§05 — Monthly Action Plan
Diego Morales, this calendar sequences every critical task from now through final submissions. Each month is tightly scoped — for the reasoning behind these steps, see the referenced sections. Print this out and check items off as you go.
| Month |
Action Items & Target Outcomes |
March – April
(Immediate) |
- Register for the next available SAT date and begin focused math prep targeting 1480+. A stronger score meaningfully strengthens your Rice candidacy. → See §04 Testing Strategy for prep approach and score targets.
- Begin portfolio assembly now. Gather every existing sketch, model, photograph, and design project you can locate. Create a master folder (digital and physical) organized by project. → See §07 Creative Projects for portfolio structure.
- Compile a complete list of your STEM and art coursework across all four years. This inventory will inform how you frame your academic narrative for each school's application.
|
May – June
(Spring Wrap-Up) |
- Start learning SketchUp or Rhino basics. Even introductory-level 3D modeling skill adds a technical dimension to your portfolio and signals initiative to architecture programs. Dedicate 3–4 hours per week to tutorials and practice models.
- Begin documenting your pavilion project as a design case study. Photograph it from multiple angles, write a short design narrative (problem → concept → execution), and collect any process sketches or iterations. → See §07 Creative Projects for case study format.
- Finish strong academically. Your 3.74 GPA should hold steady or rise — no senior slide. Final transcript matters for all three Texas schools.
|
July – August
(Summer Core) |
- Finalize your portfolio: integrate the pavilion case study, hand drawings, digital models, and photography into a cohesive presentation. Aim for 8–12 polished pieces that show range and process. → See §07 Creative Projects for selection criteria.
- Draft supplemental essays for Rice and UT Austin. Start with Rice's "Why Rice" and UT Austin's short-answer prompts. Have at least two complete drafts of each by August 15. → See §06 Essay Strategy for approach and themes.
- Engage with Houston-area architectural sites. Visit notable buildings, attend any open lectures or studio tours, and document your observations. This material feeds directly into essays and interview talking points.
|
September
(SAT Retake + App Launch) |
- Take your SAT retake (if scheduled for fall). Target: 1480+. Send scores to all three schools once results are in. → See §04 Testing Strategy.
- Finalize your Common App profile — activities list, honors, demographics. Every field should be complete and polished before you start submitting individual applications.
- Request letters of recommendation if you have not already. Ideally one STEM teacher and one humanities/art teacher who can speak to your design thinking.
|
October
(Early Submissions) |
- Submit your UT Austin application early in the cycle with your strongest portfolio attached. UT reviews on a rolling basis within its deadline window — earlier is better. → See §02 School Evaluation for UT-specific guidance.
- Polish Rice supplemental essays using feedback from readers. Incorporate site-visit observations and architecture-specific language. → See §06 Essay Strategy.
- Confirm Texas A&M application requirements — ensure you have all components identified and drafts underway. A&M's process is more straightforward, but don't let it slip.
|
November
(Rice + A&M Final Push) |
- Finalize and submit your Rice application once SAT retake scores are confirmed. If scores improved, self-report or send officially. If not, submit with your 1380 and let the rest of your application carry weight. → See §04 Testing Strategy for score-use decision framework.
- Submit Texas A&M application. Ensure all transcripts, test scores, and supplemental materials are received. Verify submission confirmations in each portal.
- Conduct a final portfolio review — confirm all uploaded files render correctly in each school's portal. Check image resolution and file formats.
|
December – January
(Close-Out) |
- Verify all applications show "complete" status in each university's applicant portal. Follow up immediately on any missing items — do not wait for email alerts.
- Send any remaining official score reports and mid-year transcripts as your school releases them.
- Prepare for potential Rice interview. Practice articulating your design philosophy, your pavilion project story, and why architecture at Rice specifically. → See §08 Interview Prep if applicable.
|
Critical Deadlines at a Glance
| Deadline |
Item |
Notes |
| April (exact TBD) | SAT Registration | Register immediately for the next available test date |
| August 15 | Essay Drafts Complete | Rice + UT Austin supplementals — first full drafts |
| September/October | SAT Retake | Target 1480+; see §04 |
| October (early) | UT Austin Submission | Submit with portfolio as early as possible |
| November 1 | Rice ED Deadline (if applicable) | Confirm exact date on Rice admissions site |
| December 1 | Texas A&M Priority Deadline | Confirm exact date; submit well before |
| January 1 | Rice RD / Final Deadlines | All remaining apps finalized |
Diego, the single most important thing this calendar tells you: your portfolio and SAT retake are the two highest-leverage items, and both require action this month. Everything else flows from getting those two tracks started immediately. Tape this timeline somewhere visible and check off each milestone as you hit it.