How to Create a College Application Timeline
Stay Organized, Reduce Stress, and Submit Your Best Applications
📌 Why a Timeline Matters
College applications have multiple moving parts—tests, essays, recommendations, and deadlines.
A clear timeline keeps you ahead of the rush and helps you submit your strongest work.
✅ Step 1: Start Early (Junior Year)
Research potential colleges
Visit campuses or attend virtual tours
Begin test prep (SAT/ACT)
Build your extracurricular profile
✅ Step 2: Summer Before Senior Year
Draft your Common App essay
Make a list of safe, target, and reach schools
Create an activities résumé
Ask teachers about writing recommendation letters
✅ Step 3: Fall of Senior Year
Complete college applications
Submit early decision/early action applications (if applicable)
Continue working on regular decision applications
Send test scores and transcripts
✅ Step 4: Winter of Senior Year
Submit regular decision applications
Follow up with recommenders
Apply for scholarships and financial aid (FAFSA, CSS Profile)
✅ Step 5: Spring of Senior Year
Compare acceptance offers and financial aid packages
Decide by May 1 (National Decision Day)
Send final transcripts to your chosen college
🗣 Student Story
“Having a month-by-month plan from College Refocus meant I never felt overwhelmed. I actually enjoyed the process!”
— Spartanburg SC
🎯 How College Refocus Helps
Build a personalized application calendar
Track every deadline so nothing is missed
Help you balance school, testing, and applications
Provide essay and interview prep at the right time
📅 Build Your Timeline Now
Don’t let deadlines sneak up on you.
👉 Schedule Your Free College Application Planning Session »