Senior Summer/Fall Timeline
Complete Applications
The best time to start is in June and July. The Common Application takes roughly 5-10 hours, though this estimate can vary widely. The initial interview is the most essential piece of the process, since that is how we get to know what makes the applicant special and unique. As we chat about extracurricular interests and activities, we start filling out the Activities/Honors/Additional Information sections. We also determine whether we can take advantage of the COVID question (this may be removed for the 2024 application season) and whether the student needs to fill out an additional question (for example if they switched schools). These take extra time, of course, but also provide an opportunity to tell the admissions officer more details. Students whose activities sections are full and complex require extra time and strategy. Please note: Not all schools take the Common Application but I’ve never met a student who didn’t use it at all. We know how to repurpose writings from the Common App for the Coalition App, UC system, or college specific applications like Georgetown, MIT, and Loyola.
Complete Supplements
Students who complete the Common/Coalition Application in June and July and are ready to tackle the supplements when they are released August 1. This timeline means they are done with applications by the time school begins. There is no way to estimate time needed for supplements, since every school has its own requirements. We do our best to repurpose what we have already written, expanding or shrinking to match word-count. However, it’s imperative that every supplement be rigorously focused on matching the school to student’s activities, background, and future interests. More than anything, admissions officers want to know you’ve done your research which includes attending online tours, information sessions, student panels and reaching out to students who attend the college and asking them questions.
Prep for Interviews
If you are lucky enough to get an interview (not all schools offer them anymore), we want to help you make the most of it by staying consistent with your overall narrative and showing your curiosity about and interest in the college.
Reach out to Regional Admissions Officers
Colleges favor students they believe will accept an offer of admission. We help students identify and craft emails to their regional admissions counselor and encourage them to attend virtual tours & information sessions, visit in person, and follow schools on social media.
Submit
Before submitting, we proofread every piece of the application (and always find typos).
Letter of Continuing Interest (LOCI) if deferred
It’s essential to let a college know that you are still interested and to present a new angle to your application.
Final Decision
Ideally, students will have an abundance of good choices come spring. We can guide you through making that final decision!
