If you plan to apply to US colleges in fall 2025, you need to know what’s coming your way. After all, every bit of hard work you’ve done in school has led you to this decisive point — but chances are, you’ve never practiced a college application before.
So, what does true “application readiness” even look like today?
Don’t panic; it won’t come down to a cage match. Yes, the college application process is complex (and at times, frustrating), but it’s not as deceptive or sneaky as recent news may lead you to believe. Not only that, but you’re not alone: some very intelligent people have been in your shoes and can offer concrete, tangible ways to help you succeed. Sure, some aspects have changed to better incorporate evolving technology, but most parts of the process remain. “Application readiness” in 2025 means having all your materials, timelines, and strategies aligned, so you can focus on doing your best rather than scrambling at the last minute. That’s our ultimate goal.
To help you get there, this complete guide to application readiness will help you find the resources you need to thrive in college. In addition to pointers for younger students gearing up for later applications, this article will walk you through each of the key phases of this months-long process, starting right here, right now. There’s no time like the present.
For younger students
Even if you’re not applying until next year, you’re not off the hook completely. Now might be the perfect time to build strong study habits, discover your interests, and start thinking about your college dreams. If you’re aiming for highly competitive colleges (like the Ivy Leagues), even your first-year grades might come into play.
Searching for a starting point? Empowerly’s printable grade-by-grade checklists break down exactly what to focus on year-round. If you are starting early, there are still important steps you can be taking to prepare now and get off on the right foot:
Freshman (9th grade):
First things first: focus on academic foundations and getting involved in something outside of school. Download your complete 2025 student checklist for application readiness for freshmen here.
Sophomore (10th grade):
This is the time to deepen your extracurricular activities and further explore your interests. Get your copy of the 2025 student checklist for application readiness for sophomores here.
Junior (11th grade):
The main themes for this year to stay on track are test planning, initial college research, and early visit planning. Download your 2025 student checklist for application readiness here.
For college applicants
For rising seniors (high school students entering the 12th grade), one of the most important years of their academic career awaits. You can download a 2025 student checklist for application readiness for seniors here, but next, we’ll break it down a little more closely.
Summer 2025:
If you play your cards right, your college application prep can start before the fall semester even begins. Doing so will decrease the total number of things you need to finish after school starts, when you have homework and other commitments.
Here are a few things you should accomplish over the summer:
- Finalize your college list.
- Start your main college essays.
- Confirm your letters of recommendation, and prepare a resume or brag sheet.
- Make a plan for standardized tests.
- Map out your application deadlines.
For international students, you’ll have a very similar process, with a few extra steps:
- Prepare for and report scores from English-language proficiency tests.
- Translate your transcripts (if necessary).
- Give yourself plenty of time to navigate the bureaucracy for visa and travel paperwork.
Getting everything you need in order will help you enter the semester with confidence.
Fall 2025:
Once you enter senior year, the clock is ticking. Two of the most important platforms, the Common App and the Coalition App, open on August 1st, indicating that application season has officially begun. As the pace picks up, don’t forget to pace yourself; application burnout is real. Set weekly goals, take breaks, and lean on your support system.
The main materials you will need to complete a US college application include:
- Student activities list
- Personal essay(s)
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcript requests
- Test scores
- Supplemental materials or portfolio
In addition to completing your applications for admission, you need to get organized for financial aid and scholarship applications, as these deadlines approach as well. Two of the main forms you’ll need, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile, open their platforms on October 1st.
It’s recommended to collect any family financial information ahead of time to avoid delay, as some funds are first-come, first-served based on the time of submission.
Winter 2025 – 2026:
This is major crunch time. Complete and submit any final materials within the submission window you’re targeting. Most regular applications (including the Common App) are due by January 1st, but some deadlines fall earlier or extend into early 2026. When in doubt, try to submit as early as you comfortably can to avoid last-minute tech issues.
Remember, there are other major deadlines to keep in mind during this period (including honors program or scholarship awards) that you won’t want to pass you up. Keep checking back, and don’t forget any major milestones on your application calendar.
Spring 2026:
During the springtime, after a seemingly excruciating wait, you’ll receive your notification decisions. Remember to celebrate all your outcomes, not just Ivy League admissions. With these letters in hand, it’s time to weigh your options.
While this is a highly individualized experience, there are a few main components to help you stay on track during this decision-making process. Take some additional time to:
- Review your decisions and fully understand what they mean (admitted vs. waitlisted vs. denied).
- Visit final schools again over spring break, if possible, especially if you weren’t able to do so before.
- Compare aid offers using net price calculators and your own spreadsheets.
When do you need to decide? There are exceptions, but most students need to choose which school to attend and submit the necessary enrollment forms by the decision deadline, May 1st, to secure their spot.
Summer 2026:
You did it! It’s time to prepare for college and get ready to “seek a great perhaps!” So what’s next?
In addition to enjoying your final high school summer, you need to start getting ready for your transition to college life:
- Submit housing and health insurance forms
- Collect your college supplies
- Connect with your future roommate or attend orientation
Finally, spend time with family and friends before you begin your next adventure. Just don’t forget: you’ve done the hard work already. Now you get to reap the rewards of your labors.
If that seems like a lot (or you’re getting lost already), download your copy of Empowerly’s Guide to the College Application here. The guide walks you through every component of a US college application, from start to finish, in an easy-to-read format you can save for future reference.
Help! I have a question!
Before you go, we’ll hit a few of the biggest FAQs students tend to ask about the college application process.
Q: Do I have to know what I want to study already?
A: Nope! Being undecided about your major is totally normal, and you’re not behind. Many colleges allow you to apply as “undeclared,” and a large percentage of students end up changing their major once they start college anyway. If you are still unsure when you apply, you can demonstrate that you’d be a good candidate by highlighting your curiosity, how you explore your interests, and what types of learning environments you thrive in.
Q: How can I estimate my chances of admission?
A: There’s no hard and fast rule, but you can compare your student profile with the college’s incoming class to see how you stack up. Look at the college’s middle 50% range for grades and test scores compared to yours for a better idea of your potential fit.
Q: What do colleges really want to see on applications?
A: Of course, good grades and community involvement go a long way. That said, remember that admissions decisions are holistic, meaning they consider the student’s story, profile, character, and context when determining who earns an acceptance. For more guidance on this process (and how you can put a shine on your application), check out this article, “What Colleges Look for in 2025.”
To summarize…
It’s not too early to get started. In fact, it’s never too early; having time on your side is a great asset! If you’re looking for a printable student checklist for everything you need to do, year by year, start here:
Here’s a great eBook guide to every element of the US college application process so you can better understand what you’re getting into — and prepare accordingly.
Of course, working with an expert team throughout the college application process can set you up for an even easier and more productive experience. The expert counselors at Empowerly can help you craft your application strategy, stay on track, and submit with confidence. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about how our counselors could help your student thrive in a free consultation today.
