With Christmas behind us, the countdown to January college application deadlines is underway. Many high school seniors are likely eager to press ‘submit’ and be done with their applications. However, while the finish line is in sight, students should be careful to edit and polish their applications with care and attention to ensure that their materials are ready to be reviewed by admissions officers. Whether you are applying regular decision or EDII, here are five critical steps you should take to enhance your submissions and increase your chances of admission.
Double-check the application requirements at each school on your list to ensure that you do not have any oversights. Confirm that transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters are accurate, up-to-date, and have been successfully submitted. Additionally, verify the specific submission deadlines for each college on your list, as they may vary. Staying organized in this regard will ensure that your applications are complete and reach their destinations on time. If you have not already done so, create a written list of deadlines and requirements for each school on your list and post it in a visible space in your house so that your family members are aware and can support you in completing your applications on time.
Your personal essay (or Common App essay) is the narrative core of your college applications, offering unique insight into your character and values. A polished essay reflects not only your writing skills but also your commitment to presenting your best work. Take the time to review and refine it meticulously. Ensure your writing is not only clear and concise but also compelling and authentic. Seek feedback from your parents, friends, or older siblings to gain fresh perspectives and make necessary revisions that showcase your unique voice. Reading your essay aloud to a trusted person can also allow you to evaluate whether your writing flows elegantly and expresses your voice effectively.
Likewise, it is important to reread and strengthen your supplemental essays, as they convey specific information to a college about your candidacy and interest in their program. Apart from grammar, spelling, and organizational edits, you should verify that your essays are specific, authentic, and demonstrate your knowledge about each particular school to which you are applying. You should demonstrate a keen awareness of the school’s unique campus culture and academic offerings—if you feel your essay could do this better, go back to your notes from your campus visit and search the school’s website to find more tangible examples to include in your essay.
Typos and grammatical errors can detract from the impact of an otherwise standout application. Conduct a meticulous proofread of all written components, including essays, short answers, activities lists, and any additional statements required by specific colleges. Tools like Grammarly can be a helpful asset in this stage of your application. If you repurposed any of your essays for multiple schools, be sure to verify that you changed the details accordingly; don’t accidentally tell Yale all about how Princeton is the perfect place for you!
Some colleges (particularly Ivy League and other top schools) include interviews as part of the application process. If applicable, familiarize yourself with common interview questions and practice articulating your thoughts coherently. Research each college’s policies to determine whether the interview is an optional or required component, and prepare accordingly to present the best version of yourself. Your supplemental essays are a great source for interview material, and identifying the most important overarching themes and aspects of your essays is foundational to presenting your candidacy compellingly in your interview.
Feeling anxious or stressed in anticipation of submitting your applications is normal and understandable. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the pressure, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your parents, guidance counselor, private college admissions consultant, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights, offer constructive feedback, and help alleviate any concerns you may have about the final stages of the application process. Keep in mind that taking the time to relax and care for your mental health is equally as important as proof reading and interview prep and will likewise enable you to succeed in the admissions process. No matter where you are in your submission process, you can take comfort in the fact that you are nearly finished. Take it one day at a time and make time to celebrate your accomplishments.