Senior year is here—and while the energy of final year of high school is exciting, it’s also crunch time if you’re applying to college, especially if you have Early Action deadlines in October or November.

The truth is: September can make or break your application timeline.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to be doing right now, the opportunities most students forget, and the critical steps to take in September if you’re aiming for those early deadlines.

Preparing for College Applications

1. Finalize Your College List
Narrow your list to include:
• REACH schools (some of you will want to make a fourth category – LOTTERY SCHOOLS – for the uber-selective ones.)
• TARGET schools
• SAFETY schools
Include at least one in each category and be realistic based on your GPA, test scores (if applicable), and extracurriculars. You can compare stats in college guidebooks or on the College Board website.

2. Complete Your Common App (or other platforms)
The Common App opened August 1—so if you haven’t already:
• Create your account – www.commonapp.org
• Load your college list and confirm deadlines for each school – (info on Common App site)
• Complete the data input on the Profile, Family, Education, and Testing sections
• Prepare a resume if you don’t already have one.
• Make sure your descriptions meet and don’t exceed the character count. Common App is stingy with the character count, (Position/Leadership, 50 characters; Name of Organization, 100 characters; and Description – Responsibilities/Accomplishment, 150 characters.) Don’t underestimate how long this may take. Put your activities in order of their importance to you (usually time commitment-related).

3. Write (and Revise) Your Personal Statement

The Personal Statement is the one Common App (CA) essay that almost all schools require. There are seven prompts listed in the CA Writing Section.

• This is not a school essay—it’s about your story, voice, and values.
• Choose a topic that reflects growth or a defining experience
• Have at least one adult (teacher, counselor, mentor) give feedback
• Avoid clichés—don’t write about winning the big game unless it reveals something deeper about you

SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS
Many schools also require supplemental essays—check every college’s individual application page and create separate Google/Word documents for each college/university. Copy the prompt as well as the max word/character length, and then add this line: Current Word Length. Make sure to update that number each time you review and edit. That will guide you in your editing process.

4. Ask for Letters of Recommendation

• Ask now, before teachers get overwhelmed
• Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your growth, character, and classroom contributions
• Provide a brag sheet or resume to help them write detailed letters

5. Take (or Retake) Standardized Tests

• Determine which of your colleges are “Test-Optional,” “Test-Blind,” “Test-Required” or “Test-Free.”
• Decide if you are done with testing, i.e., you’ve achieved a score that pleases you.
• Register and prep for fall testing.
  • Future SAT test dates: September 13, October 4, November 8, and December 6
  • Future ACT test dates: September 6, October 18, and December 13.
• If you’re submitting SAT/ACT scores: September and early October test dates are likely your last chance for Early Action schools
• Register early to avoid late fees

Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.com; www.bierercollegeconsulting.com