Monthly Action Plan

05 Monthly Action Plan

This calendar outlines the key steps to complete over the next 12 months so that your strongest work is finished before applications open. The committee highlighted the importance of developing a substantial independent art‑historical research project, preparing submissions to external competitions, and leaving time for a potential SAT retake. Each month focuses on moving those priorities forward in manageable stages.

Month Key Actions & Target Outcomes
March (Junior Year)
  • Identify 2–3 possible topics for an independent art‑historical research essay. Aim for a focused question you can investigate deeply.
  • Meet with a teacher at your high school who could supervise or give feedback on the project; confirm they are willing to review drafts.
  • Take a full SAT practice test and decide whether scheduling a spring or early summer SAT retake is worthwhile.
April
  • Select a final research topic and create a working outline for the essay (argument, artworks to analyze, sources to consult).
  • Register for an upcoming SAT date if you plan to retake; set a weekly study schedule focused on weaker sections.
  • Begin compiling academic sources (museum catalogs, scholarly articles, books) for the research project.
May
  • Draft the first major section of your art‑history research essay (visual analysis, historical context, or thesis section).
  • Research national competitions or student conferences that accept art history or humanities papers and note their deadlines.
  • Continue SAT prep with timed practice sections.
June
  • Complete a full first draft of the independent research essay.
  • Request feedback from your supervising teacher or another humanities instructor.
  • Take the scheduled SAT retake (if applicable) early enough for scores to influence your testing plan.
July (Summer Before Senior Year)
  • Revise the essay substantially based on feedback; strengthen the argument and citation quality.
  • Identify specific competitions, journals, or student conferences where the essay could be submitted.
  • Begin shaping how the research project may appear in your activities list and essays (see §06 Essay Strategy for positioning).
August
  • Finalize the polished version of the art‑historical research paper.
  • Submit to at least one appropriate competition, publication, or academic conference.
  • If your SAT retake did not produce the desired result, decide whether a final fall attempt is worthwhile.
September (Senior Year)
  • Prepare additional submissions if other competitions accept fall entries.
  • Document the research project clearly for your applications: title, scope, and outcome.
  • If taking a final SAT attempt, complete focused preparation and sit for the exam.
October
  • Track outcomes from essay submissions and competitions.
  • Ensure the independent research project is included in your application materials and activity descriptions.
  • Coordinate with teachers who supported the project so they can reference it if writing recommendations.
November
  • Submit any remaining competitions or writing opportunities with late fall deadlines.
  • Confirm that your strongest SAT score has been sent to the colleges requiring it.
  • Reference your research work appropriately in supplements where relevant (see §06 Essay Strategy).
December
  • Update application materials if your research essay receives recognition, publication, or conference acceptance.
  • Prepare short summaries of the project in case colleges request additional information.
  • Organize your research notes and drafts for future academic use.
January
  • Submit any remaining applications or updates including outcomes from competitions.
  • Reflect on the research process and keep the essay available as a potential writing sample.
  • If additional conferences or student journals open submissions, consider sending the finalized paper.
February
  • Continue monitoring results from competitions or conferences you entered.
  • Maintain communication with mentors who supported your project.
  • Archive the research project and supporting materials for future academic portfolios.

Aria Whitfield, the goal of this timeline is simple: finish a serious art‑historical research project before applications are submitted, give it multiple chances to be recognized externally, and ensure your testing plan is resolved early enough to support your college strategy.

Testing Strategy →