How Long is the Common App Open?

Learn when the Common App opens and closes, key deadlines to remember, and how College Refocus helps South Carolina students stay on track.

Understanding the Common App Timeline

Every year, the Common App opens on August 1st and stays open through the following summer. This means students have nearly a full year to complete and submit their applications. But while the platform itself remains open, each college sets its own deadlines within that window. Some schools may require applications by November 1 for Early Action or Early Decision, while others accept submissions as late as January or even later for rolling admissions. This means the Common App is open for all communication all year round with a Refresh to the next coming year of August 1st.

Why Deadlines Matter More Than the Platform

It’s important for families to understand that the “open” dates of the Common App are not the real deadlines. The true urgency comes from each college’s admissions timeline. A student applying to Clemson, for example, may face very different deadlines than a student applying to out-of-state universities. Keeping track of these varying dates is where many students and parents begin to feel overwhelmed.

Most Common Deadlines Students Face

Across the country, many selective colleges set their Early Decision deadline on November 1, with some extending to November 15. These early applications are binding, meaning a student commits to attend if admitted. For Regular Decision, the most common deadline is January 1, though some schools push to mid-January or February. Knowing these common dates can help students plan backwards, giving themselves enough time for essays, recommendations, and testing requirements.

Planning Ahead Reduces Stress

Starting early is always the best approach. The sooner a student begins filling out sections like Activities, Honors, and Essays, the more time they’ll have to polish their application before deadlines arrive. Waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary stress—and can lead to mistakes or missed opportunities for scholarships.

At College Refocus, we encourage students to use the summer before senior year to get a head start. That way, when the Common App officially opens on August 1, they’re ready to move forward without scrambling.

How College Refocus Supports Students

Our role is to make sure families never have to ask, “When is this due again?” We provide clear timelines, organize tasks, and help students prioritize based on the colleges they’re targeting. Whether it’s an Early Action application for a competitive university or a rolling admission for a state school, we keep everything on track from start to finish.