As the school year begins seniors are eager to begin their college applications. It can be a thrilling but stressful time managing essays, interviews and deadlines.
The Common App is a useful application that helps students submit one application to multiple institutions. However, this does not mean it is less of a work load.
The Common App consolidates the requirements into one process, including essays, letters of recommendation and background questions.
It can be challenging to balance the current school year’s academic responsibilities on top of applications. Time management and planning is pivotal for success.
“I try to dedicate my weekdays to schoolwork and my weekends to college applications,” senior Musa Suriel said, “So far it has worked pretty well for me.”
It is crucial to find the right fit for what you need in a school. Thorough research is vital when looking at the best fit school.
“The main thing I am looking for is a school that is good academically, but also has a fun atmosphere and student body,” Suriel said, “I want to be able to maintain a healthy work and life balance, which is more doable at some schools and not as much at others.”
Priorities when looking for colleges vary depending on the student.
“The most important factor to me is that the school has a good academic and social life balance,” senior Sam Washburn said, “It is also important that I pick the school that will best prepare me for my career.”
To relieve the pressure on senior year, going to college visits as a junior, sophmore or even freshman can be helpful.
“So far, I have visited UNC, IU and Duke,” Suriel said, “All of them are beautiful campuses with great academics and good atmospheres.”
When students decide where to apply, they begin working on their Common App.
The Common app essay is commonly considered the most challenging and time consuming part of the process. The essay is an opportunity to freely showcase who you are beyond grades, extracurriculars and test scores.
“I thought it was going to be really difficult to find something I could write about,” Washburn said, “However, there are multiple prompts. It has not been as difficult as I thought to apply one to myself.”
Despite the pressures of applications, it can also be an exciting and futuristic time. Having a positive mindset and planning ahead can better the experience with applications and the last year in highschool.
As the season continues and application deadlines are approaching, students are navigating the rewarding but challenging journey. They are working hard to put their best foot forward.
