BY: BOB MULVEY
Why does the college application season seem so foreboding and stressful when it should be a time of anticipation and excitement?
Part of the answer is that the college application season occurs during what is known as a “change-year” for most high school students. A change year for late juniors and rising seniors happens as there is a shift from “interdependence” (long-standing reliance on family, hometown friends, and fellow students) to “independence” (more personal decision-making and self-direction). These changes, happening within the college application season, can create both excitement and anxiety, challenging students’ coping skills.
Importance of Time Management in the College Application Process
Time management is crucial during the college application process because students must balance their current academic workload, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities while ensuring they meet important application deadlines. Without a structured approach, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, leading to procrastination, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress. Implementing effective time management strategies allows students to stay organized, complete tasks efficiently, and submit well-prepared applications.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Time During the College Application Process
Use SMART Goals
One of the best ways to stay on track is to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals for each stage of the college application process.
Examples of SMART goals include:
- Completing a draft of the personal statement within two weeks.
- Requesting letters of recommendation by a specific date.
- Submitting at least one college application per week in October.
By setting clear and structured goals, students can avoid last-minute stress and feel more in control of the process.
Prioritize with the Pomodoro Technique
Some of the components of applications take time to complete. Essays, personal statements, other writing requirements, and prescreen performance videos may require drafts, rewrites, and re-takes. Several very effective time management tools can help:
- Prioritizing: looking at the list of tasks, determining the order of importance, time sensitivity, or simply deciding what to do first.
- Time blocking: using a personal calendar to “block out” hours of the week specifically designed for application assignments. An effective time block might be one to two hours two times a week dedicated to drafting and editing writing requirements or working on a portfolio.
- The Pomodoro Technique: Use this method to sustain attention for ongoing tasks. The technique uses a timer with an alarm to designate 20-25 minute ‘task time’ blocks with strict ten-minute breaks in between. Though it may sound overly busy, it works! And it is highly recommended by time management specialists.
Break Large Projects Up into Manageable Parts
Applying to college involves multiple steps, from writing essays to gathering recommendations and completing financial aid forms. Breaking these tasks into smaller, manageable parts makes them less daunting. For example:
- Week 1: Research colleges and finalize your list.
- Week 2: Draft the Common App essay.
- Week 3: Edit and refine essays, request recommendations.
- Week 4: Start filling out applications.
Students can avoid rushing and submit higher-quality materials by working on applications in stages.
Timeline and Tracking Spreadsheet
Develop a user-friendly spreadsheet that can be easily updated and refined to be your go-to resource for due dates, deadlines, and all necessary application requirements. Inside Music Schools provides its students with a spreadsheet with pre-designated columns. Entries on the spreadsheet should include:
- College name
- Specific types of application (Common App, School-Specific App)
- Deadline dates for submission, including dates for early action, early decision, and regular decision
There should also be blocks designating dates of:
- Transcript submission
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores
- Portfolio submission (if required)
- Pre-screen video/performance submission (if required)
- Financial aid forms required by the school (FAFSA, CSS Profile)
Build a Strong, Versatile, and Adaptable Portfolio
For students applying to creative or performance-based programs, a strong portfolio is essential. It’s important to:
- Start early: Gathering, refining, and curating work takes time.
- Show versatility: Colleges appreciate a range of skills and styles.
- Keep it organized: Label all pieces clearly and ensure they meet submission guidelines.
- Seek feedback: Teachers, mentors, school counselors, and Inside Music Schools can provide valuable input.
Repurpose Key Content When Possible
Many college applications ask for similar types of essays or short responses. Instead of writing each essay from scratch, students can strategically repurpose content by:
- Creating a strong “Why this college?” essay that can be slightly modified for different schools.
- Using elements of the Common App essay to inform supplemental responses.
- Adapting scholarship essays for similar prompts.
This approach saves time while ensuring each submission remains personalized and high-quality. It can also work when selecting which repertoire to submit for pre-screening videos and perform at live auditions.
Establish a Routine / Dedicate Time Consistently in Your Schedule
Having a set schedule for working on applications helps prevent procrastination. Consider:
- Setting aside one to two hours twice a week to work on applications.
- Using a dedicated study space free from distractions.
- Keeping a physical or digital planner to track deadlines and progress.
Consistency is key in making steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Leverage Technology and Tools
There are many tools available to help students manage their time and stay organized during the application process:
- Google Calendar: Set reminders for deadlines.
- Trello or Notion: Organize tasks and track progress.
- Grammarly or Hemingway Editor: Improve essay writing quality.
- Google Docs or Evernote: Store drafts and important documents securely.
Using technology to automate reminders and streamline organization is acceptable and can significantly reduce stress.
Start Early and Double Check Before Submitting
Starting the application process early allows students to:
- Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, and Inside Music Schools.
- Revise essays multiple times for clarity and impact.
- Avoid last-minute technical issues with online submissions.
- Ensure all materials (transcripts, test scores, recommendations) are submitted correctly.
A final review before hitting “submit” can prevent costly errors and oversights.
Balancing School, Music, and the College Application Process
Many students applying to college are also involved in music programs, performances, and other extracurricular activities. To maintain a balance:
- Plan ahead: Align application deadlines with performance schedules.
- Use breaks wisely: Utilize downtime during rehearsals or travel for quick application tasks.
- Communicate with mentors: Seek support from music teachers or counselors to manage the workload.
Finding the right balance ensures that students don’t sacrifice their passions while keeping up with applications.
Seek College Admissions Consultants for Guidance
For students feeling overwhelmed by the college application process, working with expert college admissions consultants at Inside Music Schools can help you stay on track. Our admissions consultants can provide clarity, reduce stress, and improve the chances of admission to top-choice schools by providing:
- Personalized application strategies
- Essay feedback and guidance
- Portfolio and audition preparation (for arts and music programs)
- Assistance with interview preparation
- Scholarship and financial aid advice
Navigate Your College Application Process Successfully
Time management is the key to navigating the college application season with confidence. Students can make the process smoother and less stressful by creating a timeline, setting SMART goals, leveraging time management techniques, and seeking support when needed. With careful planning and consistency, they can enjoy the excitement of this transition rather than being overwhelmed by it.
Don’t wait! Take control of your time now, and feel in control of your future at every step. Contact Inside Music Schools to learn more about their college admissions consulting services.
Bob Mulvey
Bob Mulvey serves as a special consultant and advisor for Inside Music Schools, especially in the areas of learning and organizational skills. Bob has many years of experience as an educator, college administrator, and clinician. He taught in secondary settings, including public, vocational, and alternative schools. Bob held the position of Instructor in the Graduate School of Lesley College and the English Department at Bunker Hill Community College. Over 32 years at Berklee College of Music, Bob was Associate Director of the Counseling and Academic Advising Center, Director of Disability and Accommodation Services, and an Associate Professor. Bob holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and a Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.