Mar 27 (edited) • 🎓 Strategy Posts
2️⃣📅 US Applications 102: WHEN To Do What (Timeline & Milestones!)
💡 The U.S. college application process is unique—and with so many moving parts, it’s easy to feel unsure about where (or when!) to start. Some students rush to write their personal statement before they’ve even explored their story or school list, while others wait until the fall of senior year and scramble to meet deadlines. This timeline breaks it down step-by-step 🎯
⏰ First: Understand the Timeline
If you want to start college in Fall 2026, most applications are due between October 2025 – January 2026. That means you’re applying before your final year ends—often with predicted grades if you’re studying outside the U.S.
🧠 Junior Year (Jan–June)
✅ Reflect on your strengths & build an application narrative (see separate post)
✅ Research colleges, majors & requirements
✅ Finalize your SAT/ACT testing (if you haven't already)
✅ Late spring: Brainstorm essay topics for your personal statement
✅ Late spring: Ask teachers for recommendation letters
☀️ Summer Before Senior Year
✅ Finalize school list & timeline (Early vs Regular applications)
✅ Draft & finalize your Common App personal statement
✅ Organize your activities & honors & finalize your list in CommonApp format
✅ Research supplemental essay prompts
✅ Create your application tracker
🍂 Senior Fall (Aug–Oct)
✅ Finalize personal statement & EA/ED supplements
✅ Fill out CommonApp (or other platforms)
✅ Submit Rolling Admission apps if any
✅ Submit UC Application (due Nov 30)
✅ Retake SAT/ACT if needed
❄️ Senior Winter (Nov–Feb)
✅ Submit Early Action / Early Decision apps
✅ Finalize & submit Regular Decision apps
✅ Submit TOEFL/IELTS if required
✅ Apply for external scholarships (often due Oct–Dec)
✅ Complete CSS Profile / FAFSA if applying for aid
🌸 Senior Spring (Mar–May)
✅ Receive decisions 🎉
✅ Compare offers & financial aid
✅ Attend admitted student events
✅ Accept one offer by May 1
✅ International students: Apply for student visa
💡 Your Takeaway
📌 U.S. apps are due almost a year early—plan ahead
📌 Don't start with essays—start with strategy + school list
📌 Work in layers, not all at once
🗳️ POLL: Is this what you expected the US college application timeline to look like?
🔥 Next Up: Finding Extracurricular Opportunities That Actually Stand Out (and how to get started!)
Yup, this matches what I thought! ✅
I knew a bit, but this added clarity 🔍
Not at all—I’m shocked 🤯
I hadn’t thought about the timeline yet 😅
8
12 comments
2️⃣📅 US Applications 102: WHEN To Do What (Timeline & Milestones!)
powered by
skool.com/the-ivy-wizard-2876
🎓 Free group for students applying to U.S. colleges — run by The Ivy Wizard (Harvard x2, Oxford). Strategy made accessible.
Suggested communities
Powered by