Countdown to Early Decision: What to Do One Month Out

Smart strategies to prioritize your time, polish your application, and stay grounded

The final stretch before Early Decision deadlines can feel like a whirlwind, juggling your application and daily academics. Here’s how to organize the next four weeks so you can hit “submit” with confidence.

Week 1: Audit & Adjust

Take inventory and set priorities.

• Checklist your progress: personal statement, supplementals, activities list, test scores, and portfolio

• Identify gaps: essays needing revision, missing recommendation letters, financial aid forms

• Refocus your why: revisit what makes this ED school your top choice—your “why here” should anchor every piece of the application

Create a master timeline and update it weekly. Seeing progress builds confidence.

Week 2: Revise & Refine It's time to level up your writing.

• Polish your personal statement: clarity, tone, and emotional depth matter

• Review supplementals for voice and specificity

  • Avoid generic answers—show that you’ve done your research

  • Make connections between your values and what the school offers

• Ask for feedback from teachers, counselors, or trusted peers—but filter wisely. Too many opinions dilute your voice.

  
  

Week 3: Finalize & Format

Submission is on the horizon.

• Proof everything—small errors send big signals

• Double-check formatting for clarity and consistency (especially in the Activities section)

• Confirm transcripts, letters, and test scores are en route and aligned with school requirements

• Preview your application in full before uploading to see it how an admissions officer will be viewing your application

  
  

Set an internal “submit by” date a few days before the deadline. Buffer time = peace of mind.

Week 4: Submit & Self-Care

As you approach the final steps of your ED deadline:

• Be sure to submit your application a few days before the deadline to avoid any unforeseen technical issues

• Plan something joyful to do after you click submit and celebrate submitting your application

Helpful Tips for Neurodiverse Learners

Structure helps reduce overwhelm:

• Use visual planners or checklists for each week

• Break tasks into 30-minute chunks

• Pair application work with something regulating (music, movement, quiet space)

• Ask someone to be your accountability partner or emotional checkpoint