05. Monthly Action Plan — Carmen Reyes
This five-month calendar outlines the concrete, time-bound actions you should complete between now and final submission. Each month builds upon the previous one to ensure your journalism portfolio, essays, and applications are polished and strategically aligned with Northwestern University, Columbia University, and Boston University. Reference other sections (e.g., §06 Essay Strategy, §07 Portfolio Presentation) for detailed guidance on content and tone.
| Month |
Key Actions |
Target Outcomes |
Month 1
(Immediately — Early September) |
- Gather your top 2–3 journalism pieces from your high school years. Choose those showing clear reporting, editing, and narrative skill. See §07 for selection criteria.
- Refine each piece for clarity, formatting, and professionalism — ensure consistent style and proper attribution.
- Request your counselor statement to highlight academic rigor and context. Mention your GPA (3.72) and any advanced coursework if applicable. If your school profile isn’t yet uploaded, note that in your Common App.
|
- Portfolio shortlist completed and polished drafts ready for review.
- Counselor aware of your journalism focus and academic strengths.
|
Month 2
(Mid–September to Early October) |
- Enroll in an online course in data journalism, media analytics, or a related topic to show initiative in digital storytelling. Document completion or progress for your Activities section.
- If you plan to retake the SAT or ACT, begin structured prep sessions now. See §03 Testing Strategy for guidance on whether a retake adds value.
- Continue refining portfolio layout and captions (see §07) to align with school-specific submission portals.
|
- Online course enrollment confirmed and progress visible on résumé.
- Testing plan finalized (decision made on retake or score submission).
|
Month 3
(October) |
- Draft an analytical writing sample connecting journalism to civic theory or media responsibility (see §08 Supplemental Writing). This can double as an optional portfolio component.
- Write and finalize your academic context addendum explaining GPA trends, course rigor, or school-specific factors. Mention if your school does not weight GPA or restricts AP/IB access.
- Review Early Decision/Early Action policies; determine if Northwestern ED or Columbia ED aligns best with your goals (see §02 Application Strategy).
|
- Analytical writing sample drafted and reviewed by mentor or teacher.
- Academic addendum finalized and uploaded to Common App “Additional Information.”
- Early application pathway confirmed.
|
Month 4
(November) |
- Complete and upload portfolio materials to each school’s system (e.g., Northwestern’s Medill supplement, BU’s COM portal). Double-check file formats and labeling.
- Confirm recommenders — ensure both teacher and counselor letters are submitted or in progress. Provide them with a short briefing sheet summarizing your journalism focus and goals.
- Begin proofreading essays for tone and alignment with each school’s mission (see §06 Essay Strategy).
|
- Portfolio fully uploaded and verified in each portal.
- Recommendation materials sent and confirmed received by recommenders.
- Essays in advanced draft stage, ready for final polishing.
|
Month 5
(December – Final Submission) |
- Finalize essays for Northwestern, Columbia, and Boston University. Tailor language to each school’s values and journalism programs (see §06 Essay Strategy for structure and tone).
- Conduct a complete application checklist review: transcripts, test scores, recommendations, portfolio, and financial aid forms (if applicable).
- Submit all materials several days before each deadline to avoid portal congestion and allow for confirmation emails.
|
- All applications submitted with verified uploads and confirmations saved.
- Essays and supplements fully aligned with institutional tone and mission.
- Post-submission follow-up plan ready (see §09 Post-Submission Communication).
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Summary: By following this month-by-month plan, Carmen Reyes will have a cohesive, high-quality application package emphasizing her journalism strengths, academic commitment, and readiness for rigorous media programs. Each milestone builds toward confident, timely submission of all materials to Northwestern University, Columbia University, and Boston University.