Those 650 words that are the anchor of the application. This is the part that animates all the others. It is your chance to tell college admissions committees something about yourself they don’t already know from other parts of the application — and do so in your own voice. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to write clearly and concisely, follow directions, and engage your reader.

This section is deceptive and too often overlooked as an opportunity to tuck in a lot of extra detail while also acting as an integral factor in making the whole application hang together. Drop-downs and character limits make this section like working a puzzle — taking a little away here, adding a little there, continuing to edit the entries until everything you need to say fits.

The Additional information section provides two opportunities to say more about yourself. The first space is an opportunity to describe any community disruptions (COVID e.g.) or natural disasters that have impacted you and your high school experience. The second is a chance to include information that isn’t fitting or finding a home elsewhere in the application. Both are optional and should only be used if they truly enhance your application.

Once the Common Application (or other primary application) is completed, attention turns to the supplemental requirements that are unique to each school. It is important to identify up front what each school is asking and create a game plan for how best to approach this next stage of the process. Questions to consider include: Which applications do you intend to submit for early deadlines? How much work does one supplement require compared to another? Which supplements ask similar questions and how might you streamline your work accordingly?

Each school has a different calculus when it comes to how many Letters of Recommendation they require and how many optional letters they will review. Most schools ask for two letters from teachers. Some schools also ask for a letter from a non-academic individual (a coach, a boss, a mentor). Some even allow for two of these. It is best to know exactly what you will need and be able to ask for them sooner rather than later. The earlier these can be requested, the more time your recommenders will have to make these testimonies to your character a truly substantive asset to your application.

Deadlines range from October 15 through the middle of February and into March or even later. It is critical to be informed of what admissions options the schools on your list offer. Some schools only offer Early Decision or Early Action, others offer both, still others offer two of each. And then, of course, there is always Regular Decision (except for the schools with Rolling Admissions). Make lists, organize your lists according to when you think you want to apply where and don’t be afraid to change it. This list will be your guide for what supplements are due when and when you will need to first submit your Common Application.