The 12th Grade Checklist: Essays, Supplements, Recommendations and Deadlines

Senior fall goes fast. Between classes, activities and applications, it is easy to lose track. Here are the four things we tell every senior to check off, in order.

1. Finish the Common App essay first

Your main essay goes to every school you apply to, so it is the best place to start. Get a full draft done, then ask one trusted adult to read it. Do supplements after, so you are not writing ten essays at once.

2. Sort your school list by deadline

List every school with its deadline and its supplement prompts. Start with the earliest deadline. Group schools with similar prompts together so one essay can be adapted for several schools instead of written from scratch each time.

3. Confirm your recommenders

If you have not asked yet, ask two teachers and your school counselor now. Give each a short note with what you are proud of, the schools you are applying to and your deadlines, so their letters are specific instead of generic. Strong recommenders usually teach in your intended field, have had you for more than one year, and know you well beyond your grades.

4. Put every deadline on one calendar

Include application deadlines, test score deadlines, financial aid forms and scholarships. Set a reminder one week before each. Submit a few days early, never on the last night, because portals slow down and small problems always show up at the end. Deadlines vary by school and plan (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, and the UC system), so check each school's own page.

Quick summary

Need help staying on track this fall?

We work with seniors on essays, supplements and timelines every week. Schedule a free consultation and we will talk through your student's plan 1:1.