As the calendar turns to May, many high school juniors are focused on AP exams, SATs, ACTs, and finishing the school year strong. While most students are looking forward to rest and relaxation over the summer, as a “rising senior” this is not the summer to take your foot off the gas. In May, November college deadlines may seem far away, but putting work in over the summer is critical to securing a strong, stress-free application without jeopardizing your senior year performance in the classroom.
We’ve created a strategic month-by-month college admissions timeline—complete with key deadlines and Top Tier Admissions programs—to guide your journey.
CALLING ALL RISING SENIORS: COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
BEFORE THE END OF JUNIOR YEAR
Teacher Recommendations: If you haven’t yet asked your teachers for recommendations, NOW is the time. Many teachers like to write recommendations over the summer, when they have more time and aren’t bogged down by grading and curriculum planning. If your school gives teacher comments in progress reports, read through those with a critical eye, as teachers will be using much of the same language in their college recommendations. Remember that this is an academic reference. Your teacher will be commenting on your ability, drive, effort, participation, among other things, not just if they “like” you. You should be selecting teachers where you performed well in the course and the teacher can speak about you favorably in comparison to other students they have taught. Once you reach out to these teachers, you may be asked to complete a “brag sheet” to help your teachers (and/or your school counselor) understand what you’re proud of and your personal goals, accomplishments, and unique contributions both inside and outside the classroom.
Testing: If you need to take the SAT or ACT again, make sure you register! The summer before senior year is a great opportunity to dig in with extra tutoring and raise your scores even further! Keep in mind that the October SAT and ACT test dates are the last opportunities to take these exams and receive your scores in time for early application deadlines.
JUNE
College List: Finalize your college list towards the beginning of the summer. Be sure to take balance and strategy into consideration. You should have reach, possible, and likely schools on your list. Also, look to take advantage of Early Decision schools that are within range. The data shows that wasting an ED application on a far reach or deciding “just to apply in Regular Decision” will lower your chances of admission.
Visiting Campus: Schedule any last-minute visits to colleges that you are considering. If you can’t visit campus, sign up for virtual tours and information sessions. “Demonstrated interest” is a key factor in admissions at many colleges and universities, so you need to show the college that you have done your research and are committed to your application.
Be sure to register for our May 21st, 8pm EST webinar: College Visits: What to Look For, What to Ask, What to Know with Top Tier Admissions Senior Private Counselor, Shannon Kennedy
JULY
Common Application: Begin filling out your Common Application and any other application platforms for schools to which you are applying. Finishing the “data entry” part of the application will save you time later and is not likely to change. You should also begin drafting your main essay, as those questions have already been released.
Common App Intensive
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AUGUST
Attend Application Boot Camp® (August 7-10): Our flagship program with 1-on-1 essay work, strategic application planning, and guidance on every element of your app—completed before school starts.
Supplemental Essays: Colleges and universities typically release any supplemental essays they will require at the beginning of August. Make sure to look carefully through your colleges and record their supplemental essay prompts, then begin drafting your essays! Remember that many supplemental essays are similar, so you want to think strategically when drafting them.
College Essay Guidance
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EARLY FALL (SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER)
School Considerations: Talk with your college counselor or school counselor to confirm your school’s procedure for submitting recommendations, transcripts, and other documents to your selected colleges and universities. Each high school will have a specific process that you will need to follow to ensure that your applications are complete! Keep in mind, it’s YOUR responsibility to ensure all of your application materials are turned in properly.
Finish Early Applications: If you are applying anywhere Early Decision or Early Action, be sure to finish and polish any essays.
Financial Aid: If you are applying for financial aid, fill out the FAFSA and CSS profile, which open October 1.
LATE FALL (NOVEMBER-DECEMBER)
Submit Early Applications: Early Decision and Early Action deadlines typically fall in early November, so be sure to submit your application on time. Double check that your recommendation letters and transcripts have also arrived at your schools.
School Work: While it’s easy to get bogged down with college application work, many colleges and universities require first quarter and/or first semester grades to be submitted. Make sure that you are staying on top of your academic work the first semester of senior year, as you don’t want a poor performance to affect your admission.
Deferral Strategy:
If you’re deferred from an Early Action or Early Decision school in December, don’t panic. You need to craft a compelling letter of continued interest, update the admissions office on academic and extracurricular achievements, and, in some cases, submit an additional recommendation. We help students craft a powerful deferral response that keeps your application competitive in the Regular Round.
Academic Tutoring
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WINTER (JANUARY-FEBRUARY)
Submit any Regular Decision or Early Decision II applications.
SPRING (MARCH-MAY)
Review Admissions Decisions and Financial Aid/Scholarship Awards: Hopefully the spring is a time of celebration for you! Most Regular round decisions are released in March, and often students are awarded need-based or merit-based aid, which could sway your decision. Work with trusted advisors to make the best decision for where to spend your next four years! Be sure to commit to a school by May 1 and send in the deposit (if required).
Waitlist: If you are on a waitlist, submit a letter of continued interest, possible additional recommendations, and any other updated information. Be sure to commit to a school you are already accepted by May 1 while you wait.
YOUR SECRET WEAPON
Use your summer strategically—it’s your secret weapon. Senior year is a busy time, so it’s important to plan ahead and pace yourself for a successful application and admissions season.
Ask for help! Top Tier Admissions programs are designed to give you structure, momentum, and expert guidance.
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