The start of the school year can be stressful for everybody, but the start of senior year brings future college freshmen a whole new level of stress. We will soon face the application process, which can be incredibly confusing and stressful. In this article, I hope to simplify the process into a few manageable steps.
First, however, you have to understand deadlines. You can apply early decision, early action, or regular decision. These entail different things.
Early Decision: This is a binding contract between you and the school. If you are accepted, you must attend. You receive your answer from the school much earlier, and there is a stronger chance that the school accepts you. Again, remember this is a legally binding contract.
Due: Typically early November, although some are due in October, so check your schools!
Early Action: This is the same as early decision, just not legally binding. You can apply EA for multiple schools, and in doing so, you will get an answer much earlier. It is recommended to apply early action to schools you really want to get in to. The smaller application pool gives you a higher chance of acceptance.
Due: The same as Early Decision, usually November but some outliers in October.
Regular Decision: This is the typical deadline for schools. Most RD applications are due around January. Most people apply to the majority of their schools, so just choose what is best for you.
Due: Typically late December/ early January. AGAIN: LOOK AT YOUR SCHOOL!!
1. Choosing the right school for you
This is honestly one of the most important steps, and if you haven’t started this yet, I would strongly suggest you start now. When I first began researching schools, I was confused about what exactly that meant. What I would now suggest is creating a list of 10 to 15 schools that you think you would succeed in. You can also attend Winthrop High School’s upcoming college fair to get some more info on the different schools you can apply to! I would recommend you research schools and focus on the following factors:
Cost- You have to consider tuition when considering colleges. It is incredibly important to take into account not only tuition, but housing, a meal plan, textbooks, etc. These costs can add up, and it is not ideal to walk away from college with a mountain of debt following you. Your dream school is important, but do remember that you’ll get a degree no matter what school you go to. This isn’t to say there aren’t other options. You can always apply for FAFSA, which basically gives financial aid to students. FAFSA applications open October 1st, and I strongly recommend applying as early as possible. Also, remember you can always apply for scholarships. Many open around January to March, but if you keep an eye out, you can start applying today. If you have taken AP classes, you may also save a little money. Passing scores (3 or more) may allow you to test out of a class, saving a couple of thousand dollars. So, though tuition is a big factor, remember there are things you can do to alleviate the cost. Also related to cost, understand that some people qualify for fee waivers, both for the actual application and for tests like the SAT. Found out if you qualify online.
Academics- You have to consider the rigor of the school you want to go to. If it is known to be difficult, that is fine, just make sure you are prepared for it. Consider the majors offered at that school, if they fit your interests. Applying undecided is always fine if you’re not sure what you want to pursue. Also consider average class size, and understand that a larger class means a less personal relationship with your professors. To understand the academics of a school, I recommend watching videos created by former students about their experience.
Campus- Though not as important for some, I believe this is a major aspect of the college experience. Consider where the school is. Is it in the middle of nowhere, is it near a small town, or is it right in the middle of a city? Then, think about what you want and how you want to live. Choosing a school like NYU and then attending, and then realizing you hate the city and not having a campus, will only lead to depression. Understand where the school is and what your life will look like there before deciding.
Selectivity- Everyone should have at least one of these types of colleges in their list: A safety, a target, and a reach. A safety school is a school you know you’re going to get into. I recommend 3-4 of these schools, and possibly more. These are your just in case schools, so you know that no matter what, you’re going somewhere next year. Target schools are the schools you should get into. These are schools that align with your GPA and SAT scores, ones that typically accept students with your stats. Again, I would recommend applying to 3 to 4. Finally, reach schools. These are the top of the top, the ivy’s, and schools with a less than 30% acceptance rate. I have to say this: PLEASEEEEE do not apply to only ivy league’s. I don’t care what your GPA and SAT scores are. These are highly selective schools that reject seemingly qualified students all the time- don’t put all your faith in a school with a 3% acceptance rate.
So, those are the major factors you should consider when choosing a college. Create your list, and you can begin your application!
2. Starting your application
Now, the most exciting part- actually applying! Down below, I will write out a list of what you should be working on completing.
1. Recommendations. If you are a senior, you need to ask for your recommendations right now, as in today. Teachers get busy, and early application deadlines are fast approaching. Go to a teacher you have a close relationship with (in person!), or the teacher of a class you have done well in. Ask them politely, and if they agree, thank them and send them a brag sheet/resume. This is basically just a list of your accomplishments, your extracurriculars and volunteer hours, your work history, and anything they can write about to make you seem like a well-rounded applicant. You should ask for 2-3 letters of recommendation, and you may also need a counselor recommendation, although I would only focus on teacher letters. Side-note: If you are a junior, ask your teachers for recommendations in the last few weeks of junior year. That way, they have enough time to work on them, and you can get that out of the way.
2. SAT/ACT. If you have not taken the SAT yet, I would register now. Many schools are test optional, but you never know- a good score can boost your chances by a lot. It’s too late to register for the September SAT, but if you sign up by September 19th, you can take the October 4th SAT. Study, and do your best. Taking the ACT is also an option. I’m not taking it, so I can’t give that much information, but I have heard it is more suited to those better at english and science who struggle with math. When you receive your scores, you can send them through the College Board.
3. Personal Statement. This is your college essay. It can be about anything- literally anything. Just understand it is important. Your essay is your opportunity to show schools who you are beyond test scores and your GPA. Write from your heart, and be as genuine as possible. Typical essays are reflective of personal growth, but again remember that if you write well, your essay can be about practically anything. I would also recommend you get an English teacher or someone who you know is a good writer to look over your essay. I would start this as soon as possible, so you have as much time as possible to work on refining your essay.
4. Supplementals. Supplementals are also often required. Supplementals are basically extra essays you have to write for certain schools. Some colleges have them, others don’t. This is why you need to research the application process for your desired schools. If you need them, find out as early as possible so you can write them.
5. The Common App. This is the website you can use to apply to most colleges. Make an account with a personal email, and start submitting applications. There are 7 sections you need to fill out: Profile, family, education, testing, activities, writing, and courses & grades. You can go through the website and fill out the sections you need to before finally submitting! Keep in mind that some schools aren’t on the Common App. For example, MIT, UC Universities (University of California), and Georgetown. You can find out how to apply to these schools by looking at their websites.
6. Misc. It’s important to start working on the Common App as soon as possible, as formatting can be difficult. There are word limits, and some things can just be generally difficult to navigate. I would recommend watching videos on how to best format your application. A simple YouTube search might just make your life much easier. Also, interviews. Most schools don’t ask for them anymore, and I honestly can’t think of any school that does off the top of my head. Although you should still do your research just in case, as you never know.
So, those are the major things you should consider when applying to colleges! Remember, the best cure for anxiety is action, so instead of stressing and waiting until the last minute to start working on your applications, start today and give yourself a chance to enjoy senior year! I do apologize for the lengthy article, but that is most of what you need to know! Again, start your applications today, so you know what you need to do as soon as possible.
