Materials Matter! Wheels up for early applications.

We recommend submitting applications one to two weeks before the deadline. Hence, students have time to set up their application portal with each school and monitor all materials received before the deadline. Materials include:

• Official SAT/ACT Scores - Send them now if the school requires official scores instead of self-reported ones.

• School Report - Make sure guidance counselor processes are complete.

• Academic recommendation letters, particularly if required for the application to be considered "complete." Check out this list of 125 schools that require at least one academic recommendation letter; otherwise, the file is incomplete. There are a few public universities, but the University of Maryland, LSU, Chapel Hill, and UVA are on the list.

• Early Decision Agreements - If applying for early decision (NOT early action), complete the FAFSA/CSS Profile and parent agreement.

• Self-reported academic Record (SRAR) submitted and linked to the school if required - see schools that require the SRAR.

• Material Deadlines - Some schools require materials on the application deadline, while others give a grace period. Examples are below for the November 1 application dates:

  • University of Maryland College Park Early Action - November 1 application and materials deadline

  • Auburn University - Auburn has four early action deadlines. All required materials must be submitted by the early action deadline; otherwise, the application will be considered for the next round.

  • VA Tech Early Action - November 15th application and December 1 materials deadline

  • The University of Tennessee Early Action - November 1 application and November 15 materials deadline

Students are the captains of their applications, but there are many moving parts to keep on track. Grab a chat if you'd like some help.