December often feels like the “in-between” month of college admissions. Early Action deadlines have passed, Regular Decision isn’t until January or February, and many families assume the window to make progress has closed. The truth is very different. December is actually one of the best times of the year to apply to college, and students who take advantage of this quieter stretch can gain a real advantage.

One of the biggest benefits is faster turnaround times. Admissions offices are fully staffed in December, and with the Early Action review cycle underway, many schools begin reading Regular Decision files as they arrive. Students who apply early in December often hear back sooner, long before the mid-winter crunch hits.

Another advantage is scholarship consideration. Many colleges tie their largest merit awards to earlier application dates, even if they don’t advertise them as “priority deadlines.” Submitting in December increases a student’s chances of being reviewed while more scholarship funds are still available. Families who wait until January sometimes miss opportunities simply because aid budgets tighten as the cycle progresses.

December also gives students a calmer, more focused environment to finish applications. Unlike January, which is filled with school events, exams, and winter activities, December offers structured time around holiday breaks for writing essays, completing supplements, and reviewing applications with less stress.

And for juniors watching all of this unfold, December provides a front-row seat to the admissions process. It’s a perfect time to prepare for next year, start building a college list, and schedule winter-break visits.

The bottom line: December isn’t downtime. It’s opportunity. Students who use this month strategically can reduce stress, strengthen their applications, and increase their chances of an early “yes” in the new year.

If your family would like help setting a December application plan, Class 101 Waukesha-Brookfield is here to guide you every step of the way.