The type of decision cycle is termed regular decision, early decision, early action, and rolling admissions for example. Many application deadlines will fall on the same day and will be determined by the cycle you want to be considered.

When you register for Common App or Coalition App, you may notice a series of deadlines. In the next section, I will describe how to use Google Drive to organize your college application materials. My favorite tool to use is Google Sheets. It can be hard to keep up with so many log-ins, so having them stored when you need them. Also, devote a tab to storing passwords for your college site like the College Board, Common App, Coalition App, ACT, FAFSA, and so on. Once you sign up for Common App or Coalition Application, transfer deadlines and requirements for each school into your college tracker spreadsheet.

As you complete application items, your counselor will be alerted by email. Many schools allow you to check applications using Naviance. I suggest that you use my college tracker, a spreadsheet that I developed that allows you to enter college information, deadlines, requirements, and track where you are in the process every step of the way. Completing college applications is a lot of work, and you’ll need a foolproof plan for keeping it all organized. Once you discover 7 to 10 colleges that fit you, organize them into reach, target, and safety categories. Also consider other things that matter to you such as diversity, proximity to urban centers, greek life, NCAA ranking, and the party scene for instance. Make sure that you think about how close you want to be from your home, such as within a 2-hrs drive or 2-hrs plane ride. During the pandemic, a physical tour may not be possible, but find a virtual tour of campus to get a feel of what it’s like.

Also, visit the college’s website to learn about campus life and its physical environment such as buildings, landscaping, and resources on campus. Check out selectivity (how hard it is to get admitted) and the financial aid they provide to families (if this is of concern to you). Then learn about them, as well as other similar colleges. Look for schools that offer your desired degree and major.

How do you choose colleges? Use a search engine like Niche or Cappex to research colleges.

How to organize your life in college