College List Template (Printable PDF & GoodNotes)
A college application tracker with six columns: college, deadline, plan (early decision, early action or regular decision), fee, essays and status. Keep your whole college list and every deadline on one page.
- Printable US Letter8.5 × 11 in, white paper
- Printable A4210 × 297 mm, white paper
- iPad / GoodNotesAlso Notability and Noteshelf
- E-ink tabletreMarkable, Kindle Scribe, Boox
Free PDF, 1 page, undated. No sign-up needed.
Shown for iPad in the Classic Navy theme. Printable downloads use white paper (there's a dark mode preview below); the e-ink version is black and white.
One page, ready to fill in.
- A table with columns for college, deadline, plan (ED / EA / RD), fee, essays and status
- Undated, so you can print or duplicate it as often as you need
Who it's for
High school juniors and seniors building a college list, parents helping with applications, school counsellors who want a simple tracker to give students, and transfer students.
Getting the most from a college list.
Balance reach, match and safety
Mark each college as R, M or S next to its name. A good list has a few of each.
Write the real deadline
Check each college's site and write the exact date and time zone. Early deadlines come fast in November.
Track essays per college
Write how many supplemental essays each college needs. It's often the biggest piece of work on the list.
Use clear status words
Researching, started, submitted, complete, decision. Update the status column every week.
Note fee waivers
If you qualify for a fee waiver, write "waived" in the fee column so you remember to request it.
Visit or research each college
Before finalising the list, write one reason you'd be happy at each college. If you can't think of one, it may not belong on the list.
Included in 1 planner
This template is a page in this planner. Open it to see everything else that comes with it.
Get it inside a full hyperlinked planner
The college application planner includes this page alongside dated month and week pages for your year, with side tabs and links between every page. Pick your device and theme, preview it free, and pay only when it's right.
- Dated pages for the whole year
- Tap a tab or a date to jump there
- GoodNotes, Notability, Samsung Notes, e-ink and print sizes
Opens the college application planner with the College Applications section switched on.
Or read about the college application planner first.
What does ED, EA and RD mean?
Early decision (binding), early action (non-binding, early) and regular decision. Write which plan you're applying under for each college.
How many colleges fit?
Around 20 rows, which is more than most students apply to.
Can parents use it?
Yes. It's an easy way for families to see deadlines and costs together.
What's in the college application planner?
This college list, an essay tracker, scholarships and aid, recommendations and tests, plus school pages, goals and a budget.
When should I start my college list?
Many students start in junior year and finalise it by the start of senior year, before early deadlines in November.
Can international students use it?
Yes. Use the plan column for the application route that applies to you, and note visa or test requirements in status.
