Monthly Action Plan

05. Monthly Action Plan — Lucas Rivera-Chen

This calendar organizes your next five months into focused, achievable milestones that align with your academic profile and the committee’s timeline. Each month builds toward the submission of your Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, and Boston University applications. Keep this plan visible and check progress weekly. Reference other sections (e.g., §06 Essay Strategy and §07 Recommendation Guidance) for deeper instructions on tone, structure, and presentation.

Month Key Actions & Targets
Month 1
(Current Month)
  • Compile and submit detailed course list and transcript. Include all advanced STEM classes from your high school. If your transcript is not finalized, request an updated version from your counselor and confirm GPA accuracy.
  • Highlight advanced STEM coursework. Create a one-page supplement emphasizing quantitative rigor and any neuroscience-related electives. This will support your intended major focus.
  • Outcome: A verified transcript and course summary ready for upload and counselor submission; foundation for academic context in your application.
Month 2
(Next Month)
  • Draft your Additional Information paragraph. Connect your MIT research experience directly to your school coursework and any independent study or reading you’ve done. If you have not yet described the MIT research in detail, gather notes and outcomes to ensure factual accuracy.
  • Refine tone and technical clarity. Keep the paragraph concise (under 250 words) and focused on how your research deepened your neuroscience interest. See §06 Essay Strategy for narrative cohesion.
  • Outcome: A polished Additional Information statement ready for counselor review; bridges your research work with classroom learning.
Month 3
(Two Months Ahead)
  • Request recommendation letters. Reach out to your MIT mentor and two teachers whose courses reflect your rigor and independence. Provide them with a brief summary of your research and intended neuroscience major focus.
  • Confirm submission logistics. Ensure your recommenders understand deadlines and submission portals for Columbia, Hopkins, and BU. If your school uses Naviance or another platform, verify access early.
  • Outcome: All recommendation requests formally submitted; mentors and teachers have clear direction and materials to write strong, specific letters.
Month 4
(Three Months Ahead)
  • Finalize essay drafts. Review all personal and supplemental essays to ensure they emphasize your curiosity about neuroscience and your interdisciplinary approach. See §06 Essay Strategy for structure and thematic alignment.
  • Seek feedback. Share drafts with your counselor or a trusted teacher for tone and clarity review; revise for authenticity and precision.
  • Outcome: All essays completed, proofread, and aligned with your academic narrative; ready for upload to each college portal.
Month 5
(Four Months Ahead)
  • Verify all materials uploaded. Double-check that transcripts, recommendations, essays, and test scores appear correctly in each university’s application portal.
  • Confirm deadlines and submission status. Cross-reference each school’s application timeline and ensure Early Decision or Regular Decision selections match your strategy (see §08 Application Timing).
  • Outcome: All application materials submitted and verified; no missing documents or technical issues before final deadlines.

Progress Tracking & Reminders

Use this quick checklist to maintain momentum and accountability:

  • Weekly Review: Every Sunday evening, confirm that the prior week’s tasks are complete and identify any pending items.
  • Document Management: Store all drafts, transcripts, and recommendation confirmations in a single shared folder for easy access.
  • Communication: Keep all recommenders and your counselor informed of updates or submission confirmations.

Summary of Target Outcomes Across Five Months

Month Primary Deliverable Verification Step
1 Finalized transcript and advanced STEM course list Counselor confirmation of GPA and course rigor
2 Additional Information paragraph linking MIT research to coursework Review for clarity and factual accuracy
3 Recommendation requests to MIT mentor and teachers Written confirmation of submission plan and deadlines
4 Final essay drafts emphasizing neuroscience curiosity External review for tone and coherence
5 Verified submission of all materials to Columbia, Hopkins, and BU Portal check and counselor verification

By following this timeline, Lucas Rivera-Chen will maintain steady progress toward complete, polished applications that reflect both academic depth and research independence. Each milestone builds directly on the previous month’s work, ensuring that all materials are cohesive and ready well before deadlines.

Testing Strategy →