How grueling is the college application process?

I'm a junior gearing up for college applications, and I'm kinda stressed about how intense this process can be. Can anyone shed some light on how demanding this is compared to what I've faced in high school so far?

Hey there! Applying to college can certainly be a demanding process, but comparing it to high school is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, they're just different experiences. College applications don't necessarily have a "correct" answer, like a math problem would. They involve more introspection and require a different skill set.

Expect to invest a significant amount of time into each application, particularly in crafting your essays, which often considered the heart of your application. Each essay needs to be compelling, personal, and individual to each school. Pro tip: avoid generic language and focus on showcasing your unique perspectives and experiences.

Aside from essays, there's researching colleges, collecting all the needed materials (like transcripts and letters of recommendation), and filling out the necessary forms. Moreover, for some schools, you might have supplemental essays or need to prepare for an interview.

However, it's good to remember that many things you've learned in high school will aid you, like time management, organization skills, and resilience. Plus, over time, you will become more nimble with the process and start doing things more efficiently.

Also, remember to start early. This is not a process to cram, especially since application deadlines usually fall in the middle of your senior year, a busy time for most students.

So, is it demanding? Yes. But is it manageable? Also yes, with careful planning and the right mindset. Good luck! You've got this!