October is crunch time for seniors who plan to apply to college early. With Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) deadlines approaching—most on November 1st or 15th—it’s time to finish strong and make sure every piece of your application is ready to go.

Applying early can offer real advantages, but it also requires organization and attention to detail. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready before you hit “submit.”

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✅ 1. Confirm Your Application Type

• Early Decision (ED): A binding agreement. If accepted, you’re committing to attend that school and must withdraw other applications.
• Early Action (EA): Non-binding. You can apply to multiple schools and decide later.
  Make sure you and your family understand what you’re committing to—especially if financial aid is a major factor.

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🧾 2. Review Every Section of Your Application

Log into your Common App or Coalition App and review:

• Activities list: Does it reflect your strongest involvements and leadership roles?
• Essay: Is it polished, authentic, and proofread?
• Supplements: Have you completed each school’s “Why Us” or short answer questions thoughtfully?
• Resume or additional info section: Only include what adds value or context.

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🧑‍🏫 3. Confirm Supporting Materials

• Transcripts: Verify your school counselor has sent or scheduled them.
• Recommendation Letters: Double-check that recommenders have submitted theirs—or remind them kindly if not.
• Test Scores: If you’re submitting SAT/ACT scores, confirm they’ve been sent to the correct colleges.

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🗓️ 4. Check Deadlines and Submission Times

Some colleges have earlier cutoff times (like 11:59 PM in their time zone). Plan to submit at least two days before the deadline to avoid last-minute stress or technical issues.

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💬 5. Review and Celebrate

Once your applications are submitted:

• Save confirmation emails or screenshots.
• Send thank-you notes to teachers and counselors who helped you.
• Take a moment to celebrate this huge milestone—you’re officially one step closer to college!

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✨ Final Thoughts

Applying early is a big accomplishment. Whether you’re aiming for a dream school through Early Decision or hoping for early peace of mind through Early Action, your effort now can make a big difference later. Stay focused, stay calm, and trust the work you’ve already put in.