Getting ahead: How to get an early start on college applications

REDUCE SENIOR YEAR STRESS by getting a head start on college applications. (Spark Admissions)

Carly Altman | Head Editor

January 24, 2025

As college application season reaches its close, one of the most popular phrases echoed by burnt-out seniors is “I wish I had more time.” Between school work, applications, extracurricular activities, senior events, and bittersweet moments with friends and family, senior year feels like a hectic, restless whirlwind. To save yourself the stress senior year, I highly recommend getting an early start on finding your complex path to higher education.

Create an engaging senior year schedule

While it may feel enticing to take a lighter courseload following junior year, consider challenging yourself with your senior schedule. While colleges often do not see your senior year grades at the time of application, they do view the courses you are enrolled in. Selecting more rigorous courses emphasizes your commitment to continuing to challenge yourself as a student and demonstrates your academic passion. 

Establish your college list early

Simply considering what universities you would like to apply to is an extremely tedious, yet crucial, process in college applications. In order to identify schools that match what you are looking for, I recommend thinking about the following questions:

SEVERAL FACTORS go into creating your ideal college list. (HelloCollege)

Do you want to attend a large or small university?

What major are you interested in pursuing a degree in?

What is a reasonable amount of money for your family to spend on your college education?

Do you want to be close to or far away from home?

Would you like an urban, suburban, or rural campus setting?

Other factors to consider include sports presence, Greek life, weather, and student activities. “Figuring out where you want to apply can feel really overwhelming and stressful,” explained senior Madelyn Mitchell. “Narrowing down what I was looking for made looking into universities far more manageable.” 

Tour college campuses

If given the opportunity, I highly suggest taking the time to tour a few college campuses. While campus tours may require a flight or lengthy car ride, they are extremely beneficial in determining what schools are a good fit for you. Walking on campus, seeing the surrounding area, and talking to students and staff allows you to gain a full picture of what life attending that university would be like. College visits are a great way to identify what you are looking for, or alternatively realize what you are hoping to avoid. 

Start drafting your essays

By far, the most time-consuming aspect of college applications is the essays. The Common Application has one personal essay, the UC Application requires four personal insight questions, and most universities ask for you to respond to 1-3 supplemental prompts. In addition, many scholarship programs and honors colleges also request essays. Once the prompts are available, I recommend getting started on your essays as soon as possible.

“Starting your essays early will save you so much time and stress your senior year,” explained senior Hannah Ellinger. “Getting a head start will help you avoid procrastination and prevent you from burning out.” Beginning drafts over the summer will allow you to take the time to meticulously craft your writing, showcasing your best work and giving you extensive time to edit and receive feedback before submission. 

While the path to college may feel stressful and overwhelming at times, your dreams will come to fruition through hard work and dedication. Put the time in now; your future senior self will be sure to thank you.

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