Relax. Take a deep breath because when April comes around and you know where you’re going, all of this will be worth it!
1. Don’t pick your colleges based on where others are applying.
It’s a million times less scary to go somewhere with your best friend but it’s also a million times better for you to meet new people!
2. The U.S News & World Report College Rankings aren’t everything.
According to their website, rankings are based on “graduation and retention rates, undergraduate academic reputation, faculty resources, student selectivity, acceptance rate, financial resources, and alumni donations rate.” While I agree that some of these are worthy indicators, others are flimsy at best. Acceptance rates? Don’t pick your future four years because of a number!
3. Where are you most comfortable?
Urban, suburbs, or rural? How do you learn best: small or large classes? Co-ed or single gender? Large research university or small liberal arts college? Religiously affiliated university or nope? East Coast, Midwest, South, or West Coast? Close to home or far away? There’s a hundred more things to consider but these are just a few. If you’re having trouble narrowing down colleges, Cappex and Niche are online sites that can help you filter your choices.
4. Don’t apply everywhere.
I get it. College rejections are scary and no one wants to be in a position where they don’t get in anywhere. But applying to 15 (or more) colleges means at least three original essays and entirely too many supplements. It also means you’re going to need a truckload of cash to send test scores and pay those application fees.
5. Start those essays early (like now).
For most students, this is the first time you’ve really had a personal stake in the quality of your writing and to be honest, it’s a bit scary. We all know first drafts suck, so first, you need time to revise, revise, and revise. At this point, you know your essay so well you’ve got it memorized. Second, take a break for a few days and then attack it again with a fresh viewpoint. Third, show it to friends, family, teachers, and counselors for feedback. Most importantly, don’t wait to the last week to start the app for your dream school. When you get decision letters in the spring, the one thing you should never have to regret is your essay because it’s what you had the most control over.
6. Visit colleges.
This one often gets pushed down on the to-do list, but there is nothing more important than being comfortable on your campus for the next four years. You will visit some colleges that you will immediately dislike, some you’ll be indifferent to, and a few you will fall in love with. Make sure you’re going where you really want.
7. Scholarships! FAFSA! Apply for all of them!
In the craze of college app season, scholarship deadlines often slip by. But for many, they’re crucial to affording university, so here are some hints. There’s a lot of weird organizations out there that are basically looking for a reason to give you money--so make your case and get that cash. (Google is your best friend here). Also, your high school career center is one of the most underused resources on campus. Career counselors have HUNDREDS of scholarship opportunities they’re waiting for students to take advantage of. Many state colleges offer scholarships to top students and some colleges offer massive scholarships to National Merit Finalists. If you’re in either of these groups, you’ve got a great shot at funding much of your education!
8. After your teachers write you letters of recommendation, get them something nice!
This may seem like a no-brainer, but I think students (myself included) often forget that teachers really don’t have to write recommendations. It’s a favor to you, so do a favor for them in return.
Lastly, I know how stressful college application season is for seniors. Counselors are throwing loads of information at you and the Common App is glitching. You’re juggling APs and extracurriculars and trying to enjoy your last year of high school. But most of all, there’s this cloud of uncertainty about your future that you’ve never experienced before. Where will you be at this time next year? In the same state, or 3000 miles away? Know that it’s okay to be nervous but you, like the thousands of seniors before you, will get through this. So go forth and revise, revise, revise those essays!
