Rising Senior College Admission Countdown

When you read this blog, keep in mind you do not have to do the college application process alone.  Other students, parents, teachers, high school counselors are often confused by how this whole process works.  At College Advance, we can help you with each step listed below.  Check out our Program Packages and Senior Express Program for more information! Getting into college today requires early planning – especially when it comes down to developing a winning application.  It is highly recommended that you begin your application process in earnest in May or June of the Junior year.

Completion of the common application, the main essay for the common application, supplemental essays, background information forms filled out for your recommendation writers should all be completed by the start of the school year.

Be a Leader Among Friends – Work on Your Applications this Summer

Even though many of your friends may not have even thought about which colleges to apply to, it is important to note that it is you who is getting into your target colleges.  If anything, you can set an example for your friends who are procrastinating or think that getting ready for college doesn’t have to begin until the fall of the Senior year.

Your College Essay Requires Time and Multiple Drafts

The college essay has become increasingly important as the number of applications rise at most all competitive colleges.  With so many high school seniors applying with top grades, scores and resumes, the essay can distinguish you from your competition.  So, it is really important to finish it during the summer.

Note that the one college essay is not the only essay you will be writing.  No, it doesn’t stop there.  Most schools have supplemental essays you must write.  The essay on why you want to attend their college is also critical.  You need to know specifically what the colleges have that you want and what you will bring to the campus.

Starting Early on College Applications – Quality Goes Up to Get In

The college application process is about as time consumming as a high school class, depending on your target schools.  Keep in mind the fall grades are very important to most all colleges except the UCs and Cal States.  So, best to work on those essays, applications, volunteering, etc. for you to stand out.

Timeline we suggest as you plan the remaining weeks of your summer:

1. Get Organized: Develop excel spreadsheets with your due dates



2. By the middle of July you should have the following completed:
• a) First or second draft of your Common Application Main Essay
• b) Revised, completed resume
• c) Rough draft of the Common Application (on line)
• d) Next to final list of 5-8 colleges where you definitely will apply
• e) Determine what additional tests you will need to take in the fall. Begin test prep.
• f) Register for all upcoming tests through December 2014
• g) Participate in summer activities which should include community service, research or a job
3. By the end of July/August 1 the following should be completed:
• a) First or second draft of your Common Application Main Essay
• b) Revised, completed resume
• c) Rough draft of the Common Application (on line)
• d) Next to final list of 5-8 colleges where you definitely will apply
• e) Determine what additional tests you will need to take in the fall. Begin test prep
• f) Next to final draft of the Common Application Main Essay
• g) Final list of top 5 colleges where you will apply and one paragraph for each as to why
• h) Brainstorming of essays for the supplemental applications for these colleges
• i) Completion of recommendation packets for teachers/counselor
4. By the end of August the following should be completed:
• a) Brainstorming of essays for the supplemental applications for these colleges
• b) The official Common Application (release date: 08.01.2014)
• c) Final list of top 10-12 colleges and paragraph “why this college” for each
• d) Rough drafts of one or two supplemental essays