Dear Parents and Students,

As colleges release the rest of their decisions for this year over the next couple of months, the new college application cycle is almost here! We know it seems as though students have the whole year to apply to college, but it’s really only about nine months away as you want to apply as early as possible to maximum merit aid. Here is a timeline for you and your family to have a general idea of what should be done during each season. Look for a printer-friendly checklist coming soon as well. As always, please send any questions you have about the college process to scheduling@mlstutors.com, and we’ll look forward to working with you in the office!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at MLS Tutors

Junior Year (Spring)

• Research colleges and sign up for tours (make a list)

• List extracurricular activities and start building a resume

• Brainstorm your personal statement

• Catalog supplemental materials (sports videos, awards, newspaper clippings, etc.)

• Sit for a minimum of one – if not two – SAT/ACT tests in the spring and summer

• Sign up for college emails so you are aware of events and deadlines

• Plan summer activities

• Brainstorm the Common Application prompts. They are released in August, but generally most are the same year after year

• Ask teachers for recommendations and talk to them ASAP!

Junior Year (Summer)

• Visit colleges (we have tons nearby of different types for students to get a feel for what they are looking for)

• Take the final SAT/ACT

• Create a Common Application account and start filling in the basic information (demographics, etc.)

• Finalize college list

• Brainstorm and write begin writing supplemental essays

• Continue to open and read emails from schools to which you are applying, follow their social media accounts and comment on their posts

• Organize ALL your application requirements (essay prompts, required number of recommendations, creative material requirements) and put the due dates in a calendar

Senior Year (Fall)

• Focus on academics

• Finalize college list and decide schools for Early Action, Early Decision, and Rolling decisions

• Confirm letters of recommendation

• Request transcripts

• Finalize your personal essay

• Finalize the supplemental essays

• Complete the FAFSA and CSS (if needed by school)

• Submit Early Decision and Early Action applications

• WRITE THANK YOU LETTERS TO RECOMMENDING TEACHERS!

Senior Year (Winter/Spring)

• Send letters of continuing interest (for deferred decisions)

• Submit Regular Decision applications

• Rescind applications if accepted Early Decision

• Analyze acceptances and compare schools

• Attend Accepted Students Days

• Submit deposit, usually by May 1