10 Things You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner About Applying to College
The college application process can be overwhelming, but preparation and strategy can make all the difference. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind:
1. Tackle the SAT/ACT Early
Finish standardized tests before the end of junior year. This avoids spending the summer cramming and allows more time to focus on other parts of the application. Work hard, take the test seriously, and move on.
2. Create a Balanced College List
Start researching colleges early. While it’s not necessary to know everything about every school, consider key factors like location, programs, and campus life. A common strategy is to apply to:
- 2 safety schools (where admission is almost guaranteed),
- 4 match schools (where acceptance is likely), and
- Several reach schools (where admission is competitive).
If finances allow, lean into applying to match and reach schools—admissions can be unpredictable, so it’s worth casting a wide net.
3. Complete the Common App Early
Finish the Common App by mid-summer before senior year begins. Completing it early frees up time for supplemental essays and other application components during the school year.
4. Be Strategic with Essays
Avoid copying and pasting essays for multiple schools, but don’t reinvent the wheel for every prompt. Reuse themes and ideas where possible while tailoring each response to fit the specific question. Work smarter, not harder.
5. Request Recommendation Letters Early
Ask teachers for recommendation letters during the last month of junior year. This provides them enough time to write thoughtfully without being rushed. Be considerate by providing any necessary details or context they may need.
6. Apply for Scholarships
Start looking for scholarships early, track deadlines, and apply to as many as possible. Even small scholarships add up and can make a significant financial difference.
7. Apply Early Where Possible
Submitting applications early has many advantages. Aim to complete as many as possible by November 1st through Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED). If there’s a clear top-choice school, consider applying ED or Restricted Early Action (REA), but keep in mind these options may limit other applications. Take advantage of public schools’ non-restrictive EA policies to increase options.
8. Protect Your Work
Avoid sharing essays with friends. While feedback can be helpful, plagiarism or “borrowing” ideas from others happens more often than expected. Share work only with trusted individuals.
9. Focus on Your Own Journey
The college process can bring out competitiveness or anxiety in others. Avoid being swayed by peers’ decisions or behaviors. Stay organized, stick to your plan, and focus on what works best for your goals.
10. Commit to the Process
The college application process is intense, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dedicate yourself fully, as there’s no going back after deadlines pass. Stay calm, efficient, and embrace the challenge. Think of it as a rite of passage that every high school student experiences.
By following these tips, the college application journey can become more manageable. Stay proactive, trust the process, and take pride in the effort put into securing your future.