Creating your college application checklist

Applying to college is super stressful! Especially when you’re applying to many schools that require different essays, supplements, and scores. In this post, I’ll be sharing my organization tips on how to ensure that you do not forget any steps in your college application journey!

1. Start by choosing a method of keeping track of information that works best for you. I would recommend creating a “To-Do” checklist. You can create this checklist on a piece of paper or you can use an online resource. I prefer using online resources because then you will never lose your checklist versus you may misplace a physical checklist. Different online resources could include Notion, where you can create lists online, or Google Sheets. Figure out what method works best for you! For me, I chose to create a Google Sheet.
2. You should begin by creating a balanced college list. What colleges do you want to apply to? Maybe you researched the college online or attended a campus tour. Make sure you apply to a diverse range of schools. Add the list of schools you want to apply to into the first column on your Google Sheet. (There is an example of my entire College Checklist linked at the end of this blog post!)
3. Next, in the second column, you should note the location of how you would apply to this college. Is this college’s application on the Common App? Is it a University of California school that uses the UC Application Portal? This is a good piece of information to note so that you can remember where to find the application.
4. In the third column, you should take note of the application deadline for each college. Mark down the early action/decision application deadline and the regular deadline. You should also note if the school does rolling applications, then you would want to apply as early as possible! For the University of California system, the application is only available from November 1 - November 30th. These deadlines are super important to remember so you don’t miss out on applying to the school of your dreams!
5. In the next columns, you should note other requirements that the college requests, such as: high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Scores. Some colleges are suspending the requirement to take the SAT or ACT, so for some schools, you may not need to take these tests. For other colleges, they may require that you submit 2 SAT Subject Test scores, so then you would need to take those additional tests and score well. Finally, some colleges require multiple letters of recommendation and some do not require any. Once you submit the necessary requirements, mark it down on your checklist. Keeping track of all of this information is paramount because it varies so much between colleges!
6. Next, you may want to note any financial aid information for colleges. You should submit the FAFSA on time, but colleges may offer additional scholarships or other financial aid. For this step, you would need to do some research. Some colleges may offer scholarships if you write an additional essay versus other schools may offer scholarships based off of merit. You should note the deadline for applying to additional scholarships or financial aid on your checklist.
7. After you write and edit all of your college application essays, it is finally time to submit! On the next column on your document, you should note the college application fee. Submitting applications to colleges can be super expensive! Some colleges cost $100 just to apply. Noting the college application fees early will allow you to see if the college offers fee waivers or if you can apply for a fee waiver and get all of this settled before the application deadline.
8. On your document, you can also note the email or phone number of the admissions or financial aid office. If you have any questions throughout the college application process, you can access that information easily.
9. Finally, you can add columns or delete columns as you see fit. This document is meant to be as helpful for you as possible! For an example of my checklist, check out this Google Sheet:
   https://tinyurl.com/RachelCollegeChecklist

This is an overview of the college application process. If you would like more in-depth information about how to ask for recommendation letters or testing requirements, schedule a College and Career Coaching Call with us!

RACHEL

Rachel is the founder of Study Hall College Consulting. Rachel graduated from UC Berkeley in the Class of 2020 where she double majored in Cognitive Science and Legal Studies. For more college application and essay tips, check out our Study Hall College Consulting website at: shcollegeconsulting.com.