Learn when to apply and prepare

Application deadlines

You'll usually apply to U.S. universities during your final year of high school—typically between November and mid-January. Already graduated? No worries. You can still apply as a gap-year student.

🗣️ veronica says...

Veronica Lee

Admissions Expert

Applying happens in your senior year, but the real work starts way earlier—think 2-3 years ahead of deadlines. Building solid extracurriculars, prepping for tests, and researching universities takes time. This isn't something you can cram into a few months.

Types of Application Deadlines

Early Decision (ED)

ED is perfect if you're absolutely sure about your top-choice school. You'll apply by November and get your answer by December. But here's the catch: ED is binding, meaning you must attend if accepted. You can choose only one school for ED.

Early Action (EA)

EA is similar to ED, but without the commitment. You'll apply around November, hear back by December or January, and still be free to compare other offers. You can apply EA to multiple schools.

Restrictive Early Action (REA)

REA (also called Single-Choice Early Action) is non-binding but comes with rules. You'll apply by November, get your decision around December, and won't be obligated to attend. But there's a twist: if you choose REA, you can't apply ED or EA to other private schools, though public universities are usually okay. Check each school's rules carefully.

Regular Decision (RD)

This is the most common (and commitment-free) way to apply. Deadlines are usually in January, with decisions announced by March or April. You'll have until May 1st to decide. You can apply RD to multiple schools. Miss this deadline, though, and you're stuck waiting another full year.

Rolling Admissions

A handful of colleges don't set strict deadlines—they review applications as they come in. But watch out: some have priority dates, meaning you'll get an advantage by applying early.

Gap year students

If you miss the RD application deadline or decide to postpone your application to a year later after you have already finished high school, you will be considered a gap year student. Being a gap year student is very common and does not put you at a disadvantage. In fact, it is a great opportunity to explore your interests, pursue amazing internships, or just study more for your standardized tests. Some students take 2 or even 3 gap years.

Here are a few successful international students who took one or more gap years:

🗣️ veronica says...

Veronica Lee

Admissions Expert

Even though taking a gap year will not hurt your chances of admission, it's important to spend it wisely. On the Common App, you will be asked to write a Gap Year Statement, explaining how you spent it, what you learned, and how it prepared you for success in college.

Application deadlines worldwide

As you will learn in the following chapters, building a balanced college list will often involve applying to multiple countries beyond the USA. While keeping track of all the different applications might be tricky, you will notice that most deadlines fall around January.

Grade 9-10 timeline

Like we mentioned earlier, your college prep starts waaay before application deadlines. Here's your step-by-step roadmap from grades 9 and 10 onward (yes, that early!).

• Choose challenging but realistic classes—think Pre-IB, Pre-AP, or accelerated tracks if they're available. And yes, every grade counts—even those freshman year grades you wish you could forget.
• Get involved with clubs, extracurriculars, and summer programs—but only pick ones you actually like! Admissions officers can smell a "doing-this-just-for-college" activity a mile away.
• Start exploring personal projects—not because you need something fancy for your applications, but because figuring out what genuinely excites you matters.
• Research colleges early, connect with other international students who've been through it, and definitely use Borderless.

Grade 11 timeline

By 11th grade, things get serious—but you've got this:

• Push yourself academically—universities love seeing strong grades this year especially. No slacking!
• Aim for leadership roles in your clubs, sports teams, or volunteer groups. Keep pursuing activities that genuinely excite you and make an impact.
• Thinking of launching or leading your passion project? Now's the perfect time.
• Prepare for and take standardized tests: SAT or ACT. If English isn't your first language, add TOEFL or IELTS to your list.
• Explore universities virtually or visit them in person during open-house events.
• If your school has one, schedule a one-on-one meeting with your college adviser for personalized advice, or consider mentorship from Borderless.
• Continue researching universities and scholarships. Your future self will seriously thank you.
• Towards the end of 11th grade, request your letters of recommendation—your teachers will appreciate the early notice.
• Begin brainstorming ideas for your Common App Personal Statement. Yes, already!

Grade 12 timeline

Grade 12—it's go-time:

• Applications typically open around August—don't procrastinate, start early!
• If possible, take more challenging courses in the fall semester. Remember, universities make decisions before seeing your final Grade 12 grades.
• Secure your letters of recommendation, transcripts, and all other necessary documents.
• Spend quality time refining your personal statement and supplemental essays. Rushing this part is a huge no-no.
• Complete all applications through Common App or other relevant platforms.
• Applying Early Decision or Early Action? Deadlines usually fall between October 15 and November 15. Regular Decision is typically due in January.
• Don't forget your Financial Aid application form—seriously, don't.
• Prepare thoroughly and confidently for your college interviews.
• Late March or early April means acceptance letters! Choose carefully—the right fit matters for your goals and your budget.