The countdown is on! With November 1 Early Action and Early Decision deadlines just around the corner, seniors across the country are putting the finishing touches on their college applications. Whether you’ve been working for months or are pulling everything together in the final stretch, this checklist will help you stay organized and confident as you submit your applications.

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✅ 1. Review Every Section of Your Application

Before you hit “submit,” take time to carefully go through each part of your application:

• Personal information: Double-check for typos, capitalization, and accuracy.
• Activities list: Make sure your entries clearly show leadership, initiative, and impact.
• Essays: Read your personal statement and supplements out loud—you may catch small mistakes or awkward phrasing.
• Additional information section: Use this only if you have important context to share (like unusual circumstances or disruptions).

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🧑‍🏫 2. Confirm Supporting Materials Are Submitted

Your application isn’t complete without the documents that schools need from your high school and recommenders:

• Transcripts: Confirm with your school counselor that transcripts have been sent.
• Recommendation letters: Check your Common App or school portal to see if they’re marked “submitted.”
• Test scores: If you’re sending SAT or ACT scores, make sure they’ve gone to each college.

Tip: Follow up with teachers and counselors now—don’t wait until the last minute. They’re managing many requests this time of year.

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✏️ 3. Proofread, Then Proofread Again

Print out or preview your application PDF to catch formatting issues or missing information. Ask a trusted adult or friend to give it a final look—they might spot something you missed.

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🕓 4. Submit Early

Don’t wait until 11:59 PM on deadline day! Submit at least two days before the deadline to avoid website crashes or time zone confusion. Submitting early also gives you peace of mind and time to confirm everything went through correctly.

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📬 5. Check for Confirmation Emails

After submitting, you should receive:

• A confirmation email from the Common App or application portal.
• A “thank you” or “account setup” email from the college.

Save these in a dedicated folder so you can easily track your submissions.

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💬 6. Follow Up and Celebrate

Once you’ve submitted:

• Send a thank-you note to your teachers and counselor.
• Keep an eye on your email for application portal login links—that’s where you’ll track materials and updates.
• Celebrate this major milestone—you’ve completed one of the biggest steps in your college journey! 🎉

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✨ Final Thoughts

Submitting your first college applications is a big accomplishment. Whether you’re applying Early Action, Early Decision, or both, staying organized and calm in these final days makes all the difference. You’ve worked hard—trust your preparation, hit submit with confidence, and take pride in how far you’ve come!