Monthly Action Plan

05 Monthly Action Plan (Next 8 Months)

Month Key Actions Target Outcome
Month 1
  • Organize and review the microfinance dataset work you have already started; identify the central research question you want to analyze.
  • Sketch an outline for an independent economics research or policy analysis project based on this dataset (see §Creative Projects and Major‑Specific Preparation).
  • Begin documenting your methodology, assumptions, and variables so the project can evolve into a formal analysis.
 Clear research question and project outline for an independent economics analysis.
Month 2
  • Deepen the microfinance analysis: run additional statistical tests or comparative models where appropriate.
  • Draft a structured outline for a working paper (introduction, data description, methodology, results, policy implications).
  • Confirm that all work clearly demonstrates you as the primary analyst and document your process carefully.
 Complete research framework and begin turning analysis into a formal written project.
Month 3
  • Write the first full draft of your economics analysis / working paper based on the microfinance dataset.
  • Focus on clarity in the economic argument: explain the dataset, the analytical method, and what your results imply.
  • Share the draft with a teacher or mentor for feedback if available through your high school.
 Full first draft of a research-style economics paper.
Month 4
  • Revise the working paper to strengthen the economic interpretation and policy implications.
  • Ensure the paper clearly attributes all analysis to your work and explains the methodology in a reader-friendly way.
  • Prepare a concise abstract and title that could be used for submission or publication.
 Polished research paper suitable for external submission or public presentation.
Month 5
  • Identify potential venues for sharing the analysis: a student research journal, competition, or public platform.
  • Prepare submission materials (final paper, abstract, and any required forms).
  • Begin thinking about how the project will appear in your college activity list or portfolio.
 Submission-ready research project and selected outlet for publication or competition.
Month 6
  • Submit the analysis to the selected journal, competition, or publication platform.
  • Create a short project summary you can include in your college application activities section.
  • Begin outlining potential themes for your personal and supplemental essays (see §06 Essay Strategy).
 Research project publicly submitted and positioned as a central academic activity.
Month 7
  • Draft early versions of your personal statement and supplemental essays, emphasizing intellectual curiosity and economic analysis.
  • Identify teachers who may write recommendations and prepare guidance materials highlighting your analytical interests (see §Recommendation Strategy).
  • Begin organizing a short portfolio or summary document describing your research project.
 Initial essay drafts and early preparation for recommendation letters.
Month 8
  • Revise essays with a focus on demonstrating how your economic thinking developed through the microfinance analysis (see §06 Essay Strategy).
  • Provide recommenders with your resume and research summary to support their letters.
  • Finalize how the research project will appear in applications to Amherst, UC Berkeley, and Pomona (activities list, portfolio, or supplemental materials where allowed).
 Application narrative aligned around intellectual curiosity and economic research.

This calendar is designed to move one central academic project—from data exploration to a polished economics analysis—into a tangible credential within the next several months. By the time applications are prepared, Priyanka, you should have both a completed research product and a clear narrative explaining how the project reflects your analytical approach to economics.

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