<p>The Common Application for next application season went online a few days ago, so you could apply now if you want to.</p>
<p>If you apply now, you got those applications out of the way and can focus on school work. If you wait, you might have more time to research colleges and to mull over your essays and how you would like to present yourself in your application.</p>
<p>That’s basically it. With the exception of rolling admission schools, applying now vs waiting until closer to the application deadline will not make a difference for the actual application decision. (Your application wouldn’t get read now, but just stored in the office and read with all of the other applications later.)</p>