Stay on Track: Organizational Tips for the College Process
Applying to college, while exciting, can feel overwhelming. Staying organized is the key to reducing stress and staying on track during the college application process. Whether you’re just starting your college search or preparing to hit “submit” on applications, these tips will help to keep you organized through the process like a pro.
Create a College Spreadsheet
Keep track of important details for each school you’re considering in one place. Include columns for:
Application deadlines
Required materials (essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc)
Test score policies (SAT/ACT requirements or test-optional)
Interview, video introduction, or other optional materials
Financial aid and scholarship deadlines
Special programs you’re interested in (honors colleges or study abroad opportunities)
Login credentials for college status pages (once you’ve submitted applications)
Having this information all in one place will make it easier to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Deadlines can sneak up on you, so set reminders for key dates, like:
Application submission deadlines
FAFSA and financial aid priority dates
Scholarship applications
Campus visit or virtual tour schedules
If you prefer digital tools, apps like Google Calendar or Notion are great for setting recurring reminders and color-coding tasks by priority.
Break It Down Into Manageable Steps
Instead of tackling everything at once, break the process into smaller tasks. For example, you may want to finalize your college list one week, draft your personal statement the next and request recommendation letters the week after. The tasks and timelines will vary based on application round and where in the process you currently are. Keep in mind that for some schools, some tasks may need to be done in a particular order (i.e., submitting an application before requesting an interview or accessing financial aid portals).
You’ll want to check off each step as you go. Completing smaller tasks will help you build momentum and avoid last-minute panic.
Organize your Documents
Create folders — physical or digital — to keep everything in one place. Suggested categories include:
Essays and drafts
Resume
Letters of recommendation
Transcript
Test scores
Financial aid documents (FSA IDs, FAFSA confirmations, tax returns, etc.)
Consider using cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) so you can access your documents from anywhere. Keep in mind that you may not be able to get a copy of letters of recommendation or transcripts, as most are submitted directly through the application platforms.
Communicate with Your Supporters
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Your school counselor, teachers, and/or family are there to help you. Stay organized by setting up a regular time each week to check in and consider sharing all your planning documents like spreadsheets and folders with someone you trust.
Make sure to check in with teachers about letters of recommendation and school counselors for transcript submissions. Clear communication ensures no task gets overlooked. But remember, when it comes to teachers and counselors, request documents early so that you don’t need to stress by contacting them at the last minute when they may not have access to their email.
Get Organized with Scoir
The Scoir platform is a fantastic resource to streamline your college application process with aspects of each of the organizational tips provided so far.
With Scoir you can:
Research colleges and save your favorites all in one place.
Track application deadlines and submission statuses.
Request letters of recommendation and transcripts directly through the platform.
Access tools for career exploration and matching your interests to potential majors.
Invite a parent or guardian to link with you on Scoir to collaborate on your college list.
Apply to many Coalition for College member colleges and universities with our easy-to-use fee waivers.
Using Scoir ensures your college-related tasks are centralized, making it easier to stay on top of everything.
Stay Flexible and Take Care
Unexpected challenges (or opportunities) may pop up. Keep an open mind and be ready to adjust your plans. For example, a new school may catch your eye, or you may need to revise your essays after feedback. Flexibility helps you adapt while staying on track.
This process can also be stressful, for more tips on how to practice self-care, check out our article, Taking Care of You.
The college application process is a big step, but with the right organizational tools you can approach it with confidence. Start early, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. By staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for success and make the journey to college an exciting adventure.
