First Steps

  • Calendars

    1

  • General Application Tips

    2

  • Standardized Testing / AP Tests & Prep

    3

  • Letters of Recommendation

    4

Essay Calendar:

Tip: Start each essay at least 2 months before the deadline. This will allow you to use 1 month to finish writing the essay, and 1 month to edit it.

Tip: The Common App gives you many prompts to choose from when writing your Personal Statement. Write your Personal Statement FIRST, then select the prompt it fits. The essay inspiration usually comes first, and you’ll find later that one prompt is probably perfect for the great essay you’ve written!

Tip: Your first essays are usually the worst. Start your less important essays over the summer to get ahead and get some practice before you start your important essays!

Tip: Mix and match the best parts of each essay to create new and improved versions!

Tip: Don’t be afraid to reuse the main body or theme when writing your supplemental essays. However! Make sure you customize parts of each essay so that they stay school-specific. Mention things about each SPECIFIC school that you like such as its classes, professors, or even vibe/atmosphere.

Tip: Infuse passion into your essays! Writing about something you care about will always come across as genuine

Standardized Testing Calendar:

Tip: Take 1 full-length practice test in the weeks leading up to your standardized tests to get used to the time-crunch!

Tip: Take your AP tests even if you are a senior. Extra credits never hurt!

Tip: You do not need to take your SAT or ACT 100 times. SuperScore if you can, but it’s not the end of the world if you stop after 1 or 2 tests.

Letters of Recommendation:

Tip: Thank the teachers that write your letters with a handwritten note!

Tip: Ask teachers well in advance for letters of recommendation. Lots of teachers like to write letters over the summer, so ask them around April.

Tip: When asking teachers for letters, think about how your teachers might rate you on this chart. If you think they would give you great scores in these categories, they may be a good teacher to ask for a rec!