<p>ryry- You are very welcome. I know this process can be stressful but really try to be the “educated early bird”. Be realistic but still shoot for the stars with reach schools on your list. I tell the students I work with the following and it seems to help:</p>
<ol>
<li>create an organizational system-get a box or crate and make up files for different categories (testing; essays; etc. ) and if school on your list.</li>
<li>create a resume and make sure it is detailed enough (but no more than 3 pages) don’t assume the reader knows what your honor roll means. give them the number “for a gpa higher than 3.6”) The doc put out by Cal-Tech “7 deadly sins of the application process” is good on this point. Don’t write “Math Team” instead write “Math Team: President (12); led daily practices & facilitated local & regional competitions.” </li>
<li>With resume in hand create two separate documents in word; 1 for honors (which you can then cut and paste into each application) and 1 for Community Service/leadership/Extra curriculars. Follow the format on the common app. Again you can cut and paste that document into other applications. </li>
<li>Essays-take care and do at least a few drafts; avoid cliches and look at John Hopkin’s admissin page for their samples and critique by admission reps . Make a list of all essay prompts you have to do and see if any can do double duty. prioritize your list and start working on them. </li>
<li>make a master chart of every deadline (including merit money) whether any special forms; applications; teach or counselor etc that is due. do it for each college. You can get a sample chart at [adMISSION</a> POSSIBLE| College Admission Resources for ALL Students](<a href=“http://www.admissionpossible.com%5DadMISSION”>http://www.admissionpossible.com) look for charts. do a listing for each college and just clip it to a clipboard and put it in your crate and check it all the time. </li>
<li>Make a timeline and master calendar of every deadline and work out a “work schedule” for you.
Put the target dates for when you are going to submit each application remembering that merit deadlines are usually early. </li>
<li>Prepare packets for teacher/counselor recommendations- if you school has a procedure follow it; if not then put a cover letter with request and tell teacher why that school; put your resume and any form in packet with a thank you and $5 gift card to starbucks etc. YOU WANT TO BE THE FIRST IN LINE TO ASK FOR THESE RECOMMENDATIONS because teachers get busy and letter writing gets tiresome. Monitor application portals to make sure teachers are submitting forms. </li>
</ol>
<p>Ryry-know this that it may seem overwhelming but if you keep a steady pace it can be manageable. I have told my students that from here on out they need to work at a MINIMUM 1 weekend day and 1 weekend night on colllege applications. They will get better applications and essays by giving them attention. It is tough with school work but if you work at a steady pace and sometimes make those social life sacrifices you will bet better off. </p>
<p>Good luck; Maybe we will meet at World Robotic Championship. My DD is big into First too-her team warlords lost by 1 point to Team 987 “High Rollers” in the regional competition. A tough but very exciting lost.
Itsv</p>