- Get Used to Writing. A Lot.
College applications require a seemingly-endless amount of essays — most of them on personal topics. To write these well, one needs to be in the flow of writing about personal subjects and putting thoughts to paper. So start now: write even just a sentence a day about something happening in your mind. In the long run, you will become a better writer and a better candidate in the college application process.
2. Stay ORGANIZED
Google spreadsheets have saved my life. I currently have three separate sheets running — one for application deadlines, one for college-portal logins, and one with scholarship deadlines. These sheets are an easy reference tool to save yourself from that panic that occurs when you suddenly realize that, unbeknownst to you, your application is due tomorrow.
3. Reach Out for Help, Even When You’re Not Sure if You Need It
You never want an admissions officer to be the first one reading an essay you wrote. You never want to realize you have no safety schools after all the application deadlines have passed. So, yes, there is a line to cross where others begin to do the work entirely for you (cough College Admissions Scandal cough cough), but there is no shame in getting help and no extra credit for those who don’t. Use your resources!
4. Again, Use Your Resources!
There is so much information readily and freely available to college applicants at nearly every school. Follow colleges’ social media accounts, attend information sessions, try to get in contact with a student representative. Especially right now, when no one can physically visit schools in the same way as was historically possible, different schools can begin to all seem the same. Use your resources to differentiate them and find those that are intriguing to you!
5. Take a Risk
The entire college process is essentially one giant risk, so why not add a little more gas to the fire? The one thing that is controllable for students applying to college is exactly that: applying. You can control your application, what your essays say, and most importantly where you apply. If it is logistically and financial feasible, then take a risk and apply to a school you think you would love, even if you have your doubts about getting in. You never know what could happen!
6. Be Thoughtful About Your Expectations
The college process is full of ups and downs. Luckily, although you can’t control most of the outside factors causing those ups and downs, you can control how you react. So, yes, it’s okay to get excited about applying to a school and the prospect of getting in. But remember that you may not get in, and you still will be okay. You still will be the great person that you are, and a rejection does not discount any of your achievements or character.
7. Lastly, Have Fun!
This might sound absurd to some seniors going through the college process, but it has helped me the most out of any of these tips. Keeping a positive and fun attitude has helped me create unique essays that I’ve actually enjoyed writing and reading. Remember that this process is merely a game (and games should be fun!) has helped me smile when I feel devastated. It has pushed me to be resilient and keep working, injecting some life into my work. The college application process is a time to show off all the good work you can do, and if you keep a good attitude, you will no doubt be proud of yourself by the end, no matter what the outcomes of your applications may be.
