Is the college application process really as hard as people say?

I’ve been super stressed about starting my college applications soon. Everyone keeps saying it’s a really hard process. Any tips on how to manage it, or is it as tough as it seems?

The college application process can indeed feel quite challenging, but it's important to remember that it's not impossible and many students navigate through it successfully every year. The process involves several steps - researching potential colleges, writing essays, gathering letters of recommendation, filling out applications, and not to mention, keeping up with your academic and extracurricular activities. It can certainly seem daunting at first glance.

However, there are several strategies you can employ to make this process more manageable, and possibly even enjoyable. First and foremost, starting early is key to reducing stress. With enough time in hand, you can tackle each element of the applications one by one, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Secondly, being organized is crucial. Whether it's keeping track of deadlines - for applications, scholarships, as well as testing - or compiling a list of all the components you need for each application, staying organized will keep you on track and reduce the last-minute panic.

Essays can be deemed as one of the more challenging aspects of the process. When it comes to writing these, avoid general or cliched topics, instead focus on what makes you unique and different. Make sure to edit thoroughly, ask others to review them, and always relate them to your own experiences, goals, or values.

Another tip to lend structure to your process is to break your tasks up into smaller, more manageable parts and set mini-deadlines for yourself. Instead of looking at the process as one large, intimidating beast, you can tackle it bit by bit and feel a sense of accomplishment as you check things off your list – be it for one application or across applications.

Finally, remember to ask for help when you need it. Your school counselor, teachers, parents, older friends who've gone through the process, or even online resources – they're all there to support you.

So, while the process certainly requires considerable effort and diligence, a thorough plan, careful time management, and an organized approach can make the journey much smoother and less stressful than it appears.