Chaos of College Applications
Seniors are now in the full swing of applying to colleges
College and its applications can be a scary process. Highland Park seniors must balance school work, social life, sports and clubs, all while trying to decide where they want to spend the next four years of their lives. But before they can live and study there, they must get through the tedious process of applying to college.
The college application process can be very tedious because there are multiple types of applications, such as ApplyTexas or the Common Application. There are also multiple types of admission – such as rolling admission or early binding action – and many different pieces for submission, such as teacher recommendations and essays. Seniors must research colleges and all the specific requirements for each one to give themselves the best chance at being accepted. The majority of applications are due Dec. 1, which makes the first semester stressful for seniors than the second semester, which can be less difficult and time-consuming because seniors usually do not have the looming deadlines of college applications on their minds.
For some seniors the hardest part of the process is finding enough time in their already busy schedules to complete these thorough applications.
“I think finding enough time to be focused and sit there and crank out essays [is the most difficult part of the application process],” senior Val McWilliams said. “Go through everything and organize yourself and create a checklist to get everything done.”
Seniors must also have organizational skills in order to stay on-track with applications and not forget certain pieces of the applications. Some parents aid their child tremendously in their college process especially in Highland Park.
“I’ve sent [my parents] essays that I’ve liked, so they can edit them and pick up on things I haven’t been able to pick up on and review them,” McWilliams said.
On the other hand, senior Maddie Fagan’s parents have helped her in a limited amount.
“My mom is doing the parent information sheet on common app, but other than that, I’m pretty much on my own,” Fagan said.
But Fagan did mention how she copes with the stress of college applications – by talking it out with her family and friends. Which means that while her parents have not helped directly with the application, they have helped to keep her stress and anxiety low throughout the process.
Overall, college applications can be a scary thing. Students can be stressed and some will need help, but once it is over, a large weight lifted off seniors’ shoulders.
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What is your position on the Bagpipe:
Editor-in-Chief
What is your go-to snack:
Chex-Mix
What is your favorite tv show to binge watch:
That 70's Show
What are you most excited to get out of Bagpipe this year:
I am excited to lead the staff and work with them to create an amazing newsmagazine.
In what are you involved at HP:
Golf Team, Sparkling Scots, K-Life, Quidditch Club
Teacher
How would your friends describe you:
Dad-like
What is your favorite song or style of music:
Country
What is a fun fact about yourself that not everyone knows:
My car is 25 years old
Where is the coolest place you have visited:
San Francisco
What is your ideal pet:
Dolphin
What is your favorite class this year:
Anatomy & Physiology
Where do you want to go to college:
Texas A&M
What is your favorite news source:
CNN
What is the best piece of advice you have received so far:
Always try new things, because you may learn that you love that activity or the people involved in it.
If you could attend any major event, which would you choose:
The Masters because I love golf and it's at an amazing golf course every year.