Although many students are starting to apply to college, the application process begins as early as Freshman year of high school.
Freshman year, one should try everything and do the extra work. Doing the extra work early on creates an opportunity to know what styles of studying and note taking works for an individual. If one is to experiment in academic style, freshman year is the time to do it. Trying every extra-curricular during Freshman year is worth it. Junior Anali Anderson felt that trying new things was scary, “but definitely worth it in the long run,” she said.
During Sophomore year, one should only do the activities they love. The Common App only allows one to submit ten activities throughout high school, more than that is a waste of time unless one loves it. Resume building is important, but only to an extent. The ten activities on the common app include sports, clubs, jobs, and hobbies. Sophomore Annalise Mohrman considers extracurriculars important however, “[I] try to focus in on a few specific ones so I can give my full effort,” she said.
Junior year, narrow down a list of colleges one is planning on applying to. Applying to colleges “just to do it” is a waste of money and time. Pick a few schools to seriously look into, and apply with a strong essay personalized to each school.
Also, research the schools. The Wall Street Journal reported that colleges “are quietly tracking prospective students’ online interaction with the schools and considering it in deciding whom to admit.” Displaying interest in a school cannot hurt an individual in the process.
Senior Adrian Swanson is currently in the middle of the application process. Swanson elaborated on his experience. “I definitely wished I had done more research into to colleges before Junior year because I now have to make sure I have all credits and extracurriculars necessary,” he said.
Senior Haley Humes added onto to Swanson’s advice of preparing early, “start your standardized testing early and get it out of the way,” she said. Standardized testing is a burden that can be prevented with early preparation.
The process of applying to college starts the first day of high school, early preparation is the key to success.
