With the early action deadline for college applications coming up on November 1, many seniors have begun to focus more seriously on applying for college.
Since the second semester of junior year, the seniors have been getting tedious reminders about the steps they need to take in order to prepare for application deadlines. By this time, seniors should have started their Common Application, written their personal essays, and looked at application requirements for their specific colleges.
Senior Dempsey Ciconte ’26 is ahead of the game, having already submitted all of her applications, which lifted the stress off her shoulders and has allowed her to enjoy the start of a fun senior year.
“I knew I wanted to be on top of everything before school started,” Ciconte said. “Right when the Common App opened, I filled out everything I could. I had started my essays all junior year, so all I had to do was edit them, and they were good to go. I’m so happy that I don’t have to make time for homework and all my application stuff, now, the only stressful thing is waiting to hear back and see where I got in.”
The application process looks very different depending on the student. Chase Gordon ’26 though still on track, is nowhere near finished with his applications. With having worked all summer and now being busy with school work and Devils Den, he hasn’t had a chance to set aside time to grind out his applications and get them submitted.
“I started the broad part of my Common App and I wrote my essay last year,” Gordon said. “This year has been busy so far so I haven’t had a chance yet to look at my individual applications or submit anything yet. I’m hoping to submit my applications early action, so I’ll sit down and finish them soon.”
While all seniors are in a different spot, it should be emphasized that they need to have started the Common App and their essays. The school counselors are a great resource to help students get started and feel less overwhelmed. School counselor Jennifer Vick urges her students not to avoid starting their applications to help with stress leading up to deadlines.
“My biggest tip for seniors would be to block out some time on the weekend separate from homework and just focus on applications,” Vick said. “Literally put it on your calendar so you don’t forget and just get started. Seniors should try to make time to be able to apply early action because it works in their favor when their the first pool of applicants colleges look at.”
Seniors should not stress about applications because they still have time. Vick has reminded students that while the process can feel overwhelming, breaking it into small steps and starting now will make deadlines much more manageable.
“The hardest part of the process is hitting the submit button and waiting for acceptances,” Vick said.
