May 28, 2021
Start College Applications Now And Enjoy More Of Your Senior Year
The world of college admissions has become increasingly challenging, complicated, and
competitive over the last few years. College acceptance numbers at selective and highly selective
colleges have plummeted to all-time lows. So, do not wait to get the necessary work done in
order to maximize your chances. Begin the process early and don’t cut corners. Here is why this
is a good idea:
The application process is time-consuming with several components. It’s not just a
completed Common Application and a personal statement essay. There are required multiple
supporting documents (tests and transcripts), teacher and other recommendations, supplemental
essays (anywhere from 3-10 “extra” essays), and even more additional items for students with
research and special talents. Starting early allows students and families the opportunity to take
control of the process and to relieve some of the stress of senior year.
Students gain clarity and confidence as the process progresses. We encourage building a
solid college list followed by visits to campuses, writing the Common App essay (Personal
Statement), and completing a “Why college?” essay (popular supplemental college-specific
essay topic), in order to assist students in getting the hang of applications. They become clearer
about what they want from college and more confident in their writing. The college process is
also a journey of self-discovery, so compressing the whole process into a few months of senior
year short-changes the benefits of self-reflection that the applications are designed to inspire.
It’s not just students who are stressed out in the fall of senior year. Students and parents
share the stress of college applications (and parents sometimes feel it the most!), but other
resources are also stretched thin in the fall semester. Teachers get a flood of recommendation
requests in September, and the calendars of high school counselors are packed with
appointments. Students who start early can access resources earlier and avoid the scramble of the
fall.
Applying “early” demonstrates interest and organization. We encourage students to apply to
as many schools as possible early. Even if a student is not applying Early Decision, an
application that comes in ahead of deadline–two weeks or so–carries implicit messages that the
student is on top of the process and that the college was not a last-minute “add on” to the college
list. Both of those are favorable!
So, get on it. Use the summer wisely and put your best foot forward! Contact us for additional
guidance and lower the stress significantly.