By: Melody Sapione
Applying to college is one of the most stressful times in your high school career. It is an accumulation of all your effort over the years so of course it will seem overwhelming. But by following these few tips, you can get right on track to start the application process.
- Solidify your college list
It can be quite overwhelming to start when you don’t even know where to begin. Creating a balanced college list is essential to the rest of the application process.
You should be grouping your schools into three separate categories:
Safeties – A university where your GPA and test scores are above the median at that institution
Target – A university where your GPA and test scores are the median of that school
Reach – A university where your GPA and test scores fall below the median or the school has an acceptance rate below 15%.
When composing this list make sure to do thorough research on these colleges to ensure you can see yourself attending. To do this you should look at activities, financial aid, merit scholarships, and location.
- Start your personal statement or supplemental essays
All colleges require a personal statement or essay that gives them insight into who you are beyond your grades. This essay should show admission officers something they are unable to see when looking at your grades and activity list. Take your time and don’t be afraid to share circumstances or situations that have shaped your point of view.
The Common App (personal statement) essay isn’t the only writing you will have to do, supplementals also exist. Supplementals are additional essays that are required by specific colleges. They usually consist of the Why Us Essay, and why you want to attend this institution, among others. These essays are essential for officers to know how you will use your education to change the world around you.
- Ask for letters of recommendation
Similar to a job application, you will need letters of recommendation that help show your character in and out of the school building. Each university has their own quota in regards to how many letters of recommendations you will need from teachers, or other figures in your life. I recommend using teachers you have a close relationship with. Some people believe that it’s best to ask for recommendation letters from teachers related to your major.
Additionally, teachers aren’t the only recommenders that are used. There is a separate section that exists for roles outside of the school community to give more insight into your work ethic, etc.
Overall, senior year and the college application process is a difficult time, but with staying organized and focused, You can conquer it!