Make your final days count—without the stress.

Regular Decision deadlines are right around the corner, and if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. The good news? A strong application can absolutely come together in these last few days with the right focus. Here are essential last-minute tips to ensure your application shines before you hit submit.

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1. Re-read Every Essay Out Loud

Reading your essays out loud helps you catch awkward phrasing, missing words, or sentences that don’t flow. You’re not rewriting—just polishing clarity and voice.

Quick checklist:

• Does the opening grab attention?
• Does each paragraph clearly support your main message?
• Is your authentic voice shining through?

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2. Double-Check All Supplemental Essays

Many schools require “Why Us?” paragraphs or shorter responses. These often get rushed.

Make sure your supplements:

• Reference specifics about the school (programs, professors, clubs, values)
• Are personal—not generic
• Connect your goals to what the school offers

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3. Confirm All Deadlines & Time Zones

Schools list deadlines in Eastern, Central, Mountain, or Pacific time. A midnight deadline in EST is 9 PM for West Coast students.

Tip: Add each college deadline to your phone calendar with an alert the day before.

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4. Verify Recommendation Letters Are Submitted

Log into your application portals and check the status of teacher and counselor recommendations.

If something is missing, politely follow up with a short thank-you note. Most teachers appreciate the nudge.

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5. Review Your Activities List for Clarity

Your activity descriptions should show impact, not just participation.

Turn this:
“Member of Key Club—helped with events.”
Into this:
“Organized monthly service projects and contributed 40+ volunteer hours.”

Strong verbs and specific numbers make a big difference.

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6. Ensure Your Transcript and Test Scores (If Applicable) Are Sent

Check with your school counselor to confirm your transcript is on the way.
If you’re submitting SAT/ACT scores, verify they were sent directly from College Board or ACT.

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7. Clean Up Your Email + Phone Voicemail

Colleges may contact you about missing documents or interview opportunities.

Make sure your:

• Email address is professional
• Voicemail greeting is clear and appropriate
• Inbox isn’t full (yes—it happens!)

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8. Give Your Application a Final “Common Sense” Review

Before you submit, ask yourself:

• Does everything match (dates, job titles, awards)?
• Are there any unexplained gaps?
• Did you answer every question—especially short responses?

Even small inconsistencies can confuse admissions readers.

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9. Hit Submit Early—Don’t Wait for Midnight

Application portals frequently slow down or crash on deadline day.

Submitting early reduces stress and gives time to fix technical issues if needed.

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10. Celebrate When You’re Done

Finishing Regular Decision applications is a huge milestone. Take a moment to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the relief of being DONE.