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.

Note application requirements - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

Getting organized now saves stress during application season. Create a system to track each school's requirements!

Create a Master Spreadsheet

Columns to Include

School name
Application platform (Common App, Coalition, UC, school-specific)
Application deadline (EA/ED and RD)
Application fee and fee waiver availability
Testing policy (required, optional, blind)
Number of essays and word limits
Number of recommendations required
Interview (required, optional, none)
Special requirements (portfolio, audition, etc.)
Demonstrated interest (tracked or not)
Financial aid forms needed (FAFSA, CSS Profile)
Financial aid deadlines

Where to Find Information

School admissions website
Common App (add school to see requirements)
College's Common Data Set
Financial aid website

Why Do This Now?

You'll be stressed in fall. Having everything organized in advance prevents panic and ensures you don't miss any requirements!

Overview

Getting organized now saves stress during application season. Create a system to track each school's requirements!

Create a Master Spreadsheet

Columns to Include

School name
Application platform (Common App, Coalition, UC, school-specific)
Application deadline (EA/ED and RD)
Application fee and fee waiver availability
Testing policy (required, optional, blind)
Number of essays and word limits
Number of recommendations required
Interview (required, optional, none)
Special requirements (portfolio, audition, etc.)
Demonstrated interest (tracked or not)
Financial aid forms needed (FAFSA, CSS Profile)
Financial aid deadlines

Where to Find Information

School admissions website
Common App (add school to see requirements)
College's Common Data Set
Financial aid website

Why Do This Now?

You'll be stressed in fall. Having everything organized in advance prevents panic and ensures you don't miss any requirements!

Note application requirements

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Create a Master Spreadsheet

Columns to Include

Where to Find Information

Why Do This Now?

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Note application requirements

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Create a Master Spreadsheet

Columns to Include

Where to Find Information

Why Do This Now?

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks