Day-by-day schedule
DSA / LeetCode
Kotlin
DDIA reading
System design build
Mock / behavioral
Python crash course
Resume / admin
Apply & resume timeline
Activity W1W2W3W4W5W6W7+
Resume — write & finish Write Polish
Referral outreach Start Follow up Follow up
Mid-size company apps Apply Apply
FAANG / big tech apps Apply Apply
Screens & interviews Starts Active Peak

Why this timing works: FAANG pipeline lead time is 3–5 weeks from application to first screen. Applying in W4 means your first onsite lands around W6–W7, right as you finish mock interview mode. Referrals take 1–3 weeks to route internally — start asking in W2 before you feel ready. Applying is not the same as interviewing. Submit at 60% prep readiness; you will be at 90% by the time anyone calls.

DSA / LeetCode — sequential todo
Kotlin — sequential todo
Python — sequential todo
DDIA Reading — sequential todo
System Design — sequential todo
Mock / Behavioral — sequential todo
Resume / Admin — sequential todo
DSA Pattern Study Guide