As we approach August 1st and the release of the Common Application, it’s time to gear up for your busy college application season. For rising seniors, this period can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. One of the most effective ways to manage the myriad of tasks and deadlines is by keeping a well-organized calendar.
Here are some essential tips to help you stay on top of your college applications and ensure a smooth process. Begin by noting down all the important dates related to your college applications, like:
Application Deadlines: Each college has its own deadlines for early decision, early action, and regular decision. Make sure you know the specific dates for each application type.
Standardized Test Dates: If you’re planning to take or retake the SAT or ACT, be sure to register and then mark these dates on your calendar.
Recommendation Requests: Reach out to teachers, counselors, and mentors early in August to request letters of recommendation. Provide them with deadlines and any required forms from your school.
Financial Aid Deadlines: Don’t forget to note the deadlines for FAFSA and other financial aid applications. Remember, the FAFSA is an application that must be filled out every year.
Divide the application process into smaller, manageable tasks. Here’s a suggested timeline to help you stay organized:
August:
Research colleges, finalize your list, and start drafting your personal statement. Try to polish your personal statement by the end of August.
September: To ensure clarity and precision in your applications, focus on one supplemental essay at a time. Students should try to focus on supplements and finalize as many as possible by the end of September.
October: Finalize and review your applications, ensure recommendation letters are submitted, and complete any early decision or early action applications. If you are ready to send standardized scores, please be sure to do so as early as October 1st if not sooner.
November: Continue working on any applications with a 11/15, 12/1 or 1/1 deadline. November is also a great time to start looking for community scholarships.
December - January: Complete and submit all remaining applications, and apply for scholarships.
Having a clear roadmap is essential, but setting specific, achievable goals will keep you motivated. For example, write 200 words of your personal statement, revise one supplemental essay, or research two colleges. Have a weekly goal to complete a draft of your main essay, gather information for your activities section, or finish a college visit. Try creating monthly that help you to finalize your college list, complete two applications, or submit scholarship applications.
It also is important to take advantage of digital tools to keep track of your tasks and deadlines:
Calendar Apps: Use apps like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar to set reminders and alerts for important dates.
Task Management Tools: Apps like Trello, Todoist, or Asana can help you break down tasks and stay on top of your to-do list. Williams Educational's College Planner is a great tool if you are a client as it can insert all your application deadlines too!
Document Organization: Keep all your essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters organized in cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
While it’s crucial to stick to your schedule, remember that unexpected events can occur. Stay flexible and be ready to adapt your plan if necessary. If you find yourself falling behind, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from your educational consultant, teachers, or family.
Although this post emphasizes applications, supplements, and deadlines, Williams Educational encourages you to also prioritize self-care, cherish time with friends, and savor time with family. This season is fleeting and precious; make every moment count with those who love and support you! Remember to enjoy the moment and create lasting memories.
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