2. Create your spreadsheet to keep track of details about each school and your applications.
  3. Find out how to get your transcripts translated and sent to universities.

September - October

  1. Create your applications at each school.  This takes an enormous amount of time.
    1. Early on, begin writing drafts of the essays for the applications. (September)
    2. Fill out the applications.
    3. Decide if you want to sign up for Early Action/Early Decision applications and work on them first.
    4. Take schools off the list as you start to learn more about them and the application process.
  2. Send in applications for early decisions if desired. (October)

November

  1. Finish up all applications.  

December - January

  1. Submit all applications according to the deadlines. Some may be December, some in January.  Graduate school applications will likely be later than this.

February - March

  1. Wait and watch for application confirmations, rejections, acceptance, waitlist letters.  
  2. Finish any late applications for schools with late deadlines or no specific deadlines.

April

  1. Choose the school you will attend.  Reply and accept your admission.  Make your deposit.
  2. Begin the I-20 process with the school.
  3. Notify other schools that you are not attending.

May - June

  1. Send final transcripts to your school.  
  2. Watch your email and start to follow all instructions from the university.  There may be testing and orientation requirements.  Your university experience is beginning at this time.  Pay attention to emails!

Look at UIC deadlines 

UIC undergraduate deadlines and application instructions 

UIC Graduate and Professional Programs

International Requirements | UIC Admissions