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 early school supplements - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

EA/ED deadlines are less than 3 months away! Start supplemental essays now to avoid October panic.

Priority Order

ED school (if applying) - your top priority since you're committing
EA schools with November 1 deadlines
Schools with multiple or detailed supplements
Schools requiring deep research

"Why Us" Essay Strategy

Be specific - reference particular professors, programs, courses, clubs BY NAME
Explain WHY these elements appeal to YOU personally
Show what you'll contribute, not just what you'll gain
Connect your interests and goals to what this school offers
Don't mention rankings or prestige

Before Writing Each Supplement

Deep dive into the school's website
Visit department pages
Read faculty research
Check course catalogs
Research clubs and organizations
Note unique programs

Timeline Goal

Have rough drafts of ALL EA/ED supplements by end of August. September is for polishing, not starting from scratch.

Overview

EA/ED deadlines are less than 3 months away! Start supplemental essays now to avoid October panic.

Priority Order

ED school (if applying) - your top priority since you're committing
EA schools with November 1 deadlines
Schools with multiple or detailed supplements
Schools requiring deep research

"Why Us" Essay Strategy

Be specific - reference particular professors, programs, courses, clubs BY NAME
Explain WHY these elements appeal to YOU personally
Show what you'll contribute, not just what you'll gain
Connect your interests and goals to what this school offers
Don't mention rankings or prestige

Before Writing Each Supplement

Deep dive into the school's website
Visit department pages
Read faculty research
Check course catalogs
Research clubs and organizations
Note unique programs

Timeline Goal

Have rough drafts of ALL EA/ED supplements by end of August. September is for polishing, not starting from scratch.

Begin early school supplements

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Priority Order

"Why Us" Essay Strategy

Before Writing Each Supplement

Timeline Goal

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Begin early school supplements

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Priority Order

"Why Us" Essay Strategy

Before Writing Each Supplement

Timeline Goal

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks