Where should I be in my application process?
Some people I know have already submitted applications to schools that have opened, but I have barely started the application process because I am not sure where to start. Where do you think we should be at this point in the application process?
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2 answers
The answer depends on what grade you are in. If you are a freshman or sophomore, all you need to focus on is building your school list, visiting colleges, and taking the SAT or ACT.
The summer before your senior year is when you will want to start completing application components. Your goal should be to finish your personal statement (e.g. the 650 word essay required on Common App) by the end of the summer. Deciding on whether you want to apply to each school during the regular decision, early action, or early decision rounds is also important.
Your extracurriculars list and supplemental essays are the next components to work on, along with asking your teachers for recommendations during the summer before or first weeks of senior year. Hope this helps!
Definitely have a list of colleges you are thinking about applying to. Schedule tours.
Make a CommonApp account and fill out your profile.
Gather test scores (if you plan on sending them).
Start writing your essay if you haven't already.
Better take small steps now, you don't want to start your applications at the end of summer or at the beginning of your senior year.
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My friends and I all have college advisors (costing around 3k USD) and we have made a common app account and have filled out the first 4 information sections (profile, family etc.). We are drafting college lists now and are brainstorming personal statement topics. Few of us have started drafting.