U.S. / Canada Undergraduate Application Planning Timeline

• Accumulation phase; focus on maintaining GPA
• Begin to develop a habit of reading long works of literature or popular science in English
• Explore directions of interest

• Fully initiate standardized test (SAT) or AP systematic studying
• Participate in extracurricular activites such as clubs and competitions
• Maintain GPA while gradually determining the direction of major

September ~ January

• Browse school information
• Enhancing SAT studying
• Prepare for summer school applications

March ~ June

• Determine an initial range of schools (generally 15 to 20)
• Determine a preferred major
• Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers or other relevant connections
• Brainstorm and conceptualize application essays and accumulate application material

July

• Visit schools and narrow down the list of schools to apply to
• Attend summer school
• Start to write the main application essay as well as any ssays for the University of California if applicable
• Enhance background by participating in enrichhment activities

August

• Organize resume
• Create a list of activites, awards and honors
• Create accounts on university application sites
• Gather information about schools to which you want to apply such as their Early Decision / Early Action deadlines
• Research information on interested majors

September

• Follow up on letters of recommendation requests
• Finalize list of schools to apply to (generally 5 to 10)
• Write supplemental essays for specific schools
• If financial aid is required, begin completing the paperwork
• If applicable, begin University of California applications

October

• Finalize main application essay, early application essays, and University of California essays if applicable
• Submit early admission applications
• Submit high school transcripts
• Prepare a proof of funding PDF

January ~ February

• Submit mid-year grade reports (some schools also require second semester grades)
• Prepare for interviews if required by the school
• Submit application materials for any applicable scholarships

March ~ April

• Check offers; if waitlisted, consider writing a love letter to the school
• Select offers and decide on a school
• Continue to take AP exams

May

• Respond to school offers to confirm attendance
• Prepare visa and other documents if applicable
• Wait for enrolment