You Don’t Have To Fear College Applications!
Boo! With Halloween right around the corner, there are plenty of fake scares and fears to indulge in. Also, this is the time of year when the reality of college applications sneaks up on you, but don’t let that haunt you. Though they seem scary (and are real, not fake), you don’t have to fear college applications. Read on for tips to help with some of the scarier aspects of college applications.
Here are some common fears and how to defuse them.
Too Many Choices!
There are hundreds of schools, how do you choose? First, you don’t have to apply to all of them, even all the “good ones”! Talk to a college counselor to get some help generating a list of schools best suited to you. Look for programs you’re interested in, and try to create a healthy mix of reach, target, and safety schools so you can focus your efforts.
Plenty of information exists online about most schools and their programs, so make sure to do your research thoroughly on schools that you’re interested in. However, it’s important to understand that colleges use their websites to market themselves, and try to portray themselves in the best light possible online. To get a better understanding of what a school or program is really like, it’s always a good idea to get the inside scoop from an alumni or current student. Check with the colleges or your counselor to see if they can help you get in touch with alumni from the schools you’re looking at!
Deadlines Are Closing In!
With all the deadlines flying around, applying to college, while still doing your schoolwork, can seem overwhelming. Since some schools have different deadlines than others, it’s important to stay on top of your schedule. So make a plan! Start by writing down exactly what’s due and when, and make sure you include any supplemental requirements (double check!). Then, create a work schedule by carving out time in advance to work on each of your requirements. Finally, make sure you have a checklist, so you can keep track of your progress and ensure you don’t leave anything out!
A good approach is to work with friends to motivate each other and make sure that everyone is sticking to their schedules. To make the most of this approach, try and find friends that are applying to some of the same schools as you, so you can help each other stay on top of requirements!
They Won’t Like My Essay(s)!
Your essay is definitely an important part of any college application, so it’s understandable to have some anxiety about how it might be received by admissions officers. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources at your disposal to help you write the best essay possible. There are some some tips to reduce the fear of writing your college essay, here’s our list of top ideas.
After deciding your topic and drafting your essay, be sure to have others (like your counselor) read it and give you feedback. Go through at least a few drafts to really hone your essay’s message and tone. Look for resources where you can get outside guidance – by the way, check out how Meemli can help!
You don’t have to fear college applications, after all, millions of students like you have done them successfully. Keeping these tips in mind can help you have a fun, stress-free Halloween as well as college application experience. Just watch out for the candy monster!