Bonus Resources and Tips

School Application Tracker (Editable Spreadsheet + Example)

What it is: A comprehensive spreadsheet template (compatible with Excel, Google Sheets, etc.) designed to track all of your applications in one place. It includes columns for key data and milestones, which might include: School/Program Name, Location, Degree (MD, JD, DDS, etc.), Deadline(s) for primary and secondary, Date primary submitted, Date secondary received, Date secondary submitted, CASPer required? (Y/N), Interview Invite (Y/N + date received), Interview Date, Outcome (Accepted/Waitlisted/Rejected + date notified), and perhaps columns for other notes (scholarship offer, deposit due date, etc.). The editable version is blank but with headers and an initial sample row to guide you. The example version is filled with sample data for a fictional applicant so you can see how it works in action.

How to use the editable version: Before you start applying, input all the schools/programs you plan to apply to as rows. Fill in known data immediately – for example, if you know deadlines or whether CASPer is required for each, put that in. As you complete tasks, update the sheet in real time. Sent your primary application to School X on June 15? Enter “6/15/2026” under primary submitted. Got a secondary from School Y on July 2? Log the date and then when you submit it, put that date too. The tracker becomes extremely useful once interview season hits: you can sort or filter by status, see which schools you haven’t heard from, and plan follow-ups accordingly. You’ll also use it to keep an eye on decision dates – for example, if one of your top schools typically notifies in March and it’s April with no word, you might deduce you’re likely waitlisted or rejected and adjust plans. The key is to keep the tracker up-to-date – maybe set a reminder to review it weekly during the busy season.

Why it’s useful: When you’re applying to many programs, details can easily slip through the cracks. This tracker ensures you never miss a secondary deadline or interview date, and it gives you a sense of control. Instead of searching through emails frantically to see when School Q’s deadline is, you have it right there. It’s also incredibly helpful for planning – if you see that 5 secondaries are likely to come in the same week (because you submitted primaries around the same time), you can plan your writing schedule accordingly. The tracker becomes a single source of truth for your progress. Additionally, if you need to update a school with new information or send thank-you notes post-interview, you can note those actions in the “Notes” field. It also helps later when making decisions: you can list financial aid offers or second look dates. Essentially, it’s your application dashboard. The example version shows a well-maintained tracker in action, which can inspire you to keep yours diligently updated. Many successful applicants say that having a similar spreadsheet kept them sane during the long process – we’ve done the legwork of formatting one for you.

Interview Questions Database

Get access to our comprehensive list of sample interview questions to help you with your medical and professional schools interview.

Using these resources in tandem with the toolkit’s advice will streamline your process and reduce cognitive load. Instead of trying to remember every little thing, you’ll have the School Tracker to organize your tasks and outcomes and the Interview Questions Database to help you practice and have an idea with how interviews will go. We strongly encourage you to use the editable versions (make copies for yourself) and study the examples to model your approach.

By now, you have both the expert tips and strategies and the concrete tools to implement them. The combination of knowledge and organization is powerful: you’ll be more prepared than most applicants, more confident, and able to focus on shining as a candidate rather than scrambling to keep up with paperwork.

Finally, always remember why you’re going through this arduous process – keep your end goal in sight (whether it’s becoming a physician, dentist, lawyer, etc.). Whenever motivation flags, remind yourself of the passion that led you here. This toolkit and its templates are here to support you, step-by-step, in turning that dream into reality. From all of us at AcceptedTogether, we wish you the utmost success – we’re excited to see you achieve your professional school goals. Good luck, and we’re honored to be part of your journey!