College applications can be complicated, but here is a simple timeline to help.

August

The Comon App opens August 1. Experts say the application process begins in earnest at the start of a student's senior year of high school.

September

Refine and perfect the application and its elements, which typically include college essays and recommendation letters.

October - November

Most early action and early decision deadlines land in these months. For financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) opens in October.

January

Most regular fall admission deadlines are in January, but some colleges may push this date into early Spring.

Spring

Scholarship deadlines usually are in the early spring months.