The college process, without question, is a lot to think about. But, if you take everything one step at a time, it doesn’t have to be a headache. As a senior getting ready for applications, I’m here to help any other seniors or underclassmen understand how to make the process easier or just less of a headache. 

The first thing you want to figure out is what you want to do. Where do you see yourself in the future and what do you want to study? This is a great place to start, but if you’re not sure yet, that’s okay too. Start looking at colleges even if you don’t know what you want because the more schools you see, the easier it will be to make comparisons. If you see a large school and then a small school, one might appeal more than the other and you can determine what school size you want. Think to yourself while visiting schools – do you want a school with a lot of school spirit, or a quiet school somewhere rural? Do you want a city or a small town? It will be easier to answer these questions when you have the experience firsthand. You can also use Naviance to look at colleges virtually and it will tell you exactly how likely you are to get in based on your GPA and SAT score.  It also provides financial ranges for schools and scholarship opportunities. 

Your next step is to take those standardized tests. Nobody wants to take them, but sometimes they’re necessary. You can register for the SAT through the College Board. You will already have an account created if you take AP classes. If not, I recommend making an account. The ACT can be booked through ACT.org which is separate from the College Board. I’ve taken the SAT and have an ACT in the near future. If possible, try to take a review course for the SAT and practice timed multiple choice questions because it can be tricky. Don’t fear the SAT scores. Many colleges are still test optional from COVID and many are remaining test optional because they agree that one number cannot possibly define a student. Submitting SAT scores can never hurt you, but if you don’t feel comfortable sending your scores, you may not have to. 

After you’ve taken a standardized test, you should start putting together a resume or activity sheet. Showing colleges what you do outside the classroom is just as important as your grades. Your resume should consist of things like clubs, sports teams, leadership positions, and community service opportunities. Here at East Rockaway, mentioning Rock Rivalry can be very beneficial because admissions counselors will ask you about it. Many of us work hard on Rock Rivalry, so it will show the colleges your determination, organization, and leadership skills. 

Speaking of your resume, resumes can be uploaded to the Common App, which is a great tool when applying for colleges. Instead of filling out a bunch of applications, the Common App lets you apply to multiple colleges all at once. When you have colleges in mind that you want to attend, see if they are on the Common App because it can be a huge time saver and it might give you less of a headache. Answer all the questions on the Common App so that your application can be completed quickly. At the end of the Common App questions, it asks for your personal essay. By this point, some people may have their college essay completed, and some may not. When you get to this point, make sure your essay has a focus because you will need it for applications. 

The last thing you need to do is ask for letters of recommendation from various teachers. This will give colleges an idea of where you are in the classroom, what kind of relationships you have formed with teachers, and what kind of student you strive to be. You should ask a teacher who teaches in your desired field of study or a teacher you’ve developed a good relationship with and whom you trust. They will upload their letter to Naviance and it will be ready for you to send to colleges. 

Once your essay is uploaded to the Common App and letters of recommendation to Naviance, it’s about time to start sending your application to colleges! I bet you didn’t think it would be that simple, huh? The college process doesn’t have to be hard, just take it one step at a time and it will fly by.