Your Personalized College Admissions Timeline (2025–2026)


Know What to Do—and When to Do It—with Our Expert Planning Guide

🎓 Why Timelines Matter in College Admissions

Missing a deadline can cost you admission, scholarships, or housing.
Having a clear, month-by-month plan puts you ahead of the crowd.

College Refocus helps students map out:

  • Application deadlines

  • Testing schedules

  • Essay drafts and revisions

  • Financial aid submissions

  • Letters of recommendation

  • College visits and interviews

We turn chaos into clarity—no spreadsheet needed.

Key College Application Milestones

Spring of Junior Year

  • Begin building your college list

  • Plan summer visits or virtual tours

  • Register for SAT or ACT

  • Start brainstorming essay topics

Summer Before Senior Year

  • Write Common App essay and first drafts

  • Begin scholarship research

  • Finalize activities resume

  • Ask teachers for letters of recommendation

Fall of Senior Year

  • Submit Early Action and Early Decision applications (by Nov 1 or 15)

  • Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile as early as possible

  • Request transcripts and finalize college list

Winter of Senior Year

  • Submit Regular Decision applications (typically Jan 1–15)

  • Continue applying for scholarships

  • Check portals for missing documents

Spring of Senior Year

  • Compare financial aid packages

  • Visit admitted schools

  • Submit deposit by May 1

  • Decline other offers

  • Celebrate 🎉

🧾 Bonus: FAFSA + Scholarship Timeline Tips

  • FAFSA opens October 1 but delays occurred in 2024–25—stay updated

  • SC Tuition Grants and institutional aid often require FAFSA by Feb 1

  • Palmetto Fellows early deadline: April 15

  • Scholarship deadlines vary from Oct–March, so start early

🛠️ How College Refocus Helps

We help you:
✅ Create a custom admissions calendar
✅ Align your testing and essays with school deadlines
✅ Balance college apps with AP classes, sports, and life
✅ Stay accountable with friendly reminders
✅ Prioritize early deadlines for top-choice schools

You’ll never feel behind—we help you stay two steps ahead.

💬 What Families Say

“We were lost on when to do what. Kevin at College Refocus gave us a complete calendar broken down by month—and it kept my daughter sane during senior year.”
— Taylors, SC

📞 Want a Customized Timeline for Your Student?

Whether you’re just starting or already applying, a strategy session can help organize it all.

🎯 Book a free planning session and we’ll walk you through:

  • Major deadlines

  • College list building

  • Essay timing

  • Scholarship planning

  • FAFSA support

👉 Schedule a Free Admissions Strategy Call »

🔗 Helpful Links