What should I expect in the college app process?

I'm starting the college application process and feeling a bit overwhelmed. What should I expect in terms of deadlines, essays, and the overall timeline? Any tips on managing everything?

Starting the college application process can indeed feel overwhelming, but by breaking down the process into manageable steps and understanding the key elements, you can navigate it more confidently. Here's the general process:

1. Research and finalize your college list: When choosing a college, consider factors such as size, location, majors, and culture. Many students start with a long list of colleges they are interested in and narrow down the list to about 10-15. You may need to answer questions like, "What are you planning to study?" or "What size of college do you prefer?"

2. Understand application requirements: Start by understanding the application requirements of each school on your list. These might include things like transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and individual application forms. Some colleges may even require interviews although many do not.

3. Understand the application platform(s) used: Colleges often use common application platforms like the Common App, the Coalition App, and the UC Application. You can complete your common information (name, address, etc.) along with your main personal statement here, then submit additional supplemental essays and information for each college.

4. Plan for Deadlines: Deadlines are spread out during the school year. Early decision (ED) or early action (EA) applications are typically due around November 1st. Regular decision (RD) deadlines are often January 1st or later, but they can vary widely so please double-check. Additionally, some colleges have priority deadlines for scholarships and financial aid.

5. Prepare for standardized tests: If the colleges you're applying to require them, you'll need to prepare for and schedule your ACT or SAT exams. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, remember that Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech have reinstated the SAT or ACT requirement; they are not test-optional.

6. Write essays: Arguably, the most time-consuming part of the application process. Your main personal statement typically goes on the common application, while specific colleges might have additional supplemental essays.

7. Manage your workload: It's essential to find a system that helps you manage and prioritize your tasks and stay organized. This could be a planner, a digital calendar, or an organizational app. Remember to balance your college application tasks with your ongoing schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

The timeline and process can be daunting, but by spreading the work over several months, it can become much more manageable. Lastly, remember, every year millions of students successfully navigate this process, and you will too! Good luck!