Conquer the College Application Crunch with Smart Organization

You are nearing the home stretch of the college application process, but these next few months are key. By now, you have probably had your fill of acronyms, deadlines, and keeping track of each college’s requirements. However, if you follow these few key steps and use our bonus organization chart, you’ll have the tools to succeed in college and beyond.

Create a Checklist

Most high schools prepare senior packets chock-full of important senior college to-dos. It should contain everything from when to obtain teacher recommendations to in-house college fairs to when to schedule guidance meetings. Keep this packet handy and check off each item as it comes up.

Jot Those Deadlines

Now that you have the checklist, take it one step further. If you have not kept track of deadlines or used a planner in the past, this is the time to start. Choose your preferred method. Some students swear by their Google or Outlook calendars; others prefer a non-virtual, old school planner. Figure out what works best for you, and type/write monthly/weekly deadlines. Here’s the catch: Do NOT forget to check what’s coming up at the start of each week. You may get a Google reminder the day before, but if you have not been working on the task, it will be a last minute scramble to finish.

Make a Spreadsheet

All our clients receive a spreadsheet with individualized college information. Thus, when students begin their application process, they have all they need in one place. We suggest making a similar document for your upcoming due dates. Go to this link, make a copy for yourself, and edit as needed. A sample column has been done for you.

Getting Started

When things are overwhelming, many students respond by shutting down. After all, if there are too many things to start with, why bother starting at all? The trick is to just begin. Each item you complete will make you feel accomplished. Start with the linked spreadsheet. You already have most of the information to include. You worked too hard to fall under the application avalanche. You got this!