November 1st, the deadline for most early action college applications, is just around the corner.
For Niles West seniors, this means the pressure is on.
While most of us think that we have until January to get everything together, my best advice to underclassmen or even current seniors would be to get it done as soon as possible.
My theory is this: the college application process is like a broken heart. It consumes you. You wake up, and think about college. You go to bed, and the last thing you think about before you fall asleep is your college checklist, so why would anyone want to prolong that process?
Personally, I don’t want to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holidays stressing about getting my letters of recommendation in, which is why I vowed that I would submit all my applications before November 1st. I only have two colleges left to apply to, and I’ve already acquired all of the necessary materials. Staying on top of everything has granted me so much peace of mind during this stressful time.
The only thing that has helped me gain this peace of mind, though, is something that I’ve struggled with my whole life: organization.
My life, room, and hair may be a mess, but if there’s one thing that I have kept in tip top shape, it’s my college application checklist, so I’ve decided to share some tips and tricks with all of you.
1. Make sure that if you’re applying before November 1st, that your applications are early action, and not early decision. Early action simply means that you’re applying early, but early decision is binding, and if you get accepted, you have to attend that college.
This tip may seem like common sense to some of you, but my parents didn’t go to college. They’ve been supportive, of course, but for the most part, I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own or have had to seek help from friends, teachers, and use resources in the school like my counselor and the College and Career Resource Center.
Speaking of which, the College and Career Resource Center has proven to be very helpful. Whether I’m in there using one of the computers to fill out an application, or getting help from Mr. Gin, that room is always a place of productivity.
2. Make a checklist. Seriously. I have a virtual sticky note on my laptop at home with all the colleges I am applying to or have applied to with my username and password to log in to each school, which has proved to be extremely helpful. Also, next to each college that I still need to submit an application to, I have a list of things that I need to submit: counselor letters, letters of recommendation, transcripts, ACT scores, etc.
2. Figure out which schools require a counselor letter, and even if the school simply recommends a counselor letter, send it in anyways! Print it out, go to your counselor, and have it in the mailbox that same day. Don’t be afraid to pay your counselor frequent visits. They understand that this is a busy time, and they want to help us.
3. Give the faculty members for whom you’re asking a recommendation letter a fair warning. Don’t ask for a letter today, and expect to have it tomorrow. A week or two in advance is best, and it’s okay to remind them as the deadline gets near. Teachers are people too, and sometimes they forget. A friendly reminder may be needed. It would also help to bring a stamped envelope with the proper address so that you can mail them right away.
4. Send in your ACT scores and transcript as soon as you finish submitting your application. In most cases, your application won’t be processed until your scores are received, and it could take a few days. Once your application is done, go to ACTstudent.org to send in your ACT scores, and parchment to send in your transcripts. Sending in your transcript is usually free, but the ACT can be a little costly. Give your parents a fair warning of when you plan on applying, and be sure that they’re okay with paying the fee when you need them to.
5. Underclassmen — be smart about where you send your ACT scores! When you register to take the ACT, or take it with the school in April, you are able to choose four colleges to send your transcripts to for free. Be sure that these four schools are schools that you’re seriously considering, as they could save you and your family a lot of money, which is something that your parents will definitely appreciate during this costly process.
6. The earlier you apply, the earlier you can get financial aid over with. FAFSA opens January 1st, and CSS (which will be mentioned in a later column) is already open. Stay on top of these deadlines, because let’s be realists, no one can afford college on their own.
As long as you stay on top of your deadlines and stay organized, the application process isn’t as intimidating as it seems. If you’ve been procrastinating for four years of high school, let it be known that college applications are not something to procrastinate about. Good luck, Niles West!
