Susan Lutz, College Consultant

Each summer, the Common App hits reset. This year, the first-year application will close on July 28 for its annual refresh and reopen on August 1 for students applying for Fall 2027. Most information entered in the main “My Common Application” section will roll over, but college-specific questions and supplemental writing may not.

Seniors, maybe it is time for your own reset, too.

Application season is almost here, and school will be starting before we know it. Soon, you will be balancing classes, activities, fall events, friendships, AND college applications. That is a lot. Pretending otherwise will not make it easier. 

A plan will.

Take a breath, step back, and get organized. Is your college list balanced and close to final? Do you know whether you are applying Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, or rolling? 

Have you recorded every application deadline, not just in your head, but somewhere you will actually check?

And do not stop with the admission deadline. Many colleges have separate deadlines for scholarships, honors programs, portfolios, interviews, or other special opportunities. Some also require additional steps after you submit. 

Hitting “submit” does not always mean you are finished.

Now is the time to build a realistic timeline and break the work into manageable pieces. Do not plan to submit at 11:59 p.m. on deadline day. Technology fails. Questions come up. Portals take time to arrive. Give yourself room to handle the unexpected and still submit work that represents you well.

Senior year should not become one long college application season. 

Reset. Breathe. Make the plan. 

Then give yourself permission to enjoy football games, homecoming, time with friends, and all the moments that make senior year memorable. You can enjoy the year and submit strong applications, BUT organization is what makes both possible.