The college application: A month-by-month guide to help conquer the process

By: ​Megan Ortwein

How do I receive my teachers’ letters of recommendation? When should I submit my paperwork by to meet an Early Action deadline? How do I know if my personal essay is quality or not?

For those planning to attend college, these are some of the many questions that have swirled around since school resumed at the end of August. 

The college application process is undoubtedly a daunting one, and seniors face a variety of challenges which make navigating the process all-the-more difficult. Whether a student is the eldest child, the first in their family to attend college, or generally someone who lacks knowledge about the application process, the thought of college can be overwhelming. 

Additionally, most seniors must take the initiative outside of school to answer intensive surveys, write concise essays, and submit several forms, all while balancing a steady course load. If you (or somebody you know) find yourself identifying with this stress and confusion, read on for further insight to the application process and a manageable college timeline.

*Note: Many of the following dates are not hard deadlines, but rather a suggestion of when certain tasks should be accomplished. The process will vary from student to student depending on the choice of admission plan(s). 

SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR 

• Create a Common App account beginning August 1
• Add colleges of interest to Naviance account
• Begin to fill in the Common App profile and begin drafting personal essay
• Draft other required essays  
• Begin looking for scholarship opportunities

* Not every school is found in Common App. Visit the school’s website to find the accepted application method. 

SEPTEMBER 

• Complete and submit a physical copy of the Transcript Request Form to Mrs. Hooks, Glenelg’s registrar, 20 school days prior to the application deadline. 
• Complete and submit a physical copy of the Teacher Recommendation Request Form to two teachers of choice, 20 school days before the application deadline.
  
• Students should have completed the Teacher Information forms in Naviance at the end of their junior year.
  
• A new form should be handed to the teacher(s) of choice if the student decides to add more colleges 
  
• Sign up to meet with school representatives and to participate in essay workshops though ‘What’s New’ on the homepage of Naviance. These events provide valuable information about what schools are actually looking for. 
• Continue to draft essays 
• Consider attending one or both of the college essay after school workshops 
• Students seeking financial aid should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  
  

OCTOBER

• Meet with a trusted adult to receive feedback on the essays 
• Refine essays, review and finalize Common App applications 
• Submit applications prior to the Early Decision and Early Action Deadlines at the beginning of November 

NOVEMBER

• Many Early Decision and Early Action deadlines fall at the beginning of November 
• Continue to draft essays and work on Common App applications 

DECEMBER

• Meet with a trusted adult to receive feedback on the essays 
• Refine essays, review and finalize Common App applications 
• Submit applications prior to the Regular Decision at the beginning of January

JANUARY

• Many Regular Decision and Early Action deadlines fall at the beginning of January​

---