Managing Application Deadlines

When it comes to college applications, there's a smarter way than cramming everything at the deadline. Think of it like a series of small victories rather than one big battle - your student can submit each application as soon as it's polished and ready to go. The key is for them take their time, have someone proofread their work, and submit during business hours on a weekday. That way, if they hit any snags, they've got friendly faces at the Common App or college admissions offices ready to help.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT NOVEMBER 1

While November 1 is a popular deadline for Early Action applications, it's not set in stone for every school. Don't let this date become a source of stress out if target schools have different timelines.

BE STRATEGIC WHEN TO HIT THE “SUBMIT” BUTTON

Choose regular business hours during the week, so if there are any technical issues or have questions, your student can get immediate help from the admissions team or Common App support.

SUBMIT EACH APPLICATION AS IT’S COMPLETED

There's no need to wait until they're all done. Think of it as checking off items on your to-do list one by one.

TIP OF THE WEEK

If your student has November 1 deadlines, don’t plan on a big Halloween Night! By definition, every high school senior applying to college is doing it for the first time. Even those who have used their time wisely and stayed on top of the process might find themselves in a crunch as November 1 approaches. Encourage your student to take some breaks, play with the dog, go for a walk, and breathe.