The college application process can seem daunting. Add in the complications that come from applying during a global pandemic, and many students may be ready to throw in the towel before they've even begun. Here are a few tips for a successful college application process.
Figure Out What’s Important to You
You don’t need to have your entire career path set before applying to college, but you should spend some time listening to yourself and reflecting on what’s important to you. For example, if you’re interested in English, you probably don’t want to attend a school that focuses on business programs. Also, consider just how far away from home you’d like to be. Before you start the process, make sure that you’ve thought about what’s truly important to you, and then go about researching schools that meet your criteria. This will significantly cut down on the schools you need to research, allow you to focus your time on viable schools, and prevent your final list of schools from becoming overwhelming.
Know Your Deadlines
Successfully applying to college hinges on knowing your application deadlines, and giving yourself enough time to meet them. Go through the materials for the schools you are interested in applying to, create a master document containing all of the important deadlines for every school (spreadsheets, Word docs, and Google calendars are great ways to compile this information). This ensures you don’t miss any key dates, and helps you maintain an organized list to reference throughout the application process. You can also set reminders on your phone or computer in advance of important deadlines. Understanding your deadlines will give you time to prepare, plan, and organize appropriately. You’ll also be able to alleviate stress because you will not be scrambling to complete applications at the last minute.
Gather All Your Documents
Part of the reason the college application process seems so overwhelming is because there are many different components. You need a variety of documents for submission, including a resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. While some of these documents may be sent directly from your high school to your colleges of interest, others need to be uploaded directly by you as part of your application. Make sure to review the required documents for each school (there is typically some overlap which can make this part of the process a bit easier!), and make sure you have all your updated documents at hand once you’re ready to apply.
Don’t Do It Alone
There is no medal for navigating the application process on your own, so don’t! Seek help from your guidance counselor, family and friends, and the variety of online resources currently available to students. Guidance counselors have been through the process numerous times, and can help you manage the many steps. There are also free online resources that can assist with general college advising, your application essay, and test prep. The point of these resources is to help make the process easier, which in turn should help you to be less stressed and more successful.
Give Yourself a Break
The college application process is challenging. It is a priority, but don’t let it consume you. Give yourself a break occasionally. Take time away from the process to help clear your mind and recharge your batteries. If you plan appropriately — you don’t need to do it all at once — and allow yourself some time to breathe, the breaks will give you more energy and possibly a new view when you do come back to it.
Applying to college is called a process for a reason. It takes time, effort, and thought. The sense of relief and accomplishment you will feel once you submit your applications will be huge. Plot out your plan, and you’ll be well on your way to completing your college applications. All that’s left then is to sit back and wait for the acceptance letters to come in!
On Topic
Kate Diamond serves as the director of regional recruitment for Le Moyne College, one of the 27 Jesuit Colleges & Universities in the U.S., which is located in Syracuse, NY. Le Moyne honors the Onondaga Nation, the Indigenous people on whose land Le Moyne stands. A Le Moyne College graduate, Diamond returned to her alma mater in 2016 as a regionally based admission counselor with a recruitment territory of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. She previously held positions in admissions at Emerson College, Northeastern University, and Framingham State University. Prior to admissions, Diamond worked in human resources staffing and recruiting for a number of companies in the Boston area.
What are some areas on a college application where students can set themselves apart?
With more than 20 million students applying to college each year, it can be daunting to think about ways to stand out in the college application process. It’s important to remember, however, that college admission counselors are just that — admission counselors — we are looking to your application for reasons to admit you to our college or university. With that in mind, here are some ways to set yourself apart in the college application process.
Pay attention to the details
College applications can be confusing with “required” versus “optional” sections. While it can be tempting to skip a section entitled “optional,” this is one of the best ways to set yourself apart. It’s also an opportunity to showcase your writing skills and express your interest in the college or university.
Don’t skimp on your activities sheet
All colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals, but this doesn’t mean we want to see a laundry list of extracurricular activities. Be sure to elaborate on the activities that are the most meaningful to you. Are you the president of a club at school? Tell us more — what specifically does your role entail, how have you made an impact at your school? Maybe you aren’t active in school activities, but you started your own business. Colleges love entrepreneurial spirit, so tell us more about it. The same for jobs, volunteer work, family responsibilities, and so on. While it feels awkward to brag about yourself, this is definitely the place to do it.
Connect with your admission counselor
With few exceptions, admission offices welcome connections with applicants. Look at the websites of your target schools. Most colleges list admission counselors by geographic territory —a specific admission counselor will be the person reading your application. Whether or not a college tracks your interest, reaching out to your admission counselor is a great way to stand out. It can be as simple as a quick email introduction about you and your interest in the school. Many colleges also offer interviews; some are required, but many are voluntary or non-evaluative, and can be in-person or virtual. While this may be intimidating, it is a great way for the admission counselor to connect you as a person to your application. The interview is also a chance for you to learn more about the college.
While the application process can be overwhelming, just remember that we really enjoy getting to know prospective students to our colleges and universities. Just be yourself, follow the directions, take advantage of extra steps, and double check everything before you hit “submit.”
