05. Monthly Action Plan for Marcus Johnson
This calendar outlines each month’s concrete deliverables leading up to your college application submissions. Every task is sequenced to align with your academic preparation, application milestones, and project documentation. Keep this as your working checklist through the end of senior year.
| Month |
Key Actions & Target Outcomes |
Month 1
(August) |
- Enroll in an advanced science course — confirm placement in a biology, anatomy, or physiology class at your high school to show academic rigor aligned with kinesiology. If your schedule is not finalized, meet with your counselor early this month.
- Begin SAT retake preparation — identify weak sections from your 1260 score, and set a weekly practice schedule. Consider using official College Board materials or a verified prep course.
- Set up a digital tracking system — create folders for transcripts, test prep logs, and application drafts to stay organized across the next nine months.
|
Month 2
(September) |
- Continue SAT prep — complete one full-length practice test and analyze results. Adjust your study plan accordingly.
- Engage actively in your advanced science course — keep detailed notes; you will later reference this coursework in essays (see §06 Essay Strategy).
- Confirm testing date — register for the next available SAT before registration deadlines close.
|
Month 3
(October) |
- Initiate your sports performance analytics project — outline objectives and select a dataset (e.g., player stats, training logs). Choose either R or Python as your platform.
- Document your workflow — keep screenshots or notes for inclusion in your project portfolio later (see §07 Academic Portfolio).
- Take SAT retake — complete the exam and plan to send improved scores to your target schools once available.
|
Month 4
(November) |
- Continue and finalize the analytics project — produce visualizations or summaries demonstrating how data informs athletic performance.
- Write a short project reflection — describe what you learned about biomechanics or performance metrics; this can support your essays later.
- Check early action deadlines — The University of Alabama and University of Mississippi often have early action options; confirm and prepare materials if you plan to apply early.
|
Month 5
(December) |
- Secure a certification — enroll in either a CPR course or begin the NASM Certified Personal Trainer prep if scheduling permits. Completion strengthens your kinesiology profile.
- Collect midterm grades — request an unofficial transcript from your counselor showing your performance in the advanced science course.
- Start essay outlines — brainstorm personal statement ideas emphasizing your academic growth and motivation for sports science (see §06 Essay Strategy).
|
Month 6
(January) |
- Complete certification — obtain documentation or digital proof of completion for inclusion in your application materials.
- Refine midyear report — ensure your counselor updates your transcript with first-semester grades before midyear submissions.
- Draft main essay — produce a full version of your Common App essay and request early feedback from a trusted teacher or counselor.
|
Month 7
(February) |
- Finalize essay drafts — revise for clarity, tone, and depth. Highlight your readiness for kinesiology studies and evidence of intellectual curiosity.
- Prepare recommendation requests — identify two teachers who can speak to your science and leadership strengths. Provide them with your resume and project summary.
- Confirm application logistics — verify that all target schools are added to your Common App or school-specific portals.
|
Month 8
(March) |
- Polish supplemental essays — tailor each school’s responses to emphasize your fit for their kinesiology or sports science program (see §06 Essay Strategy).
- Follow up with recommenders — ensure letters are submitted or on track for completion before deadlines.
- Update project portfolio — finalize visuals, code snippets, or summary slides demonstrating your sports analytics work.
|
Month 9
(April) |
- Submit applications — ensure USC, Alabama, and Ole Miss applications include your updated transcript, SAT retake score, and project materials.
- Verify receipt — confirm through each portal that transcripts, recommendations, and test scores are all marked as received.
- Transition to scholarship focus — begin applying for local or departmental scholarships, especially those tied to health sciences or athletics.
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Final Note: Marcus, this plan assumes disciplined weekly effort and close communication with your school counselor. Each month builds directly on the previous one — from strengthening your academic record and test profile to presenting a cohesive application that reflects your interest in kinesiology and sports science.