Throughout a person’s life, the questions of employment and college always come up.  Once a person hits high school, they are most likely trying to find what they like or want to do in their future.  Right now, seniors are applying to colleges or narrowing their options on what college to attend.  This decision can be daunting as most experiencing it are teenagers deciding their fate for the rest of their lives.  That’s a tremendous decision.  So, here are some tips that could make this process a bit easier!

Colleges are becoming test-optional and are requiring slightly less from students.  One thing that can make your college application more appealing is to ask for a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.  A letter of reccomendation is a written statement about you as a student and person.  It helps if you have the “Student Recommendation Survey” filled out on Naviance because it will give the teacher writing your letter information about you.  The Naviance survey is boring, but it will help you so much.  It might not be required, but it will let colleges know you on another level.

Early action is an option for some colleges.  For a college or university that is high on your list, you can apply early action. Early action when you submit your application earlier than the general admission.  This can be beneficial because if you want to attend this school, early action increases your chances.  It also shows colleges you are very interested and committed.  At this point, scholarship money is available because they haven’t handed it out yet.  

A proactive goal to set is to apply to colleges by Thanksgiving break.  It will relieve stress, and you won’t be occupied by college applications.  Some schools have rolling admissions, so you know faster if you get accepted.  Having that pressure off your plate will relieve some stress.  

Something else that helps you know where to apply is attending college tours.  There can be a whole other vibe to a campus than you could imagine.  Touring in your junior year will also help a lot.  Walking into senior year aware of what colleges you’re interested in will alleviate stress.  I took a few tours junior year, and it helped so much.  It doesn’t matter if you know what major you are particularly interested in. Getting the feel of a college campus will assist you in this process.