Hi, Reader!

Every year at the end of July, the Common App shuts down for a few days to refresh itself. Old data clears, new prompts load, and students who've spent June and July building drafts get a small pause before the floodgates (and applications) officially open.

This year, the shutdown starts July 28 at 5 p.m. ET and reopens Aug. 1. (Although if history is any predictor, it often reopens several hours ahead of schedule.) If you or your student has been typing away in the platform, make sure you know what will roll over and what won't, and make sure you've got drafts saved somewhere else before then. Google Drive, a Word doc, anywhere outside Common App's walls. You don't want to lose anything!

Then take the pause the account rollover is giving you. You'll need the energy for what's next.

THE TIP

By now, most rising seniors have a running list of what's left: essays, testing, recommendation letters, the whole stack. It's a lot, and it's normal for it to feel like a lot.

Here's the move that actually helps it from feeling so overwhelming: Pick one thing to work on this week. Not the whole application; instead, just one essay. One test date. One list of recommenders to ask. Finish it, then pick the next thing. And rinse and repeat.

I've found that application season rewards momentum more than intensity. Students who chip away steadily at their application materials starting now end up in far better shape than students trying to do everything the week before deadlines hit.

You want to submit your strongest applications, not the earliest-submitted ones. Starting today can help make sure you do just that.

IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS THIS MONTH

I'm running three in-person workshops running this month, all at Roasted in Montgomery, TX:

• ​Complete the Written Portions of the Common App — July 15, 1 pm CT
• ​Brainstorm & Outline Your Personal Statement — July 22, 1 pm CT
• ​Writing the Texas A&M Supplemental Essays — July 24, 1 pm CT

Not local, or in-person doesn't work for your family? I'm weighing whether to host online/Zoom versions of these.

My ask: Reply to this email and let me know. It'll help me decide if it's worth building out and getting on the calendar ASAP.

EXTRA CREDIT: THIS WEEK'S NEWS & EVENTS

A few things worth having on your radar this week:

• Student loan changes took effect July 1. If your family is financing any part of college, worth a quick read on what changed. Click here.​
• Turning 18 changes your legal standing with your student, fast. You may no longer have automatic authority to make health or financial decisions for them. And if they're going out of state for college, that can be a big deal. Check with your school for free resources, or look at Mama Bear Legal Forms if you want it handled quickly. Use code JuliaByrd20 for 20% off.
• ETS is acquiring ACT. Two of the biggest names in college testing are merging. Early days, but it could reshape how millions of students test. Read more.​

There's still so much of summer left. Thanks for trusting me to make it a little easier for you.

Happy Writing!

Julia

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