As juniors begin to think about college on a more regular basis, they may begin to develop anxiety regarding the application process. As a senior who applied to twelve universities, I can empathize; for me, the panic hit in May of my junior year, but I know many others who started worrying several months before applications even opened. It’s a confusing, frustrating, and tedious journey, so, without further ado, here are five universal, realistic strategies for tackling college applications.
1. Start early
Most applications officially open in August, but it is never too early to start drafting personal statements. You also want to take a close look at each application as soon as it is open to gauge how much time and energy it will take. Certain applications have multiple supplemental essays, while others require none; some require detailed information about your family, and others just want to know your zip code. Each application is different, so it is important that you know what is expected of you far before the deadlines.
2. Think carefully about your letters of recommendation
Many schools require at least two teacher recommendations, so it is imperative that you establish positive relationships with your teachers (particularly your junior year) in order to give yourself the best chance of an acceptance letter. Also, don’t be afraid to try and get an additional recommendation! Colleges love recommendations from professionals, so internship is a great opportunity to get another letter and stand out further.
3. Know your deadlines
This sounds obvious, but deadlines do sneak up on you! Certain schools, including USC and Boston University, also have earlier deadlines for people who want to be considered for major scholarships. Again, figure this out early to allow yourself plenty of time.
4. Check and double-check for accuracy
It is amazing how easy it is to overlook a misleading or embarrassing typo. Get several rounds of feedback on your personal statements, and have Ms. Abdullah check your application for accuracy as well. It’s not the end of the world if you make a mistake. However, it is best to avoid that stress by checking your applications constantly!
5. Stay calm and try to enjoy the process
It may feel like the process takes forever, but it doesn’t. It’s a four or five months of your life, and it’s a stressful time, but, like all stressful times, you will emerge stronger than you were before. In this case, the work you put into your applications will result in your going to college, which is an exciting chapter of your life! So, though it may be difficult, power through your applications and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
1. Start early
Most applications officially open in August, but it is never too early to start drafting personal statements. You also want to take a close look at each application as soon as it is open to gauge how much time and energy it will take. Certain applications have multiple supplemental essays, while others require none; some require detailed information about your family, and others just want to know your zip code. Each application is different, so it is important that you know what is expected of you far before the deadlines.
2. Think carefully about your letters of recommendation
Many schools require at least two teacher recommendations, so it is imperative that you establish positive relationships with your teachers (particularly your junior year) in order to give yourself the best chance of an acceptance letter. Also, don’t be afraid to try and get an additional recommendation! Colleges love recommendations from professionals, so internship is a great opportunity to get another letter and stand out further.
3. Know your deadlines
This sounds obvious, but deadlines do sneak up on you! Certain schools, including USC and Boston University, also have earlier deadlines for people who want to be considered for major scholarships. Again, figure this out early to allow yourself plenty of time.
4. Check and double-check for accuracy
It is amazing how easy it is to overlook a misleading or embarrassing typo. Get several rounds of feedback on your personal statements, and have Ms. Abdullah check your application for accuracy as well. It’s not the end of the world if you make a mistake. However, it is best to avoid that stress by checking your applications constantly!
5. Stay calm and try to enjoy the process
It may feel like the process takes forever, but it doesn’t. It’s a four or five months of your life, and it’s a stressful time, but, like all stressful times, you will emerge stronger than you were before. In this case, the work you put into your applications will result in your going to college, which is an exciting chapter of your life! So, though it may be difficult, power through your applications and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Written By: Jenna Welsh