MoSCoW Framework Can Supercharge Your College Prep

Hemant Attray
Jul 23
2 min read

Getting into a top college isn’t just about working hard — it’s about working smart. Between SAT prep, AP classes, extracurriculars, essays, and schoolwork, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s where the MoSCoW method comes in — a simple yet powerful framework to help you prioritize your time and efforts more effectively.

🧩 What is the MoSCoW Method?

The MoSCoW framework (named after the acronym MoSCoW) breaks down tasks into four clear categories:

Must Have – Non-negotiables; the things you absolutely need to do
Should Have – High priority, but not critical
Could Have – Nice-to-do if time allows
Won’t Have (for now) – Not necessary at this stage; can wait

By grouping your goals and tasks this way, you’ll reduce stress, avoid burnout, and stay laser-focused on what truly matters.

🧠 How to Apply MoSCoW to Your College Prep Journey

✅ Must Have

These are the essentials — things that directly impact your college admissions:

Preparing for the SAT or ACT with a structured program (like IvyStrides 😉)
Maintaining strong grades in core subjects
Completing the Common App personal statement
Getting letters of recommendation
Meeting application deadlines

👉 These tasks are time-sensitive and critical — they must be done, no exceptions.

🟡 Should Have

Important, but you won’t get disqualified if they’re not perfect:

Taking 2–3 AP or IB courses
Building leadership roles in clubs or teams
Completing 1–2 optional supplemental essays
Attending college webinars or fairs

👉 They strengthen your profile and improve your chances, but aren’t make-or-break.

🟢 Could Have

Great to include if you have time and energy:

Starting a personal blog or passion project
Volunteering for non-school causes
Designing your own website or portfolio
Joining short online courses in your intended major

👉 These add unique flavor to your application but won’t compensate for weak test scores or grades.

❌ Won’t Have (For Now)

Postpone or let go of:

Trying to perfect everything
Overcommitting to new extracurriculars late in junior year
Comparing your journey to others on Reddit or Instagram

👉 These distract you from the goals that really count.

🗓️ Example: Prioritizing a Week with MoSCoW

Category	Task Example
Must	SAT mock test + review session
Should	Finalize college list
Could	Work on a blog post about your robotics project
Won’t	Browse college YouTube vlogs for 2 hours

💡 Final Thoughts: Clarity = Confidence

Top students don’t just do more — they do what matters most.

The MoSCoW method gives you a system to focus, filter, and succeed.

At IvyStrides, we help students not only study smarter for the SAT and essays — but also manage their priorities with the clarity and confidence it takes to reach top schools.

👉 Ready to take charge of your prep?

Explore our live SAT classes, essay coaching, and free study tools at ivystrides.com.

#IvyStrides #CollegePrep #MoSCoWFramework #StudySmart #SATPrep #CommonApp #TimeManagement #HighSchoolSuccess #PrioritizeLikeAPro