Timeline for college applications

Answered

@ayap posted a great article which I recommend you check out since I was going to post that article as well! You're definitely not behind since it sounds like you've finalized your school list which we recommend being done around mid-August. If you're worried about falling behind I would recommend you start brainstorming some essay ideas now so you can get writing end of this month or in early September. Come up with topics for both your common app essay and any supplements you will need to write.

I'd also set reasonable deadlines for when you are hoping to get things done but make sure to break them down into smaller more manageable chunks. Let's say your goal is being done with your common app essay by the end of September. There's A LOT that needs to go into making that happen. So while it might only be one item on your to-do list it's not actually that simple. Instead, when you break it down into smaller chunks it helps visualize what needs to be done to make your essay "complete" and makes what it easier to get things done. Sitting down to come up with a topic sentence or to write only your intro paragraph is less daunting than sitting down to write a whole essay and it feels good to make good progress daily/weekly without feeling like you're investing a ton of time. Make sure to leave in plenty of time for editing and revisions of your essays too. If you think you're going to procrastinate you could also set the deadlines a few weeks before they're really due. Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions!