Monthly Action Plan

Here is the **05 Monthly Action Plan** section: ---

05 · Monthly Action Plan

Aisha Robinson, this calendar sequences your priorities from now through early senior fall. Each month lists concrete actions with target outcomes — refer to the referenced sections for the deeper strategy behind each item.

Month	Action Items & Target Outcomes
April 2026	Register for the June SAT. Secure your test date now — seats fill quickly in spring. If June doesn't work logistically, register for the August date instead. (See §03 Testing Strategy for score targets.) Launch daily math prep (30–45 min). Your 1460 is strong, but the committee flagged that pushing to 1490+ would meaningfully strengthen your profile at Northwestern and UMich. Focus on the math section — identify your weakest content areas this month using a diagnostic practice test. Meet with your counselor about senior-year scheduling. Request the most rigorous STEM courses available — AP or honors-level sciences and math. A strong senior schedule signals commitment to Environmental Engineering. (See §02 Academic Profile.)
May 2026	Continue SAT math prep; take a full-length timed practice test. Target outcome: consistent 740+ on math sections in practice. Adjust study focus based on results. Finalize senior-year course selections. Confirm enrollment in the strongest STEM schedule your school offers. Begin compiling a complete list of all STEM coursework you've taken since 9th grade — you'll need this inventory for applications. (See §02 Academic Profile.) Confirm summer research plans at UIC. If your Lake Michigan research continuation requires any paperwork, applications, or coordinator check-ins, complete those now so nothing delays your start.
June 2026	Take the SAT (if registered for June). Target: 1490+. Give yourself a full wind-down from prep the two days before test day. Begin or continue UIC Lake Michigan research. This is your highest-impact summer activity — it directly connects to Environmental Engineering and gives all three target schools a concrete research narrative. (See §04 Spike & Activities Strategy.) Start a research journal or log. Document your questions, methods, and findings weekly. This material will fuel your supplemental essays later.
July 2026	Continue UIC research; deepen your contribution. Aim to have a clearly defined personal role or sub-project within the research team by month's end — something you can articulate specifically in essays. Draft Northwestern supplemental essays. Use your research journal and experiences to shape early drafts. Northwestern's "Why Us" essay should connect your environmental research to specific programs or faculty there. (See §06 Essay Strategy for approach.) Request a recommendation letter from your UIC faculty mentor. Ask now while your work together is fresh and your mentor can speak to specific contributions. Provide them with a brief summary of your goals and the programs you're applying to. (See §07 Recommendation Strategy.)
August 2026	Take the SAT (if registered for August or retaking). This is your final realistic attempt before early application deadlines. Target: 1490+. Draft UMich supplemental essays. UMich's essays should highlight your STEM coursework depth and research experience. Frame your Environmental Engineering interest through the Lake Michigan work. (See §06 Essay Strategy.) Finalize your STEM coursework inventory. Create a clean, complete list of every relevant course, lab, and project — this becomes supporting evidence across all applications. (See §02 Academic Profile.)
September 2026	Receive SAT scores; decide on score submission strategy. If you've hit 1490+, plan to send scores to all three schools. If not, evaluate whether your 1460 is sufficient for each school's profile or whether test-optional is stronger. (See §03 Testing Strategy.) Open the Common App and begin filling in all sections. Enter activities, coursework, demographics, and basic information. Upload your STEM coursework list where applications allow additional context. Research Early Decision/Early Action deadlines and policies for your three targets. Northwestern offers ED; UMich and Spelman have EA options. Decide your early-round strategy based on your score results and financial considerations. (See §01 School Evaluations.)
October 2026	Revise and polish Northwestern and UMich supplemental essays. Get feedback from at least two trusted readers — a teacher or counselor and a peer. Multiple revision rounds are essential. (See §06 Essay Strategy.) Draft Spelman application materials. Spelman's supplemental questions deserve the same depth of attention. Connect your environmental mission to Spelman's community and values. Confirm all recommenders have submitted or are on track. Follow up politely with your UIC faculty mentor and any school-based recommenders. Provide gentle reminders with deadline dates.
November 2026	Submit early-round applications. Most EA/ED deadlines fall November 1–15. Submit UMich with your complete STEM transcript evidence prominently featured. If applying ED to Northwestern, finalize that application only after confirming your SAT retake results are in. (The committee emphasized sequencing Northwestern's submission around score availability.) Begin drafting any remaining Regular Decision applications for schools not submitted in the early round.
December 2026	Submit any remaining RD applications. Most Regular Decision deadlines fall January 1–15; aim to have everything finalized before winter break ends. Send fall semester grades update if required. Strong senior fall grades in rigorous STEM courses reinforce your academic trajectory — this matters for all three schools. Breathe. The heavy lifting is behind you, Aisha. Focus on finishing the semester strong academically.

Quick-Reference: Critical Deadlines

Deadline	Item	Notes
April 2026	SAT registration	Register for June or August sitting
May 2026	Senior course selections locked	Most rigorous STEM schedule available
July 2026	Recommendation letter request	UIC faculty mentor — ask while research is active
August 2026	Final SAT attempt	Last realistic date before early deadlines
Nov 1–15, 2026	EA/ED submissions	UMich EA; Northwestern ED (if chosen)
Jan 1–15, 2027	RD submissions	All remaining applications

Aisha Robinson, this calendar is tight but achievable. The next nine months have a clear rhythm: spring is for test prep and course planning, summer is for research depth and essay drafting, and fall is for polishing and submitting. Refer back to the individual strategy sections for the reasoning behind each action — this calendar is your execution checklist.