Dear rising Seniors,
We made it (well, almost). We finally got to our last year. We can still remember how confused we were about everything freshmen year. And not much has changed, we’re still confused. For some, it hasn’t been the best years of our lives. For others, it has. But now, it doesn’t matter how our past three years have turned out to be, this one will be the one that ends a big chapter in our lives.
So let’s take a deep breath in and remind ourselves that wherever we might end up, we’ll be alright.
Here are some tips on how to not let the stress of college applications get to us:
- Start early. If you’re applying through the Common Application, make an account here. If you’re applying through the Coalition Application, make sure to also make an account here. Go to the college’s website and look at the ways you can apply to that institution.
- Start writing some essays. Check out the essays and decide which ones you like the most. You don’t have to decide on one just now. However, it is a good idea to draft a couple of essays before senior year takes off. The Common Application already announced the essay for this year’s application. Get close friends, parents, or teachers to read them.
- Tests. Got to the college’s website and look at their requirements. Some colleges will want the SAT or the ACT. Other colleges would also want Subject Tests. Just make sure you have everything that the college is asking from you.
- Register for the SAT or ACT. If you haven’t yet taken either of these standardized tests, register for them as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying and taking these tests. Take them seriously, but not too seriously. You’re more than just a number (this also goes for your GPA and grades).
- Have fun. Apply to colleges that you can see yourself enjoying, not just based on a name. Go out with your friends or by yourself and reflect on these past few years. Definitely make college applications a priority but don’t forget that it is also your last year in high school. Talk to your teachers. Read. Paint. Play an instrument. Make videos. Don’t stress over test scores too much. Make sure your voice comes through your essays.
I know the college application process isn’t the same for everyone. Some students are first-generation or low-income. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t slay when applying to college. There are resources out there to help you go to college. Ask your counselor for a waiver to take the SAT or the ACT. Look at scholarships and create your FAFSA profile. Everything will be okay in the end.
