Ten weeks from today, on November first, the majority of early action and early decision college applications are due. (Some are due even earlier, on October fifteenth.) Although these dates are fast approaching, don’t worry – with the right organization and strategy it’s plenty of time. For the next ten weeks I will share college application tips that will make the whole process run smoothly.
College Application Tips: #1 Don’t Underestimate the Logistics.
It’s not too early to think about the mechanics of submitting your college applications. There’s a lot to the process, and it all takes longer than you think. To start, take these steps:
- Create a document with important passwords and links.
- Open your Common Application Form (more details about this component next week), create your account and fill out the demographic information.
- Set up an appointment with your guidance counselor, to make sure that you understand when they need your final school list and other information from you.
- Figure out how to request transcripts and recommendations. (Your high school likely uses a platform like SCOIR or Naviance to process your materials, and your counselor can tell you how to use these systems.)
- Get an updated copy of your transcript, and of your senior year schedule. You will need this information when filling out your applications.
- Make note of your high school’s deadlines for requesting all materials.
- Check in with your recommenders (if you haven’t asked them, do so now), and make sure that they have all the information that they need from you in order to write on your behalf.
- Research which of your target colleges require you to send official SAT, ACT or AP scores. (If you are submitting scores, do so soon – there can be a backlog, and there is no need to wait until after you submit your application.)
- Start a calendar (more on this later) with key dates. Pro tip: DO NOT plan to submit your applications the day that they are due, or even the day before. Glitches happen, and the application platforms are especially prone to crashing on high-traffic deadline days.
Next Friday, more college application tips – how to maximize the common application form.
