Meeting Deadlines is EVERYTHING!

Welcome, concerned parents of the Class of 2024! It's a pleasure to have your attention once again. I'm Shereem Herndon-Brown, the founder and president of Strategic Admission Advice. 

Today, I want to emphasize a crucial aspect of the college application process – meeting deadlines.

In this fast-paced world of college applications, there's one universal truth: deadlines are everything. They can make or break your teen's chances of getting into their dream school. So, let's dive into why deadlines are crucial and how you, as parents, can help your teen succeed in meeting them.

The Significance of Deadlines:

Let's start by acknowledging the elephant in the room – college application deadlines. Some schools have early action deadlines as early as October 15th, while others follow suit with November 1st for early action or early decision deadlines. These dates might seem distant, but they're much closer than they appear.

Why are deadlines so vital? Because they can determine whether your teen gets an interview or has to complete additional supplements. Missing a deadline can result in automatic relegation to the regular decision pool. That's why your teen must submit their application on time.

Avoiding Last-Minute Submissions:

Now, I understand that in an ideal world, your teen's application would be polished to perfection by now. But let's be realistic – life happens. However, they must strive to submit their early action or early decision application at least a week to 10 days before the actual deadline.

If your teen's deadline is November 1st, aim to steer clear of the Halloween night rush. Encourage them to press that submit button well before the ghosts and ghouls come out to play. By doing so, your teen demonstrates effective time management and preparedness – two skills colleges highly value.

Colleges do not want to see procrastination on an application. They want to see students who precisely meet deadlines and deliver top-notch work. This means revising essays, proofreading meticulously, and ensuring that transcripts and recommendations are promptly submitted.

Supporting Your Teen's Journey:

While holding your teen accountable for their application process is essential, offering your support is also crucial. Communicate the importance of meeting deadlines and help them manage their time effectively. Offer guidance without taking over, allowing them to learn these valuable life skills.

Additionally, remember to be considerate of your teen's teachers and counselors. They are working diligently to ensure everything is submitted on time. Encourage your teen to show gratitude and patience towards these individuals who are significant in their college journey.

The College's Verification Process:

Once your teen submits their application, they will receive a portal from the college. This portal will enable them to track the status of their application and ensure that everything is received on time. It's the college's way of verifying that your teen's submission is complete and within the deadline.

Parents of the Class of 2024, your support in helping your teen meet their application deadlines is invaluable. Whether the deadline is October 15th, November 1st, or November 15th, breathe a sigh of relief during Thanksgiving, but remember that January 1st is looming on the horizon.

If you find yourself in need of guidance, don't hesitate to visit our website at StrategicAdmissionAdvice.com. We offer Discovery Calls and Strategy Sessions to assist you and your teen on this journey.

Remember, meeting deadlines is not just about college applications; it's about instilling valuable time management skills and demonstrating preparedness for your teen's future endeavors. Let's ensure they take this important step in their academic journey confidently and excellently.

I wish you and your teen the best on this exciting path to college admission success.