Senior year is short and deadline-driven. A clear month-by-month timeline keeps you from scrambling in October and lets you give every application component the time it deserves. Here's exactly what to tackle each month. See our college list strategy hub for upstream planning that sets up a strong senior year.
August: Summer Push
August is your most productive writing month — school hasn't started yet and you have uninterrupted time. Use it.
- Draft your Common App personal statement (650 words); aim for a complete first draft before school begins
- Email your 2–3 recommendation writers with a formal request, your resume, and a deadline reminder
- Finalize your college list: reach, target, and likely schools balanced across deadlines and fit
- If you plan to test again in August (SAT/ACT), confirm registration and continue prep
September: Finalize Your List and Start EA/ED Prep
- Lock your college list — no more additions after September 15
- Open Common App school-specific supplements for EA/ED targets and begin drafting
- Confirm recommendation writers are on track; share any school-specific details they need
- Create application portal accounts for every school on your list
- October test date: last chance to sit before EA/ED deadlines — confirm your registration
October: EA/ED Submissions
Most Early Action and Early Decision I deadlines fall November 1–15, which means your final review window is October.
- Proofread every EA/ED essay — read aloud, then have a trusted reader review
- Submit EA/ED applications by October 28–31 to allow buffer before the deadline
- Confirm test scores are sent to EA/ED schools; check reporting deadlines in each portal
- Begin drafting Regular Decision supplements while EA/ED applications are fresh
November: ED Decision and RD Finalization
- ED I decisions typically arrive in mid-December — continue working on RD applications regardless
- Finalize all Regular Decision essays and supplements by end of November
- File FAFSA as early as possible (priority deadlines vary; many are December–February)
- Submit CSS Profile for schools that require it alongside FAFSA
December: Regular Decision Submission
- Submit all Regular Decision applications by December 20 — before the holiday break disrupts your focus
- January 1 and January 15 RD deadlines are the most common; do not wait until the day-of
- ED I decisions arrive: if admitted, withdraw all other applications promptly per binding agreement
- Save confirmation emails for every application submitted
January–March: Decisions Roll In
- EA decisions typically arrive December–January; review financial aid award letters carefully
- RD decisions arrive February–April; most schools notify by April 1
- Compare financial aid offers using a side-by-side award letter breakdown
- Appeal financial aid decisions before the stated deadline if your offer is lower than expected
- Enrollment deposit deadline is typically May 1 — commit to one school and withdraw from all others
Read our guide on how to build a balanced college list to build a smart list before senior year begins.
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