My College Application Tracker

This guide will help you keep track of all the important information for your college applications. Staying organized is key to a successful and stress-free application process!

Project Objective

To create a personalized system for tracking college applications, deadlines, and required materials.

Deliverables

• A completed College Information Table for each college you are considering.
• A personalized Application Timeline with key dates.
• A Task Checklist for each application.

Part 1: College Information Table

For each college you are interested in, fill out the following information. You can print multiple copies of this section or create your own digital version.

College Name:

Application Type (e.g., EA, ED, RD, Rolling):

Application Deadline:

Decision Notification Date:

Website for Application Portal:

Required Materials:

• Application Form: (Yes/No)
  
  
• Transcripts: (Sent/To Send/N/A)
  
  
• Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT): (Sent/To Send/N/A)
  
  
• Essay(s): (Topic/Prompt/Completed/In Progress/N/A)
  
  
• Letters of Recommendation: (Requested From Whom/Received/N/A)
  
  
• Application Fee: (Paid/Waived/N/A)
  
  
• Other (e.g., portfolio, interview):
  
  
  

Part 2: Application Timeline

Create a timeline of important dates, working backward from your earliest application deadline. Include general tasks like "start essays" or "ask for recommendations" as well as specific college deadlines.

Month/Date:
Task/Deadline:



Month/Date:
Task/Deadline:



Month/Date:
Task/Deadline:



Month/Date:
Task/Deadline:



Month/Date:
Task/Deadline:



Month/Date:
Task/Deadline:

Part 3: Task Checklist

Use this checklist to track specific tasks for each application. Copy and paste this section for each college.

College Name:

• Research program requirements

• Start application form

• Request official transcripts

• Send SAT/ACT scores

• Brainstorm essay topics

• Draft essay(s)

• Revise essay(s)

• Ask teachers/counselors for recommendations

• Follow up on recommendations

• Complete financial aid forms (FAFSA, CSS Profile)

• Submit application

• Pay application fee or request waiver

• Check application portal for status updates

• Prepare for interview (if applicable)
  
  
  ## Assessment Criteria

• Completeness: Has all required information for prospective colleges been entered?

• Organization: Is the tracker clear, easy to understand, and well-structured?

• Accuracy: Are deadlines and requirements correctly listed?

• Personalization: Does the tracker reflect the student's individual college application goals?

Demystifying College Essays: Your Story, Your Voice

The college essay might seem like a daunting task, but it's actually one of the most exciting parts of your application! This is your chance to show colleges who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Think of it as a personal interview on paper, where you get to control the narrative.

Why is the College Essay So Important?

Colleges receive thousands of applications from students with similar academic achievements. Your essay is what helps you stand out. It's where you can:

• Showcase your personality: Are you witty? Reflective? Passionate?
• Demonstrate your values: What matters most to you?
• Highlight unique experiences: What challenges have you overcome? What lessons have you learned?
• Exhibit your writing skills: Can you express yourself clearly and engagingly?

Common College Essay Prompts (and How to Approach Them)

Many college applications, especially the Common Application, offer a variety of prompts. Here are some common themes:

1. The Significant Experience

• Prompt Idea: "Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story." (Common App Prompt 1)
• Approach: This is an opportunity to delve into something truly central to who you are. Don't just describe the experience; explain why it's significant and how it shaped you. Use vivid details and show, don't just tell.

2. Overcoming Challenges

• Prompt Idea: "The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?" (Common App Prompt 2)
• Approach: Everyone faces challenges. The key here isn't just the challenge itself, but your response to it. Focus on your growth, resilience, and the specific lessons you learned. What actions did you take? How are you different now?

3. Reflecting on Beliefs or Ideas

• Prompt Idea: "Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?" (Common App Prompt 3)
• Approach: This prompt seeks to understand your intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Choose a belief or idea that genuinely sparked introspection in you. Explain the context, your thought process, and how your perspective evolved.

4. Accomplishments or Realizations

• Prompt Idea: "Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?" (Common App Prompt 4)
• Approach: This prompt invites you to explore the impact of others on your life. Focus on a specific instance and the surprising nature of your gratitude. How did this act or person influence your motivations, goals, or worldview?

5. Growth and Interests

• Prompt Idea: "Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others." (Common App Prompt 5)
• Approach: Identify a moment that was truly transformative. Describe the event or realization and then dedicate the bulk of your essay to explaining the