* The country and university: Application deadlines vary drastically worldwide. Some countries have a single centralized application system with a strict deadline (like UCAS in the UK), while others have rolling admissions or individual deadlines for each university. The university itself will have specific deadlines for each program and intake.
* The program: Some programs are more competitive than others and may have earlier deadlines. Popular programs often fill up quickly.
* Your citizenship and residency status: International students often have earlier application deadlines than domestic students. Visa processing time should also be factored in.
* Your financial aid application: If you need financial aid, you'll need to apply well in advance to ensure you have funding secured before the enrollment deadline.
Generally:
* Start researching early: Ideally, start researching universities and programs at least a year, or even 18 months, before the intended start date. This allows ample time for research, applications, and any required testing (like the SAT or ACT).
* Check specific university deadlines: The most important thing is to check the specific application deadlines for the universities and programs you're interested in. These deadlines are usually clearly stated on the university's website.
* Don't miss deadlines: Late applications are often not considered, or may result in penalties.
In summary, there's no single answer. Be proactive and check the university's website for their specific application deadlines. This is the most crucial step to ensure you can register successfully.