Stressed for Jan 1st deadlines? Read this!

Hey, high school seniors! As you gear up for the next big chapter of your life, navigating the college application process can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive schedule to create your College Board account and draft your Common App and supplemental essays. By following this timeline, you’ll be set to submit everything by December 22, 2024. (Enjoy winter break!).

Week 1: July 1-7, 2024

Create Your College Board Account

• Gather your personal and school information to create your College Board account.

• Make sure to verify your account and check out resources like SAT registration and AP scores.

Weeks 2-4: July 8-28, 2024

Brainstorm and Outline Your Common App Essay

• Reflect on your experiences and achievements. What makes you, you?

• Draft an outline for your Common App essay.

• Write your first draft. Don’t worry about perfection – just get your ideas down!

• Helpful resource: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/common-app-essay-prompts

Week 5: July 29-August 4, 2024

Take a Break and Research

• Step back from your essay. Start looking into colleges and their supplemental essay prompts.

• Pro Tip: organize by using google sheets/excel

  • include information such as acceptance rates, # of supplemental essays, and most importantly, due dates

Weeks 6-11: August 5-September 15, 2024

Draft Your Supplemental Essays (schedule outlines 5 supplementals)

• August 5-11: Write the first draft of Supplemental Essay 1.

• August 12-18: Write the first draft of Supplemental Essay 2.

• August 19-25: Write the first draft of Supplemental Essay 3.

• August 26-September 1: Write the first draft of Supplemental Essay 4.

• September 2-8: Write the first draft of Supplemental Essay 5.

• September 9-15: Start editing your Common App essay.

Weeks 12-17: September 16-October 27, 2024

Edit Your Essays

• September 16-22: Edit your Common App essay.

• September 23-29: Edit Supplemental Essay 1.

• September 30-October 6: Edit Supplemental Essay 2.

• October 7-13: Edit Supplemental Essay 3.

• October 14-20: Edit Supplemental Essay 4.

• October 21-27: Edit Supplemental Essay 5.

Weeks 18-23: October 28-December 8, 2024

Finalize Your Essays

• October 28-November 3: Finalize your Common App essay.

• November 4-10: Finalize Supplemental Essay 1.

• November 11-17: Finalize Supplemental Essay 2.

• November 18-24: Finalize Supplemental Essay 3.

• November 25-December 1: Finalize Supplemental Essay 4.

• December 2-8: Finalize Supplemental Essay 5.

Weeks 24-25: December 9-22, 2024

Review and Submit

• December 9-15: Proofread all your essays for any errors.

• December 16-22: Submit your Common App and all supplemental essays.

Pro Tips:

• Stay organized: Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of your progress.

• Get feedback: Ask teachers, family, or friends to review your essays.

• Stay motivated: Take breaks when needed, but stick to your schedule to avoid last-minute stress.

• Spaced Editing: Taking some time between writing the first draft vs editing will allow you some time away from the writing, so you can catch errors more effectively!
  

Following this schedule will help you tackle your college applications methodically and confidently. Good luck, seniors – you’ve got this!