Early Application (ED/EA) deadline for many U.S. colleges is November 1. Some programs (e.g., arts, music, architecture) may have earlier deadlines due to auditions or portfolios. You have less time than you think, so it’s very important to start early. Here is your month-by-month action plan:

January

• Apply to summer programs, as many deadlines are early (e.g., YYGS: January 7).

• If you plan to do a passion project, start now. Beginning in January allows nearly one full year of sustained work.

• Start consistent college research, organize your list on Borderless, and document all your findings.

• Start preparing for the March SAT.

February

• Continue SAT preparation and active college research.

• Decide on your English proficiency test (IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo).

• Start with practice tests. If you are already preparing for the SAT, additional prep for this would be minimal.

March

• Create v1 of College List. All colleges should be researched, but this list is still temporary. Expect to update it at least two more times.

• Sign up for college mailing lists and virtual events; follow them on social media

• Take the March SAT (date is March 14 in 2026).

April

• Identify teachers for letters of recommendation (typically 2 teachers, but can go up to 4).

• Confirm who will serve as your school counselor. If your school does not have an official counselor, this can be a principal, director, etc.

• Create brag sheets for your recommenders.

May

• Request letters of recommendation (at least 1 counselor and 2 teachers)

• Take the May SAT (date is May 2 in 2026), if needed.

• Focus on your final exams, as grades do matter.

• Lock in your summer plans (internship, research, program, or independent project).

June

• Based on your test results, grades, and research, create v2 of your College List

• Start brainstorming your Common App Personal Statement and aim to complete Draft 1.

• Create a rough Extracurriculars & Honors list (resume-style).

• Take your chosen English proficiency test.

July

• Continue revising your personal statement, studying for the SAT, and engaging in your summer activity.

• Retake the English proficiency test, if needed.

August

• Take the August SAT (date is August 15 in 2026), if needed.

• Create College List v3, which should ideally be the final version.

• Decide on ED / EA schools.

• Complete as much of the Common App as possible (it opens August 1).

• Continue refining your personal statement; aim for at least ~80% completion.

September

• Create Extracurriculars & Honors List v2; do not add new activities after this point.

• Once school starts, follow up with recommenders and make sure that letters of recommendation are finalized.

• Finalize your personal statement.

• Begin writing supplemental essays for ED/EA schools.

• Take the September SAT (date is September 12 in 2026), if needed.

October

• Continue writing ED/EA supplemental essays.

• Complete the entire Common App and CSS Profile (or alternative financial aid application).

• Take the October SAT (date is October 2 in 2026), if needed.

• October 20–25: Submit all ED/EA applications.

November

• Submit any remaining early applications and financial aid forms.

• Take a short break.

• Start Regular Decision supplemental essays. Pls do not wait for ED results to start.

December

• Continue writing Regular Decision supplements.

• Receive ED results and decide on next steps.