The Race to November 1st

As we look to turn the clock backs in just over a week, we also look to the looming early action and early decision deadline for many schools: November 1st. Counselors are putting finishing touches on letters of recommendation, teachers are uploading Common Application forms, and students are tweaking their essays one last time.  However, it is very important to not wait until the last minute.  Millions of applications are submitted every year through the Common Application website.  It is not uncommon for students to incur issues with the Common Application the last couple of days before a major deadline. As a parent, it is an excellent idea to set an earlier deadline for your young adult, no later than the 30th of October.

Here's why: Saturday is Halloween. Yes, many teenagers have outgrown trick or treating, but some like to hang on for one last time. Even if your senior is not trick or treating, it usually provides the perfect excuse to hang out with friends and do something fun. Then, Sunday smacks you in the face and the deadline is here.  Along with millions of other teenagers who also slept until noon, your senior attempts to go on the Common Application website and cannot get through.  You spend your Sunday afternoon desperately trying to help, but there is no phone number to call and email requests are not responded to for 72 hours.  Hence, the deadline has passed. So instead of spending your Sunday watching football, adjusting to turning the clocks back, and preparing for your work week, you are trying to help but there is nothing you can do.  Savor that Sunday, finish the applications ahead of time, and let your entire family enjoy the weekend.