Countdown to Success: A 20-Day Plan for Your Last-Minute Regular Decision CommonApp Submission

Written by Brandon, Brown University

As the Regular Decision deadline approaches, many high school seniors find themselves in a last-minute rush to finalize their Common Application. With colleges expecting polished and thoughtful submissions, it’s crucial to approach this final stretch with a clear plan. This article outlines a detailed 20-day timeline to help you complete your Common App effectively.

Week 1: Organize and Research

Day 1: Create a Timeline

• Set specific goals for each week leading up to the application deadline. Mark the final submission date on your calendar, typically January 1 for many schools.

Day 2: Gather Materials

• Collect necessary documents such as your high school transcript, standardized test scores (if applicable), and letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors. Ensure you understand the requirements for each college on your list.

Day 3-4: Research Colleges

• Spend time exploring each institution’s website, focusing on their programs, campus culture, and specific application requirements. Take notes on unique aspects that resonate with you, which can later be highlighted in your essays.

Day 5: Fill Out Basic Information

• Begin completing the Common App profile section. Input your personal information, educational history, and family background.

Day 6-7: Activities Section

• Carefully list your extracurricular activities. Focus on depth over breadth by highlighting significant roles and achievements rather than listing everything you’ve done. Prioritize activities that showcase leadership and commitment.

Week 2: Start Your Essays

Day 8-9: Write Your Personal Statement

• Choose an essay prompt that resonates with you from the Common App's options. Start drafting your personal statement, ensuring it reflects your authentic voice and unique experiences.

Day 10: Edit Your Personal Statement

• Revise your essay for clarity, coherence, and authenticity. Ensure it tells a compelling story about who you are and what you value. Avoid generic statements; instead, focus on specific experiences that shaped you.

Day 11-12: Supplemental Essays

• If applying to schools with supplemental essay requirements (like Ivy League colleges), draft these essays next. Tailor each response to reflect why you’re interested in that particular institution.

Week 3: Refine and Finalize Your Application

Day 13: Seek Feedback

• Share your essays with trusted individuals—teachers, college counselors, or family members—and ask for constructive feedback. Be open to suggestions for improvement and make revisions accordingly.

Day 14: Proofread Everything

• Conduct a thorough proofreading session of all application materials. Look for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting inconsistencies. It’s helpful to take breaks between writing and proofreading to approach your work with fresh eyes.

Day 15: Complete Additional Sections

• Fill out any remaining sections of the Common App, including the financial aid section if applicable. Ensure all required fields are completed accurately.

Final Steps

Day 16: Submit Requests for Recommendations

• Confirm that your teachers and counselors have submitted their letters of recommendation through the Common App. Follow up politely if they haven’t done so yet.

Day 17: Final Review

• Conduct a final review of your entire application before submitting it. Check that all documents are uploaded correctly and that you’ve met all college-specific requirements.

Day 18: Prepare for Submission

• Make sure you have all necessary information ready for submission (e.g., application fee payment method). Double-check that everything is accurate and complete.

Day 19: Submit Your Application!

• Once everything is in order, hit that submit button! Celebrate this significant milestone in your college application journey.

Day 20: Reflect and Relax

• Take some time to reflect on the process and relax. You've worked hard over the past few weeks; now it's time to focus on other aspects of your senior year while waiting for responses from colleges.

Applicant Profile Checklist

1. Evaluate Extracurricular Activities

•  Have I focused on a few key activities where I can demonstrate significant commitment and leadership?

•  Do my activities reflect my genuine interests and passions?

•  Have I included specific achievements or contributions in my Common App activities section?

2. Align Coursework with Intended Major

•  Does my high school coursework align with my intended major?

•  Have I taken advanced classes relevant to my field of interest (e.g., math and science for engineering, humanities for social sciences)?

•  If my profile does not fit my intended major, have I considered changing either my major or course selection?

3. Clarify College Goals and Contributions

•  Can I articulate what I hope to gain from my college experience?

•  Have I researched clubs, organizations, or initiatives at each institution that resonate with me?

•  Am I prepared to explain how I plan to contribute to the campus community in my application materials?

4. Personalize Each Application

•  Have I tailored my application materials (essays, resumes, etc.) for each college?

•  Do my essays specifically address why I am interested in each institution?

•  Have I mentioned unique programs or faculty that attract me to each school?

Essay Revision Checklist

1. Authenticity and Voice

•  Does my essay reflect my true voice and personality?

•  Have I avoided clichés and generic statements that may come across as insincere?

•  Have I shared personal stories that highlight my passions and motivations?

2. Addressing Specific Prompts

•  Have I carefully read and addressed each essay prompt for every college?

•  Is my response relevant to the prompt, providing a clear answer or insight into who I am?

3. Engaging Storytelling

•  Does my essay have a clear narrative structure (introduction, body, conclusion)?

•  Have I included specific examples that illustrate my experiences and growth?

•  Is the essay engaging and does it maintain the reader's interest throughout?

4. Proofreading and Feedback

•  Have I proofread my essays for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?

•  Have I sought feedback from teachers, college counselors, or trusted peers on my essays?

•  Did I incorporate constructive feedback into my revisions?

Final Steps

•  Create a Timeline: Ensure all application components are completed ahead of deadlines.

•  Check Application Requirements: Confirm that you have met all requirements for each school (e.g., letters of recommendation, supplemental essays).

•  Stay Organized: Keep track of all submissions using a spreadsheet or checklist to monitor progress.

Conclusion

Completing your Common Application for Regular Decision can be daunting, especially if you're starting late in the process. By following this structured 20-day timeline, you can ensure that your application is thorough, polished, and reflective of who you are as an applicant. Remember to stay organized, seek feedback, and present yourself authentically throughout the process. Good luck!

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