You’ve hit submit. The essays are done, the recommendations are sent, and your Common App dashboard is finally clear. First of all — congratulations! You’ve crossed one of the biggest milestones in your college journey. But before you sit back completely, there are a few smart moves you can make to stay organized and ready for what comes next.
✅ 1. Double-Check That Everything Went Through
Even though your application says “submitted,” take a few minutes to make sure:
- Your test scores (if required) were sent to each school.
- Your transcripts and recommendation letters show as received.
- You’ve received confirmation emails from each college — and saved them!
If anything’s missing, contact your school counselor or the college admissions office right away. Small errors can cause big delays later.
💌 2. Send a Thank-You Note
Your teachers, counselor, and anyone who wrote recommendations put in time and effort to support you. A quick thank-you email or handwritten note goes a long way — and keeps those relationships positive for future scholarship or internship references.
💸 3. Tackle the FAFSA and CSS Profile
Don’t wait to file your FAFSA and, if required, the CSS Profile. Financial aid money is often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Be sure to:
- Gather tax documents for you and your parents.
- Check each college’s financial aid deadline (they vary!).
- Create your FSA ID early so you don’t hit delays.
📅 4. Keep an Eye on Application Portals
Most colleges have online portals where you can:
- See if documents are missing
- Receive updates
- Check your admission decision when it’s ready
Log in every week or so, and set a reminder to check email regularly (including your spam folder).
🧘♀️ 5. Don’t Let Senioritis Win
It’s tempting to coast now — but remember, colleges do see your final grades. Staying consistent academically shows integrity and readiness for college-level work.
❤️ 6. Celebrate and Recharge
You’ve worked hard. Take a night off to celebrate — watch a movie, go out with friends, or enjoy a family dinner. A little downtime helps you reset before scholarship applications and decision season begin.
✨ Final Thought
You’ve done the heavy lifting — now it’s about patience, organization, and self-care. Keep moving forward, stay curious, and remember: this journey isn’t just about where you’ll go to college, but who you’re becoming along the way.
College-Ready 
Leave a comment