Timeline to prepare for college applications

It would be nice to just float aimlessly in warm, clear water. And yes, you can do that. But while you're staring at the clouds this summer, take a few minutes to think about how you will tackle the college application process. A little bit of planning will make September less stressful. Here's an overview of what happens, year by year. The idea is to break the work into manageable steps.

9th GRADE

• Focus on your classes.

• Enjoy sports, clubs, activities, jobs, volunteer work.

10th GRADE

• Keep a record of everything you do. Use Google docs.

• Lean into the activities and academic areas you love.

• Take the PSAT and the Pre-ACT.

• Study for SAT or ACT (summer after after 10th grade)

11th GRADE

• Take the SAT and ACT. Maybe more than once. 

• Tour schools. Either in person or virtual.

• Take on leadership roles in activities.

• Get letters of recommendation in the spring

• Create a resume and LinkedIn profile.

• Think about how would you “pitch” yourself? What is different about you?

12th GRADE

• Summer before senior year, start applications. Do your activities list for the Common App and the main essay.

• November: Apply Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA). Or both.

• December: Apply Regular Decision (RD).

• Apply to roughly 12 schools: 4 “safety”, 4 “likely,” and 4 “reach.”