How the timeline planner works
Every step has a number of days before the deadline. The planner subtracts that from your deadline date to get the step's date, then lists the steps in order. Change any number and the list re-sorts. Check off steps as you finish them. Anything past its date and not checked shows as overdue.
The default lead times are our suggestions, not rules from any college:
| Step | Default |
|---|---|
| Pick your list and read each application's requirements | 10 weeks |
| Ask for recommendation letters | 6 weeks |
| Send recommenders your brag sheet | 38 days |
| Request your transcript | 4 weeks |
| Finish a first essay draft | 4 weeks |
| Send test scores, if submitting | 3 weeks |
| Revise your essay | 2 weeks |
| Confirm letters and transcript arrived | 1 week |
| Submit | 3 days |
Teachers write a lot of letters in the fall, so asking early matters more than any other step. For college applications, our college application timeline suggests asking two junior-year teachers in the spring, before school lets out. If that has passed, ask now and give as much notice as you can. The recommendation request generator writes the email for you.
Submitting a few days early protects you from portal slowdowns on deadline day and gives you time to fix a missing document. Your plan is saved in your browser's local storage on this device only. Nothing is sent to Scholarly.
Worked example
Deadline: Friday, January 1, 2027, with the default lead times.
Ask for letters 42 days before: Friday, November 20, 2026. Request your transcript 28 days before: Friday, December 4, 2026. Submit 3 days before: Tuesday, December 29, 2026.
The first step, 70 days out, lands on Friday, October 23, 2026. That is your start date.
Common questions
How far ahead should I ask for a recommendation letter?
Give your teacher or counselor several weeks at minimum. This planner defaults to 6 weeks. For fall college deadlines, asking in the spring of junior year is better, since teachers get many requests in the fall.
Can I use this for scholarship deadlines?
Yes. Rename the application, set the scholarship’s deadline, and delete steps that don’t apply, like test scores. Many scholarships only need an essay, a transcript and one letter.
What if some dates are already in the past?
They show as overdue. Do those steps first, then shorten the lead times if you need to. A late request for a letter is still better than no request.
Does the planner count weekends and holidays?
It counts calendar days, so weekends are included. If a step lands on a holiday or a weekend when your school office is closed, move it a few days earlier.
Is my plan saved?
Yes, in your browser’s local storage on this device only. Nothing is sent to Scholarly. Use Copy the plan as text to paste it into your notes or calendar.