College Application Checklist: What to Focus
September is the turning point in college admissions. Deadlines may look far away, but this is the month when students set the pace, either staying ahead or falling behind. Here’s what should be on your radar right now:
1. Finalize Your Essays
By mid-September, you should already have strong drafts of your personal statement and supplemental essays. Use this time to edit, refine, and make sure your voice is authentic and consistent across applications.
2. Secure Recommendation Letters
Don’t wait until October. Teachers and counselors get overwhelmed as deadlines approach. Confirm now who will write your letters and provide them with any helpful context (resume, brag sheet, or reminders of projects you did in their class).
3. Build a Balanced College List
This is the time to move from a long list to a strategic one. Make sure you’re applying to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. Review deadlines for Early Action and Early Decision programs (many fall on November 1st).
4. Track Scholarship Deadlines
September and October mark the opening of many major scholarship applications. Create a calendar and note early deadlines, missing them could mean losing thousands of dollars in funding.
5. Stay Organized
Keep all your materials (essays, recommendation requests, deadlines, scholarship info) in one place. A simple spreadsheet or planner can save you from last-minute stress.
💡 Pro tip: Think of September as your “prep month.” The students who take this seriously now will be the ones submitting strong, stress-free applications in November.