Cardinal Education

Heads up, Seniors! The Common App opens August 1. Those who start preparing in July are the ones who walk in confidently, not scrambling.

If you're a rising senior (or a parent of one), here's your July Common App checklist:

📌 Build a balanced college list—reach, target, and likely schools based on real fit, not just rankings
📌 Draft your activities list now, while the details are still fresh
📌 Start brainstorming your personal statement—first drafts don't need to be good; they just need to exist
📌 Ask teachers for letters of recommendation early, before their inboxes fill up in September

Swipe through our full back-to-school college application checklist for what to do before the Common App opens for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.

Cardinal Education has helped students build their application strategy for nearly two decades. If you want a head start before August 1, reach out—we'll help you build a plan that fits.

👉 Visit www.cardinaleducation.com/contact for a complimentary diagnostic exam and evaluation!