Timeline

Here's a rough timeline of what to expect to do each month to stay on top of college apps. Each college is different, so make sure to check individual college websites for exact dates and deadlines. 

Summer before Senior year

June: 

• Enjoy your summer 

July: 

• Brainstorm Common App essay ideas

  • The essay prompts haven't changed in years, so you can use last year's prompts as a basis

• Draft a list of colleges to apply to 

Aug: 

• Draft Common App essay

• Draft supplemental essays  

  • Make sure to fill out each college application as much as possible because the options you chose may open up additional essays to write

• Study for SAT if needed

Fall of Senior Year

Aug: 

• Finalize list of colleges to apply to

• Work on Common App essay

• Ask for rec letters

• Look for scholarships

Sept - Oct: 

• Finish Common App essay

• Work on supplemental essays

• Take SAT if needed

• Go to CVHS college visits

• Submit EA applications

• Apply for scholarships

Nov:

• Submit EA applications

• Submit other applications 

• Apply for scholarships

Dec: 

• Turn in most/last of college apps 

• Submit FAFSA

• Apply for scholarships

• Enjoy winter break

Spring of Senior Year

Jan:

• Take a deep breath if you got deferred/rejected from ED

• Apply for scholarships

Feb - May:

• Wait for decisions

• Apply for scholarships

• Enjoy senior year!