Tips for Preparing for the December 1st and 15th College Application Deadlines

The senior year of high school is a busy time for students as they begin applying to colleges and universities for higher education. Many students opt for Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) programs, with deadlines typically falling in November and December. With December now here, it’s important for students to prepare their applications—not just for EA and ED, but also for regular decision submission.

Managing multiple deadlines can be daunting and overwhelming, often leading to stress and missed opportunities, especially when applying to several colleges. However, there’s no need to stress about the process. We’ve gathered some helpful tips to guide you through the December college application deadlines with ease.

Keep reading to discover how to stay on top of your applications and make this process smoother.

Tips to Prepare for December College Application Deadlines

Navigating college application deadlines can be stressful if you’re not well-prepared. To help ensure your application is submitted on time, we’ve compiled some essential tips to keep you on track for the December deadlines. Here they are:

Create a Checklist: The best way to keep track of the college application deadlines is by creating a checklist of all the required materials. This will help ensure you gather everything needed without missing any important documents. Additionally, I recommend marking all the key application dates on your calendar to avoid overlooking any deadlines. Once your checklist is complete, begin gathering the necessary materials for submission.

Make a Priority List: Your to-do list may be long, with tasks like requesting recommendation letters from your teachers, writing your personal statement essay, gathering transcripts, and more. It’s not possible to complete everything all at once, so it’s important to create a priority list. Focus on the most urgent tasks first, followed by other important work. This approach will help you manage everything efficiently and ensure that you complete all tasks on time, without any hassle or stress.

Break Down Big Tasks: Big tasks are often daunting, leading to procrastination. Therefore, it’s better to break down big tasks into smaller actionable tasks and set deadlines for each small task. This approach can help you manage bigger tasks efficiently and make steady progress.

Double-Check Application Requirements: Applying to a college will consist of different parts. Make sure you submit all the components of the application on time. The different parts of the college application include:

The Application: You must fill in the application through the Common App or individual college application portal. The application components include personal information, academic history, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, tests scores, and essay or personal statements.

Merit Scholarships: For this you will have to check individual college’s website. While some colleges require supplemental applications, some automatically consider you for the scholarship if you fit in their criteria and apply at certain deadline. Do research and apply as early as possible.

Financial Aid Paperwork: Before applying for need-based financial aid, it is essential to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form is required by the federal government to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Additionally, if you are seeking institutional aid, many colleges and universities also require the CSS Profile. This form, which is administered by the College Board, helps institutions assess your financial need more thoroughly and may be required by some schools in addition to the FAFSA. Completing both forms accurately and on time is crucial to ensure you are considered for all available financial aid options.

Test Scores: Some colleges require standardized test scores as part of their admissions process. To ensure you meet the deadline, it’s important to order your SAT and ACT scores at least two to three weeks in advance. ACT scores can be ordered directly from the official ACT website, while SAT scores can be requested through the official College Board website. Ordering your scores early will give you plenty of time to address any potential issues and ensure that your application is complete on time.

Try to Avoid Procrastination: It has been observed that, in many cases, students miss deadlines due to procrastination. To avoid this, it’s crucial to start early and follow a well-structured timeline, completing tasks as scheduled. Procrastination often leads to tasks piling up, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety as the deadline approaches. When you delay your work, it becomes harder to manage everything effectively, and the pressure builds. To prevent this, take proactive steps to stay focused, break tasks into manageable parts, and avoid distractions. Staying disciplined and committed to your schedule will help ensure that you meet all your deadlines without last-minute stress.

Prepare for an Interview: Not all of them, but some colleges require an interview as part of their application process. If the college you are applying to has an interview requirement, it’s important to start preparing early. Begin by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses. I recommend being prepared to discuss why you want to attend that particular college, what your academic and personal goals are, and how you can contribute to the campus community. Being well-prepared will help you present yourself confidently and make a strong impression during the interview.

Stay Calm and Organized: With multiple deadlines approaching and a lot of application materials to prepare, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, this is the time to stay calm, organized, and focused on the checklist and timeline you’ve created. Avoid procrastination and resist the urge to leave everything until the last minute. By staying on track, you can reduce stress and ensure that you meet each deadline with ease. Staying disciplined and following your plan will help you manage everything effectively and complete your tasks on time.

Final Thought:

Preparing for the December 1st and 15th college application deadlines requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. By following these tips, you’ll be on track to submit a complete and polished application that gives you the best chance of success. Stay ahead of the deadlines, stay organized, and most importantly, stay confident in your efforts. Good luck with your applications!

If you want to explore the important application deadlines, you can read our blog, “Important College Application Deadlines 2024-2025“. You can also find Your Ideal College with Top5 Colleges Tool.