It’s early November — and for most high school seniors, that means your Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), or Restricted Early Action (REA) applications are finally in. Congratulations! 🎉 The last several weeks probably felt like a marathon of essays, supplements, and submission portals. You’ve earned a deep breath… but hold off on that victory dance just a bit longer.
This period between early deadlines and mid-December decisions is crucial. It’s the perfect time to refocus, strengthen your academic record, and prepare for what comes next.
- Here’s how to make the most of these weeks:
- 1. Stay Engaged With Colleges
- Keep attending webinars, virtual tours, and information sessions — especially for your top-choice schools. Admissions teams notice when students continue to show authentic interest, and you’ll gain valuable insights to use in your Regular Decision (RD) essays or interviews.
- 2. Keep Up Your Academic Game
- Your fall semester grades matter! Admissions officers often review your midyear performance, so finish strong. Complete those high-value projects, and if you’ve been putting off applying for an award or competition, now’s the time to go for it. Every accomplishment adds depth to your story.
- 3. Get a Head Start on Regular Decision Essays
- Don’t wait for your EA/ED results to start writing your RD essays. You already know what it takes to craft a strong personal statement — use that momentum while it’s fresh!
- Pick your top 3–5 Regular Decision schools and start outlining and drafting now. If early decisions don’t go your way, you’ll be so glad you started early rather than scrambling during the holidays.
- 4. Dive Into Scholarships
- This is also the perfect time to explore scholarship opportunities that match your strengths and background.
- Check out resources like:
- Scholarships360.org
- Fastweb.com
- College Board’s BigFuture Scholarships
- Going Merry
- Look for scholarships aligned with your academic interests, community involvement, or personal background. Many have fall or early winter deadlines — so start those essays now while you’re still in writing mode!
- 5. Complete Your FAFSA and CSS Profile
- If you haven’t yet submitted your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CSS Profile (for schools that require it), do that now.
- Both are essential for financial aid and scholarships, and some colleges award aid on a rolling basis — meaning the earlier you file, the better your chances for full consideration.
- 6. Keep Building Your Story
- Keep your extracurriculars and community engagement going strong. Whether it’s a new project, leadership role, or volunteer activity, these continued efforts demonstrate growth and commitment — qualities that colleges love to see. Plus, they make great updates to include in continued interest letters later on.
- 7. Make a Holiday Game Plan
- The upcoming holiday season is your best friend — if you plan wisely.
- Set a goal to complete 3–5 RD essays before mid-December. This will reduce stress later and keep you ahead of deadlines, no matter what your early results bring.
- Final Thoughts
- Submitting your early applications is a huge milestone — but it’s just one step on the journey. The next few weeks are your chance to build momentum, prepare financially, and keep your academic and personal story strong.
- So take a short breather, then refocus. Stay organized, stay proactive, and keep pushing forward. The effort you invest now will pay off — no matter how December plays out.
Ready to Plan Your Next Steps?
If you’d like personalized guidance on your Regular Decision strategy, scholarship applications, or essay planning, I’d love to help.
👉 [Book your one-on-one session here] Get Started – Trident Prep — let’s create a clear, confident plan for your next phase of applications.
