Strategies for Planning Your College Application Journey

We know applying to college can feel like a huge mountain to climb, but with the right plan in place, you’ll be ready to tackle it with confidence. Your college application journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you break it down into manageable steps. Let’s dive into some strategies that will help guide you along the way!

(And if you want to get a head start, we highly recommend Going Merry’s Smart Planner! We pre-filled all the major steps for you, so you won’t miss anything – and you can add and edit the list to fit your own journey.)

Setting the Stage for Success

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of applications, it’s important to build a solid foundation. Start by researching colleges that spark your interest. Think about what matters most to you—is it academics, location, campus culture, or extracurriculars? Create a list of potential schools and categorize them into “reach,” “match,” and “safety” schools. This will give you a well-rounded approach when decision time comes.

Next up: get organized! Create a college application calendar to keep track of deadlines for applications, essays, interviews, and financial aid forms. Use color coding, sticky notes, or whatever works best to make sure no important date slips by. (*cough* Use the Smart Planner! *cough*)

Telling Your Unique Story

Your application is more than just grades and test scores—it’s a chance to showcase who you really are. This is where your personal narrative comes in. What makes you unique? What experiences have shaped you? Colleges want to know how you’ll fit into their community, so take some time to reflect on your interests, passions, and goals.

Your personal essay is the heart of this narrative. It’s your opportunity to share something meaningful about yourself that’s not captured in the rest of your application. Be authentic, be honest, and most importantly, be yourself. Start drafting early, and don’t be afraid to revise it multiple times. Getting feedback from teachers or mentors can also help sharpen your message. Here’s a great post from Going Merry about writing an essay about yourself.

Mastering College-Specific Essays

Many colleges require supplemental essays, and while they may seem like extra work, they’re a great chance to show other sides to you, and demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for that particular school. These essays often ask why you’re interested in the college, so do your research! Make sure your answers go beyond generic statements and show that you’ve genuinely thought about what excites you about the school’s programs, values, or opportunities.

Personalization is key here—tailor each response to the specific college. This might mean focusing on a unique academic program, a cultural event on campus, or a professor whose research you admire. The more specific you can be, the better your essay will stand out.

Polishing Your Early Submissions

If you’re considering applying Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA), this is where things start to heat up. Early deadlines usually fall in November, so by mid-fall, you should be putting the finishing touches on your early applications. Make sure all parts of your application are complete—this includes transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and essays.

Once you’re happy with your application, have someone else look it over. A fresh set of eyes might catch something you missed! After that, it’s time to hit submit and take a deep breath. You’re one step closer to reaching your goals!

Fine-Tuning After Early Submissions

Once your early applications are submitted, it’s not time to relax just yet. Use this time to refine your Regular Decision applications. Review your essays to see if they can be polished even more, or look for ways to make other parts of your application stronger. This is also a good time to update your resume or activities list with any new achievements, awards, or responsibilities you’ve gained since you first started working on your applications.

It’s all about taking advantage of the time you have now to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward when Regular Decision deadlines roll around.

Completing Your Final Round of Applications

As winter approaches, it’s time to finalize your Regular Decision applications. These deadlines typically fall in late December or early January, so the holiday season is a crunch time for many students. But don’t panic! By now, you’ve already done the heavy lifting, and it’s just a matter of reviewing your work one more time before hitting that final submit button.

Double-check that all components of each application are ready to go. This includes making sure recommendation letters have been sent and any required supplemental materials are in order. And remember, if you’ve applied Early Action or Early Decision, you may already have some results in hand by this time, which can help you make final decisions about where else to apply.

Staying Ready for Follow-Ups

Once your applications are in, the waiting game begins—but don’t forget that some colleges may request additional materials. Be prepared for follow-up requests, whether it’s submitting updated transcripts, completing interviews, or providing a mid-year report. Keep an eye on your email and college portals for any notifications.

It’s also a good time to continue thinking about financial aid. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA® if you haven’t already, and check if any colleges require additional financial aid forms like the CSS Profile. This way, you’ll be ready to tackle the next phase of the college journey when those acceptance letters start rolling in!

Wrapping Up

The college application process can feel daunting, but with a well-thought-out plan, it becomes much more manageable. Take things step by step, give yourself plenty of time to work on each section, and remember—you’ve got this! By laying a solid foundation, crafting a strong personal narrative, tackling those supplemental essays, and staying organized throughout, you’ll set yourself up for success. Good luck!

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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Daniel Bod

Writer at Going Merry

Daniel Bod is a seasoned higher education professional with two decades of expertise in financial aid. He began his career at Hofstra University in 2004, after completing his Bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University in 2000, where he provided comprehensive financial aid support to families from diverse backgrounds. In 2007, he transitioned to LIU Post and advanced to Senior Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, dedicating over ten years to assisting students and families in various capacities. During his tenure at LIU Post, Daniel also earned a Master's degree in Childhood Education. Transitioning to St. George's University in 2019, he spent over four years focusing on the financial needs of medical students. Daniel excels in advising on loan options and empowering students and families to make informed decisions about educational finances.