Stage 4 of 7
Execution
Prepare early, not frantically.
- Timeframe
- Summer before senior year through fall of senior year
- Primary goal
- Get ahead over the summer, then execute the plan without last-minute pressure once fall begins.
- Effort
- Senior-year applications arrive in waves. The workload varies widely with the number of schools, essay requirements, and aid forms, so plan around each actual deadline and leave room to verify submissions.
Quick Start
Start with these three priorities:
- 1Finalize the college list and draft the personal statement before senior year starts.
- 2Confirm your application strategy, including Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision options, well before your earliest deadline.
- 3Request recommendation letters formally, with real lead time.
Stage Snapshot
Stage 4 covers two connected phases: the summer before senior year and the fall application season. Summer is a valuable time to finalize your college list, work on essays, prepare the activities section, and understand each college's requirements and deadlines. Some students will already have started this work during junior year, while others will be getting started now.
As senior year begins, the focus shifts toward completing and submitting applications, requesting or following up on recommendations, filing financial aid forms when available, and tracking requirements across multiple colleges. Deadlines vary, and some important tasks may begin before fall, so it's important to follow each school's specific timeline.
Preparing ahead can make the process more manageable, but you don't need to have everything completed before senior year starts. The goal is to stay organized, prioritize the next deadlines, and give your student enough time to put together thoughtful applications.
Arriving here already in the fall, without much summer preparation?
You can still make meaningful progress. Start by checking your earliest application and financial aid deadlines, then prioritize the tasks that need attention first. Work through the remaining summer preparation tasks as time allows, and check directly with colleges or your school counselor if you're unsure about a deadline or requirement.
Unlock the complete Execution guide.
- Ten prioritized action steps
- Summer and fall application timeline
- Two application strategy decision guides
- Financial aid and deadline guidance
Full access includes all seven stages, Trusted Resources, Deadlines, the Family Planning Meeting, and the Scholarship Tracker.