Navigating the College Application Process: Tips from a Seasoned Applicant
As someone who recently navigated the college application process, I have a few tips that I would like to share to help your own journey as you apply for college this year. It’s a wild ride, but with the right approach, you’ll find it manageable and even enjoyable.
Start Early
The first and most important tip is to start early. I made the mistake of waiting until September to begin my applications, and it was a big mistake. There is nothing worse than the pure panic of pulling all-nighters to complete multiple essays within a short timeframe. The key is to start at least by summer before your senior year. This gives you enough time to gather all necessary information, craft compelling essays, and make well-informed decisions about your academic career.
Organize Your Information
A helpful strategy is to create a simple spreadsheet that outlines important deadlines, required documents, and the specific requirements for each school. This will serve as a lifesaver when you have a mountain of deadlines to manage. You can find a template for this on Google Spreadsheets or even make one yourself using Excel.
Be Authentic
A lot of applicants try to guess what colleges want to hear and tailor their essays accordingly. This is a mistake. Colleges have seen it all, and they can spot fake stuff from a mile away. Be yourself and write about your genuine experiences. Trust me, colleges want to see the real, messy, sometimes awkward you. They want to know who you truly are, even if that means you have some flaws or have made mistakes in the past.
Seek Professional Help
The essays are often the most daunting part of the application process. I had to rewrite my personal statement more than a dozen times before my friend recommended using EssayEdge. Having someone else review your work and provide feedback can be incredibly beneficial. It can help you eliminate unnecessary information and focus on the core of your story.
Take Breaks and Stay Grounded
Taking breaks is crucial when you’re writing essays or preparing for other parts of the application process. One time, I wrote for six hours straight and ended up with an essay that was just a list of different types of pizza. Not exactly Harvard material, you know? It’s important to give your brain a rest and come back to your work with a fresh perspective. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself by keeping snacks nearby and taking breaks when your brain feels fuzzy. These small gestures can significantly improve your productivity and help you stay focused.
Embrace the Journey
Think of this whole process as a rough learning experience—much like learning to cook, you will make mistakes and even order takeout a few times, but eventually, you’ll figure it out. Here are some quick tips to help you along the way:
Take breaks when your brain feels fuzzy. Ask for help when you need it. Keep snacks nearby, they are seriously so important.Lastly, remember that if you’re freaking out right now, you’re not alone. My friend wrote his entire essay about falling off a skateboard in front of his crush, and he still got into his dream school. You’ve got this!
Looking back a year from now, this will all be behind you, and you’ll be giving advice to stressed-out seniors. It’s wild how that works, right?