US college applications: What you should do this December
Applying to a US university is an exciting step. At A-List Education, we have supported thousands of students in gaining places at top US colleges and securing substantial scholarships to make those ambitions possible. As we reach December, there are several key tasks students in every year group should be prioritising as the application cycle intensifies or early preparation begins.
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If you are in Year 13
December is one of the most important months of the entire US admissions cycle. By now, you will have submitted any Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) applications, and you are approaching Regular Decision (RD) deadlines.
Your December priorities:
1. Finalise and polish your Regular Decision applications
Most RD deadlines fall between 1–15 January, so December is your final opportunity to:
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Complete all supplemental essays
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Finalise and proofread your Common App
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Ensure every section of your Activities List is optimised
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Request any remaining documents from your school
Your Common Application should be completed, reviewed, and approved before you leave for the winte break.
2. Prepare for your ED/EA results
Results arrive in mid-December. Once you receive your decision:
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If accepted ED: discuss with your advisor if you can, and still, submit other applications. Pay your deposit as soon as possible.
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If denied: shift focus immediately to your RD list.
Your advisor can guide you through the best next steps.
3. Complete testing only if absolutely necessary
Some universities will still accept December SAT or ACT scores, but not all. Only sit a December test if:
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Your target universities accept December scores and
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You genuinely need one last attempt to reach your target range.
Most students should already have their final score by now.
4. Check financial aid and scholarship requirements
December is the time to confirm:
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Whether the CSS Profile is required
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Individual institutional deadlines
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Any scholarships that require additional essays
These deadlines often sit outside the Common App system and can be easily overlooked.
Many Regular Decision application deadlines occur on 1st-15th January. As much as we recommend you complete, check, and submit your RD applications before beginning your Winter Break, if you are still working into the New Year, don't worry, you can still submit!If you are in Year 12
December is a perfect month for early strategic planning and test preparation.
Your December priorities:
1. Review GCSEs and set academic goals
Your GCSE results, along with predicted A-Level/IB grades, shape your academic profile. December is an great opportunity to:
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Review your academic strengths with your US college advisor
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Identify areas for grade improvement before mocks
2. Strengthen extracurricular commitments
Admissions officers look for sustained and meaningful involvement. December is an opportunity to:
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Reflect on your extracurriculars so far
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Plan leadership roles or deeper involvement in the new year
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Begin thinking about summer programmes or internships
3. Begin SAT/ACT preparation
Many selective universities (e.g., MIT, Georgetown, Dartmouth, Brown, Yale) are now back to requiring standardised test scores. Even at universities where test scores are optional, strong SAT/ACT results still confer a measurable advantage. An excellent way to begin is with an SAT bootcamp.
If you have done preparation over the last few months and are more familiar with the test(s), December is the first time you should take the SAT, and you can take your first ACT in February. Ensure you register well in advance to secure a spot at a convenient testing centre.
If you are in Year 11
December is a key month for building momentum before subject choices and future commitments.
Your December priorities:
1. Review your extracurricular profile
Ask yourself:
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What activities do I enjoy most?
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Where could I take on responsibility next year?
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What long-term commitments will matter most to universities?
In the autumn/winter terms of Year 11, you should be reflecting on your progress in your extracurricular activities and thinking of how to secure leadership roles, participate in clubs, perform charitable work, apply for internships, compete in sports, etc.
Ask yourself - What activities do you enjoy the most? What long-term commitments will matter the most to universities and the courses that you aim to apply for?
2. Plan A-Level or IB subject choices
A university advisor can help you strategise your extracurriculars, as well as give the best advice on which A-Level or IB courses to take so you keep your options open for the majority of US universities. Remember that not all A-Level or IB courses are weighted equally! This is an important meeting.
If you are in Year 10
University may seem a long way away in Year 10, but many students have now started to think strategically about the subjects and activities they want to pursue for the rest of secondary school.
Your December priorities:
1. Make strategic GCSE choices
When you are choosing your GCSE subjects, be sure to choose triple Science if you are hoping to apply to the most selective universities in the US. You should also consider selecting ones you genuinely enjoy and can sustain into into sixth form.
Furthermore, thoughtfully choose the extracurricular activities you plan to participate in for your secondary school years. US universities want students who demonstrate consistency and commitment. Please choose activities you authentically enjoy so you can excel within those organisations and/or teams for four years. Finally, discuss with your parents if planning to attend a US university is right for you and your family. This is a significant investment in terms of time and resources for you and them!
2. Choose long-term extracurriculars wisely
Thoughtfully choose the extracurricular activities you plan to participate in for your secondary school years. US universities want students who demonstrate consistency and commitment. Please choose activities you authentically enjoy so you can excel within those organisations and/or teams for four years.
3. Begin discussing long-term plans with your family
Finally, discuss with your parents if planning to attend a US university is right for you and your family. This is a significant investment in terms of time and resources for you and them!
We offer a 30-minute discovery call for parents and students to explore US university options, which can lead into a more in-depth Private Consultation to start actioning on your application, no matter which stage you're at.
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