College Submission Deadlines are Creeping Up!
Organize Yourself
Seniors in high school, Halloween is only a month away and your college submission deadlines are creeping up! Plan your parties and celebrations, but be sure to check the calendar. It’s time to get moving on your Common Application (App) and your other college submissions are NOW! The clock is ticking, but you still have time to organize yourself!
Breathe, relax, and start putting aside time each night for these college essays and research. You have approximately four weeks for Early applications and up to 12 weeks to get your act together for regular submissions. So, the first thing you’ll want to do is print out a blank calendar or pick up your expo marker and start jotting down the important dates. Having this in front of you will help you see the goals you’re working on first thing every morning.
Use Technology
Better yet, there is now a free app called Common App onTrack. This will help you stay organized and will be a great support while you are going through your college application process. This wonderful tool will help give you reminders, notifications, and deadlines to help you stay on track!
Have you taken the important tests that need to go with your applications? Two important places to visit on line are the Common App Media video on Youtube called “Deadline Reminders” as well as the ACT/SAT registration deadlines at collegeboard.org and act.org. BE AWARE: the SAT & ACT test registration deadlines and late registration dates are now!
Get Your Test Date
There is an SAT & SAT Subject test date of October 5, 2019 with a registration deadline of September 6, 2019. The late registration is September 24 with late fee. There are other SAT test dates for November 2, 2019 with a registration deadline of October 3, 2019 and a late registration of October 22 with late fee. The ACT test date is September 14, 2019, with a late registration date of August 30th with late fee. Another ACT test date is October 26, 2019 with the registration deadline of September 20, 2019 and a late registration deadline of October 4, 2019 with late fee. So, take time right now to read and register for any tests needed.
Once you take a look at the youtube video about filling out your Common Application, you can go on www.commonapp.org and learn about all the wonderful ways their new mobile app can help you through this exciting process.
Plan Your Upcoming Weekends & Holidays
Now that you’ve created a calendar and uploaded your mobile app to keep you organized on deadlines, it is imperative that you start carving out time for your essays and applications. The deadline for regular decision applications is normally between January 1 and February 1, depending on the college. With only 4 weeks for Early Action and 12 weeks until New Year’s Day, start planning your essay writing for the next 4-8 weekends. Yes, the holidays are approaching, but if you want to make your deadlines and be considered for the colleges you are interested in, you must put this work first. You are so lucky! Thanksgiving and Winter breaks are approaching. It is so important to use those days to get prepared for your deadlines. Let your parents, family, and friends know you are under deadlines and must put your work first. There will be time for turkey, traditions, and gifts, but remember, once these dates go by, that is it. There are no excuses that will help you if you miss the deadline dates.
As you write your essays in the evenings and on the weekends, be sure to find an editor or ask your English teachers politely if they would take their time to review your essays and give you feedback. Set this up immediately because at certain points, some teachers will state that they cannot look at anymore essays. Remember, a small gift for using their time and experience is appropriate.
The time is ticking quickly, but you still have more than enough time to finish the college registration process. Don’t give up! Stick to it! Most of all, try to enjoy the process. Good luck on your future endeavors!
