From 9th Grade to Decision Day

The Complete Application Timeline

Every milestone, every deadline, every critical task — mapped out so you never miss a beat.

Freshman Year (9th Grade)

Build Foundations

Focus on academics — GPA matters from Day 1

Explore 5-7 extracurriculars to discover genuine interests

Start building relationships with teachers

Begin thinking about summer plans (camps, volunteering, jobs)

Pro tip: Don't stress about 'the college list' yet. Focus on discovering what you actually care about.

Sophomore Year (10th Grade)

Deepen & Specialize

Narrow extracurriculars to 3-4 where you can lead or create

Take the PSAT as practice

Start a passion project if you have a clear interest

Research summer programs (RSI, TASP, Governor's School deadlines are fall of junior year)

Consider AP/honors course load for junior year

Pro tip: This is when your 'narrative' starts forming. Admissions officers will look for a thread connecting your activities, courses, and interests.

Junior Year — Fall

Strategy Begins

Take the SAT or ACT (first attempt)

Research colleges seriously — start building your school list

Visit campuses if possible (virtual tours count)

Apply to summer programs (many deadlines are Nov-Feb)

Meet with your school counselor

Begin identifying potential recommenders

Pro tip: Junior fall is when most premium consulting clients begin. If you're starting here, you're right on time.

Junior Year — Spring

Test & Position

Take SAT/ACT again if needed

Finalize school list (reaches, targets, safeties)

Ask recommenders formally — give them time

Start brainstorming Common App personal statement

Take AP exams

Attend admitted student events at schools you're considering

Pro tip: By the end of junior year, you should know your school list and have recommendation writers confirmed. The summer is for essays.

Summer Before Senior Year

Essay Season

Write the Common App personal statement — aim for 2-3 complete drafts

Begin supplemental essays for early-round schools

Finalize your activities list in Common App format

Research each school's supplemental prompts deeply

Organize all documents: transcripts, test scores, awards

Practice interview questions

Pro tip: This is the single most important period. Students who enter senior year with essays drafted have a massive advantage. Don't waste this summer.

Senior Year — September/October

Early Round Preparation

Finalize all Early Decision/Early Action essays

Submit ED/EA applications by November 1 or November 15

Send test scores to schools

Confirm recommendation letters are submitted

Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile (opens October 1)

Continue working on Regular Decision supplementals

Pro tip: Early Decision acceptance rates are 3-4x higher than Regular Decision at most top schools. If you have a clear first choice, use it.

Senior Year — November/December

Regular Decision Push

Receive Early Decision/Early Action results (mid-December)

Finalize all Regular Decision essays

Submit RD applications (most deadlines: Jan 1-15)

Apply for scholarships with December/January deadlines

Prepare for alumni interviews (if offered)

Pro tip: If you're deferred from ED, write a strong Letter of Continued Interest. If you're accepted, celebrate — you're done.

Senior Year — January-March

Wait & Prepare

Complete any remaining RD applications (Jan deadlines)

Complete alumni interviews as they're scheduled

Submit mid-year school report (your counselor handles this)

Continue applying for scholarships

Regular Decision results arrive (late March/early April)

Pro tip: This is the hardest part — waiting. Focus on keeping your grades up. Colleges will see your mid-year and final transcripts.

April — Decision Time

Choose Wisely

Compare financial aid packages carefully

Attend admitted student events (virtual or in-person)

Submit enrollment deposit by May 1 (National Decision Day)

Notify schools you're declining

Consider waitlist strategy if needed

Pro tip: Don't just pick the 'highest ranked' school. Pick the best fit for you — academically, financially, and culturally.

Never miss a deadline again

The portal tracks every deadline, task, and milestone automatically. Plus a 45-minute session with a former admissions officer to map your personal timeline.