Most U.S. colleges have undergraduate application deadlines between late November and mid-March. However, it’s wise to start preparing well before then. We recommend kicking off your college application journey the summer before your junior year of high school.
A typical college application requires several key components:
- Personal information, extracurriculars, and awards
- Admissions essays
- Official academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.)
- Letters of recommendation
To keep all these moving parts on track, we’ve created a free Google Sheets College application tracker template to use as your centralized college application tracker. This template is your command center with tabs for deadlines, requirements, essay tracking, and more.
College application timeline
Before discussing specifics, it’s crucial to establish a realistic timeline for the entire process. Successful applicants begin preparing during their junior year of high school or even earlier.
All materials – from essays to test scores – are ready to submit by the fall of your senior year. You should start exploring colleges, taking standardized tests, and drafting essays in your junior year.
Leverage our comprehensive timeline to organize and keep tabs on every component of your college applications, from personal statements and transcripts to test scores and recommendation letters, ensuring you easily meet all requirements and deadlines.
Research schools
Your college journey begins with introspection – an honest self-assessment of your academic interests, career aspirations, and personal preferences. Armed with this self-knowledge, you can embark on a focused exploration of potential colleges and universities.
Make your college list
Start by brainstorming various schools aligning with your academic profile, extracurricular pursuits, and values. Then, categorize them into reach, target, and safety schools based on factors like admission rates, test score requirements, and academic rigor.
Remember, your college list should reflect a healthy mix of options, providing you with choices while ensuring a strong chance of acceptance at several institutions.
Visit schools
While virtual tours and informative websites can offer valuable insights, there’s no substitute for the real thing. Whenever possible, visit the campuses on your list to get a genuine feel for the environment, culture, and overall vibe.
As you explore each college, pay attention to the little details that could sway your decision – the quality of student housing, the campus quad’s energy, or the community’s warmth. These firsthand impressions can make or break your connection with a school, so immerse yourself fully.
Note requirements and deadlines for each school
Each college and university has its unique set of requirements and deadlines, from application fees and supplemental essays to letters of recommendation and transcript submissions. Staying organized is critical to avoiding missed deadlines or incomplete applications.
Create a comprehensive spreadsheet or use a college application management tool to track every detail for each school on your list. Note specific deadlines, required materials, and additional expectations, such as interviews or auditions. This centralized information hub will be your lifeline throughout the process.
Choose early decision, early action, regular decision, or rolling admissions
Most colleges offer multiple application options, each with its own set of pros and cons. Early Decision is a binding option for students who have identified their top-choice school, granting admission advantages but limiting flexibility. Early Action, on the other hand, is non-binding and can increase your chances of acceptance without commitment.
Regular Decision and Rolling Admissions offer more time for preparation but may be more competitive. Carefully weigh the trade-offs and deadlines for each option, aligning your choices with your academic priorities and personal preferences.
| Admissions Type | Application Due | Decision Notification | Binding Status |
| Early Decision I | November 1 or 15 | Mid-December | Binding, unless insufficient financial aid |
| Early Decision II | January 1 or 15 | January–February | Binding, unless insufficient financial aid |
| Early Action | November 1 or 15 | Mid-December | Non-binding |
| Regular Decision | Late November–mid-March | March–April | Non-binding |
| Rolling Admissions | July–April | 4-8 weeks after submitting | Non-binding until class fills |
Apply for financial aid
For many students, financing a college education is a critical consideration. Fortunately, various financial aid opportunities exist, from federal and state grants to institutional scholarships and work-study programs.
Apply for the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to most forms of financial assistance, including loans, grants, and work-study programs. Complete this application as early as 1st October, as some funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Remember, the FAFSA is an annual requirement, so you must renew your application each year to maintain aid eligibility. For international students seeking financial aid opportunities to study in the United States, consulting the U.S. Department of Education’s resources and guidelines is highly recommended to explore available options and eligibility requirements.
Apply for application fee waivers
College application fees can quickly add up, potentially creating a financial barrier for some students. Fortunately, most colleges offer fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need.
Research the fee waiver policies for each school on your list and apply for waivers wherever eligible. This simple step can save you hundreds of dollars and make the application process more accessible.
Complete scholarship applications
In addition to federal and institutional aid, countless private organizations and foundations offer scholarships to deserving students. These merit-based awards can significantly offset the cost of tuition, room, and board.
Dedicate time to researching and applying for scholarships that align with your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, or personal background. Complete scholarship applications, compile necessary documentation and craft compelling scholarship essays. Don’t overlook local or niche opportunities; they often have less competition and can provide valuable support.
Take standardized tests
For better or worse, standardized tests remain a crucial component of the college application process. Preparing for and performing well on these exams can significantly impact your chances of admission.
Take the SAT or ACT
The SAT and ACT are the two primary college entrance exams in the United States. While they measure similar skills, the format, content, and scoring systems differ. Research the specific requirements and preferences of the schools on your list to determine which test (or both) you should focus on.
Regardless of your chosen exam, allow ample time for preparation and consider taking the test multiple times to achieve your best score.
Take Advanced Placement exams
Many colleges value Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores as a measure of academic readiness and potential college credit. If you’ve taken AP courses in high school, plan to sit for the corresponding exams and demonstrate your subject mastery.
Strong AP scores can enhance your application and save you time and money by allowing you to earn college credits before you even set foot on campus.
Write college application essays
For many students, the college essay is the most challenging – and arguably the most important – aspect of the application process. This is your opportunity to transcend the numbers and statistics, revealing the unique individual behind the academic record.
Write your main college admissions essays
Most colleges require a primary personal statement or essay for their application. This is your chance to showcase your writing abilities, creativity, and depth of thought. Brainstorm topics that highlight your passions, values, and life experiences, and craft a compelling narrative that captures the essence of who you are.
Remember, admissions officers aren’t just evaluating your writing skills but seeking insights into your character, intellectual curiosity, and potential contributions to their campus community.
Write supplemental essays
Many colleges require supplemental essays or short-answer responses like “Why this college?” essays. These scholarship essay prompts may range from probing academic interests and extracurricular pursuits to exploring personal challenges or defining moments.
Approach each supplemental essay with the same level of care and thoughtfulness as your primary statement. These bite-sized windows into your life can often reveal more about your personality and motivations than a more extended, formal essay.
Revise your essays and get feedback
Exceptional college essays are rarely born from a single draft. Your writing truly shines in the revision process, transforming raw thoughts into polished, powerful narratives.
Step away from your work after completing your initial drafts and return with fresh eyes. Refine your language, tighten your structure, and ensure every word serves a purpose. Then, seek feedback from trusted mentors, teachers, or writing professionals who can offer constructive critiques and suggestions for improvement.
Complete college applications
With your essays and materials organized, it’s time to tackle the application. This is where your hard work comes together, presenting a comprehensive and compelling case for your admission.
Create accounts on college application portals
Colleges and universities utilize online application portals, such as the Common Application or their institutional websites. Familiarize yourself with these platforms early, creating accounts and gathering the necessary information to complete your profiles.
Fill out your personal information, extracurriculars, and awards
The application will require you to provide detailed information about your academic history, extracurricular involvement, honors and awards, and personal background. Approach each section carefully, ensuring accuracy and highlighting your most impressive achievements.
Upload your essays
Once you’ve finalized your essays, it’s time to upload them to your applications. Double-check formatting and adherence to word count or page limits, and ensure your essays are tailored to each specific college’s prompt.
When uploading files for your college applications, submit them in PDF format, using a standard font like Times New Roman with 1.5 or double line spacing for optimal readability.
Send your high school transcripts and test scores
Most colleges require official transcripts from your high school and standardized test scores from the SAT, ACT, or AP exams. Follow each institution’s guidelines for submitting these materials, and keep an eye on your application portals to ensure they’ve been received and processed correctly.
Request letters of recommendation
Many colleges require one or more letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other mentors who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential for success. Choose your recommenders wisely, and provide them with ample time and guidance to craft thoughtful, impactful letters on your behalf.
Write your resume
While not required for all applications, a well-crafted resume can supplement your college materials. Use this document to showcase your extracurricular accomplishments, work experience, volunteer activities, and other relevant experiences that highlight your skills and passions outside the classroom.
Review your application
Before submitting, take one final, comprehensive review of your entire application package. Check for consistency, accuracy, and completeness across all sections, and ensure you’ve addressed every requirement and guideline set forth by each college or university. A good review at this stage can catch any overlooked details or errors, allowing you to confidently submit your applications.
Checklist
To ensure you stay on track, refer to this handy checklist:
✓I have established a realistic timeline for the entire college application process.
✓I have researched and visited potential colleges and universities.
✓I have noted the requirements and deadlines for each school.
✓I have chosen my application options (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admissions).
✓I have applied for financial aid (FAFSA, fee waivers, scholarships).
✓I have taken the required standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP exams).
✓I have written compelling college application essays (personal statements and supplemental essays).
✓I have completed online applications (personal information, extracurriculars, awards).
✓I have uploaded essays and submitted the required materials (transcripts, test scores, recommendations).
✓I have written a comprehensive resume highlighting my achievements.
✓I have thoroughly reviewed my entire application package for accuracy and completeness.