With Early Action/Decision deadlines coming up November 1st, many seniors are taking their time to work on the application process. Whether that be through the Common App, where students have the opportunity to apply to multiple different schools through one application, or directly through the college’s admissions, seniors are feeling the stress to apply.
Senior Nolan Buehnerkemper commented, “The college application process has added a lot of weight on my shoulders since the Common Application opened on August 1st. With school work and extracurricular activities, it has been difficult to find time to work on my applications which has made it stressful.”
Senior Kaylin Matthews shared similar thoughts, “I was feeling stressed about the application process because everyone makes it seem so complicated.” Matthews then added, “As I sat down and broke down the application process step by step, it’s really not as complex as it’s made out to be. It also helps that I’m fairly certain I’ll be attending Parkland, and their application process is straightforward to follow.”
One of the most stressful parts in the college application process has overwhelmingly been the personal essay portions. Many seniors stress about what to write and what will be the most memorable, how to write it, and where to even start. Buehnerkemper shared, “Currently, my essay is 3/4 of the way finished. I have started three different essays and have had to start over on a new topic. It has for sure been stressful due to the load of thought that goes into it. It is not easy to get your thoughts out on paper sometimes which makes the essay process difficult. Because I have not finished my essay, I feel like I have a big cloud looming over me until I finally get it done.”
Senior Mason Pyatt shared his opinion about the application essay process from the other side of the stress, stating, “I’ve written the majority of my essay. The hardest part was figuring out what story I wanted to tell because it feels like such a big decision. Once I found my topic, it became easier—I actually enjoyed writing it because it gave me a chance to reflect on who I am.”
A handful of schools offer rolling admissions rather than Regular Decision, which alleviates some stress regarding the application procedure. Rolling admissions is a process that allows students to apply anytime up until the class is full, and closes at a May 1st Deadline. This process allows for students to hear back from the college applied to in as little as two weeks, alleviating some stress about hitting a certain deadline.
Pyatt stated his thoughts regarding the process of rolling admissions, “A few of my schools have rolling admissions, but I’m also applying Early Action to some because I like the idea of finding out sooner. It helps ease a little bit of the stress knowing I’ll get some answers back earlier in the year.”
No matter how our seniors go about the application process, it’s most important to remember to not stress, and to take their time in writing personal essays. Everyone will move at their own pace, so it’s best to not fall into a pattern of comparing yourself to peers. Best of luck to all seniors as they complete their college essays and applications, and wait for the much-anticipated decisions.
Bailee Wierman, Staff Writer
wieba26@sages.us
The Sage Informer 
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