<p>All the colleges state when the deadline is for submitting your
application but none of them really say when you can start...</p>
<p>Can you usually start submitting your applications like a month
before the due date? Or after the early action deadline?</p>
<p>You can at any time, but unless the admissions are a “rolling” process, it doesn’t make a difference.</p>
<p>You can apply as soon as the application for the college is available. If it uses Common Application, it is available now. If it uses its own application, the time varies but is usually months before a deadline although some are later. I believe the latest application that becomes available is that of the University of California campuses for which the application period begins Nov 1 and ends Nov 30. Most colleges will have there apps out by sometime in September or even before. Also, for most with early action you can still apply regular before the early action deadline.</p>
<p>Remember, once you submit, your file isn’t complete until your school submits their portion. If you can get it in early, fine. If you do it by the deadline, fine too. Just submit your best effort — no points for getting it in early.</p>