Application Deadlines: How to Handle the Influx?

I've noticed some schools have very early deadlines for applications, and then some have quite late ones. It's a bit overwhelming, honestly. Just curious, but what's the most number of college deadlines one usually has to manage? And how do you guys handle it, especially when they're very close together?

While the number of college application deadlines you'll need to manage can considerably vary based on your personal list of colleges, many students applying to a broad range of schools may have to handle around 10-15 deadlines, especially if they're aiming for a mix of less selective and more selective colleges. Keep in mind, each student's journey is unique, and some students may apply to fewer colleges, while others might apply to more.

Handling deadlines effectively mainly comes down to organization and planning. Here are three tips that can help:

1. Use a College Application Tracker: It's essential to keep track of all your deadlines, from early applications to regular decisions. Consider creating a spreadsheet that lists each college, the application deadline, the requirements for the application, and the date you complete each task. This way, you can easily see at a glance what you still need to do and by what deadline.

2. Prioritize your Applications: It is beneficial to prioritize your applications based on your interest in the school and the deadline. If you have a school that is a high priority on your list and it has an earlier deadline, start working on that application first. On the other hand, if a school rates lower on your list, it can wait until the higher priority applications are complete.

3. Work on Common Elements in Advance: Many parts of college applications are standard across schools, such as your personal essay. Get a head start on these elements during the summer before your senior year, so you have plenty of time for revisions and can submit your best work. When school-specific elements like supplementary essays come up, you'll have more time to work on them.

Remember, spacing out your work and staying organized can prevent you from becoming too overwhelmed. Be sure to take breaks and manage your time effectively – and don't forget to proofread everything before you hit submit!