The holiday season is approaching fast, but there’s still time to get your college applications in tip-top shape! Before you dig into pumpkin pie, make sure your applications are polished, complete, and ready to impress. Here’s your pre-Thanksgiving checklist to stay on track.

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1. ✅ Review Your Applications

• Double-check deadlines for each school. Some early decision or regular decision deadlines are earlier than you think!
• Proofread everything — essays, short answers, and activity descriptions. Fresh eyes catch mistakes, so consider asking a teacher, counselor, or parent to review.
• Check formatting: Make sure fonts, spacing, and document types meet each college’s requirements.

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2. 🖊️ Finalize Your Essays

• Personal Statement: Ensure your story is clear, authentic, and shows your strengths.
• Supplemental Essays: Customize each essay for the specific school — admissions officers can tell when essays are generic.
• Word Counts: Stick to the limits! Being concise shows maturity and attention to detail.

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3. 🎓 Confirm Recommendations

• Reach out to teachers/counselors to ensure they’ve submitted letters on time.
• Provide updates: Share your latest accomplishments or activities that might strengthen your recommendation.
• Send gentle reminders if submissions haven’t gone through yet.

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4. 📄 Check Test Scores & Transcripts

• Official Test Scores: Make sure SAT/ACT scores have been sent to all schools requiring them.
• Transcripts: Confirm your high school counselor has submitted or will submit your transcript on time.

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5. 💻 Complete Additional Materials

• Portfolios, resumes, or auditions: If your program requires additional work, ensure it’s complete and submitted.
• Optional forms: Some schools accept optional materials like art supplements, extra letters, or additional essays. Submit only if it strengthens your application.

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6. 🗓️ Confirm Submission & Deadlines

• Create a checklist: Mark off each completed application to track your progress.
• Verify receipt: After submitting, check that your application status is updated on each school’s portal.

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7. 🎯 Give Yourself a Breather

After all that hard work, it’s okay to relax over Thanksgiving! You’ve put in the effort — now enjoy family, friends, and some well-deserved pie. 🍂

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Pro Tip: Staying organized now reduces stress later. A few focused hours this week can make the difference between a rushed application and a polished one that truly shines.