When Should I Start the Common App?

Every year, students ask the same question: When is the right time to start the Common Application?

The truth: waiting too long leads to stress, missed opportunities, and rushed essays. Starting early gives you time to showcase your best self, meet deadlines, and avoid last-minute panic.

At College Refocus in Greenville, SC, we guide students step by step through the Common App—so nothing slips through the cracks.

Why Timing Matters for the Common App

  • The Application Opens: The Common App opens August 1st every year.

  • Early Deadlines Come Fast: Many Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are November 1st.

  • Regular Decision Deadlines: Most are January 1–15.

  • Scholarships & Honors Programs: Many require essays or applications earlier than Regular Decision.

Starting in the summer—or even spring of junior year—gives you time to prepare your essays, activities list, and recommendation requests before senior year gets hectic.

When to Start Each Part of the Common App

Junior Year (Spring)

  • Begin exploring colleges & requirements

  • Draft an activity resume (clubs, sports, honors, jobs)

  • Brainstorm personal statement topics

Summer Before Senior Year

  • Create your Common App account

  • Fill in profile, family, and education sections

  • Work on the 650-word personal statement

  • Map out supplemental essays by college

Senior Year (Fall)

  • Confirm recommendations with teachers

  • Finalize and polish essays

  • Submit for Early Action/Early Decision by Nov 1

  • Keep track of scholarship deadlines

How College Refocus Helps

Our team works with Greenville students to:

  • Build a Common App timeline personalized to your colleges

  • Brainstorm and edit essays (personal statement + supplements)

  • Create a polished activities list & honors section

  • Double-check for errors before submission

  • Stay accountable to deadlines with check-ins

Common Mistakes We Prevent

  • Waiting until October to start

  • Copy-pasting the same essay for every school

  • Forgetting scholarship/priority deadlines

  • Submitting with typos or missing details

With a plan, your Common App becomes a clear path—not a last-minute scramble.

When Should You Start?

  • High-achieving juniors: Start now with essay brainstorming and college list building.

  • Rising seniors: Create your account in July and start filling in details before school starts.

  • Already senior fall? It’s not too late—but you need a focused, structured plan.

Get Expert Help with the Common App

Don’t navigate the process alone. With College Refocus, you’ll get clarity, strategy, and results.

📅 Schedule your free info session today at CollegeRefocus.com/schedule
📞 Call/Text: 864-977-1169
📍 Greenville Office: 3519 Pelham Rd #104B, Greenville, SC 29615

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