The document prep checklist nobody gives you

Start 4 months before your deadline. Not 2.

Every document has a request-to-delivery lag. Stack them serially and you'll miss deadlines. Run them in parallel or you will spend December emailing your registrar.

The three parallel tracks

Track 1 — Academic credentials (4–6 weeks lead time)

• Official transcripts (request sealed + digital)
• Degree certificate
• WAEC + JAMB scratch cards / checkers
• Credential evaluation if required (WES for Canada/USA)

Track 2 — English proficiency (book 6–8 weeks before deadline)

• IELTS / TOEFL / PTE test date
• Score delivery to institutions (takes 10–14 days after test)

Track 3 — Personal documents (2–3 weeks lead time)

• International passport — valid for 6 months past intake
• Passport photos to correct spec
• Recommendation letters — give referees 3 weeks, not 3 days
• Financial documents — bank statements covering required window

What derails applications

1. Degree certificate delays. Order the day you start.
2. IELTS retake after underscoring. Book backup date before the result.
3. Referees who travel. Line up 3, use 2.
4. Bank statements with deposit timing wrong. Talk to us before you move money.

The weekly sync

Once a week, review the checklist. Every document is Not started · In progress · Delivered. Three states, no "almost done."

Bottom line

Good applications aren't written at 2am the night before. They're shipped 10 days early because the documents were ready.