The college application process is the most stressful time of many students’ high school careers even with the help of counselors and advice from people who have been through the process before. Students’ entire high school careers lead up to this process, and this process can be a deciding factor for the rest of one’s life. Applications are long, deadlines can feel overwhelming, and settling on a major is daunting. Chamblee’s graduating class’ top tip is to start the process during the summer.
“In the summer, pick your Common App prompt that you are going to write about and make your resume. Also, create all of your documents in the summertime, so when it is time to apply, you have no problems,” said Karson Gates (‘24).
Another tip rising seniors could follow to help them prepare for the college application process is to get a college counselor.
“I think a counselor is a really good thing to have. I got a counselor, and it helped me just get started, and once I got started, it was much easier after,” said Henry Peters (‘24).
Current seniors feel that letters of recommendation should be prioritized since they can provide information about a student that might not be covered in the rest of one’s application.
“Ask your teachers for recommendations before you leave your junior year. Not all of them will do it, but it is still good to at least ask. Some will ask you to send them an email with all of the information,” said Nathan Jovanovic (‘24).
Class of 2024 students also feel that the essays should be made a priority because of how important they are to an application; they are a student’s chance to show colleges who they are, which can feel extremely pressuring.
“For me, writing the essays and figuring out what I wanted to say on them was the hardest part because some of them were very interesting questions,” said Eli Gokce (‘24).
On the other hand, the easiest part of applying to colleges for several seniors was completing the required basic information about themselves at the start of the application.
“Filling out the random information that they asked you for was the easiest part. For example, your school, your graduating year, your admission plan, and all of that stuff,” said Ethan Weiss (‘24).
Early action and early decision are controversial among this school year’s senior class; it is important to consider what’s right for one’s own situation.
“I recommend doing whatever is best for you. I am team early action because early decisions are so binding, and you are going to change so much from your first semester of senior year to your second semester. So, I feel like if you make early decisions, then you have locked yourself in,” said Gates.
At the end of the day, it is important to remember that not only are colleges choosing you, but you are also choosing them.
“If you cannot think of something to write for the college essay, then it is probably not the right place for you,” said Gokce. “Focus your efforts on somewhere better for you, somewhere you are ready to go.”
