As the Common Application Early Admission deadline comes closer, seniors begin to feel anxious and stressed. While that is all a part of the process, there is an easier way to get through college application season: organization. Organizational skills are crucial in order to avoid last minute stress.
First off , create a folder where you plan on organizing all important information needed for applying: transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, etc. Create a spreadsheet that can help with organization. It can include a timeline for various steps of your application process such as submitting the applications, the colleges you plan to apply to, the progress of the recommendation letters, and the completion level of each application. This will help you visualize how much of the application is done, what work is still remaining, and what you can finalize.
The next step, also considered the hardest: writing the essays and personal statements. Start by breaking down the questions and brainstorming how different events in your life fit into the prompt. Brainstorm as many ideas as possible and write them down. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad idea. Make sure that your essays use storytelling to show off your personality and your achievements. If you’re not fully satisfied, make sure to ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to look over your essays and edit them. Teachers and counselors may have a tight schedule, so make sure to send the essays in time.
During the essay writing process, you are bound to feel overwhelmed and bored, which is why it is important to take breaks. During these breaks, you can start the activities list. Jot down all the activities that you have done in your high school career and start writing the descriptions for them, detailing your experiences and your achievements. It is completely fine if you don’t fill all 20 of the spots for the activities and awards list. But make sure to highlight leadership skills, impact, and growth in the ones that you do have.
The most important part of the entire process is creating the account on your platform and filling out the application. Take your time when filling out the application, as any mistakes can negatively impact your chances. Proofread and double-check the information on your application. This would also be a great time to research and apply for financial aid and scholarships.
If there is anything you take away from this article, it is that you need to stay balanced, manage stress, and avoid burnout. Seek support from friends and family; continue any hobbies and clubs; and get plenty of sleep. It is perfectly normal to feel stressed, but it is important to keep pushing through and manage it well.
As the Common Application Early Admission deadline comes closer, seniors begin to feel anxious and stressed. While that is all a part of the process, there is an easier way to get through college application season: organization. Organizational skills are crucial in order to avoid last minute stress.
First off , create a folder where you plan on organizing all important information needed for applying: transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, etc. Create a spreadsheet that can help with organization. It can include a timeline for various steps of your application process such as submitting the applications, the colleges you plan to apply to, the progress of the recommendation letters, and the completion level of each application. This will help you visualize how much of the application is done, what work is still remaining, and what you can finalize.
The next step, also considered the hardest: writing the essays and personal statements. Start by breaking down the questions and brainstorming how different events in your life fit into the prompt. Brainstorm as many ideas as possible and write them down. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad idea. Make sure that your essays use storytelling to show off your personality and your achievements. If you’re not fully satisfied, make sure to ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to look over your essays and edit them. Teachers and counselors may have a tight schedule, so make sure to send the essays in time.
During the essay writing process, you are bound to feel overwhelmed and bored, which is why it is important to take breaks. During these breaks, you can start the activities list. Jot down all the activities that you have done in your high school career and start writing the descriptions for them, detailing your experiences and your achievements. It is completely fine if you don’t fill all 20 of the spots for the activities and awards list. But make sure to highlight leadership skills, impact, and growth in the ones that you do have.
The most important part of the entire process is creating the account on your platform and filling out the application. Take your time when filling out the application, as any mistakes can negatively impact your chances. Proofread and double-check the information on your application. This would also be a great time to research and apply for financial aid and scholarships.
If there is anything you take away from this article, it is that you need to stay balanced, manage stress, and avoid burnout. Seek support from friends and family; continue any hobbies and clubs; and get plenty of sleep. It is perfectly normal to feel stressed, but it is important to keep pushing through and manage it well.
