College applications are rough. There’s a lot of moving pieces and more often than not it feels like more of a chore than anything else. However, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be all stress. I’m almost done with my applications and I already have some tips and tricks up my sleeve to share with you. Seniors, this might not be applicable to you anymore but you can always send this, along with your own suggestions, to an underclassmen or junior.

1. Start early.

This is absolutely my best piece of advice. Start. Early. It will help so much in the long run and you’ll feel more prepared as the school year starts to ramp up. Don’t feel pressure to have anything completely finished early, just get down some ideas and sentences, or maybe even a few drafts. This will not only help you to feel accomplished, but it’ll give you a head start down the road. For my underclassmen and juniors - this also includes getting a headstart on researching colleges. I began my research in sophomore year, as I was curious what the opportunities looked like around the country but that is fairly early compared to what most of my friends did. I would recommend having a few initial ideas during your fall and winter of junior year and then beginning to do in-depth research that spring and summer. However, don’t push yourself too much. Each person’s boundaries are different, so make sure your process fits your needs.

‍2. This is about you.

I will repeat this a hundred times if need be. This process is about you! It’s about how wonderful you are, as well as all the amazing things you are passionate about. Colleges do not want to hear about your parent’s interests or what your friends like to do. Your application needs to be true to who you are, and no one else. In addition, you are going to be the one who is attending the school, so make sure you’re listening to yourself and focusing on your needs, especially when choosing which colleges to apply to.

‍3. Be confident in yourself and your abilities.

This tip is definitely one of the more challenging ones. In fact, I’m still working on it. As you create your activities list and write your essays, you’re going to have to hype yourself up and sometimes it can feel like you’re not good enough or doing enough. I promise you, you are. 

‍4. Take breaks.

Taking breaks does not just apply to college applications!! This is a stressful year, so make sure you’re giving yourself time to rest, relax, and recharge. You cannot be your best self without taking breaks, so try your best to build that into your schedule. When I’m feeling stuck while writing a supplemental essay, I like to grab a snack, read a few chapters of a book, or text a friend. It can be five minutes or fifty minutes, just make sure you give yourself time to breathe. If it helps, you can even work on unrelated homework for a while to take your mind off of college applications while still staying productive.

‍5. Don’t compare.

This is much easier said than done. Comparison has been something that has followed me throughout school for years, but it’s definitely gotten worse this year as I’ve found myself comparing my activities, essays, and applications to everyone else’s. However, this has gotten me absolutely nowhere. It’s incredibly important to protect your mental health during college application season, and part of that is not comparing yourself to others. There is no point in comparing when we all have very different lives and very different experiences. Every application is going to be unique because we are all distinctly unique. You might compare the schools you’re applying to with someone else’s list or feel scared that your essay might not be as good as your classmate’s, but remember that you are doing your best and that is worth so much.

‍6. Be genuine.

Don’t lie on your applications. Colleges want to get to know the real, genuine you. You are more than enough and deserve to be celebrated in your applications. Being yourself will stand out more than trying to be someone you’re not. This can be hard, because it’s scary to be vulnerable and talk about yourself but it’s definitely worth it in the end. 

‍7. Keep track of deadlines.

You might think this is kind of a “duh” tip, but it’s still important. I had an experience where I thought the early deadline for a scholarship that I had been working on for weeks was days later than it actually was and ended up submitting my application for the regular round. This wasn’t the end of the world because there were two deadlines, but imagine if there had only been one. I consistently use a planner and that is how I keep track of my dates and deadlines, but other ideas could be writing it on a big calendar that you keep on your wall or having it on a post-it note pinned somewhere where you see it often. I would also highly suggest setting reminders on your phone a week before the deadline so you are 100% sure that you won’t submit your application late.

‍8. Don’t wait until the last minute.

It is incredibly easy to leave all of the college work until the last minute, but I promise it will make your life so much harder. If you wait until 11:59 on October 31, there is a chance you will encounter a technical issue and your application will not make it in time. I don’t say this to scare anyone but it is important to stay on top of things. In addition, if you write things last minute it makes it much harder to get friends, family members, and teachers to edit your work for you. That last-minute scramble to get things done is the worst so prevent the anxiety by not waiting until the last minute.

‍9. Ask questions.

The college application process can get confusing so make sure to ask questions. You can easily find your admissions counselor for whatever college you are applying to and email them with any questions. Their job is to help you, so take advantage of that resource. Feel free to also ask your parents, teachers, and any older friends you have. I would recommend not asking your senior friends too many questions about college as it can stress them out. Rely on your resources, and if you’re struggling to find any, use Google! There’s a lot of great tips out there, just make sure that the information seems accurate.

‍10. Take care of yourself!

Eat some ice cream, cuddle with your dog, and watch a movie. You deserve it!! Make sure to take care of yourself, your mind, and your body as you navigate this challenging time. Prioritizing your mental and physical health can only lead to good things.

I hope my tips and tricks have been helpful, and that you feel more confident completing your applications. Seniors—you can do this!! You are so capable and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Underclassmen and juniors—senior year can be hard, but nothing you can’t handle. Enjoy your years of high school before it’s almost over.

Best of luck!