College Application Tips

As I sit here in my dorm room trying to figure out college, It is hard to imagine the stress and worries I had about college applications this time last year. It was something that was always on my mind, sometimes to the point where I would dream about different responses to the prompts. With this weekend symbolizing the end of summer, I am sure that this years seniors have no choice but to face the prospect of college applications. It is a daunting task, so here are my tips to help make the process a little easier. 

| Ask For Help |

Please, Please, Please don't be afraid to ask people for help. Ask them for topic ideas, to read your essay or anything else. This is such a hard time that if you ever need help with anything, don't be afraid to ask. I had both parents and three English teachers read each essay which made me more confident in my work. 

| Start Early |

You really don't want to push off writing these essays any more than you might have already. The prompts are out, so you might as well at least brain storm ideas. The last thing that you'd want is to have an application due at the end of the week, as well as several essay and hours of homework from school. Starting early means you can end earlier, and believe me, being done is the best feeling. 

| If it's Optional, Do it |

Obviously I can't say how much each optional portion matter for every school, but if they went through the effect to make it part of the application then it is probably something you should do. It wouldn't be on the application is there wasn't some purpose to it. 

| Get Letters of Recommendation |

Getting letters of recommendation is so important, and it is even more so to ask for them ASAP. You don't want that favorite teacher to write a sub par letter because she has 20 others to write and the deadline is in a week. Ask early, and make sure you pick teachers that you know will have positive things to say. 

| Apply to a Variety of Schools |

Safety school, reach school and those in between schools should all be apart of your applications. You wouldn't want to see yourself sort by only applying to easy schools, but at the same time, you don't want to not get into a school. Applying to a wide range of colleges will result in a wide range of responses and hopefully some (good) surprises. 

The most important part of this all, make sure you don't worry too much!

xoxo,

Maddie