For the past few months, the impending doom of November 1st, the early application deadline for many universities, has been raining down on almost every high school senior across the country. Since before the start of senior year, this dreaded day has built up levels of anxiety for students in and out of the classroom. As mid-September approaches, the race to find last-minute SAT spots or a tutor to look over your Common App essay is cutting into the lives of many teenagers, creating stress and worry that something may go wrong. Despite the fact that the next four years are determined by the decisions of your 18-year-old self, there should not be as much pressure as it feels like there is. Before November 1st, it is time to buckle down, so use this guide for some peace of mind as you do so. But once November 2nd hits, hopefully, it holds a sense of freedom and peace. So look no further for a smooth application process and ways to have some well-deserved fun.
Before November 1st
Meet with your college counselor
While the motivation to meet with your college counselor may have dwindled as there are fewer class meetings and application workshops, there is no harm in weekly visits or even daily check-ins with Mrs. Harkins, Mrs. Konecni, or Mrs. Sweeney. Meeting with your college counselor to cover any questions or simply talk about how your application process is going is extremely beneficial to ease your mind and allow for a process that should be exciting and enjoyable. Remember, there are no dumb questions and no question too small!
Make a checklist
As you continue to complete your applications, you may find it beneficial to create a checklist for a few key aspects of this process. First, a list of the colleges you are interested in and which deadline you would like to apply to. Don’t forget to check the date of the deadline for each specific college, as it can vary, even within Early Action. When you decide, make a note of all of the deadlines at your chosen colleges, so you can clear your mind of when you have to finish everything. This will also allow you to make time for other things the college may offer for you to do, like scholarship applications, or time to send in test scores through College Board. For organizational purposes, a checklist in any form should be implemented into your application process for clarity and a clear mind.
Show demonstrated interest
Now is the time to get your name and information on colleges’ radars! Stone Ridge does a great job of providing set times to show demonstrated interest. Since early September, Stone Ridge has held college visits for school representatives to come to campus and give information about the school, their application process, and helpful suggestions. The more a school sees your name or email and recognizes your desire to attend, the better your chances of admission may be. Demonstrated interest can also be in the form of attending college tours and visits, and if you are unable to travel to a campus, interviewing with an admissions representative is a good option as well. Keep in mind that not all colleges track demonstrated interest, so be sure to check which ones do before investing your time and energy.
After November 1st
Celebrate and relax
November 1st is a big deadline, maybe the biggest of your school career! It is important to take the time to focus on your other school work now that your applications are in. Still, let’s take time to relax and ease off on the stress while awaiting decisions.
Visit schools
While many seniors have begun the college tour process, it is important to start seeing the campuses of the schools you have applied to. You really never know what is right for you unless you get a feel for the campus. My suggestion: try to stay with someone you know who may attend the school to get a real feel for student life. This can be especially helpful if you’re stuck deciding between a few schools.
Maintain focus
Although “senioritis” is already hitting some of us, myself included, and it may heighten after pressing submit, make sure to maintain your grades and motivation! It is easy to let yourself fall into the senior slide; however, schools still look at your senior transcript, so don’t let one semester keep you from attending your school of choice.
Finally, it is important to look back on how far we have all come, from being scared freshmen to confident seniors planning the next four years of our lives. Choosing a college is a major accomplishment in and of itself, and no matter where you end up, what is meant to be will be.
