- The Early Start, The Easy Finish
My number one tip is to begin as early as you can. My top priority during my summer going into senior year was getting as much done as possible with my application process. The more time you give yourself, the less stressed you will be—resulting in a higher quality application. Time management is extremely important during this time especially because of the deadlines. Early preparation also gives you time for revisions from teachers and opportunities for improvement. Having less on your plate for the applications will also make your senior year easier, allowing you to focus on the challenging classes you take.
“I always got advice to start this process in the summer to help with my time management,” senior Layla Pourmoradi said. “I I pushed myself and was able to get a head start, and [I] ended up getting a lot done, like supplements and my personal essay, which helped me in the long run.”
2. Organize to Optimize
Creating Google spreadsheets, documents, or notes all keeps organization to a T. All colleges require different necessities—like a transcript, supplements, resume, test scores or letters of recommendation—so keeping track of all your different requirements for each college will help you visually understand what you need to do for each college. Organizing all this information will also help you track your progress for how much more work is needed and if you are working at a timely pace.
”The workload during junior year is definitely preparing me for what’s coming next year with application,” junior Jackie Matalon said. “I am trying to always be one step ahead of the process and do anything I can to keep me ahead.”
- Know Before You Go
Especially when writing your supplements, you want to do your research. Using a template for your supplements is NOT the way to go. Instead, take time to research the school: find clubs, classes, professors and even organizations that make the school special for you. Reflect on why you are a good fit for that specific school. Not only does this make your writing stronger, but it also helps you figure out what kind of schools you like and their offerings.
“Having two older siblings currently in the application process has definitely shown me what to expect and how to manage my time,” freshman Maia Glickman said. “I’m not focused on that right now but all these skills and techniques will help me throughout the four years of high school ahead.”
- Chat with Teachers
Teachers are here to help and you should use this to your advantage. They give you personal guidance–who wouldn’t want that? If you think your writing is done, turn back around and have your teachers help you more or read over one of your works. They may give you more ideas and a different perspective on a writing piece that can make your writing stronger and more unique. This is also a great way to form a close relationship with your teachers, who get to see a different side of you that may not be so obvious in the classroom.
5. Attend College Fairs and Information Sessions
This will give you more of an insight into the opportunities at each school you are applying to, which would be especially helpful when writing supplements. College fairs and information sessions give you specific information that would take more time to find while researching on you own, and some schools even take demonstrated interest into account. So your attendance can even boost your chances of admission. Deciding where you want to spend the next four years of your life seems pretty intense, but the more information you gather, the easier it will be. This also allows you to create relationships with the admissions office, giving you more of a personal connection.
