Agree on the forward creeping timeline….a few examples:
All second semester juniors should ask two core subject teachers for LoRs before summer break. Many HSs/HS teachers are placing limits on the number of LoRs they will write. I have had multiple students over the last several years who asked junior year teachers in fall semester of senior year to write LoRs and they were told no.
Another issue that can be significant for some students who want to apply early is that HS GC offices don’t operate fully (some not at all) over the summer. Some colleges open their own apps in July, like Alabama, and while there isn’t necessarily a benefit to apply on the early side of EA/priority deadlines, students should be able to submit then if they want to and have the HS supply the required supporting materials.
There are an increasing number of EA deadlines of 10/15.
One of the most problematic early apps is Wake Forest ED. They do rolling ED admission, and it’s important to get that app in ASAP (as soon as app opens on 8/1) for several reasons including ability to sign up for an interview (they fill up quickly), give oneself the best chance for acceptance before the ED admits reach the target #, and learn a decision before other schools’ ED deadlines (so if denied by WFU, a student can apply ED 1 elsewhere).
For most students though, they do have time to take tests and/or visit colleges in the Summer and Fall of senior year.