The college application process is all at once daunting and exhilarating. There are programs and majors and supplementals and scholarships to think about; many feel uncertain throughout the process, feeling the weight of the future on their shoulders. When decisions are released, feelings of elation, disappointment, and anxiety consume us. It is a grueling experience, but entirely exciting and rewarding in its own way.
To ease your worries, we asked a few WP alumni to respond to juniors’ and seniors’ most common FAQs about applying to college. It is our hope that these responses will provide insight and comfort to those anticipating or currently engaged in the college application process.
Disclaimer: Alumni merely reported their advice, based on their own experiences. Note that everyone’s experience is different and that what one student prefers may vary from what another prefers. You may decide to take a different approach in your college application process—and that’s okay! Accept only the advice that you feel will be helpful to you.
FAQ #1: How do you decide what colleges you want to apply to? How many colleges should I apply to?
Sydney (WP ‘23): The first thing I decided was the kind of college I wanted to attend. Did I want to go to a big school, or a small one? Did I want to stay close to home, or leave New Jersey and find out what it’s like to live away? What kind of atmosphere was I looking for? For me, I liked the idea of being at a small to midsize school with smaller classes so that I could foster deep, meaningful connections with both my professors and my classmates. I also knew that I wanted to stay close to home. Keeping these ideas in mind, I started touring and looking online at colleges that satisfied my standards. Once I found a few, I started looking into the programs they offered, the overall quality of the college, and if I could see myself going there for the next four years. It can be hard to narrow your choices, and I don’t believe there is a magic number for the amount you should apply to. You should apply to however many make you comfortable. In other words, you feel that you have a range of options that isn’t overwhelming, but also doesn’t feel like your options are too scarce. Definitely, however, don’t be afraid to apply to the schools you are interested in because of the acceptance rate. Apply to reach schools, safeties, and in-betweens – you never know what might happen! Also keep in mind whether or not you are applying to a school because you want to, or just to add another option. After all, this is where you take your education to the next level – you want to make each decision count.
Jess (WP ‘23): There are a multitude of factors that guide you in the right direction on choosing a college. Factors include your interests or intended major, the size, and the location. No more than 8 schools, but it is all personal preference. Giving yourself a wide range of schools to choose from may be stressful when narrowing down the right one. However, if you transfer then you will have a selection of schools to pick from.
Alaina (WP ‘23): Consider what you want to be surrounded by in order for you to take your education seriously and also enjoy at the same time. Sometimes, students choose big schools with big classes or small schools with small classes and end up not being able to learn properly in those settings. You’re literally paying for your education, and you want to end up in a school where you will succeed academically, because that will transfer to how much fun you have outside of the classroom. Conversely, if you are failing classes, I promise going out to parties is not going to feel as fun. In terms of how many you should apply to… well it depends how much money you want to spend on applications and how much time you can dedicate to each application. Focus on applying to schools you really want to go to and dedicate your effort to those, then do the experimental apps.
FAQ #2: How do we decide if we should apply Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision?
Sydney (WP ‘23): It depends on where you stand. If you have your dream college picked out, and know exactly where you want to go – no ifs, ands, or buts – then Early Decision might be right for you. However, know that applying Early Decision binds you to that college, meaning that is where you will be spending the next four years of your life. You do not get to choose. Make sure you are 100% certain that no place is better for you. However, if you’re not sure, which is completely okay, Early Action or Regular Decision may be best for you. Picking between these two depends on when you want to hear back. You will hear back from the college significantly earlier if you do Early Action. In addition, you may stand out to that college for applying early. Waiting for Regular Decision is also completely okay, and it gives you more time to polish your applications. However, you’d have to be okay with not hearing back from the college until late March – early April, which can be cutting it close to decision day on May 1st.
Sunnina (WP ‘22): I would say, I don’t think there is too much of a difference between your chances of getting in early or getting in regularly (unless there’s a significant difference in statistics, which most places don’t have). I would map out at the end of summer (like July/August before Senior year) some colleges you’re thinking of applying to, and then piece together a do-able timeline. If one offers early action and its regular application date is the same as four other colleges, just do that one early! And for your own sanity’s sake, the earlier you are done with them, the earlier you are free from college apps. As for early decision, remember that it is binding – make sure you like where it is! It feels like a big decision, but listen to your heart.
Jess (WP ‘23): If a student applied to a college Early Decision, then it is binding; they have to attend the college. However, if a student applied Early Action, then it is not bdining–they hear back early, but do not have to commit to a college until May 1st. Regular Decision means that students did not apply in the early round, and will receive admission in the spring–usually around late-March into early-April. If you already know what you want to do career wise and have a top choice for a school then applying to ED would be beneficial, but if you change your mind there is no going back since it is a binding commitment. Most students apply Early Action to their schools, so they will hear back early.
Alaina (WP ‘23): All of those depend mostly on how much you want to go to the school and the chance you want to give yourself to get in.
FAQ #3: Do you have any tips on writing your college essay? Your supplemental essays?
Sydney (WP ‘23): When I was writing my college essay, I was told not to write about things admissions officers have read before – injuries, parental divorce, life-changing events – you want to come up with something creative that helps you stand out. However, these things, no matter how much they’ve occurred, make significant and profound impacts on one’s life. I don’t think you writing about an injury will cause you to get rejected solely because it’s been done before. After all, the essay is not the sole deciding factor in your admission. Moreover, I like to think about it in terms of baking – our options would be pretty limited if only one person could make chocolate chip cookies. It’s every person’s unique take on the classic that makes it so special. Find your own unique take. Colleges want to know more about who you are, something the grades, achievements, and extracurriculars can’t tell them. Give them that insight into your personality, and find that unique take that makes you so special!
Sunnina (WP ‘22): Tell a story, show your passion/research and be creative! I think that including little tidbits in my essays (like a specific, crazy Starbucks drink someone ordered when I talked about being a barista for example) helped me come off as a real person. Admissions officers go through so many applications in a short amount of time, just do your best to represent who you are with the space you are given. Don’t stretch for a crazy metaphor, but allow yourself to be creative with your mundane experiences – they are more special than you think! As for “research”, do a little dive into what the school culture is like. Are you looking forward to making memories in UMass Amherst’s amazing dining halls, or cheering on the BU Terriers at hockey games? Or taking a marine biology class only offered at UMiami because of its location? It shows that you care, and their admission decision really does matter to you. Remember, there is no formula – and real people are reading what you put all your effort into.
Jess (WP ‘23): Do not be shy! Open up about your passions, and any stories from your childhood or upbringing that had an impact on your life and that made you who you are today. Add detail, but be straight to the point–try not to stray from your main focus in your writing.
Alaina (WP ‘23): Write about something you do everyday, something you know well, or something that affects the person you are today, whether that’s eating cereal every morning, drinking a glass of water before you sleep, or taking the same drive to school everyday. There is something so moving about revealing how the seemingly-boring everyday tasks we do affect us as people, and what changing those things could do to our individual perspectives of the world. Writing about something like this is also really relatable in the audience’s eyes, which is always something to consider when writing your essay. My biggest advice is to have someone else read it. Something personal may come off so much different to you than to others.
FAQ #4: You’ve received multiple acceptances. What factors should we consider when deciding what college to attend?
Sydney (WP ‘23): This is the exciting part! At this stage, you’ll really want to consider the proximity of each college, the quality of the learning experience, and the life inside of the campus. Go on tours (in-person or virtual) and really consider if you can see yourself spending the next four years at each college. Are you okay with being close or far from home? Does the learning environment feel enriching enough? Does the overall atmosphere excite you? It’s also a great idea to connect with alumni to hear about their experience with absolute genuinity.
Sunnina (WP ‘22): This was a huge struggle for my indecisive self. The most helpful approach was making a chart with the factors I value the most (ex: breadth of academics, good social life, school culture, arts and music), ranking my top five choices within these categories, and adding them up to see which scored the best. Finances are also a huge factor, and that is a discussion you should have with your parents. I did not choose based on US News Rankings, or what was perceived as the “best school one got into”. These are four years of your life – where can you see yourself succeed, find community, explore your interests, and at the end of the day, be happy?
Jess (WP ‘23): Factors to include could be how good the program of your area of study is, the location whether you would want to dorm or commute, and the size as well if you want a large school or medium to small school. Once you have narrowed down these factors then it may make choosing a college much more efficient.
Alaina (WP ‘23): After receiving multiple acceptances, consider the money, unless you are super rich and it doesn’t matter (in that case, choose whatever college makes you happy and keeps you motivated to study). College can get expensive really quick! But you also need to consider whether or not you are going to attend graduate school, which is basically any kind of school you plan on attending after college like medical, law, or dental schools or even graduate programs, because those cost money as well.
FAQ #5: How do we deal with college rejections?
Sydney (WP ‘23): Getting a rejection can be heartbreaking, especially when it’s unexpected. I am a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason. I would think of it like this: “If I get rejected, I wasn’t meant to go there.” A rejection does not mean that you aren’t smart, you aren’t worthy, or that you aren’t good enough. Some colleges don’t realize how special you truly are, and it can sometimes be hard to tell what colleges are looking for. Try not to take rejections personally. You will end up where you are meant to be, somewhere that is just right for you.
Sunnina (WP ‘22): Why would you want to date someone who doesn’t want to date you? It probably just wasn’t meant to be. Onto the next!
Jess (WP ‘23): Do not give up! One college rejection does not determine how smart or intelligent you are. Everything happens for a reason, and it will bring you closer to where you are meant to be.
Alaina (WP ‘23): I really like the 5-by-5 rule that says if it won’t matter 5 years down the line, then try not to be upset about it for more than 5 minutes. Wherever you end up going, you are going to eventually forget where you got rejected from. And anyway, in five years, it won’t really matter where you went for college, so don’t get too upset over where you couldn’t go and be grateful for where you ended up.
FAQ #6: How do we begin to navigate the financial aid process? Where should we look for scholarships?
Jess (WP ‘23): Filing the FAFSA is essential as well as going online and looking for different scholarship opportunities. Asking guidance counselors as well is beneficial to the process.
Alaina (WP ‘23): There are a ton of step-by-step instructions for financial aid, so I suggest doing a quick search or asking your guidance counselor. It’s a fairly easy process, but navigating it by yourself can get confusing. You want to make sure you are taking your time with it because it is really easy to overlook questions, and doing that can lead to you not getting as much financial aid as you deserve. There are so many scholarships! Applying for scholarships are really important, and you might get a lot of advertising emails, but trust me it’s worth it to do a survey or a short essay when you get thousands of dollars to dedicate towards school!!
FAQ #7: Who or what can seniors turn to for help/advice throughout the college application and financial aid process?
Sydney (WP ‘23): Definitely look to your guidance counselor. College counselors may help, too!
Sunnina (WP ‘22): I think I visited Mrs. Cordeiro’s office almost every day the week before decision day, just to talk out what I was thinking and feeling. Your guidance counselors, teachers, parents, mentors, etc. are all there to help and support you. You can ask teachers whose opinions you really value to help look over essays. r/ApplyingToCollege is honestly helpful in moderation, but I always veered away from r/ChanceMe. Your control is over how you best represent your own individuality, it doesn’t help to compare yourself to others, although I get it! As for financial aid, there are some great online resources on YouTube and other open websites, and once again do not be afraid to have open conversations with your guardians or email financial aid offices. Remember, you can always appeal for more aid after as well, or compare packages.
Jess (WP ‘23): This time is a difficult and stressful time, but turning to guidance counselors, parents, and or alumni’s are more than willing to assist you in this process.
Alaina (WP ‘23): Make appointments with your guidance counselor! The worst thing you can do is just wait for them to come to you. You have to take control of your education. No one is there to baby you through it, so do the work and do the research, and maximize the resources and information your counselor gives you as a supplement to the knowledge you earn on your own.
FAQ #8: Overall, what do you wish you had known as a senior applying to college?
Sydney (WP ‘23): I wish I reassured myself more throughout the process. I was always so anxious waiting for each decision, and it would consume a lot of space in my mind on a daily basis. It’s important to know that everything will work out in the end – the storm will clear eventually, and you will find the right place for you!
Sunnina (WP ‘22): I hate to say such a cliché, but you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. I got into my dream program senior year, but could not attend due to external/financial factors. If you are doubting yourself thinking “there is no shot,” you just might be wrong! If you really like somewhere but don’t feel like you will get in, send an application anyways. A little bit of extra work and effort for a few days can be worth it for four years and more of fulfillment.
Jess (WP ‘23): As a homebody, taking time to look at the prices of each school would have changed my direction and guidance whether or not to dorm or commute. All depends on personal preference and it will be a different experience for everyone!
Alaina (WP ‘23): I wish I knew how much work went into each application. I found myself falling too close to deadlines. You have to make time for each application and make sure you’re reviewing each answer. It helps to have another set of eyes looking at your apps, but all of that takes time, and you need to make it. I know it’s a ton of pressure and sometimes it’s incredibly overwhelming, but the best thing you can do is write out the steps you need to take, maybe modeling it after someone else’s process, and having a counselor give it the ok. Then follow your steps, and the rest will handle itself. If you’re reading this, you are more than likely to get accepted somewhere because seeing this shows you care about your education to some degree. Perfecting your applications is going to get you an acceptance, but it’s also going to dictate the amount of scholarship money you get… so put in the time and the work to make it good!
