by Cole Werner
(Atlanta, Ga)
Did you know that 78% of high school seniors do not get accepted to their first choice for college? As schools get harder and harder to get into, this number is bound to be on the increase. Unfortunately, I was also included in this percentage, but I am also very satisfied with my other options and choices for my future college.
by Daniel Okuniewicz
(Newton, New Hampshire, USA)
INTRODUCTION
The college applications process can seem really convoluted and confusing. I went through the application process two years ago, and I have to say I was lucky enough to have been accepted into a school I really wanted to go to. There are two major things I want to cover: competition and timing.
COMPETITION
The application process for a really competitive school is going to be slightly different from one that is not so competitive. I will draw from my experience applying to MIT (I didn't get accepted). Standardized test scores were a big factor—despite what MIT will tell you about how standardized tests aren't everything, to be brutally honest, standardized test scores do carry a lot of weight or else they wouldn't ask for them. MIT required me to submit SAT/ACT scores (in my case, ACT) as well as specific SAT subject tests. Next, competitive schools like MIT usually have their own application form, usually online, so no common app for these schools. And finally, many of them will require you to schedule an in-person interview. The most important thing to keep in mind, though, is that you should apply to these schools just for the heck of it and don't be too disappointed if you aren't accepted. Keep in mind that these schools are so competitive that they can't even accept everyone who is qualified! My most important advice here is to apply to a variety of schools with different levels of competition. If you apply to Ivy-Leagues only and don't get accepted to any of them, then you'll have to wait a long time to apply again. Apply to one or two safety schools that you know for sure you'll be accepted to.
TIMING
When should you start applying for school? If you can afford to, immediately is the safest bet. Schools will tell you that the time you apply at doesn't affect your chances of being accepted, but let's be honest, it probably has a small effect. However, there is one very practical reason to apply early, and that is to give you plenty of time to (1) decide which school you want to go to and (2) apply for financial aid! The earlier you apply, the earlier you get accepted, and the earlier you get accepted and make a decision, the more time you can devote to applying for scholarships and grants. And lastly, getting accepted to a great school early on gives you a lot more time to brag and show off your accomplishments—or at the very least have your family do the bragging and showing off for you.
CLOSING
The one thing to take away is this: apply early and apply to many. The number one reason is for the safety net that both of these provide you—one with the safety net of having a school to go to, and the other is the safety net of being able to pay for school. Remember these two things and you can accomplish your goals.
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