GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MAY | JUNE 2018 49 • Update resume to include GPA, rank, activities, SAT/ACT/ Subject Test/AP/IB Exams • Continue to prepare draft essays • Register for fall SAT/ACT or SAT Subject (if needed) • Continue to visit colleges • Begin to prepare college applications (some colleges) • Begin preparation for August SAT (if needed) • Begin to prepare of September ACT (if needed) • Complete college visits • Narrow list of colleges to top 10-12 • Continue to revise final essays • Finalize list of (8 -10) colleges • Begin to prepare Common App or Apply Texas Applications (opens Aug 1st) One final recommendation is to submit applications first to the “safety schools,” colleges where your child’s GPA/test scores exceed the minimum requirements. These applications often are shorter, have fewer or no essay requirements and will give a “rolling admis- sion decision” in 30-60 days. Move on to the college applications that have Priority, Early Action (non-binding) or Early Decision (binding) deadlines, which typically range from October 15th to December 1st. By meeting a Priority or Early deadline, students can receive admissions decisions in November/December. Finally, complete the Regular Decision applications during the Thanksgiv- ing/Winter Break. Submitting applications in this order moves students from safety schools to their challenge schools and then their dream schools, allowing them the opportunity to improve their applications for their challenge and dream schools. Finally, there is a large amount of uncertainty in the college ad- missions process, so the goal should be to have numerous options, thus enabling students to choose from multiple college acceptanc- es and to find the one they desire to attend in the fall of 2019. Editor’s Note: Robert A. Allsup is the Owner & Executive Director of Edu- cational Counseling Associates in Dallas, Texas. With 35 years of private practice experience, he has helped over 4600 students to discover, organize and achieve their educational goals. You can reach out to him at robert@myeca.net. JULY AUGUST