Every year, there are always seniors who are still in “summer mode” while their classmates are knee-deep in essays, applications, and college rep visits. It can add to the stress, but it is part of the process and there are ways to help them the best you can.
The good news: late starters don’t need to catch up all at once. They just need a clear first step and a way to break the work into manageable weekly goals. Once a student gets a few things started, it’s much easier to keep moving. And, hopefully, by now some of the eager early applicants are wrapping-up!
3 Ways to Help Seniors Who Haven’t Started
1. Break the Ice Without Shame
Avoid the “you’re behind” talk. Keep the conversation positive and constructive. Presumably, they are self-aware enough to know that they’re behind. Instead, frame it as:
“Let’s start knocking-out your applications. Here are some simple things to do this week.”
That tone helps them engage instead of shutting down.
2. Get Them Started on the Essentials
Don’t try to sprint to the finish line. Instead, focus on a handful of essential first steps that lay the foundation. Once those are done, you can shift toward weekly goals.
3. Create Momentum With Weekly Goals
After the basics, break the rest into manageable chunks: two or three specific goals each week. A student who does just a little every week will be in a much better place by October than one who keeps waiting to start “everything” at once.
Free Resource: Weekly Goals Handout
At this point, doing multiple drafts of essays, visiting campuses, and curating activities lists in detail are unlikely so it is time to focus on the essentials. It is crunch time, but still possible if the student is suddenly motivated. Here’s a copy-and-paste handout you can give to seniors who haven’t started yet.
Week 1: Get Set Up
Create your Common App account
Add at least 3 colleges to your list
Fill out personal information (name, address, school info, parent info)
Ask 2 teachers for recommendation letters
Request your transcript from your counseling office
Goal: Have an account, a starter list, and your basic info entered.
Week 2: Build Your Foundation
Draft your activities list (10 things you’ve done in or out of school)
Organize test scores (decide if you’ll send them or apply test-optional)
Explore essay prompts and pick one to start
Make a list of application deadlines (EA, ED, RD) for each school
Goal: Know your deadlines, your recommenders, and have your activities list ready.
Week 3: Focus on Essays
Draft your Common App personal essay (don’t worry about perfect — just get words on the page)
Choose 1–2 supplemental essays for priority schools and start drafting
Ask a counselor, teacher, or mentor to read your essay draft
Update your activities list to polish descriptions and finalize order
Goal: Have a full draft of your main essay and at least one supplement started.
Week 4: Pull It Together
Finalize your Common App essay and proofread
Polish 1–2 supplements for your earliest deadlines
Double-check that there aren’t other things due like STARS report or college-specific requirements
Review your application sections for accuracy
Submit your applications when they become due
Goal: Be ready to hit submit for your earliest deadlines and know exactly what’s left for the rest.
Counselor Tip: Students often just need a “doable” entry point. Giving them something concrete like “finish your activities list” or “draft one essay paragraph” is more effective than telling them to “work on applications.” Small, specific goals build momentum. Having said all of that, the students have to be the ones who are motivated… we can’t make them want to apply to a college.
Final Thought
Every class has seniors who take longer to get started. The key isn’t calling them out them for being behind (they are probably aware)… it’s giving them a clear way forward. A few first steps, followed by small weekly goals, can help even the latest starters find their footing before deadlines hit and get everything done before the final buzzer.