Once November ends, so do college applications. With college applications coming to a close, here is some information and advice for future students applying to colleges.
College applications can seem intimidating when you first start applying. Especially when it comes to deciding on colleges.
“I believe the toughest part of the process is knowing what schools you want to apply to. Once you have made up your mind up about the schools, the process is rather simple,” said Counselor Dave Vigneault.
One of the best ways to help you decide on which colleges you want to go to is to have a general idea of what you want to major in.
“Have some sort of idea of what you want to do, or where you see yourselves in the future,” said senior Amanda Huynh. “From there, researching different schools, touring different campuses, or just talking to older family/friends who have been through that process are all great ways to get a start.”
After doing some research, start applying to colleges! It is never too early to start!
“My advice is to start early and keep working on it. You’ll probably delete sizable amounts of your statements/essays (I deleted two of my essays). Also, memorize your social security number which is important in general for applications and scholarships,” said senior David Miranda.
“Starting early will do your future self a favor and save all that time and stress. Stay focused in school and expand your application with variety to give the admissions officers more reasons to consider you,” said Huynh.
When applying to college, students no longer have to mail their applications to the college of their choice. Students can now apply online!
“All colleges these days have an online platform for which to apply. California State University has Cal State Apply. The University of California has its link. Common Application is a one-stop shop for hundreds of colleges and universities around the country,” said Vigneault.
One of the various parts of filling out an application is to write an essay. It can be hard to come up with an essay topic but try to find one that will make you stand out more. Even though some colleges do not require you to submit an essay, if they leave it as an option, it is a good idea to submit it anyway.
“The most difficult part of my application process was getting started with the essays. I had so much to say but to stay within the word limit. The essays have kept me constantly stressed for the past few months, especially since I really want to get into my dream school,” said Huynh. “If I could go back, I would’ve started preparing sooner and starting the process sooner as well. I wasted so much time trying to think of my essay topics when I could’ve been writing them already.”
Once you are done filling out the application, all you need to do now is submit it! But remember, a majority of colleges require an application fee.
“Oftentimes students and parents forget there is a fee for each application. Fees can range from $50 – $100 for each application submitted,” said Vigneault
Even though college costs a lot of money, there are ways to make it affordable.
“Some students do not apply to college because they feel they will not be able to afford it. Apply! There are plenty of opportunities to get financial aid. If you do not apply to schools, you can not get linked to financial aid,” said Vigneault.
If students do not plan to apply to a university but plan to apply to community colleges more information will be available for the student come the spring semester of their senior year.
“In regards to junior colleges in California, Cerro Coso is a good resource for JC information. If a student will be attending Cerro Coso, they should know that CCCC Admissions will be visiting all Government and Economics classes in the spring semester to review its school, and the application process, and to help students apply and choose classes,” said Vigneault.
If students have any more questions about the application process in the future, visit your counselor or send them an email with your questions.
