By Avery Chalk

The complicated world of college admissions is confusing to understand, and harder still to navigate. For those in search of higher education, the number of steps involved with applying to a school seems thoroughly daunting. Research, tours, essays, and more plague the minds of countless high school seniors as they attempt to make a decision that will impact the next few years of their lives. As their final high school year looms, here’s a guide as to where current seniors should be in their college journey.

Comprehensive school research is one of many key aspects that set the stage for the rest of the process. Iris Godes, Dean of Admissions at Dean College, emphasizes the importance of college visits - especially within the early months of the school year. 

“By the start of school, seniors should be narrowing down the colleges they plan to apply to,” Godes explains. “If they haven’t visited colleges they are interested in yet, they should also be making plans to visit in the fall if they can… Visiting a college is the best way to be sure it is the right fit for you.”

Covid-19 doesn’t have to deter this crucial aspect of the process. Seniors can find tour information on admissions web pages within the school of their choice, as both in-person and virtual options have become increasingly available. College visits are unique in allowing a realistic look into campus life, so students should be sure to go into open houses with an open mind and an observant eye.

Deadlines are another essential element to consider, yet they are often painfully overlooked. Students can apply to colleges as Early Decision (a binding choice toward one’s top school), Early Action (sooner application and notice than normal), or Regular Admission. Seniors should decide early which option they want to choose in order to correctly follow that route throughout the duration of the process.

“Check each college’s web site to find deadlines for admissions and for financial aid … the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE (financial aid applications) will open on October 1st,” Godes notes. “I always recommend that students apply for financial aid early, so they maximize their eligibility for financial assistance.” Before application submissions, students can complete financial aid applications and request letters of recommendation in order to provide sufficient time for detailed writing from teachers and/or counselors.

The notorious college essay is the final application element that seniors should act on by the fall. Students can brainstorm and choose topics before school starts, as conceptualizing such a meaningful piece of writing becomes more difficult with the business of daily academic life. Essays should truly embody who students are, so seniors should take time to brainstorm and draft deliberately. 

“First and foremost, you want to write about something that is meaningful to you. Colleges are looking to learn more about you as a person,” Godes explains. “You want to focus on things that are not already in your application unless it’s something like an activity that you want to expand upon.”

The Common App is yet another resource that should be fully utilized. It provides various essay prompts, but most colleges offer true freedom for students to draft about whatever they desire. Godes advises students to, “Tell a story, use anecdotes, [and] focus on one thing (not your whole life) – something that is meaningful to you.” Experiences, challenges, and even arbitrary musings are all fair game. “You want to write about yourself, not something that you just think will impress the college.”

If still feeling lost, seniors can always talk to family members and mentors for advice, as the essay provides a chance for colleges to get to know a student as a person beyond any transcript or figure. Grammar checks and proofreading are also not to be neglected.

By the fall of their senior season, taking these steps allows students to put their best foot forward in the college world. Students should start the process early in order to enjoy a less-stressed final high school year.