how to write a timeline in an essay

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How to Make a Timeline

Last Updated: June 17, 2024 Fact Checked

Researching Your Topic

Creating a framework, filling in your timeline, sample timeline.

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 872,705 times.

A timeline provides a visual representation of events that helps you better understand history, a story, a process or any other form of an event sequence. You can make a timeline to fit a variety of subjects, so they’re a common academic project. Fortunately, they are also really easy to make. To make a timeline, research your topic, create your project, and organize the events chronologically.

Making a Timeline: Quick Overview

• Research your topic and compile a list of events to include.
• Draw your base timeline in pencil and trace over it with pen.
• Pick a start and end point for the timeline.
• Pick the most important dates and put them on the timeline.
• Include details and clarifying info for each event.

• Conduct Internet research, check out books from the library, or visit a museum or a historical site that relates in some way to your topic.
• Try to use multiple websites, books, articles, and maybe even a documentary. Aim to have at least 3 different sources.

• Personal details such as births, deaths, and other important dates should be added
• Historical events that impacted the topic of the timeline should also be incorporated into your timeline
• Important events that shaped the topic should be included as well

• Use a ruler if you are making your timeline by hand.
• If you are creating a digital timeline, choose a template.

• You don’t have to start with someone’s birth or end with the person’s death. A timeline is just a series of related events, not necessarily a biography.
• Consider your topic and narrow it to select the right starting point and ending point.

• If you’re doing this by hand, write out all the events on a separate sheet of paper before adding them to the timeline so you can figure out how much space each entry will take.
• Alternatively, you could type up each event, then print it, cut it out, and paste it to the timeline.
• If you’re using a digital method, create a slide for each event.
• Include drawings or images to add visual interest to the timeline.

• These time increments are not the years of your events. They are evenly spaced increments, such as 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years. For example, you might mark 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950, even though your events take place in 1923, 1928, 1938, and 1943.

• Organize the dates sequentially. The events need to be on the timeline in chronological order, not in order of importance or interest. For example, events listed throughout a year should start in January and end in December. [9] X Research source

• The Life and Times of Nelson Mandela
• Beverly Hills, 90210: A Recent History
• JD Salinger's Storied Career
• California's Ancient Redwoods
• A Day in the Life of a Praying Mantis

• If you’re creating a digital timeline, type up your entries.

Community Q&A

• If you need to, alternate the place you are writing the events. Write one event above the line, then the next one below it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Try to write small. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Be sure to cite your sources properly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Add colors to your timeline to give it an extra visual element. Don't use too many, though, or the timeline could look messy and unorganized.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/how-to-make-a-timeline-easily/
• ↑ https://timeline.knightlab.com/
• ↑ https://creately.com/blog/creately/how-to-draw-a-timeline/
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz9o15QKzMM
• ↑ http://www.datesandevents.org/creating-a-timeline.htm
• ↑ http://www.readingrockets.org/article/creating-timelines

About This Article

If you need to make a timeline to help you better understand a story or a historical occurrence, make a list of all of the events you want to include in the timeline. Aim for no more than 20 events in a timeline, and look for relevant details that add interest to the story you are telling. Sketch out a line using a pencil, and label the timeline with the project title and boundary years. Add the most important dates to the timeline in sequential order, then fill in any details. For tips from our reviewer on different ways to structure your timeline, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Chronological Order In Essay Writing

Table of contents

• 1 What Is a Chronological Order Essay
• 2 Chronological Order vs. Sequential Order
• 3 Importance of Correct Historical Occurrences
• 4 How to Write a Chronological Paragraph?
• 5.1 Pick an Idea and Make a Plan
• 5.2 Use a Variety of Sentence Structures to Keep Your Writing Interesting
• 5.3 Provide Sufficient Details
• 5.4 Use Transitional Words and Phrases, Such As “First,” “Next,” and “Then,” to Indicate the Chronological Flow
• 5.5 Use Headings and Subheadings to Organize Your Essay
• 5.6 Use Introductory and Concluding Sentences to Signal the Main Points of Each Paragraph
• 5.7 Use Appropriate Citations and References (Especially for the Historical Essay)
• 5.8 Maintain a Consistent Timeline and Avoid Jumping Back and Forth in Time
• 6 Conclusion

Writing a chronological essay is a pure pleasure. This type of university assignment is clear and structured, so knowing the basic requirements, you can easily cope with the task. Essays in chronological order require their author to have deep knowledge of the chosen subject. Not to stray from the course of the story, you need to be a real expert in this niche.

In this article, you will learn what a chronological-order essay is and how to write it. Also, you will find precious tips on making the writing process quick and enjoyable. So here are the milestones of our chronological essay guide:

• What a chronological order essay is;
• The difference between chronological and sequential order;
• Guidelines for chronological paragraph writing;
• Tips for writing an outstanding chronological essay.

Together we will consider each important point and dispel your doubts about the chronological essays. Without further ado, let’s get it started!

What Is a Chronological Order Essay

A chronological essay is an expository writing that describes historical events or a biography of a specific person. Surprisingly, not only students of the Faculty of History are faced with this type of essay. Whenever you have been given the task of writing about outstanding personalities, talking about your experiences, or presenting a life story or historical event, you will be faced with the need to use chronological order in writing.

This type of narrating writing essay requires you to present information in a logical and structured way. Expository essay writers must state all the events in the order in which they occurred. Moreover, you should dip the reader into the context of the event, explaining to him the background and the outcomes.

Chronological Order vs. Sequential Order

You may think that sequence and chronological order are identical concepts. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who thinks so. These concepts are strongly related but not identical. Sequential order is based on the order of steps performed and how events occur relative to each other. But what is a chronological order of events?

The chronological timeline tells about the sequence of actions in time-space. Sequential order is well suited for writing step-by-step instructions and listing events. At the same time, the chronological order is excellent for narrating historical events and writing biographies.

Importance of Correct Historical Occurrences

Preliminary research is a solid foundation for your chronological essay. Take information only from reliable and trusted sources respected in science. Avoid unverified facts and loud statements. Make an effort to pre-study to avoid building an essay on false grounds. It may seem that a detailed study will take too much time, but on the contrary, it will save you the effort of rewriting the time order essay.

Check several sources for proof of the integrity of the information you found. Whenever you don’t have enough time for research, consider buying an essay rather than copying random facts from the web. After all, no matter how well you present the events in chronological order, if it does not correspond to reality, then your essay will lose all scientific value.

How to Write a Chronological Paragraph?

You can be assigned to write a chronological paragraph in your paper. This is also a type of chronological writing that you should do right if you need to get a good grade for your essay.

This paragraph should describe the sequence of events that occurred to a specific object or person. These events should be sorted chronologically, from the earliest to the latest. You should present the sequence and make logical transitions between events. This will help readers understand the connections between events and the outcomes of specific things.

You can write about anything interesting, there are almost no topics you should avoid in the essay if they meet the requirements. However, it is better when the subject is interesting to you.

When structuring these paragraphs, students not only present the facts but also explain them as causes and effects. If you don’t see connections between things, you should look closer and do more research.

To write a good chronological paragraph, you need to include crucial elements. Thus, it will be easier to structure the course of events. This guide may not only be used for chronological essays, it’s a rather versatile piece of advice on how to compose a personal statement . Among the integral components are:

• Topic sentence
• Important supporting points
• Chronological progression
• Coherence of the narrative
• Summarizing sentence

Topic sentences exist to briefly remind the reader of the main topic of your paper. Give enough detail to put the reader in the context of the chronological sequence essay. Do not jump in time, state all events clearly and unambiguously to maintain logical transitions. End your paragraph by summarizing what has been said so far.

Example of chronological order:

The Second World War was the largest bloody war, in which more than 30 countries participated and left an indelible mark on the history of mankind. (Strong topic sentence.) The prerequisites ( the supporting details ) for this historic event are considered Germany’s course for revenge in the First World War. Events began in September 1939 with the German attack on Poland. ( Chronological progression). The most important event of the Second World War is thought to be the Japanese attack on the United States of America in Pearl Harbor. After six years of fierce fighting, the Nazis were defeated by the Allies, and the war ended with the Japanese surrender on 2nd September 1945. ( Summarizing sentence)

Tips on Writing a Chronological Essay

You start the writing process by choosing a topic for it. Find an interesting topic that meets your assignment’s requirements, or ask your teacher to give you a topic.

If you are stuck with creating this paper, you can use an essay editing service to prepare it. Its writers have experience working on chronological essays, they can help you with narrative and cause-and-effect paper .

Then you should research and find as much information on your topic as possible. Collect this information in a well-organized format so you can reference any of it if needed, and don’t forget to keep the dates of all events.

Pick an Idea and Make a Plan

If you need to create informative essays about a specific historical event, you should start from the beginning of this event or even with earlier events that lead to it. If a particular group organizes an event, tell the motives of this group, how they got to this idea, and how they started working on it. Then write about each step from the beginning to the conclusion of this event and arrange the events in chronological order.

Use a Variety of Sentence Structures to Keep Your Writing Interesting

If you only use simple sentences or start each sentence with the word «then», your writing will be boring to read. PapersOwl specialists advise studying several chronological ordering examples to understand the linking words and the structuring strategy. Use different stylistic devices as well as different types of complex sentences.

Provide Sufficient Details

Provide your reader with the full context of the story in time-order paragraphs. To understand the course of action of the chronological essay, the reader must be aware of the background and cause of historical events. At the same time, try not to overload your compositions with unnecessary details.

Use Transitional Words and Phrases, Such As “First,” “Next,” and “Then,” to Indicate the Chronological Flow

Sequencers help keep the story logical, they’re keywords for chronological order that make the essay flow smoothly. Use transitional words to direct the reader through the flow of your story. Don’t forget to use different expressions to avoid tautology.

Use Headings and Subheadings to Organize Your Essay

Provide clear divisions so that the paper becomes much more readable. Large arrays of text always repel the reader, so use a proper chronological structure. Also, headings and subheadings will help you further structure your essay.

Use Introductory and Concluding Sentences to Signal the Main Points of Each Paragraph

A thesis statement that summarizes the main message of your chronological essays should be restructured and repeated several times during writing. This technique is used by writers to express the main idea of the essay in the introduction and throughout the text. The thesis proposal should be catchy and memorable.

Use Appropriate Citations and References (Especially for the Historical Essay)

There could be many sources of false information on the Internet. Students should check information and put only proven citations into the chronological expositions. We know it could be challenging to deal with citation norms, so we’re always ready to write your paper for you . Be sure to check the accuracy of the quotes and the veracity of the facts you refer to.

Maintain a Consistent Timeline and Avoid Jumping Back and Forth in Time

When you have the list of essential timeline events, you can arrange the events in the order in which they happened. It helps you to use the correct order in an essay from the earliest events in your story to the latest. You can use simple editors or a spreadsheet for sorting lists.

When you write a chronological essay, nothing may cause you problems if you are well-oriented to the chosen subject. You should carefully choose topics for writing, do not forget about the preliminary study, and double-check the sources you use.

After reading our guide in detail, you will undoubtedly be able to write a decent chronological essay. However, even if you find it difficult to find inspiration for writing, this is not a problem either, as you can resort to exposition editing services. Remember that an experienced team of professionals is always ready to help you with heavy research writing essays.

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Chronological Order

Chronological arrangement has the following purposes:

• To explain the history of an event or a topic
• To tell a story or relate an experience
• To explain how to do or to make something
• To explain the steps in a process

Chronological order is mostly used in expository writing, which is a form of writing that narrates, describes, informs, or explains a process. When using chronological order, arrange the events in the order that they actually happened, or will happen if you are giving instructions. This method requires you to use words such as first, second, then, after that, later, and finally. These transition words guide you and your reader through the paper as you expand your thesis. For example, if you are writing an essay about the history of the airline industry, you would begin with its conception and detail the essential timeline events up until present day. You would begin with its conception and detail the essential timeline events up until present day. You would follow the chain of events using words such as first, then, next, and so on. Keep in mind that chronological order is most appropriate for the following purposes:

• Writing essays containing heavy research
• Writing essays with the aim of listing, explaining, or narrating
• Writing essays that analyze literary works such as poems, plays, or books

When using chronological order, your introduction should indicate the information you will cover and should also establish the relevance of the information. Your body paragraphs should then provide clear divisions or steps in chronology. You can divide your paragraphs by time (such as decades, wars, or other historical events) or by the same structure of the work you are examining (such as a line-by-line explication of a poem.

Choose an accomplishment you have achieved in your life. The important moment could be in sports, schooling, or extracurricular activities. On your own sheet of paper, list the steps you 25 Return to Table of Contents took to reach your goal. Try to be as specific as possible with the steps you took. Pay attention to using transition words to focus your writing.

On a separate sheet of paper, write a paragraph that describes a process you are familiar with and can do well. Assume that your reader is unfamiliar with the procedure. Remember to use the chronological key words, such as  first,   second ,  then,  and  finally.

• Order of Importance
• Order of importance is best used for the following purposes:
• Persuading and convincing
• Ranking items by their importance, benefit, or significance
• Illustrating a situation, problem, or solution

Most essays move from the least to the most important point, and the paragraphs are arranged in an effort to build the essay’s strength. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to begin with the most important supporting point, such as in an essay that contains a thesis that is highly debatable. When writing a persuasive essay, it is best to begin with the most important point because it immediately captivates your readers and compels them to continue reading. For example, if you were supporting your thesis that homework is detrimental to the education of high school students, you would want to present your most convincing argument first, and then move on to the less important points for your case. During your career, you may be required to work on a team that devises a strategy for a specific goal of your company, such as increasing profits. When planning your strategy you should organize your steps in order of importance. This demonstrates the ability to prioritize and plan. Using the order of importance technique also shows that you can create a resolution with logical steps for accomplishing a common goal.

On a separate sheet of paper, write a paragraph that discusses a passion of yours. Your passion could be music, a particular sport, filmmaking, and so on. Your paragraph should be built upon the reasons why you feel so strongly. Briefly discuss your reasons in the order of least to greatest importance.

Writing for College Introduction to College Writing with Grammar Skills Review by Cheryl McCormick; Sue Hank; and Ninna Roth is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Princeton Correspondents on Undergraduate Research

How to Write a Paper in Two Days: A Timeline

Last week, Yuem wrote about keeping track of his progress on his senior thesis —a project with distant deadlines. As an underclassman, I usually face shorter-term deadlines for class essays and problem sets, and these require a similar, but condensed approach.

This post has real-life inspiration. Next Thursday, I have a paper due for my philosophy class on Nietzsche. Weekdays are busy with problem sets and assignments. I do not expect myself to start consolidating material for the paper till this weekend, which leaves me plenty of time to plan an effective essay.

Here’s the schedule I successfully used last time, when I was looking at parts of Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra and the Gay Science.  Granted, the whole process I’m proposing is longer than just two days, but I promise if you use the pre-writing steps I suggest, you’ll be able to do the actual writing in a much shorter period of time!

5 Days before Due Date: Finish the core readings!

I spent about half of my weekend finishing the readings for the class that I had not been able to finish in time for lecture. Surprisingly few people realize how helpful this is. In a paper-based class, certain prompts will lend themselves to specific readings. You can write a decent paper–maybe even get a “good grade”– by reading only what is absolutely necessary for a paper, but it will fall far short of your potential. You are surrounded by world-class facilities and faculty–don’t waste your time on something sub-par. The best part about writing a paper is finding unexpected connections, after all.

4 Days before Due Date: Summarize the readings.

After I finished reading and highlighting parts of the books, I sat down with a notebook and wrote down the gist of each section using what I had previously marked in the books. I used to do this as I read, but found it to take a long time to finish the process. Now, I read in whatever small bursts of time I have, and revisit my books to quickly take notes in one go using what I have highlighted. Now, I had a short summary of the assigned works in front of me as a map of what to reference.

3 Days before Due Date: Finalize essay topic and write an outline.

I narrowed my essay topics down to two, and drafted points I had in mind for each one. I did some outside research as well, and chose the topic I felt better prepared with. I started to construct an outline by selecting relevant quotes (using my summary of notes) and finally had a blocked version of evidence for different points in the paper. At this point, I started to work around the pieces of evidence I had written down and formulate logical arguments and transitions.

2 Days before Due Date: Talk to my professor, revise outline, and start writing!

By this point, I realized what crucial questions I had for my professor. I ran through some of the main points I was going to make in the paper and discovered that a few of them were faulty. I adapted accordingly and started to write!

Writing an eight page paper in two days was surprisingly easy with a well-developed outline. Do yourself a favor and spend the bulk of your time in the “planning” stage of an essay: reading, summarizing, outlining, and discussing ideas with classmates and professors. The actual writing process will be a matter of a few hours spent at your computer transferring thoughts from outline to paper in a format that flows well. Have a friend or two help you edit your paper, and you will emerge feeling rewarded.

— Vidushi Sharma, Humanities Correspondent

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Preparing for Academic Writing

• Understanding the Question
• Planning Your Assignment Timeline
• Outlining Your Essay
• Video Playlist
• Audio Playlist
• Downloadable Resources
• Further Reading
• Relevant Workshops This link opens in a new window
• Introduction
• Guiding Principles for an Assignment Timeline
• Backwards Planning

After you have gained an understanding of your assignment by analysing the information given to you, it is advised that you create an assignment timeline. Creating an assignment timeline can help increase your certainty and clarity over what you need to do and when.   

Use the tabs to learn more about how you can plan your assignment timeline.

You may feel that it is difficult to create a timeline this early into your assignment, or that it is hard to accurately predict exactly how long each step will take. These feelings should be considered when making a plan. First you should note that your initial attempt to plan is educated guesswork.   You are simply considering what steps you think you need to take and how long they should be. As you progress through your assignment timeline you can review your plan and update the timeline to be more accurate.

Inevitably some things may take shorter or longer than you had initially planned. If you are progressing quickly that is good news as you have some extra time that could be spent on your assignment or on something else of your choosing. However, do make sure that you are confident that you have met the required marking criteria within the step if you are moving quicker than planned. If things are taking longer than planned, consider how you will adjust your timings and steps to ensure that your work can be handed in on time. If this is not possible consider if you could apply for extra time through the Late Submission Request Procedure or the Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances Procedure   .

When creating your initial plan, it may be wise to plan some leeway into your schedule. A good rule of thumb would be to plan extra time in each step. So if you expect research would take you two weeks, plan three weeks to complete it in. If it takes the normal amount of time, you have an extra week. If it takes longer then you are prepared. Another method of creating leeway is to aim to beat your deadline by submitting one week in advance. 

During your studies you will often be working towards multiple assignments at once, alongside other deadlines (such as applications) and any responsibilities (work, caring, childcare etc.). When planning your assignment you should take into account that your assignment may not be your only focus. For more information on completing multiple assignments see our academic writing is assessment season livestream .

You may find it easier to plan your assignment by starting from your deadline (or your personal deadline if you are aiming to submit in advance), and working backwards to the start of your assignment. If you attribute estimated times to each step you can establish when you realistically need to start. Backwards planning allows you to consider the whole process, so that you allow crucial time for referencing and proofreading. Proofreading, for example, is an opportunity to evaluate if you have hit the marking criteria, and then to make any necessary actions (such as further reading or rewriting a paragraph). If this step is undervalued in planning then you may find flaws in your work but not have the time to fix them.

If you would like to know more about how to time manage or how to motivate yourself throughout your academic writing timeline, see our Improving Marks in Academic Writing Guide.

In this episode of the Assignment Journey Podcast Alex and Diana (Skills Graduate Placement), discuss how you can use your understanding of the assignment to structure your assignment. They go through what is expected in an introduction, main body and conclusion of an essay as well as a simple paragraph structure.

Managing time over the course

In this video from the Time Management workshop, Naomi from the Skills Team discusses how you can manage your time over the course of a semester through backwards planning.

Academic writing in assessment

In this hour long livestream, Alexander and Naomi discuss their advice for thriving in assessment season, including how you can time manage during this tricky period and how to manage multiple assessments at once whilst looking out for your mental health. 

Structure and Planning

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• Next: Outlining Your Essay >>
• Last Updated: Feb 5, 2024 11:40 AM
• URL: https://libguides.derby.ac.uk/preparing-for-academic-writing

How to Develop a Research Paper Timeline

• Writing Research Papers
• Writing Essays
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Research papers come in many sizes and levels of complexity. There is no single set of rules that fits every project, but there are guidelines you should follow to keep yourself on track throughout the weeks as you prepare, research, and write. You will complete your project in stages, so you must plan ahead and give yourself enough time to complete every stage of your work.

Your first step is to write down the due date for your paper on a big wall calendar , in your planner , and in an electronic calendar.

Plan backward from that due date to determine when you should have your library work completed. A good rule of thumb is to spend:

• Fifty percent of your time researching and reading
• Ten percent of your time sorting and marking your research
• Forty percent of your time writing and formatting

Timeline for Researching and Reading Stage

• 1 week for short papers with one or two sources
• 2-3 weeks for papers up to ten pages
• 2-3 months for a thesis

It’s important to get started right away on the first stage. In a perfect world, we would find all of the sources we need to write our paper in our nearby library. In the real world, however, we conduct internet queries and discover a few perfect books and articles that are absolutely essential to our topic—only to find that they are not available at the local library.

The good news is that you can still get the resources through an interlibrary loan. But that will take time. This is one good reason to do a thorough search early on with the help of a reference librarian .

Give yourself time to collect many possible resources for your project. You will soon find that some of the books and articles you choose don’t actually offer any useful information for your particular topic. You’ll need to make a few trips to the library. You won’t finish in one trip.

You’ll also discover that you will find additional potential sources in the bibliographies of your first selections. Sometimes the most time-consuming task is eliminating potential sources.

Timeline for Sorting and Marking Your Research

• 1 day for a short paper
• 3-5 days for papers up to ten pages
• 2-3 weeks for a thesis

You should read each of your sources at least twice. Read your sources the first time to soak in some information and to make notes on research cards.

Read your sources a second time more quickly, skimming through the chapters and putting sticky note flags on pages that contain important points or pages that contain passages that you want to cite. Write keywords on the sticky note flags.

Timeline for Writing and Formatting

• Four days for a short paper with one or two sources
• 1-2 weeks for papers up to ten pages
• 1-3 months for a thesis

You don’t really expect to write a good paper on your first attempt, do you?

You can expect to pre-write, write, and rewrite several drafts of your paper. You’ll also have to rewrite your thesis statement a few times, as your paper takes shape.

Don’t get held up writing any section of your paper—especially the introductory paragraph. It is perfectly normal for writers to go back and complete the introduction once the rest of the paper is completed.

The first few drafts don’t have to have perfect citations. Once you begin to sharpen your work and you’re heading toward a final draft, you should tighten your citations. Use a sample essay if you need to, just to get the formatting down.

Make sure your bibliography contains every source you’ve used in your research.

• What Is a Research Paper?
• How to Write a 10-Page Research Paper
• Research Note Cards
• What Is a Senior Thesis?
• How to Organize Research Notes
• How to Write a Research Paper That Earns an A
• Organize Your Time With a Day Planner
• An Introduction to Academic Writing
• College School Supplies List
• Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue
• Documentation in Reports and Research Papers
• Finding Trustworthy Sources
• What Is a Bibliography?
• 10 Places to Research Your Paper
• Writing an Annotated Bibliography for a Paper
• 10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report

Extended Essay: Step 6. Create a Timeline

• Extended Essay- The Basics
• Step 1. Choose a Subject
• Step 2. Educate yourself!
• Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
• Identify Keywords
• Do Background Reading
• Define Your Topic
• Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
• Step 5. Draft a Research Question
• Step 6. Create a Timeline
• Find Articles
• Find Primary Sources
• Get Help from Experts
• Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
• Databases and Websites by Subject Area
• Create an Annotated Bibliography
• Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
• Chicago Citation Syle
• MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
• Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
• Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
• Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
• Conducting Secondary Research
• Conducting Primary Research
• Formal vs. Informal Writing
• Presentation Requirements
• Evaluating Your Work

Plan, Plan, Plan!

You are expected to spend approximately  40 hours  on the whole extended essay process.   You will have to be proactive in organizing and completing different tasks during those stages.  

Using the  Extended Essay Timeline  you should prepare your own  personal  timeline for the research, writing, and reflection required for your EE.

Twelve-step Plan for Researching the Extended Essay - Step 6

6. Draw up an outline plan for the research and writing process. This should include a timeline. 

• << Previous: Step 5. Draft a Research Question
• Next: Step 7. Identify & Annotate Sources >>
• Last Updated: Jun 26, 2024 12:25 PM
• URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee

Crunch Time: Writing College Essays on a Tight Timeline

Now that we are past November 1 and most Early Action or Early Decision 1 deadlines, many students have taken their ‘foot off the pedal’ when it comes to essay writing, but it’s worth making sure you know what the plan might be for any upcoming Regular Decision or Early Decision 2 applications.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you work on finalizing some of your essays during this crunch time: 

Always Pay Attention to the Prompt!

At times, feeling stuck on an essay can be solved by taking a closer look at the prompt and what it’s specifically asking for. ‘Why’ essays, for example, will often – implicitly or explicitly – tell you more or less exactly what they want to hear from you, which can allow you to go find the kind of specific examples or details you need to write about. Broader essay prompts can still clue you in to what the college is looking for, and sometimes utilizing those ‘close-reading’ skills you learned in English class can prompt new ideas.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Depending on where you are in the process, you may be able to repurpose or reconstruct former essays to fit current prompts. Simply cut and paste all relevant essays and then move through each, highlighting and color coding relevant material. Then, repurpose the material, finding the appropriate “glue” in transitional phrases. If this sounds overly simplistic, that’s because, for most cases, it is. Often, a significant portion of the essay will likely have to be rewritten or reworked, but descriptions of activities, portrayals of academic interests, and characterizations of programs, institutions, or important people can often be reappropriated to new prompts. 

…or Start All Over

Sometimes, however, it is best to let go of what was and just start all over. Rather than trying to condense the 400-word activity description for Vanderbilt into a 150-word description for Michigan, it may be best to simply start from scratch with an essay (or activity) that is more fitting. Though it may not seem like it, this is often a more efficient process and helps writers avoid the “Franken-essay” because students are trying to graft dissimilar parts. 

Save Drafts, Include Links

In our hyper-connected digital world it has never been easier to preserve different iterations of documents or to link troves of information directly into the document. To make things simpler, students should neatly organize drafts and include links to websites within the document itself. This will save valuable time when searching for a certain page detailing a program, or a certain turn of phrase from a prior draft.

Don’t Miss Hidden Essays 

Certain programs, Honors Colleges, and elective Scholarships have essays separate from those required for admission, and these essays are often embedded in the application. The worst-case scenario is for a student to think that they are done only to encounter a research-intensive essay at the last moment. 

Sign up for an Essay Coaching Session

A knowledgeable editor can provide fresh insight and direction for a student who may be stuck in a rut. If you feel like another set of eyes on your essays would be helpful, or even if you’d appreciate someone to bounce ideas off of early in the drafting process, we encourage you to reach out to hear about our great Essay Coaches – you can call (608) 841-1053 to learn more!

Finally, keep perspective . While it would be nice to write a perfect essay, don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good . Remember, writing is never done, only due. Give it your best, edit carefully, submit, and then relax.  

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What Is a Timeline (with Examples and Templates)

Unlock the power of timelines! Master planning with our guide featuring diverse examples and templates for every need. Streamline your schedule and execute with precision.

Office Timeline

Oct 17, 2020

10 min read

Example of a timeline

Last updated: February 26, 2024

Embarking on any project, whether it’s a business or personal initiative, requires careful planning and organization. Central to this process is the creation of a timeline – a visual roadmap that guides you through the various stages and milestones from start to finish.

In this article, we delve into the concept of timelines , exploring what they are, what they should include, and how to create them effectively. We’ll also showcase ten diverse timeline examples , each tailored to different needs and objectives, providing you with the tools and inspiration to bring your plans into action with clarity and precision.

Whether you’re a project manager, a marketer, a legal professional, or simply someone looking to streamline their daily schedule, understanding the power of timelines is essential for successful project management and execution.

Let’s dive in and uncover the art of timeline creation together.

What is a timeline?

A timeline is a type of graphic that arranges a chain of events in chronological order. Perfect for telling stories and visualizing projects and processes, timelines are generally used to:

• Give an overview of events;
• Detail an agenda;
• Highlight critical points in time;
• Depict different temporal relations;
• Track progress over time of multiple events happening simultaneously;
• Identify specific patterns within a course of procedure in a streamlined format.

What should a timeline include?

Representing an alignment in time and making a chronological statement, a timeline should include the series of events and activities (milestones and tasks) that you want to display on your graphic, along with their dates to mark their occurrence over a particular phase.

Whether you employ this type of project management chart for knowledge sharing or tracking the progress of a plan, here are the two main things you need to consider in order to outline the structure of a basic timeline:

• Listing the main steps/stages of your plan and setting clear deadlines – break up your work into tasks with start and due dates to estimate how much time each of them will take;
• Figuring out the logical order in which your tasks will occur – identify the sequence of planned activities, considering task dependencies to determine which tasks must be completed first and which ones rely on others for initiation.

How to create a timeline

Now that we’ve covered what timelines are and what they should include, you can make a timeline either from scratch or by starting from a template. There are various purpose-built tools to help you achieve this goal, and one of most accessible ones is our professional timeline maker , that you can try for free directly from your browser.

If drafting a timeline from start to finish is too time-consuming, opting for a template might be the better alternative. Below, we’ve put together a varied collection of 10 timeline examples that you can customize depending on your needs to effectively convey project plans, team schedules or workflows, and other similar chronologies. These are:

Best 10 timeline examples:

• Project implementation timeline
• Gantt Chart template
• Marketing plan timeline
• Sales plan timeline
• 1 year timeline
• Event planning timeline
• Crime timeline template
• Daily schedule timeline
• Pharma product discovery timeline
• Generic timeline

All of them have been designed natively in PowerPoint so that you and any team member who uses the presentation platform can contribute, edit and share them with ease.

Each of the templates can be customized in PowerPoint either:

• by manually replacing the placeholder texts with your own data and restyling any colors, shapes, and positions;
• or automatically, by using a PowerPoint add-in called  Office Timeline .

If you opt for the second option, you need to install the free 14-day trial from Office Timeline , which will add a new tab to the PowerPoint ribbon.

Once the plugin is installed, follow these steps to quickly build, customize and update any of the timeline examples presented below:

• Click on the  Download  button under the template of your choice.
• Once downloaded, double-click to open it in PowerPoint.
• Select the  Office Timeline  tab on the PowerPoint ribbon, and then click the  Data Edit  button.
• Edit the data with your own milestones and tasks.
• Click  Save  to instantly update the template.

Timeline examples to bring your plans into action

1.  project implementation plan timeline.

Designed to help project managers and team leaders create clear tactical plans effortlessly, the project implementation plan template provides the much needed bird’s eye view of an entire project. By turning strategic goals into actionable steps, it enables all team members to quickly see what they are expected to deliver, and when. The easy-to-follow format makes this graphic a good tool not only for internal communication, but also for presenting the overall picture to management, clients and other non-project audiences.

Since effective planning lies at the heart of successful project management and delivery, this template can also be used to show project dependencies , track individual task progress as the project moves forward, or identify at-risk tasks .

2.  Gantt Chart template

Including a timeline with editable milestones to highlight key events, this free Gantt chart template outlines a project schedule at a high-level in a simple and user-friendly manner. Unlike most Gantt charts that are complicated and difficult for other people to read and understand, this timeline template maps out the essential and can be easily included in communications such as project reviews, proposals , plans, scorecards, and status meetings.

3.  Marketing plan timeline

Any good business initiative relies on a solid marketing plan which usually takes pages of documents to be detailed. This timeline example offers an effective reference point to support the delivery of your marketing plan and assess its progress. Use this free marketing timeline template to present important marketing strategies and communicate with clients, management and other high level audiences that need to be briefed in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

4.  Sales plan timeline

Having a good sales plan is essential to achieving sales and marketing goals. This timeline template enables sales leaders, marketers, and account executives to illustrate theirs with clear objectives laid out monthly, quarterly, or annually and present it to staff, sales teams, and management. Used as a visual aid in important meetings, it helps align organizations and management behind the key targets and deadlines of their sales campaigns. Alternatively, it can serve as a scorecard to present a plan’s progress against its objectives.

5.  1 year timeline

The 1-year timeline example is ideal for planning and outlining objectives before embarking on various initiatives, campaigns, marketing programs, or personal projects. It enables you to present your plan to clients and stakeholders in a highly visual and familiar graphical format, facilitating buy-in, stating intentions, and providing updates on progress.

6.  Event planning timeline

Illustrating all the major deadlines on a single summary slide, the event planning timeline was designed to give planners, their teams, and partners the ability to keep track of what items need to be done and when. Easily accessible and shareable, this template helps you never lose sight of pending milestones and is a resourceful tool to manage teams and vendors.

7.  Crime timeline template

Providing a linear outline for events, this timeline template will help attorneys lay out the key facts and circumstances of their case in a way that is simple for any audience to understand. Use this timeline example to better structure arguments, analyze events, and prepare for trial with a chronological, visual exhibit that increases the jury’s understanding of your oral discourse.

8.  Daily schedule timeline

Graphically displayed as an hourly Gantt chart rather than as a spreadsheet, this downloadable timeline template can be easily printed in full color, shared in emails or included in presentations. Unlike most list-based daily schedules which don’t accommodate schedule overlapping, this graphic comes with a simpler, easy-to-read layout that lets viewers check the calendar at a glance.

9.  Pharmaceutical product discovery timeline

This timeline template was designed to help pharma professionals involved in the development of a new drug to stay on track in this complex, multi-staged process. Covering the key phases of the discovery of pharmaceutical products, along with major milestones such as drug selection or approval, it documents the journey from research to commercialization and lays out a clear roadmap for a project of this magnitude.

10.  Generic timeline

With a basic structure that displays a series of milestones and an elapsed time indicator on the timeband, this visual is suitable for historical presentations, project reviews, status reports, plan presentations, scorecards, or for any other effort that requires a simple project schedule or the illustration of a plan.

Check out more templates

For more examples to get inspired in building stylish timelines, visit our  timeline gallery  or explore the free, simple-to-use built-in-app templates offered by our online  timeline maker .

FAQs about timelines

Explore our FAQ section for answers to common questions about timelines, from their importance in project management to tips for creating and managing them effectively.

Why are timelines important in project management?

Timelines are crucial in project management as they provide a visual representation of project schedules, milestones, and deadlines. They help teams stay organized , track progress , identify project dependencies , and communicate project timelines effectively to stakeholders.

How do I determine the appropriate level of detail for my timeline?

The level of detail in a timeline depends on the project’s complexity and audience. For high-level overviews, focus on key milestones and major tasks. For more detailed timelines, include specific tasks, deadlines, and dependencies. Consider the needs of your audience and adjust the level of detail accordingly.

What tools can I use to create timelines?

There are various tools available for creating timelines , ranging from simple spreadsheet software to specialized project management tools. Commonly used solutions include Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, project management software like Microsoft Project, and visual timeline makers such as Office Timeline . For more resources on choosing the right fit for your needs, check out our review of the 10 best timeline software and timeline makers .

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when creating timelines?

Here are some of the main pitfalls to avoid when creating timelines: • underestimating task durations; • overlooking dependencies; • failing to involve key stakeholders in timeline development; • neglecting to build in buffer time for unforeseen delays. It’s essential to conduct thorough planning, regularly review timelines, and communicate effectively with all project stakeholders to mitigate these risks. For a comprehensive guide on timeline creation, check out our collection of tutorials on how to make timelines using various productivity tools .

How do I manage changes to a timeline during the project lifecycle?

Flexibility is key when managing changes to timelines. As project circumstances evolve, you will need to: • regularly review and update timelines to reflect the latest status; • communicate changes to stakeholders promptly and assess the impact on project deadlines and resources; • prioritize tasks, adjust dependencies, and allocate resources accordingly to accommodate changes effectively. Visit our dedicated project management page for more tips on maintaining accurate project timelines . Those who want to show more details or update their timeline regularly and repeatedly might want to learn how to quickly update project plans with Office Timeline .

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I want to put a timelime in my Humanities paper do I have to put this in an Appendix?

How you put your timeline into your Humanities paper is probably a matter of the size, purpose, and function of your timeline. Read below for general guidelines, BUT be sure to read your assignment's instructions AND ask your instructor for his/her guidance before you proceed!

• This is the type of timeline you might want to use Smart Art to create.
• As part of the narrative: "Appendix B contains the words used in our experiment."
• As part of a parentheses: "The experimenter gave each participant a list consisting of words with two meanings, depending on the context in which they are used (see Appendix B)."
• General Education & Other
• Last Updated Feb 23, 2021
• Answered By Suzanne Schriefer, Librarian

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• How to Apply for College | Timeline, Templates & Checklist

How to Apply for College | Timeline, Templates & Checklist

Published on October 18, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 24, 2024.

Most US college application deadlines for undergraduate programs are between late November and mid-March, and you should start thinking about applying for college the summer before junior year. Your application should typically include the following:

• Personal information, extracurriculars, and awards
• Transcripts
• Standardized test scores
• Recommendation letters

Table of contents

College application timeline, research schools, apply for financial aid, take standardized tests, write college application essays, complete college applications, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Use our timeline to make sure you’re on track with all the different parts of your college application.

To save the timeline and refer back to it throughout your application process, you can download the PDF below.

College application timeline (.pdf)

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Most students apply to several different schools. After researching schools and deciding which ones you’ll apply to, you should keep track of their deadlines and requirements.

Make your college list

Begin compiling a college list the summer before your junior year. Start researching schools based on their academic programs, financial aid packages, clubs and activities, and geographical location.

You should have a final list of your top schools by the second semester of your junior year, so you can plan for college visits that same semester. To maximize your options, aim to apply for eight schools:

• Two reach schools where it might be difficult for you to get accepted
• Four match schools where you have a good chance of getting accepted
• Two safety schools where you feel confident you’ll get accepted

Visit schools

Take time to do on-campus or virtual visits to prospective schools, but avoid visiting in the summer, when less faculty and staff are available to meet on campus. For highly selective schools, you should consider visiting campuses during the second semester of your junior year to meet and demonstrate interest to admissions officers and professors before you apply in the fall.

You can attend in-person or virtual college fairs to talk with current students and alumni. High school visits, where admissions officers from universities visit high schools, are also useful to learn more about a particular university.

Consider where you’d feel most happy learning and living based on the school and class sizes, academic programs, and geographical location.

Note requirements and deadlines for each school

In the summer before your senior year, note all deadlines and requirements for your prospective schools in a document or spreadsheet.

Choose early decision, early action, regular decision, or rolling admissions

In August or September, you should choose an admissions plan for each university. Most students choose the regular decision process, with deadlines spanning from late November to mid-March.

Early decision (ED) and early action (EA) plans allow students to apply for and receive admissions decisions earlier than regular decisions. Some schools’ early decision and early action rounds are less competitive, admitting a higher percentage of students than in regular decision rounds. However, you should only choose early decision or early action if you have thoroughly researched schools and are committed to attending a particular college.

Early decision is binding: you must attend that college if accepted, unless the financial aid package is insufficient. Some universities offer two rounds of early decision deadlines (ED I and ED II), one in fall and the other in winter. The ED II round in winter gives you more time to prepare a stronger application package, research and visit colleges, and explore financial aid options.

Early action is non-binding: you have until the May 1 deadline to choose which college to attend. It also allows you to explore more financial aid packages from schools you are accepted to. Some highly selective private schools offer restrictive early action, which is also non-binding, but prevents students from applying ED/EA to other private schools.

Students should prepare application materials for other schools’ regular decision deadlines if their early decision or early action applications are rejected.

Some schools also offer rolling admission , which offers a flexible six-month application window and a decision response around four to eight weeks after submission. However, rolling admission favors early applicants, since admission stops once the class reaches capacity.

You can alleviate some, or even all, of the financial burden of college by applying for federal student aid, application waivers, or scholarships from schools, corporations, or charitable foundations.

Apply for the FAFSA

As early as October 1, you can file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for loans, grants, and work study. Your Student Aid Report (SAR) should be mailed to you about four weeks after you file the application.

International students should check with the US Department of Education for financial aid opportunities.

Apply for application fee waivers

An application fee waiver removes the application fee, typically for students who demonstrate financial hardship. You or your guidance counselor can request an application fee waiver.

Complete scholarship applications

Ask your school counselor, local community groups, and prospective colleges about scholarship opportunities as early as the beginning of your junior year. Throughout your high school career, continue compiling a list of scholarship opportunities in a scholarship application tracker spreadsheet .

Highlight overlapping essay prompts, so you can write one essay that covers multiple prompts. Sometimes you can adapt your main college essay into a scholarship essay. However, remember to tailor each essay to the prompt.

Start filling out scholarship applications, gathering required documents, and writing scholarship essays in the summer before your senior year. Throughout your senior year, apply for as many scholarship applications as possible; many students don’t take advantage of scholarship opportunities.

Register and take your standardized tests in your junior year to allow sufficient time to prepare for the test and retake it if necessary.

Take the SAT or ACT

To practice for the official test, you should register for and take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) or the Pre-American College Test (PreACT) in either your sophomore year or the fall of your junior year.

Take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) in the spring of your junior year to allow sufficient time to retake the exam in the fall of your senior year if needed. Register for the SAT or ACT at least a month before your testing date to avoid late registration fees.

Due to the COVID pandemic, some schools no longer require students to submit test scores. However, you should still take the SAT or ACT and aim to get a high score to strengthen your application package.

Take Advanced Placement exams

If applicable, take your Advanced Placement (AP) exams in May of your sophomore, junior, and senior years. Depending on the school’s policies, if you score a 4 or 5 on an AP exam, you can earn college credit for certain first-year courses.

Your college application essays give you the opportunity to personalize your application. Colleges look for an essay that differentiates you from others and demonstrates your positive traits. Start brainstorming topics and drafting your essays the summer before your senior year to give yourself sufficient time for revising and receiving feedback.

If you’re struggling for time, check out our tips on writing your college essay fast .

Write your main college admissions essays

It’s a good idea to start working on your essays the summer before your senior year. Some essays can be reused or revised for different schools, depending on the prompt—though you might have to adjust its length if different colleges have different word count limits. The process of brainstorming and writing the first draft typically takes one to three weeks.

Write supplemental essays

Start writing any supplemental essays (such “Why this college?” essays and diversity essays ) in August or September of your senior year. Be careful when responding to these prompts, which are usually more specific than main college essay prompts. As with your main college essays, revise and get feedback on these essays.

Revise your essays and get feedback

Start revising your essay after you’ve written your first draft. Most students go through multiple drafts and take about two to four weeks to revise and get feedback. Remember to take breaks between editing stages.

In August or September of your senior year, get feedback from two to three people—ideally people who know you well, have good writing skills, and are familiar with college application essays. You can also get help from an essay coach or editor. Scribbr essay coaches can help.

Explore the essay coaching service

Begin creating accounts and filling in your personal information on college application portals the summer before your senior year. Start collecting and requesting official documents and recommendation letters at least three to four weeks before the deadline.

Create accounts on college application portals

After creating a prospective college list, create accounts on their respective application portals in the summer before your senior year.

The Common Application , with over 900 member universities, is the most popular. The Coalition Application, with more than 150 member universities, offers resources to help all students gain access to college.

Some schools, such as the University of California system, MIT, and Georgetown University, have their own application portals.

Fill out your personal information, extracurriculars, and awards

It’s a good idea to start a list of your extracurriculars, awards, jobs, and leadership experience in your sophomore year. Throughout your high school career, keep adding to your list, which can also be used to build your resume if needed.

Upload your essays

If you paste your essay directly into the text box, remember it won’t retain formatting like italics or bold text. Sometimes, dashes or other characters might alter the word count, so check that you’ve respected the word limit after inputting your essays.

If you have to upload a file, make it a PDF. Use a simple standard font, like Times New Roman, and format spacing to 1.5 or double space.

Send your high school transcripts and test scores

As soon as you complete your part of the application, ensure your school counselor sends your transcripts to the right colleges. Make sure your SAT, ACT, and AP scores have been sent to the correct schools. Some schools allow results to be self-reported, while others require official score reports from testing organizations.

Request letters of recommendation

Many colleges require one to two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, or employer who knows you well. As early as the end of your junior year, you should unofficially notify teachers or counselors of upcoming requests to give them sufficient time to write a thoughtful personalized letter during the summer.

Once you have completed your portion of the online application, send an official request through the application portals and check whether your recommenders have submitted their letters two to three weeks before the deadline.

Write your resume

Some schools require you to write a resume. While you may not have much or any work experience, you can highlight your educational career. Include your academic achievements, awards, projects, and leadership positions. You can also include any work experience, internships, or summer programs.

Review your application

Before submitting, double-check that all necessary materials are included.

Here’s a checklist you can use to track your progress through the application process.

College application checklist

I’ve researched schools and made my college list.

I’ve done on-campus and/or virtual visits to prospective schools.

I’ve chosen application plan deadlines for each school.

I’ve organized deadlines and requirements in a college application tracker.

I’ve filed my FAFSA.

I’ve submitted scholarship applications.

I’ve taken my standardized tests.

I’ve written my college application essays .

I’ve created accounts on application portals.

I’ve filled out my personal information, extracurriculars, and awards.

I’ve requested my test scores be sent to the correct colleges.

I’ve requested my transcripts be sent to the correct colleges.

I’ve requested recommendation letters.

I’ve paid application fees or applied for application waivers.

I’ve checked that my application has all the necessary documents and information.

Congratulations!

It looks like your application is ready to submit. Good luck with getting accepted!

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

You should start thinking about your college applications the summer before your junior year to give you sufficient time for college visits, taking standardized tests, applying for financial aid , writing essays, and collecting application material.

In general, for your college application you will need to submit all of the following:

• Your personal information
• List of extracurriculars and awards
• College application essays
• Recommendation letters.

Different colleges may have specific requirements, so make sure you check exactly what’s expected in the application guidance.

The college admissions essay accounts for roughly 25% of the weight of your application .

At highly selective schools, there are four qualified candidates for every spot. While your academic achievements are important, your college admissions essay can help you stand out from other applicants with similar profiles.

To maximize your options, you should aim to apply to about eight schools:

• Two reach schools that might be difficult to get into
• Four match schools that you have a good chance of getting into
• Two safety schools that you feel confident you’ll get into

Apply early for federal student aid and application fee waivers. You can also look for scholarships from schools, corporations, and charitable foundations.

Depending on your prospective schools’ requirements, you may need to submit scores for the SAT or ACT as part of your college application .

Some schools now no longer require students to submit test scores; however, you should still take the SAT or ACT and aim to get a high score to strengthen your application package.

Aim to take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year to give yourself enough time to retake it in the fall of your senior year if necessary.

College deadlines vary depending on the schools you’re applying to and your application plan:

• For early action applications and the first round of early decision applications, the deadline is on November 1 or 15. Decisions are released by mid-December.
• For the second round of early decision applications, the deadline is January 1 or 15. Decisions are released in January or February.
• Regular decision deadlines usually fall between late November and mid-March, and decisions are released in March or April.
• Rolling admission deadlines run from July to April, and decisions are released around four to eight weeks after submission.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Courault, K. (2024, May 24). How to Apply for College | Timeline, Templates & Checklist. Scribbr. Retrieved July 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/applying-for-college/

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How to Write a Paper That Includes a Timeline

Terrance karter.

Usually, you can explain a series of events within a paper simply by writing about those events in order. However, even if you write very clearly and concisely, you might still have trouble making your reader aware of those events and allowing your reader to fully understand in which order those events occurred. You may need to include a time line in your paper. If you do, there are several ways that you can do this so your paper is written in an easy-to-read manner.

Explore this article

• Write your paper
• Write a footnote
• Create your time line

1 Write your paper

Write your paper, including the series of events in a logical manner. If you are talking about events that require a time line, it is a good idea to write your paper in chronological order. Even if you include the time line, you will confuse your readers if you talk about events in a different order from which they actually occurred.

2 Write a footnote

Write a footnote each time you mention an event. The footnote can call the reader's attention to the time line that you will include. The footnote can say "See time line" or "See Attachment" so the reader knows the time exists.

3 Create your time line

Create your time line. This can be a vertical or horizontal time line, and can take any form that you choose. Make a line with the dates on it, and write the name of the event wherever it occurs. Attach the time line to your paper, and ensure that it is accessible for the readers. Some time lines might be placed at the start of the paper, if you have many events that are confusing, and some might be placed at the end. This is up to you.

• 1 Teacher Vision: Writing a Paper With a Model Timeline

About the Author

Terrance Karter has served as a reporter, reviewer and columnist for "The Exponent," as well as a contributor to the "Shelterbelt," both based in northeast South Dakota. Karter holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Northern State University in South Dakota.

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How would I make a timeline in APA?

To ensure   that the timeline follows the APA format:

• Use font: Times New Roman, 12 pt size.
• Double-space the timeline.
• Page Margins: 1 inch on all four sides

APA does not specify  an official format for a timeline, other than font and spacing   shown above.

To see examples of APA citations, visit the  APA Help  guide.

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How (& When) to Make a Timeline

Written by: Orana Velarde

Knowing how to make a timeline is an essential skill to have when creating content for your brand. Just like how infographics, videos and presentations help tell your brand story, timelines help visualize important events in the past or planned for the future.

If you’ve been wondering how to get started with timelines or aren’t sure when is a good time to use them, this guide is just for you.

We’ll take you through all the possibilities a timeline can impart for your content strategy, plus how to make one. There are plenty of creative options, and as long as you follow the steps in this guide, you’re on the way to creating an unforgettable timeline.

To skip the tutorial and start creating, get started with our free timeline maker now!

Table of Contents

What is a timeline, step #1: create an outline, step #2: choose your timeline style, step #3: create your timeline’s skeleton, step #4: insert your timeline content, step #5: add supporting content to your timeline, step #6: design your timeline, step #7: add interactivity to your timeline, step #8: share your timeline.

A timeline is a visualization showcasing chronological content, following a step-by-step process or explaining the progress of an activity. Timelines are made up of lines and shapes, plus creative design elements and sometimes interactivity.

Visualizing information about past events, processes, or roadmaps is easy when you use a timeline design. There are many ways a timeline can improve your content. For example, a vertical timeline visualizing your brand story will be a great addition to your About Us page. 

Timelines can be stand-alone projects like infographics or posters but can also be included inside multipage documents and slide presentations. The video below covers some timeline examples to get your creative ideas flowing.

Why You Should Use a Timeline

Do you have to visualize or explain content that’s chronological, procedural or continuous? That’s what timelines are for. 

Let’s say your company is celebrating 20 years since it started, and you want to share the story with your audience and employees. Create an interactive timeline with interesting information in chronological order from the startup stage until now. 

Why is this option better than just a piece of written content? 

• It will be more interesting to look through.
• Your audience can find out more about specific points in the story by clicking on popups .
• An infographic has better shareability in the online space and makes an impact.

When You Should Use a Timeline

If we were to list all the possible scenarios for using a timeline, the list would be a never-ending scroll. So here’s a few just to give you an idea.

• In a report presentation, add a timeline across two or three continuous slides to show project milestones.
• Inside a proposal document , add a page with a timeline to visualize how the project will progress.
• On your website’s about page, include a timeline of your brand story.
• On the corkboard in the employee breakout room, tack a progress timeline of restocking shelves efficiently.
• On one of your onboarding handbook pages, add a step-by-step timeline of how to create a company email address.
• Create a timeline infographic to visualize better the story of a historical event in a blog post or article.
• For a history report, create a timeline infographic and print it.

How To Use a Timeline

Knowing how to use a timeline properly is essential before getting started. It’ll save you time in the long run. Here are some tips to help you:

• Choose if the timeline will be a standalone project or inside another.
• Have a clear idea of the content before getting started.
• Try and have a similar number of characters in the descriptive content per point in the timeline.
• Make a decision early on if you plan to use photos or icons.
• Decide about interactivity before starting. The options include videos, popups and hyperlinks.

When it comes to timeline layout options, we’ll show you all the possibilities further on in this guide, but there are two main visual tips to remember. 

If you have lots of content without photos, use a Zigzag on an ample space like the example below:

If you have content with photos or videos, use a straight layout like the example below:

With that said, now it’s time to get started creating your timeline.

Every creative project needs an ​​outline for efficient production, and your timeline is no different.

Start with the title, subtitle and short description. Then move on to each item. If you already know the number of items you need to display on the timeline, set those down first and then go back and input the rest of the content.

Pro Tip: Try and keep the text for each item at around the same length or character count; this will make your design look more balanced.  

Don’t forget to add all the information you might need regarding visuals and interactivity. The outline must be in the same order as the final design, to help guide you in the process.

Here’s an example of how your outline should look:

• Short Description
• Icon/Photo/Video
• Date, Time or Step #
• Description
• [Repeat until you've completed your timeline]

When it comes to choosing a timeline style, you have three main options;

• The chronological function
• The directional layout
• The overall format of the timeline

An excellent way to choose your timeline style is to browse the Visme timeline template library and see what’s possible. Another source of inspiration is Pinterest , where you’ll discover timelines in many styles.  Simply input "timelines" into the search bar and browse. Make a private board to keep your favorite ones.

Chronological Function

Every timeline visualizes content that has to do with time, processes or progression. But not all timelines are the same. Below are the most common chronological functions for a timeline.

Historical/Past Events

Visualizing historical or past events in chronological order is one of the most practical uses for a timeline. Each point on the layout represents a particular point in time worth mentioning. A historical timeline makes a great addition to an About Us page on your website or as part of an Annual Report. 

Marketing reports or progress reports can also use a timeline to show what has already been done and when. In an academic sense, timelines also are great for history projects. For example, the timeline below visualizes the most important dates in American History.

Another type of chronological visualization which you can use for a timeline is the schedule. In this case, a schedule visualizes the plan for future events towards a goal. Schedule timelines are great additions for proposals, communication plans and syllabi.

Each item on the timeline has the exact date or time in which something will happen. In the case of a class schedule, the timeline includes the hours of each class. For example, the schedule timeline below visualizes a day in a 2nd-grade homeschool. Something similar could work for an event program or sprint schedule for a brainstorm session .

Process/Steps to Take

Not all timelines include specific dates. Some have a chronological progression not ruled by time. Even though there is no set calendar time in a process timeline, it’s still in the order of steps and follows the same visual layout.

Process timelines are great additions to proposals, plans and explanations for an action. For example, in a web design proposal, a timeline design showcases the steps to reach the desired goal of a finished website. 

Another use for a process timeline is to show the steps to take for a task in a work environment that needs doing the exact say way every time. For example, how to wear protective gear or how to clear out waste from machinery. This design can then be printed, laminated, and put up on a common employee area wall. Any other process can be visualized the same way. 

A Gantt chart or escalated timeline is similar to a schedule or process in that it shows steps to take along a specific period. The difference is that in one timeline, there are many paths to follow in different lapses of time. In many cases, one action overlaps another and continue together.

The Gantt timeline below visualizes one month of work and all the steps that need to be finished in that space of time. Each item is given a week or two to finish and visualized with a horizontal line.

A roadmap is similar to a process or steps to take timeline in that it visualizes a progression of actions towards a goal. Roadmaps don’t use items to visualize steps to take but instead visualizes milestones to reach.

Directional Layout 

Now it's time to decide between the possible layouts that your timeline can have. Vertical and top to bottom isn’t the only option.

The most common layout for a timeline is the vertical infographic. This timeline starts at the top and continues in a downward direction. The length can be as long as there is content to add. 

A horizontal timeline is your best choice if it’s going to be inside a presentation. When the layout of the canvas is in landscape orientation, the content will fit and flow better from left to right. The upside to this layout is that you can continue the timeline over several slides. 

Zig-zag timelines can be vertical or horizontal, depending on your project. You’ll be able to fit more content in a vertical layout than a horizontal one. This style of directional structure looks good when the text and visuals are strategically placed along the line. Take your time to make things look balanced and easy to follow.

An s-shape timeline starts on a point on the left, moves horizontally over a few points, turns towards the left, covers a few points, and then back and forth until the end. This layout is excellent if you have many points on the line, with short content for each.

A wavy timeline is a loose zigzag layout with uneven lines. This layout is excellent when your content is different per point, and some need more space than others.

You can also get creative with your timeline layout by placing items on the canvas and connecting them with lines of your choosing. The trick to this outline is that you have to be mindful of the audience. Make sure it’s easy to follow, using numbers or arrows.

Finally, timelines can also be set into a circle. In this case, it might be a recurring timeline or cycle. To create a beginning-to-end visualization with a circle, make sure to show a stop where the timeline ends and where it begins. If it’s cyclic, simply add the points along the circle.

Content Format

The content format is all about how the timeline will be published. Will it be a standalone design or part of another project? Will it have interactive features or be shared as a video?

Infographic

The most common timeline style is the infographic. More often than not, in a vertical format, wherein the timeline progresses from top to bottom. Infographics come in many styles , timelines being only of them. 

Below is an example of an infographic template that visualizes the history of solar technology.

Presentation Slide

Many presentations have slides that include a timeline. These are generally horizontal, but can sometimes be zigzag or even diagonal. Visme presentation themes include lots of timeline options in many formats.

A timeline can be turned into a video by animating the elements on the canvas, adding transitions and downloading as an MP4. Infographics don’t make for great videos, but presentation or square formats do. Consider using a timeline video in your video marketing strategy to visualize your brand’s story, for example.

Interactive

An interactive timeline works great in both an infographic or presentation slide format . Using interactivity is a great way to share more content with your audience than you could fit into the timeline. 

When you make an interactive timeline with Visme, you can add popups to each item or add hyperlinks to show your audience supporting content.

Now that you've chosen the style, format and directional layout, it’s time to get started. First things first, the skeleton or draft of your timeline. This part is just the visual outline without content. 

There are many ways to create a timeline skeleton, from digital templates to hand drawn sketches. Let’s take a look.

Piece of advice, leave space for the title, subtitle and description if you plan on adding that.

With a Template

Your first option to create a skeleton is to use a timeline template . This option will already show you how the content can look on your timeline, but you’ll have to change it. If you want your timeline to keep the same layout as the template, you’ll need to have content of about the same length and size.

Another option is to open a template and take out all the content. Then you can start from that base and add your content more freely.

From Scratch With a Timeline Maker

If you feel confident about your timeline creation capabilities, try starting with a blank template and build the timeline with Visme.

You can easily use Visme's diagramming tools to create your timeline from scratch. Find them located in the "Data" tab under "Diagrams." Select one shape to start with and grow the timeline from there. Click on the first shape and select the direction you want to go in, then choose the one shape option and continue until you have all the stops you need. 

From Scratch With Shapes / Content Blocks / Data Widgets / Diagram Layouts

Another option for starting from scratch is using shapes, content blocks, data widgets or diagram layouts. This option gives you a lot of freedom over how your timeline will look. 

Don’t mix and match too many things together to make sure there’s a visual balance to your timeline. Stick to one type of shape, one style of data widget and one type of diagram. With all these building options, you’re able to create any kind of timeline in any format or layout.

If you’re the type of person that likes doing this by hand first, then you can most definitely create your skeleton by hand first. Use paper or a whiteboard to visualize your timeline before you get digital. 

With your timeline skeleton ready, it’s time to start inputting your content. Use your content outline from step #1, making sure to take a note of the content you’ve already copied. The last thing you want is a duplicate item or, worse, a missing step when you’ve already copied everything else.

If your item content doesn’t fit right and feels like it has no space to breathe around it, you’ve got a few options:

• Minimize the size of the font so it fits better.
• Use a different font, one that takes up less space.
• Shorten the content as much as possible.
• Stretch the entire layout of the template, item by item. 

If each item has a title and a description, make sure the title is visually different from the body text. You can differentiate this with size, font style (bold, italic, all caps), or color.

After adding the item content, add all the supporting content like the title, subtitle and footer. Use visual hierarchy rules for this content. For example, use a bigger font size for the title and medium size for the subtitle. If you have one, the description can be the same size as the content in each item. 

Add a footer at the bottom of your timeline, especially if it’s an infographic. A footer includes information about any sources you used for the content, your website URL or your logo.

Now it’s time to add some design elements to your timeline. If you started with a template, you might already have some of these sorted, but here’s a rundown of what you need to take care of.

Make sure you have a good font pairing that’s easy to read and not overwhelming. Since timelines tend to have a lot of content, your best bet is to use a standard document font like Arial, Verdana or Lato . If you have brand fonts, by all means, use those.

A design rule that you should always follow is never to use more than two or three fonts. In a timeline, we’d say use not more than two and stay away from novelty fonts. 

The colors on your timeline need to be well-balanced and not too striking . Once again, if you have brand colors. The background color and the foreground color must be contrasting enough so that the content is easy to read. Your Visme editor offers a large selection of color themes that are pre-designed to be balanced and harmonious. Try them out before looking for color schemes elsewhere.

Use no more than three colors. If you need more colors, try different intensities of the same colors using the transparency controls.

At every point of your timeline, you can add an icon . These are great for visualizing what each step is about. Try and minimize the content if you’re using an icon, as these will also take up space. If the icon can replace the title of each item, even better.

Use all icons in the same style. Don’t start with a line icon and then add a 3D icon to disrupt the visual flow. A good way to prevent this is to find all the icons you need first, to make sure you have them all.

Your timeline background must complement the foreground content without being overpowering or confusing. Great backgrounds for timelines are flat colors, gradients, a subtle pattern or an image with a minimally transparent overlay. 

Stay away from busy backgrounds like full-color images, videos, animations or illustrations.

You can also add photos to your timeline points. This is particularly helpful for historical timelines that visualize events. When adding pictures, use frames in the same style throughout to keep a balance. Don’t add a square photo, then a rectangle, then a vertical and switch again. 

When you use a frame, the shape stays constant as you simply place the image inside it. To keep a consistent size, duplicate the first one and just change the photo.

Line and Item Balance

Timelines need a visual balance between lines and items. The content needs to flow. Using the diagram builder, either use all the same shapes or visually explain why you used different ones.

If using straight lines, make sure they’re all straight and the same width. Shapes on the points must all be the same size. Connect all lines to items; sometimes when you move things around they can get disconnected.

This next step applies to timeline designs shared online via a live link or as an HTML5 file. If you’re creating a static timeline, skip this step — and get inspired for next time.

Much like how you can include photos in your timeline, you can also add videos. Simply add a YouTube or Vimeo link or upload your own clips. 

Use popups if you have lots more content than you can fit easily into your timeline. You can add a popup anywhere on the timeline, but it’s best if you stay consistent and place them on items or points on the timeline. 

When using popups, make sure to add some type of textual or visual cue that a specific icon, arrow or text is clickable. Also, add an X in the top right corner of the popup, so people will know that they have to close it to continue with the timeline.

If popups aren’t enough for the amount of content you want to share or if you’re going to share sources and further reading, use hyperlinks. 

Just like you do with the popups, make hyperlinks obvious. Invite readers to “read more” or visit supplemental content.

For a creative angle to your timeline, add animations. Be subtle and mindful that the content must be easy to read. Visme offers animated icons, illustrations, special effects, shapes, characters and avatars. Follow the same design rule as the icons; use only one visual animation style to maintain a balance in your timeline.

Your timeline is finished and ready to share. Your options include a static download, a live link, an embed and more. Let’s see which one will be your best choice.

When you download a timeline design, it’ll be a static file. Your download options are JPG, PNG or PDF. If you plan to add the static timeline design to a blog post, download it as a JPG. Likewise, do the same if you’ll be sharing it on social media or in an email.

With Visme, you’re also able to download projects as HTML5. This type of file will keep any interactivity in the design, and you can share it as a file to present offline in any browser.

Share as a Live Link

Our favorite way of sharing Visme timelines — or any interactive project — is with a live link. When you share a live link, your project is published to the web and stored in our servers. You have the option if to publish it publicly or privately. You can also add a password-protected entry. Plus, you’ll be able to check the analytics of your project inside your Visme dashboard.

Share Directly to Social Media

When you publish your project to the web from your Visme sharing options, you’ll also be able to share it directly to social media. When you do this, it will share a live link of your project. Viewers can then click on the link and visit your timeline. This sharing option is particularly helpful if you created an interactive timeline.

Embed on Your Website

Another option, when you publish your timeline project to the web, is to embed it into your website with a code snippet. Like all the other published project sharing options, when you change anything in the original project, your audience will always see the newest version.

Save as a Content Block or Brand Template

Visme has excellent team collaboration options; therefore, you can also share your timeline with your team in a couple of different ways. Save the entire timeline as a content block, and you’ll be able to add it to any other project you’re working on. Saved content blocks are also editable and customizable.

Additionally, turn your timeline into a brand template, and your team will be able to use it for creating other timelines using the same design.

Over to You

With so many options for creating timelines, your proposals, plans and reports will never be boring again. Say goodbye to the same old regular timeline designs and start visualizing historical events, processes and roadmaps interactively and memorably.

Creating attractive timelines is easy with Visme. Not only do you have lots of templates to choose from, but there are also thousands of design elements to create timelines that are both easy to follow and amazing to look at.

Sign up for a free Visme account and create as many timelines as you want .

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About the Author

Orana is a multi-faceted creative. She is a content writer, artist, and designer. She travels the world with her family and is currently in Istanbul. Find out more about her work at oranavelarde.com

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A Guide to College Application Essay Timelines

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Robert Crystal and Christopher Kilner in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

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Make a plan.

• September and October

November and December

Anyone can write an excellent essay if they have enough time, and it’s important to prioritize writing a strong essay because it plays such an outsized role in the application process. With sufficient time and preparation, you can also decrease your word count and produce a piece of writing that is brief and high quality. “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter,” is a phrase often attributed to many famous scholars and statespeople. The best thing that you can do to set yourself up for success is to plan ahead, giving yourself plenty of time to engage in the writing process and produce multiple drafts of your essay.

It is most helpful to use the summer before your senior year of high school—or the year during which you are applying—to prepare your college application essays, with the goal of completing at least your personal statement by early September. The following timeline roughly outlines the steps of the writing process that you should take each month to achieve this goal.

For more guidance on writing your personal statement, read our article on how to write the Common Application essays for 2022-2023 .

Review the Common Application essay prompts for the most recent application season. These prompts often remain the same as the previous year. Pick a few essay prompts that resonate with you, and start to contemplate them as you go through your day. Maybe you can use your daily bus ride or afternoon stroll to brainstorm possible topics for the prompts that interest you. It is always helpful to have a journal, a note-taking app on your phone, or scratch paper on hand where you can record your ideas. 

In addition to journaling about potential material for your essays, it’s helpful to practice thinking about and articulating your responses to various questions about who you are and how you think and view the world. Here are a few examples:

• What are your core values? How did you develop this system of values? 
• What motivates you? How do you motivate yourself? 
• What are you passionate about? If you could study anything, what would you want to learn more about? 
• What issues in your local community or at the city, state, national, or global level are most concerning to you?
• What are your short-term goals and long-term dreams and aspirations? Where would you like to see yourself in five or 10 years? What are lifetime goals that you have?

For more brainstorming questions, read “ 7 Questions to Help You Start Writing Your College Essays .”

Your goal for May is to outline and write a complete rough draft of your personal statement. The hardest part of writing your essay is committing something to paper, and the best draft is often a bad first draft. Everything becomes easier once you have words to edit. Your first draft does not need to be amazing or even passable; it can be completely awful, and it will still be better than a blank page.

Use June to edit the rough draft that you produced in May. This is where you will dive into the process of constructing your narrative. Then, you should aim to produce at least three or more additional drafts. These will likely be the most time-intensive drafts that you produce.

At this point in the process, you should work on developing your ideas mostly on your own. You do not need to share your essay with anyone else unless you feel confident that your draft is ready for others to review or that you cannot progress without outside input. 

You should continue producing new drafts of your personal statement. This means you should read aloud your essay from beginning to end and make changes to word choice, grammar, sentence structure, paragraph structure, and content. You should do this every three or so days. 

Now is a great time to share your drafts with a close family member, friend, teacher, or high school counselor. In addition to showing your essays to members of your inner circle, you should prioritize finding a neutral third party to review your essays and provide critical feedback. This third party should be someone familiar with the college admissions process, such as a current college student, a recent college graduate, or a college consultant, like a CollegeVine Advisor . 

Ask each person who reads your essay to provide written feedback, or have a conversation with them about their impressions, suggestions, and questions. Of course, too many cooks can spoil the broth, as the saying goes. Show your essay to enough people to get a broad range of opinions but not so many that you feel overwhelmed or confused.

This month should be devoted to incorporating feedback from people who have read your essay and doing the final polishing work that will take your essay to the next level. By the end of August, you should have a final draft of your personal statement that you would feel confident submitting.

September and October 

Work on and complete your supplemental essays in preparation for meeting the early action and early decision deadlines.

Work on and complete your supplemental essays in preparation for meeting the regular decision deadline.

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The Trump adviser was sentenced to four months for refusing to honor a subpoena from a committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. He rallied supporters in his last minutes of freedom.

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By Jesse McKinley and Gaya Gupta

With a defiant flurry of speechifying, Stephen K. Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald J. Trump, reported to prison on Monday to begin a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress, days after the Supreme Court rejected his last-ditch effort to avoid incarceration .

Mr. Bannon arrived outside the federal lockup in Danbury, Conn. — a low-security facility about 60 miles north of Manhattan — before noon, and used his last moments of freedom to host a loud rally and live-streamed news conference, surrounded by supporters waving flags and ringing cowbells.

Standing alongside Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, the far-right congresswoman from Georgia, and Bernard B. Kerik, the former New York police commissioner who spent three years imprisoned on fraud charges, Mr. Bannon predicted big victories for Republicans in this year’s election. He slammed what he called “the ruling elite” in America.

“Victory or death,” Mr. Bannon said, just before being blessed by a priest. “We either win or we’re going to have the death of a constitutional republic.”

The circuslike atmosphere is likely to stand in stark contrast to life behind bars, where Mr. Bannon, 70, will spend the most of the remaining time in this year’s election cycle. A brash and influential figure in right-wing circles, Mr. Bannon was found guilty in 2022 of defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Mr. Bannon is one of several figures close to Trump who have had legal problems, including the former president himself, who was convicted on 34 felony charges in state court in New York in late May. Those charges — falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush-money payment to the porn star Stormy Daniels — also carry the possibility of prison time, or lesser punishments like probation. Mr. Trump, 78, will be sentenced on July 11.

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