College Applications Timeline (and call for beta readers)
I'm looking for 5 beta readers to receive an advanced copy for free in exchange for feedback. I'll include their name in the book. Low-income student beta readers will get free 30 min consult with me.
I’m looking for 5 beta readers to be gifted an advanced copy for free, in exchange for some brief feedback. As a thank you, I’ll include your name in the book (with your permission). I can’t handle more than 5, so please let me know asap if you or someone you know is interested.
I’d also love beta readers in the target audience: low-income high school students, soon-to-be college students, or freshman college students. I’m offering any beta readers in this category a free 30-minute college strategy consult with me.
Below is the draft college applications timeline. Let me know what you think! Anything I should add? Anything that sounds off or should be done earlier or later?
Winning College Applications Preparation Timeline
Now (the earlier the better):
- Sign up for the GRE or ACT tests (take the test early so you can retake if you need to.
- Fees are waived only if you are currently a high school junior or senior on federal reduced lunch).
-Research the list of full-need-met universities and select eight to twelve of those universities to apply to.
- Build a spreadsheet of universities that includes relevant deadlines and any unusual requirements.
- Highlight if the university has earlier deadlines for transfer students or offers early decision for transfer students (like University of Chicago).
Summer/Winter Breaks:
-Take the SAT or ACT tests.
- List your four preferred universities before taking or registering for the SAT or ACT since they allow you to send scores to them for free but only at registration.
The year you’re applying:
February/March:
- Finalize your target list of schools.
- Fill out financial aid applications for next academic year: the U.S. government’s FAFSA and the CSS profile. Request a waiver for the CSS profile fees. Send the CSS profile to your target schools.
June/July:
- Start drafting essays for college applications.
- Draft a clear list of your accomplishments to give to people who will write recommendation letters about you.
- Ask for letters of recommendation from professors, coaches, employers.
August/September:
- Continue drafting essays for college applications. Have several professors and mentors give you feedback on your essay.
- Request an electronic copy of your transcripts to review for errors and easily attach it to college applications.
- Finalize letters of recommendation.
October/November:
- Send official transcripts to the universities.
- Check whether recommendation letters are submitted. Follow up with letter writers if needed.
- Double-check applications to make sure universities received all items.
- Submit applications.
December/January:
- Continue finalizing and submitting college applications.
- Follow up with universities if needed.