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Start early and stay organized
Applying to college is an exciting period, but it can also feel overwhelming. As a college counselor, I’ve guided many students through this process, and I want to share some practical advice to help you move forward with confidence.
One of the simplest things you can do is stay organized. Create a spreadsheet or checklist with application deadlines, testing requirements, recommendation letters, and financial aid forms. Staying organized will reduce last-minute stress. Give your teachers enough time to write your Letters of Recommendation. Do not wait till the deadline date to submit.
Building a college list
When building your college list, aim for balance. Include a mix of Reach, Target, and Likely schools so you have strong options. Make sure it aligns with your interests and values. Look beyond just rankings and majors and consider factors like campus size, campus culture, location, and cost. Also check out their clubs, weather, food, distance from home, study abroad programs, internships, etc.
Rolling admissions
Also, when making your list, be sure to add 1-2 colleges with Rolling Admissions. Colleges review applications on an ongoing basis, and you may hear back within a few weeks, rather than waiting for months. A few examples of rolling admissions are Arizona State University (ASU), Penn State, Michigan State University (MSU), and many more. Some popular majors at ASU are Business, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Computer and Information Sciences, Psychology, and Visual and Performing Arts. Some popular majors at Penn State are mechanical, Computer and Civil Engineering, Business, Computer and Information Sciences, and Psychology.
The right list should reflect not only where you can get in, but where you’ll thrive academically, socially, and personally. Make sure you have either visited the college or done virtual tours so you know enough about it to add to your list.
Early action
If there is a private college you are really interested in, apply Early Action (EA) and add 2-4 to your list. Typically, the due date for them is Nov 1. If you are 100% sure and you want to go to a particular college, then apply Early Decision (ED). This allows you to let the college know that you are seriously interested.
College essays
Be authentic while writing your Common Application 650-word essay, as colleges want to know who you are beyond academics and grades. Instead of trying to write what you think admissions officers want to hear, focus on your experiences, values, or challenges that have shaped you. Your genuine voice will showcase your character and set you apart. There is no perfect topic to write on, so talk about what’s important to you and why. The reflection is the key here.
University of California
On the other hand, the University of California (UC) has 8 questions, and you need to answer only 4 in 350 words. These are more direct questions, and I like to call it a written interview as it has to be clear, precise, and to the point.
Supplemental essays
Each college will also ask you to write a supplement essay, and typically, they want to know why you are interested in the specific major and why you want to study at their college. Do your research about the colleges and talk about the classes you would take, the clubs you would join, and the fun things you would do on campus. Make sure to tell them about why you want to study there and not how the college is a great place due to its location, weather, and city, etc.
Common App activities section
In the Common Application, there is a section where you mention your Activities, and this is one of the most important parts of the application, as you get to showcase all the amazing activities you’ve been doing outside the classroom. Don’t think that this section is only for clubs and titles. Nope. If you’ve been helping your parents with household chores regularly, or helping your sibling with homework, or even walking your neighbor’s dog. If you bake or crochet, or teach someone basketball. Please mention all of that. All these show you are a socially responsible student, and it counts. Use active verbs to start your sentence, and it should demonstrate your character and skills.
An example of how to write in 150 characters
Title – Co-Founder and Tutor (10th-12th)
Organization – Leo Tutors’ self-started business
Description – Launched a program to tutor middle school students in math/science. Mentored 50 students and helped increase their grades. Developed videos for concepts.
Resources
List of colleges with Rolling Admissions