Must-See Checklist: Essential Tasks for U.S. High School and College Applications

August is a hot month, but for many students looking to apply to American high schools and universities, it is a season of intense preparation. The 2025-2026 application season is officially here, and as questions arise about what preparations are needed at each stage of U.S. high school and college applications, many students may feel a bit overwhelmed.

Indeed, the preparation time required for applying to U.S. universities is much longer and more complex than many students might imagine. Therefore, we recommend students act quickly; the earlier they start, the better their chances. Yingde Education is also sharing years of application experience with students to make the process smoother and more seamless.

For U.S. university applications, registration for the Common Application, UC Application, and Coalition Application generally opens on August 1st. As the application season begins, students can complete basic information such as personal details, family background, and educational history in advance. They should familiarize themselves with the application system’s completion and submission process, add their intended schools to the application system, review different schools’ application requirements, and prepare the corresponding application materials.

Students also need to consider who will write recommendation letters for them and communicate with them early. This is especially important for students planning to apply early, as recommendation letters should be prepared in advance. Students should continue drafting and revising their main and supplemental essays, ensuring that those applying early can perfect them before the deadline.

For students who have not yet achieved satisfactory standardized test scores, using the remaining summer time to focus on SAT/ACT preparation and registering for the fall exams is crucial.

For American high school applications, attending summer school is essential. Summer school allows students to explore personal interests, experience high school culture, improve their English skills, and expand their social circles.

If students have already achieved their desired English test scores, they should further explore basic information about different U.S. high schools. They can contact us for a free evaluation to better understand which high school suits them and focus on matching school features with their personal interests.

Having a rough impression of U.S. high schools ensures that school selection covers various levels and aids in discussing future essay topics and angles.

Whether applying to U.S. high schools or universities, the process is relatively complex and requires careful preparation, thoughtful consideration, focused analysis, and persistent dedication. These “four essentials” are not only the key to success in students’ application journeys but also the unwavering “educational principle” that Indigo Education maintains for every family that trusts us.