For high school seniors and their parents/guardians, navigating the college application process can feel frustrating and overwhelming. We understand that staying organized is the key to submitting strong, thoughtful college applications. With this in mind, we put together a comprehensive checklist to keep track of your essays, activities, recommendations, and logistical deadlines every step of the way.
- Common App Essay & Supplements:
- Ensure your CommonApp essay focuses on personal growth, identity, or how you view the world. The essay should highlight traits and experiences that are not obvious from your transcript.
- Most institutions require supplemental essays; often these supplementals ask you to explain why you are applying to that specific institution. Be sure to name specific professors, upper-level courses, research labs, or campus traditions that interest you. Always avoid generic praise about location, weather, or overall prestige.
- Sometimes supplemental essays only appear after you select a specific major or answer a particular question in the “Questions” tab.
- Use the space titled “Additional Information” strictly for necessary context. Here, you can explain a dip in grades, detail unusual family responsibilities, or expand on a major extracurricular that required more space.
- Activities List & Resume:
- The Common App does not auto-sort your activities. Place your most meaningful, highest-impact commitments at the top. Admissions officers read through applications quickly; make sure to highlight the most important extracurriculars at the top of your list.
- Treat this like a professional resume. Drop full sentences and pronouns, begin your sentences and bullet points with action verbs. Also, make sure to quantify your impact, not merely describe your responsibilities.
- If you have multiple minor awards or similar clubs, group the ones that make sense together, or select only the relevant ones as focus points.
- Check if the institution accepts a supplemental resume upload. If they do, use it to expand on the technical details, leadership roles, or specific projects.
- Letters of Recommendation:
- Give your recommenders a “brag sheet,” or bulleted list of your specific contributions to their class, your intended major, and the reason for applying to this specific school.
- Most colleges require two letters from junior or senior year teachers in core subjects, which are: English, Foreign Language, Math, Science, or Social Studies. Be mindful of your teacher’s time and try to give your recommenders at least 2 weeks notice before important deadlines.
- Ensure you signed the FERPA release authorization in the Common App. This authorization waives your right to read these letters of recommendation.
- Your school counselor also must submit a letter along with your official transcript and your school report.
- Logistics, Testing, and Financial Aid.
- If you are applying with SAT or ACT scores, check whether the college accepts self-reported scores on the Common App or requires official score reports sent directly from the testing agency.
- It is not recommended to wait for an acceptance letter to apply for financial aid. If you need a financial aid package to attend your chosen institution or would like to be considered for a merit scholarship, be sure to complete the CSS Profile and FAFSA on or around the application deadline.
- Before submitting your application, generate the PDF preview of your Common App and check for weird formatting, cut-off text in the activities section, or blank fields.
Applying to college is a marathon, not a sprint. Allowing yourself enough time to review each section carefully will prevent last-minute stress and ensure your application reflects your true potential. Take your time and if you find yourself in need of help, send us a message!
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