Spring planning
Start before senior year.
Students can use durable value principles while building an early list.
Application cycle
Timed for when decisions happen.
Durable Value Index is designed to support the U.S. application cycle, from early list-building to final offer comparison.
The annual rhythm.
February
Methodology lock.
Rules are set before results are inspected, protecting credibility and reducing outcome-driven changes.
April 30
Core data freeze.
The annual edition uses the latest available public data by the cut-off date, then moves into scoring and QA.
May–June
Scoring and quality review.
Models are run, outliers reviewed, score bands tested, and data-confidence notes prepared.
July
Factual review.
Institutions may review their own factual information. They cannot negotiate methodology, weights, or outcomes.
August 1–15
Public annual release.
The index is released when rising seniors, families, counselors, and admissions teams are actively preparing the cycle.
September–April
Decision support content.
Companion guides translate the index into list-building, affordability planning, early application checks, and admitted-student comparisons.
How the cycle helps students.
August release
Inform the application list.
The main release arrives as applications open and school lists become real.
Admitted-student season
Compare offers more clearly.
Value becomes practical when families compare offers, cost, fit, and outcomes.