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.

Plan essay writing schedule - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

Creating an essay timeline ensures you're not scrambling in August. Here's a realistic schedule!

Summer Essay Timeline

June (Now)

Finalize brainstormed topics for Common App
Start outlining 2-3 potential drafts

July (Weeks 1-2)

Write complete first drafts of Common App essay
Begin UC PIQ drafts

July (Weeks 3-4)

Get feedback on Common App essay from 2-3 readers
Revise based on feedback
Complete UC PIQ drafts

August (Week 1)

Polish Common App essay
Get feedback on UC PIQs
Begin supplemental essays for EA/ED schools

August (Weeks 2-4)

Revise UC PIQs
Continue supplemental essays
Fill out application sections (activities, demographics)

Who to Ask for Feedback

English teacher (writing quality)
School counselor (college application perspective)
Parent or trusted adult (authenticity)
College student (recent applicant perspective)

Important Reminder

After 3-4 rounds of revision, stop. Over-editing removes your authentic voice. The essay should sound like YOU!

Overview

Creating an essay timeline ensures you're not scrambling in August. Here's a realistic schedule!

Summer Essay Timeline

June (Now)

Finalize brainstormed topics for Common App
Start outlining 2-3 potential drafts

July (Weeks 1-2)

Write complete first drafts of Common App essay
Begin UC PIQ drafts

July (Weeks 3-4)

Get feedback on Common App essay from 2-3 readers
Revise based on feedback
Complete UC PIQ drafts

August (Week 1)

Polish Common App essay
Get feedback on UC PIQs
Begin supplemental essays for EA/ED schools

August (Weeks 2-4)

Revise UC PIQs
Continue supplemental essays
Fill out application sections (activities, demographics)

Who to Ask for Feedback

English teacher (writing quality)
School counselor (college application perspective)
Parent or trusted adult (authenticity)
College student (recent applicant perspective)

Important Reminder

After 3-4 rounds of revision, stop. Over-editing removes your authentic voice. The essay should sound like YOU!

Plan essay writing schedule

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Summer Essay Timeline

June (Now)

July (Weeks 1-2)

July (Weeks 3-4)

August (Week 1)

August (Weeks 2-4)

Who to Ask for Feedback

Important Reminder

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Plan essay writing schedule

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Summer Essay Timeline

June (Now)

July (Weeks 1-2)

July (Weeks 3-4)

August (Week 1)

August (Weeks 2-4)

Who to Ask for Feedback

Important Reminder

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks