April 2026

Happy April! And congratulations to Tufts University, the University of Boston, the University of Texas, and University College of Dublin! You’re getting some really great new students next fall.

While I’m wrapping up with seniors who are making their final choices about college, I’m also in the middle of working with juniors to build college lists, and I’m even taking on some sophomores who are beginning a little early.

Parents invariably tell me that they feel like they’re starting the college admission process too late—even the ones who are looking for help with 9th graders! So let me be very clear: it’s not too late. Even if you’re a current senior. I think the second half of 11th grade is the best time to begin, but that doesn’t mean that other times are wrong or bad.

Apply with Sanity always has a seasonal update on What You Should Be Doing Now. I’ve also put up a four-year master timeline you can look at.

—Benjamin

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Here are some blog posts from the archive that are good for this March:

Five considerations before making a last-minute decision. I can’t make the decision any easier for you, but I can perhaps help you be more self-aware of the issues holding you up. Here are five things to consider as you’re making that last-minute decision.

Finding the right college can be like finding the right bottle of wine. f you’re a high school student now, in the 9th-11th grade, you have time for a similar approach to college. Begin with a (metaphorical) mixed case. Look at some large public universities, some mid-sized research schools, some smaller liberal arts college. Check out some of the more unique and “quirky” colleges that are out there.

The secret to success? Here are two of them! There are two things you need for success in high school, college, and beyond: a meditation routine and a time management system. Maybe need is a strong word. You can get by without either of these things—many people do. But I promise that a meditation routine and time management system will never be a waste of your time or effort.