As December approaches, so are college application deadlines. High school seniors all across America are hustling to get their essays written and recommendation letters in before the deadline. As a senior, fall semester is filled with stress and anxiety because the next few months can be life changing. From filling out applications to getting acceptance to committing to a college can be very nerve wracking but there are a few ways to manage the stress and keep it at bay.

Here are a few tips on how to tackle the application process compiled by college students who are attending their dream school as well as some things I wish I knew as a high school senior.

1. Lists Are Your Friends

Make a list of all of the colleges you have in mind. Under the name of the school, write down their address, phone number, as well as information about each application process such as deadlines and requirements. This will help you keep track of all of the applications being filled.

Grab your parents or a few friends and drive down to the campus. Go on campus visits and look around campus. Being there physically at the campus may change the way you feel about the school. Remember this could be your home for the next 4 years. Don't put off visiting the campus until you've accepted your offer to go to the college because you may not like the environment.

3. Talk To Your High School Counselors

Your high school counselors are probably the faculty dealing with your transcripts and sending them into colleges. Keep in mind that you are not the only senior applying to colleges in your class. Your counselors are going to be bombarded with transcript requests so be sure to give them a few months notice on when you need your transcripts sent. It's better they get sent early than late. Another thing your counselors can help you with is deciding what colleges are best for you. They know what colleges have the best programs for your field so stop by their offices and schedule a meeting with them.

Don't wait until the day before the deadline to write your essays. Some schools require you to write an essay. This essay may be the determining factor on whether you get into your dream school or not. So don't procrastinate and put off your essays until the end. Write them as soon as you get your prompt and then have at least three people read over it and edit any mistakes.

5. College Counselors Are Your Friends

Start talking to college counselors right away. If there are any problems in your application process, they will be the ones helping you out. The more you familiarize yourself with them, the better your chances are of getting into the school because they most likely will be on the acceptance board.

6. Get Your Recommendation Letters In

Some colleges may require you to have a recommendation letter or two. Unless specified, this does not have to be a teacher. It can be a mentor, an employer, anyone who knows you and your capabilities. Make sure you let the person writing your recommendation letter know early that way they have time to write what they truly think of you and how capable you are instead of writing a generic recommendation letter and adding your name at the top.

Now take a deep breath. College applications are just the stressful beginning to an amazing year. Get those applications in and relax. Just think about it, no more applications, no more SAT and ACTs. The only worry you’ll have now is to figure out what to wear at prom!