As spring settles over Charlotte, high school juniors and their families are deep in the grind—AP exams, standardized tests, keeping up with tough classes. All of that matters, of course, but there’s one critical piece of the college admissions puzzle that too many families overlook until it’s almost too late.
The Hidden Timeline of College Admissions
Most families think of senior year as “application season.” But here’s what college admissions experts like Katie Garrett, founder of Garrett Educational Consulting, know: spring of junior year is the real turning point. The students who start now will head into senior year in control. The ones who don’t? They’re the ones scrambling, stressed, and struggling to meet deadlines before they even realize what hit them.
There’s a common misconception that the summer before senior year is when the process begins in earnest. In reality, summer should be about refining applications—not starting them from scratch. The students who get this right submit stronger, more compelling applications and often see better results.
The Common Application, which is a portal shared by over 1000 colleges to simplify the admissions process, officially opens for the Class of 2026 on August 1. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t start now. Katie recommends that juniors go ahead and set up their account on Common App, and begin completing the demographic information and their Activities Section. The Personal statement prompts are also set for 2026 applicants, so you can even begin to brainstorm your essay topic.
The Fall Crunch Is Real
Fast forward to the first day of senior year: classes are tougher, activities are more demanding, and suddenly, college deadlines are looming. By mid-October, many early application deadlines have already passed. Every year, families are shocked by how fast that happens.
This is especially true at elite universities, where Early Decision may not be just an option—it can often be the main event. At many top schools, 50% or more of the freshman class is filled through Early Decision. That means students who wait until fall to start their applications may already be competing for far fewer available spots.
The students who waited? They’re racing to complete applications while juggling everything else. The students who started in the spring? They’re submitting polished, thoughtful applications ahead of the rush. The difference in stress levels—and outcomes—is huge.
Pro Tip: Katie suggests you list all of the schools on your list, your desired application strategy (Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision) and the associated deadlines now. “That way you can begin to map out your milestones on a calendar to make your process more manageable,” Katie says.
The Competitive Edge
In today’s competitive academic landscape, top students aren’t just working hard—they’re working strategically. They know that the best applications aren’t thrown together at the last minute. They take time. They require planning. And the students who understand this are the ones standing out to admissions officers.
At selective schools, it can be obvious when an application is rushed. Thoughtful, well-developed applications have depth. They tell a story. And they come from students who used their junior spring and summer wisely, rather than cramming everything into the fall.
Garrett Educational Consulting’s website has a variety of downloadable resources available to help students organize and plan for their applications and essay writing. “Make sure that you use the resources that work for you, though,” says Katie. “Sometimes a simple calendar is the most valuable resource you have.”
The Question Every Family Should Be Asking
Right now, as your junior moves through this semester, ask yourself: Do you know what steps will give them the best shot at their top-choice schools? More importantly—do they?
The students who take advantage of these next few months will thank themselves in the fall. The ones who don’t? They’ll wish they had.
Other things you can be working on this spring and summer – list all of your activities starting from the summer before freshman year through senior year. This can include: athletics, clubs, jobs, volunteer work, research, internships, and other extracurriculars. Don’t forget about personal passion projects – set up a portfolio website if you are a photographer, link to your podcast if you are a podcaster, etc.
Students, on average, apply to 8-12 schools, many with several supplemental essays. This can feel overwhelming to students (and parents), but it doesn’t have to be. “Focus on one school’s essays, and you might be surprised that the themes from those may help you complete another school’s essays more quickly,” says Katie.
Discover the Complete Junior Year Roadmap at This Free Webinar
For families who want to ensure their juniors are on the right track, Garrett Educational Consulting is hosting a special webinar on March 25th from 6-7 pm: “The Clock is Ticking: What Junior Families Should be Doing Now for College Admissions”
In this comprehensive presentation, we’ll reveal the steps that successful applicants are taking right now to position themselves for strong results. You’ll learn what should be happening this spring, what can wait until summer, and what absolutely must be completed before senior year begins.
Space is limited for this information-packed session. Click HERE to register today and give your student the strategic advantage that comes with proper timing and preparation.
Garrett Educational Consulting is dedicated to helping students ensure that they are on the right track while trying to help alleviate some of the stress of the college admissions process. Don’t let your junior miss this critical window of opportunity – the spring advantage can make all the difference in your student’s college journey.
Garrett Educational Consulting
Garrett Educational Consulting provides comprehensive application support to students going through the college admissions and boarding school admission process. Learn more about their services by clicking HERE.
425-A S. Sharon Amity Road | Charlotte, NC 28211
980.677.0311
info@garretteducationalconsulting.com
