Although the school year is ending, the college application process is approaching for many members of the class of 2022. The process of applying to college is a drawn out practice that places a large amount of pressure on young students as they dictate their future. While deciding to apply to specific colleges is important itself, the actual application is the most significant aspect of this process. Applying to colleges may be confusing, but students should consider these tips as they begin to prepare for their future plans.
Applying to colleges with a rolling admissions system as early as possible will be beneficial for applicants. This style of admissions is more likely to accept students who apply earlier within the admissions window because the admissions office evaluates the applications as they are received. Colleges with rolling admissions have a higher acceptance rate earlier in the admissions window and often offer better financial aid packages to those that are admitted earlier. Another advantage to applying early to a college with rolling admissions is the relatively quick notification process because the admissions office evaluates applications when they receive them. Students who are applying to colleges this summer should consider applying as early as possible to colleges with rolling admissions because of the advantages that they will have in the application process.
The content in a student’s application is crucial in the admissions process and there are helpful tips that can improve the quality of a student’s application. The personal statement essay that the Common Application and other applications require is a main component of applications. The essay can be used to share more information about oneself that the rest of the application does not highlight and, more importantly, build a narrative that will make one’s application stand out to admissions offices. Admissions offices receive a multitude of applications and essays each year, so the personal essay is one of the most direct opportunities to differentiate yourself from other applicants. Students should express their creativity, while succinctly answering the prompt through personal stories. Potential ideas for essays include topics that highlight a defining component of your identity, a time you overcame a failure, how you have shown leadership, or showcasing your beliefs. This essay should help the admissions office get to know the applicant as a person by providing more information than concrete awards or academic statistics. Crafting an insightful personal statement essay will be beneficial for students in order to stand out from the increasingly competitive college application process.
As an applicant, ensuring that one’s application is completed by the deadline is essential. Students should request letters of recommendation far in advance so they do not risk missing the submission deadline. Those that students ask to write letters of recommendation may need substantial time to create a quality letter, so allowing them to have as much time as possible will also improve the quality of one’s application. Along with letters of recommendation, students should request their required documents and information, such as their SAT scores, AP scores, and high school transcripts, in advance to ensure that their application will be complete by the deadline. Students need to email their guidance counselor to request these documents, which should be done early on because of the large number of students that guidance counselors assist with college applications. Constructing a spreadsheet that lists the deadlines for each application is an easy method to stay organized throughout the college application process. These actions will aid students in successfully applying to college and assure that their application is complete before the deadline.
Although there are a plethora of other components of the application process, applying these tips will be helpful throughout the upcoming application process for the class of 2022. In past years, the Common Application has opened on August 1st, so students can begin to brainstorm essay ideas and reflect on their extracurricular activities. The significance of applying to college makes the process stressful to many rising seniors, but if students manage their time properly and highlight themselves as individuals, the process will be equally rewarding.
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