When Should You Start Applying for Summer Programs?

You just started the school year; next summer seems too far away to worry about. Should you really start planning already? In many cases, yes. Summer planning starts earlier than many families expect.

While some summer programs accept applications well into the spring, many competitive programs open applications in the fall or early winter, with deadlines between December and February. Research programs and highly selective programs often have the earliest deadlines.

A useful planning timeline

• September–October: Start exploring. Talk about interests, possible goals for the summer, preferred locations, and whether residential programs are an option. Use Explore Summer to get a head start on identifying options.
• November–December: Build a shortlist with Explore Summer. Check application requirements, dates, costs, financial aid, and deadlines. Some applications may require essays, recommendations, transcripts, or test scores.
• January–February: Peak application season for many selective programs. Submit applications and keep track of decision dates.
• March–April: Many enrichment and pre-college programs still have availability, although popular sessions may begin filling up. If you're making last-minute plans, focus on programs that still have availability or use rolling enrollment.
• May and later: Options still exist, particularly local programs, camps, online programs, and programs with rolling enrollment. Choices will simply be more limited.

There is no universal application calendar. Some programs operate on fixed deadlines, while others accept students on a rolling basis until sessions fill.

Don't wait until every summer plan is finalized before researching. Creating a shortlist early gives you more options and doesn't commit you to applying.