Fall 2026: Key College Application & Test Prep Dates for Each Grade

Fall can feel like a whirlwind. School starts up, clubs are back in action, and if you’re a high school student in Los Angeles, there’s a good chance you’ve got a big to-do list in front of you. Here are the most important dates to keep on your radar this season.

 

Seniors (Class of 2027)

Application Deadlines & Openings

• August 1 – Common App opens
• August 1 – UC application opens
• October 1 – UC application submission window begins
• October 1 – CSU application opens (via Cal State Apply)
• November 1 – Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) deadlines begin (check each college individually!)
• November 30 – Final deadline to submit UC and CSU applications
• December 15–31 – Most EA/ED admissions decisions released

Financial Aid & Scholarships

• October 1 – CSS Profile opens (required by many private schools)
• October 1 – FAFSA opens for the 2027–2028 academic year
• December 2026–March 2027 – Local scholarship deadlines (like Posse, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and others—check individual deadlines)

Test Dates (ACT/SAT)

Still need to take your standardized test? Make sure to sign up for a test date that leaves enough time to receive and send your scores. (Check individual school requirements and deadlines)

SAT:

• August 22, 2026 (Register by August 7)
• September 12, 2026 (Register by August 28)
• October 3, 2026 (Register by September 18)
• November 7, 2026 (Register by October 23)
• December 5, 2026 (Register by November 20)

 

ACT:

• September 19, 2026 (Register by August 14)
• October 17, 2026 (Register by September 11)
• December 12, 2026 (Register by November 6)

Be sure to register well ahead of each test date to avoid late fees and secure a local LA testing center before they fill up!

 

Juniors (Class of 2028)

This is your crucial preparation year: college visits, test prep, and deepening your leadership roles in activities.

• October 15–November 15 – Great window for visiting colleges while they’re in session.
• Fall–Winter 2026 – Start SAT/ACT prep if you haven’t already. We can help!
• October 2026 – Plan to take the PSAT/NMSQT at your school for National Merit qualification.

 

Sophomores (Class of 2029)

You’re not applying yet, but you are building a strong, foundational transcript. This is a great time to explore your interests deeply through clubs, volunteering, and outside enrichment programs.

• August – Start school strong. If you notice you’re having trouble with the rigor of a class or juggling too many things, ask for help and adjust early.
• September–December 2026 – Focus heavily on your grades. Strong academics + genuine interests now = way more options later!

 

Freshmen (Class of 2030)

Welcome to high school! The most important things right now?

• Establish good study habits and organizational routines early.
• Get involved in things that genuinely interest you—whether it’s clubs, sports, arts, or community service.
• Stay curious—you don’t need to have your career or college list figured out yet, but it helps immensely to be engaged.

 

All Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors (2028–2030)

Application deadlines for competitive summer internships, research programs, and cool camps tend to hit in December, January, and February. Check out this blog post for our extensive, curated list of programs so you can plan ahead!

The best way to reduce stress around college admissions is simply knowing the deadlines in advance. Take a few minutes to put these important dates on your calendar now. And as always, Mulholland Prep is here to help you navigate every step.

 

Important Links

• Common App
• UC Application
• CSU Application (Cal State Apply)
• FAFSA
• CSS Profile
• SAT Registration
• ACT Registration
• College Board BigFuture Scholarships
• Scholarships for LA Students (via LAUSD)
• Mulholland Prep College Counseling

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