Helped out the mom of a senior-college admissions

Each college has a different deadline and process for notification. One college my DD applied to took applications beginning October 1 and she had that answer within 3 weeks, including the mailing time for her notification. DS applied to Notre Dame and the notifications for traditional applications came the end of April. May 1 is generally decision day, with intentions declared at that point.

Most schools will have a deposit (generally about $200) for housing due in the spring, with a full refund before May 1.  But be sure to check that before paying anything.  That allows a student to change their mind before May 1.

Go to the college's website and the application deadlines should be listed, along with the decision process. Be sure to pay attention to the early decision vs early action vs traditional deadlines.

My girls applied in August and knew by mid-September that they were accepted to their university. We didn't do the FAFSA at all when they were in college. Now one daughter is headed to medical school, and she was told she can apply Oct. 1 for her July 2018 medical school start date. They will look at her 2016 taxes (which she has none), and they won't look at ours because she will be a graduate/professional student.

It depends upon the college. We found out between February and March for most of our schools. However, some people find out sooner. I'm going through it for the 2nd year w/my ods. He's transferring to university as a junior next fall. I will warn you that the application process can be very stressful, because it's become so competitive and in some cases rigorous.

There is no normal for this. Every university is different on their time line. Dealing with admission AND housing can be a night mare; just because they are the same school doesn't mean the deadlines for housing and the deadline for being admitted line up. You must talk to the admission advisor at that particular university on how to handle it when their housing requirements and admission dates don't line up.  And know that universities often do something like requiring early commitment to housing in an effort to stop (or at least slow down) the university "shopping" (applying for a long list of schools before choosing) 

Up until a year or two ago people did need taxes done in January for the fafsa.  But the fafsa rules have changed so you can use the previous year's tax record then amend it later so everyone isn't trying to do financial aid in January.  Check the fafsa website for deadline information. fafsa.ed.gov/  

For me, I'm currently getting both Spring 2018 and Fall 2018 applications.  My focus is on the spring aps.  I process fall aps on a basis of "as I have time"  which means one person gets a response the next day... another person may end up waiting 3 weeks.  Don't read anything into a delayed response. It might just simply mean the admission office is taking care of spring entries, or going on vacation for a bit. Nothing at all to do with your child's prospects. 

My daughter applied to most of her schools in September and received acceptance letters in October. One school had a longer application and she sent it out in December and was accepted in February. She attended a college fair a few days after applying to one school. She talked to the recruiter at the college fair and told her that she had just applied. The recruiter made a point to look for her application and sent her an email a couple days later saying she was accepted. That school fussed over her a bit and it immediately became her favorite. We sent a housing deposit to that school in January knowing we could get it back if she decided to go somewhere else by May. We have filled out the FAFSA from every year. Her college takes off $500 off if you fill it out. It gives her the option to take out a loan and the last couple years she has been eligible for a small amount of work study. She hasn't done either, but I do like that she is given the option. You never know.

Yes, I was only talking about federal aid here. We haven't even begun to look at other aid. If they look at our stuff, she will be denyed by everyone. We are waiting to get more info in her packet from the medical school. Fun times.

And some school will consider you without the FAFSA. Check with the schools; they are all different. Our girls all had scholarships without the FAFSA. 

Ds applied when the application period for his school opened in August or September. He was accepted within 2-3weeks and had his scholarship notification by the end of September/early October. His getting in was never in question, but I suppose if you are on the cusp, you might have to wait longer. Anyway, all of this will vary be school.

Cool, thank you! I will pass on to DD.

University of Kansas.  Hope that helps

Rock Chalk!