03 Aug Road Map for August: Class of 2026

The Common App has officially launched for the new application cycle! Whether you’ve already been working on your materials or are just getting started, now is the time to dig in and make meaningful progress before school ramps back up. The more you complete now, the less pressure you’ll feel once school starts. You’ll also be better prepared to take advantage of free application weeks that some schools offer, which are often in October—even before most Early Decision and Early Action deadlines arrive.

If you have a existing Common App account, you’ll notice some changes in how the platform looks, but these are pretty minor and everything should be familiar.  The “Common App” tab is now called “My Common App,” and the Additional Information questions have been updated in the Writing section. Then open “My Colleges,” where you’ll find each school’s specific questions and supplemental essay prompts. Many are already live—often embedded in the General or Academics sections—so read carefully and take note of all requirements. You may also find opportunities to submit optional items like portfolios, résumés, or essays that are not required but present an opportunity for you to share your qualifications in more detail. Now’s a great time to start drafting your responses and getting feedback.

For guidance with applications, essays, college lists or other topics, contact me to learn more about working together one-on-one. Let’s get you set up for success!