Application Phase (Grade 12) - Application Timeline

1. Overview 阶段概述

Grade 12 is execution year. The academic profile is largely set; the focus shifts to writing, submitting and managing deadlines across multiple application systems. Maintain senior-year grades, as colleges review mid-year transcripts and may rescind offers for significant decline. 12 年级是执行年：文书、递交、面试，同时保持 12 年级成绩不下滑。

2. Application Systems 申请系统

Different destinations use different platforms. Set up accounts early, fill in biographical and academic data once, and reuse across schools where possible. Each system has its own activity, essay and recommendation format. 不同目的地用不同系统：Common App、UCAS、Coalition，尽早建账户、统一填基础信息。

Common App: US mainstream platform, used by 1000+ colleges.
Coalition: alternative US platform, includes a portfolio locker from Grade 9.
UCAS: UK undergraduate application, max 5 choices, single personal statement.
UC / Cal State / Texas: state-specific US systems for public universities.

3. Essays & Writing 文书写作

Essays are where the applicant's voice becomes visible. The Common App personal statement is the centerpiece; supplemental essays per school add context and fit. Line up recommendation letters early and give writers at least one month. PS 是核心，补充文书体现匹配度；推荐信提前一个月请求。

Personal statement (650 words): one story that only you can tell.
Supplemental essays: school-specific "why us" and short answers.
Recommendation letters: 2 teachers (usually one STEM, one humanities) + counselor.
UCAS personal statement: one essay for all 5 UK choices.
Revise in 3+ rounds; get feedback from counselor and trusted reader.

4. Submitting Applications 递交申请

Plan around three main rounds: Early Decision / Early Action in November, Regular Decision in January, and Rolling admissions for some publics. Build a deadline calendar and submit at least 48 hours before each cutoff. 三大轮次：ED/EA 11 月，RD 1 月，部分公立滚动录取；提前 48 小时递交。

ED (Early Decision): binding, single school, deadline Nov 1-15.
EA (Early Action): non-binding, results by mid-December.
RD (Regular Decision): non-binding, deadlines Jan 1 - Feb 1.
UCAS: Oct 15 for Oxbridge / medicine, Jan for most others.
Send official SAT/ACT/TOEFL scores through testing agencies.

5. Interviews & Decisions 面试与录取

Some schools offer alumni or admissions interviews, usually optional but recommended. Decisions arrive between December (early rounds) and late March (regular). After offers, compare financial aid packages and respond by the May 1 enrollment deadline. 面试多为可选但建议参加；3 月底 RD 放榜，5 月 1 日前确认入读。

Prepare for interviews with school-specific research and self-reflection.
Send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview.
ED / EA decisions: released mid-December.
RD decisions: released late March to early April.
Compare aid packages, attend admitted-student events, enroll by May 1.

6. Checklist 待办清单

Task (任务)	Aug - Nov	Dec - May
Academics (学术)	Keep senior grades strong	Send mid-year and final transcripts
Testing (标化)	Final retakes by October if needed	Send official scores to enrolled school
Applications (申请系统)	Set up Common App / Coalition / UCAS accounts	Monitor portals for missing materials
Essays (文书)	Finalize PS, draft supplements	Respond to waitlist updates if needed
Recommendations (推荐信)	Confirm submission by Oct for ED/EA	Send thank-you notes to writers
Submit (递交)	ED / EA by Nov 1-15, RD ongoing	RD by Jan 1 - Feb 1, UCAS by Jan
Interviews & decisions (面试与录取)	Schedule and attend alumni interviews	Compare offers, enroll by May 1