College. That’s all we seniors ever talk about these days. Throughout this both stressful and exciting time in our lives, we constantly are thrown advice and guidance about getting into the school of our dreams. For what seems like a boatload of paperwork and essays, it really boils down to these five key points.

How many schools should I apply to?  Generally, the average person applies to six to eight colleges: a few reach schools, a couple target schools, and a safety or two. Some apply to two or three while others will submit up to 15 applications. But as much as we want a clear answer on how many schools we should apply to, there isn’t one. The number of schools you apply to reflects how many you are truly interested in and how many schools you feel you will succeed at.

How do I perfect my essay?  The essay is a way to really “sell yourself” to the admissions board. It’s a way to show who you are, make a good impression, and show insight into your personality and why you are a perfect fit for their school. Whether you have to write a 200 or 700 word essay, you want to show who you are, not simply what you’ve done. In speaking with English teacher Mrs. Hersam, she recommended that it is of the utmost importance to, “get across who you are as a person” and to “reveal your personality.” By doing so, the admissions board will be able to get a feel for your passions and personality to best inspect your admittance to the school.

What should my test scores be? There has been quite a bit of talk lately about more and more schools not requiring test scores any longer. This is because as educational institutions, schools are aware that many standardized tests do not fully take into account the position you may be in on the day of the exam. A cold, a bad morning, or a variety of other factors go into your life all affect how you perform that day. This may not be the best representation of you as a student. One point on the ACT may not have as big of an effect on your admissions to the school as you think. However, it is still important that you get your test scores in properly and on time to the school as it still as a way the board can examine your performance and aptitude as a student.

What are the deadlines? After all of your hard work and time you have put into the application process, it is important to know your desired school’s deadlines. Check the university’s website to ensure that you turn everything in on time because the school will not be lenient about tardiness of your application or other materials. One day or even a few hours can negatively affect your admittance into the school.

How stressed should I be?  In the end, there is a college for everyone. Everything works out the way it is supposed to. LFHS alumni Maddy Moore weighed in on her opinion on the stress level in applying for colleges. “Applying to college can be stressful or not stressful–it’s up to you. I finished all of my applications before November and had the opportunity to not stress over all of them while my friends were. Applying to college is a pressure-filled time, and understandably so, but it can be an easier process if you plan ahead. You’ll get in somewhere; it doesn’t have to be a school that everyone knows the name of either. We all have preferences and your individuality should play into your decision.”