Following the summer of junior year, seniors are thrown into the dreadful sea of college applications and their numerous requirements. The sea of transcripts, test scores, essays, and more. The sea of what makes you, you. We begin to realize that there is more to the world than high school. We began to plan the rest of our lives. Hence, EVERYONE needs to begin the process correctly. Although I am still a senior myself and am still learning, here are some tips on applying to college that I have already picked up.

1. Start early

Begin researching schools and looking at their requirements during the summer of junior year in order to get a head-start. Don’t wait until school starts, homework begins piling up and stress begins to take over.

2. Make a list

As soon as you are aware of which colleges have the honor of having you apply to them, make a spreadsheet that outlines all their requirements including standardized test scores, GPA requirements, payments, extracurricular activities, and due dates. Of course, remember to make sure that your choices are realistic. For example, it is helpful to apply to some safe schools, some target schools, and some aim schools. This gives you something to fall back on if you do not get into your dream school.

3. Start the common application as soon as possible

Most schools stem from the common application. Hence, it is necessary that you begin this as soon as possible in order to have time to have it thoroughly reviewed and make corrections as well. The base of the common application is generic; therefore, you can begin filling out this information regardless of if you have narrowed down your final list or not.

4. Ask for recommendations

Begin to ask teachers, counselors, and extracurricular personnel for recommendations at least two to three weeks before the due date or even earlier. Remember, they need time to write a thoughtful recommendation. Make sure to ask a teacher that knows you well and is sure to write a positive recommendation. When asking, make sure to be polite, have all the college information at hand, and send them a resume with all your accomplishments and more.

5. Send standardized test scores and transcripts early

Any standardized test scores, including SAT, ACT, and AP scores and school transcripts should be sent to the college at least two to three weeks before the due date, for it may take a while for the scores to reach and then be downloaded by the college.

6. Relax

The whole process may seem overwhelming at first, but after the first few applications are sent out it becomes easier and very repetitious.