When should I start preparing for college admission?

You should start preparing in freshman year of high school. This includes focusing on grades, exploring extracurricular activities, and beginning to think about your interests and potential career paths.

What are the most important college admission deadlines?

Key deadlines include: Early Decision/Early Action (November 1-15), Regular Decision (January 1-15), FAFSA opens (October 1), and CSS Profile deadline (varies by school). Our timeline tracker helps you never miss a deadline.

How many college admission tasks are there?

There are 374+ tasks across all four years of high school, including academic preparation, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, college research, applications, and financial aid.

What is included in the admission timeline?

The timeline includes tasks for: A-G requirements tracking, standardized test prep (SAT/ACT/AP), college research and visits, application essays, letters of recommendation, financial aid (FAFSA/CSS), and scholarship applications.

Begin serious essay brainstorming - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

Starting essay brainstorming now gives you months to develop ideas before applications open. Great essays need time to develop!

Common App Prompts (2025-2026)

Background, identity, interest, or talent that is meaningful
Lessons from challenges, setbacks, or failures
A time you questioned or challenged a belief
Someone who made an unexpected impact through kindness
An accomplishment or realization that sparked growth
A topic so engaging you lose track of time
Topic of your choice

Brainstorming Approach

Review the "meaningful experiences" you identified
Free-write for 15-20 minutes on each prompt that resonates
Look for stories that reveal character, growth, and unique perspective
Identify 2-3 strong ideas to develop further
Talk through ideas with a trusted adult — often your best stories emerge in conversation

What Makes a Great Essay

Specificity: Details only you could write
Authenticity: Your real voice
Reflection: What you learned or how you grew
Character: Shows who you are beyond achievements

What to Avoid

Resumé rehash
Clichés
Writing what you think they want to hear

Overview

Starting essay brainstorming now gives you months to develop ideas before applications open. Great essays need time to develop!

Common App Prompts (2025-2026)

Background, identity, interest, or talent that is meaningful
Lessons from challenges, setbacks, or failures
A time you questioned or challenged a belief
Someone who made an unexpected impact through kindness
An accomplishment or realization that sparked growth
A topic so engaging you lose track of time
Topic of your choice

Brainstorming Approach

Review the "meaningful experiences" you identified
Free-write for 15-20 minutes on each prompt that resonates
Look for stories that reveal character, growth, and unique perspective
Identify 2-3 strong ideas to develop further
Talk through ideas with a trusted adult — often your best stories emerge in conversation

What Makes a Great Essay

Specificity: Details only you could write
Authenticity: Your real voice
Reflection: What you learned or how you grew
Character: Shows who you are beyond achievements

What to Avoid

Resumé rehash
Clichés
Writing what you think they want to hear

Begin serious essay brainstorming

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Common App Prompts (2025-2026)

Brainstorming Approach

What Makes a Great Essay

What to Avoid

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Begin serious essay brainstorming

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Common App Prompts (2025-2026)

Brainstorming Approach

What Makes a Great Essay

What to Avoid

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks