Almanac
Project Overview
Almanac is a web app for managing a graduate application cycle, designed and built in a three-day sprint with Claude. I started with mood boards and a written set of requirements, then directed Claude through the interface, the data model, and the responsive layout. It works on both phone and laptop, and my local version also uses AI to keep itself up to date.
Challenge
I was applying to fifteen programs at once, each with its own deadlines, essay limits, letter requirements, and faculty to contact. The information was scattered across tabs and notes, and I could not tell at a glance what was due next or how ready I was. Once I had a structured tool, I found a second problem: checking things off and updating fields by hand was tedious, but I still wanted the satisfaction of seeing progress reflected.
Results
I used Almanac daily to run my own applications and revised it as I went. To remove the tedium, I added an AI layer: I write what I did in plain, unstructured language, and the app interprets it and updates the right programs, tasks, and statuses on its own.
I also shared the app with high school students going through the college application process. Their feedback led to the Notepad, a place for unstructured notes, because everything else in the app was so structured that people had nowhere to put loose thoughts.
programs tracked, with faculty, letters, and drafts in one place
days from first mood board to a working app