Here’s a short extra post. This stressful week has ended on a happy note for me!
First of all, nearly every student has submitted their early applications, as I stated in an earlier blog post (meant to go out today, mistakenly went out late last week). If you are holding off on a few applications, please push that button today.
Why does submitting at 11:59 on Wednesday, November 1st create more stress?
You may inadvertently miss a deadline by cutting it too close.
If a college’s email you need to open your portal takes 5 days to reach you (check your Spam), you may miss connecting the SRAR on time.
If a college wants something unexpected for your application to be complete (like the University of Maryland’s requirement of a college transcript for dual enrollment courses taken before senior year), you will miss the deadline if there is no grace period. (It is not the only college asking for this.)
Waiting is simply more stressful than moving forward! That’s why I’m so happy that nearly everyone is moving on to focusing on essays for Regular Decision applications.
And, on an extra happy note: I have been receiving exciting emails and texts about acceptances…including one very impressive (and very early) ED! Congratulations!
As the real witching hour for many--midnight on Wednesday, November 1st--approaches, just about all of my students have submitted their applications due at that time. Most submitted them closer to my October 15th submissions deadline. Still, there’s been a bit of seasonally-appropriate fright, mostly a refrain about one topic this past week:
“My teacher hasn’t submitted his/her letters yet! Should I not submit my application?”
The answer, of course, is “yes!” It behooves you to get that application in as soon as it is complete. While the application isn’t reviewed until every required part is in, the college still downloads it when you push the button. Colleges get an onslaught of last-minute submissions--why not separate yours from the pack? Show your ability to manage your time as well as your enthusiasm about each college by submitting as soon as you are satisfied with the application.
A second topic:
“I can’t send in my application because I’m still waiting for my scores from my October test!”
While there are a few colleges in the most-competitive category that need those scores either self-reported or sent from the testing agency by the November deadline, these schools are in the minority. This year, I have only one student in this category.
For most students, this situation gives you a great excuse to make contact with your admissions rep and ask if it’s ok to let them know your scores (which may include a superscore from earlier dates) as soon as you get the most recent scores. Most will tell you to add your scores to your portal, which you will have access to after you apply. If your earlier scores are not up to the college’s 50-75% percentile and you are praying for a miracle October score, check “not submitting scores” on your application. You can always submit scores that way; however, if you check that you do want your scores considered as part of your application, you must submit them.
Remember that you are in control of this part of the college process! I’m so proud of my students for working ahead of deadlines. Happy Halloween to all!
I am excited to meet with my sophomores and juniors to begin making college visit plans and list building. However, sometimes students and families aren’t ready for the conversation. But where to start?
Before booking the proverbial trip to Boston (MIT, Harvard, and Northeastern have single digit admit rates), why not start smart, go online, and see what you can learn for free? (There is a lot of misinformation, so please stick with these sites.)
Less College Stress families: go onto your page and read about every college-the Fiske Guide (below) is included for free. Use the links in the Researching/Visiting colleges file! In fact, explore all your files...there’s much to be discovered about every aspect of the college process. While you are college shopping through through the Less College Stress system, try these:
Fiske Guide: the most comprehensive college guide, offering information about every feature of a college, plus possible overlaps and top programs. (free through my system, not outside it.)
College Navigator: play with exploring schools by Geography, Major, Type of degree and Institution, Undergraduate Student Enrollment, Tuition, Campus setting, % of applicants admitted, Test Scores, Varsity Athletic teams, and Religious Affiliation. (under Research within any College Profile) College Navigator.
Campus Reel: see great videos of campuses and follow students through their days at school. (under Research within any College Profile) https://www.campusreel.org/
Loper: a college app that works like a dating app. Download, start your account, enter all your must-haves, and Loper will offer up colleges to swipe on. Link Loper to your Less College Stress system so I can see the schools you like. https://www.getloper.com/
Rather than booking a major trip, visit a few campuses in your area on a Saturday or Sunday. Think about what "driving distance" means to your family. Not sure if you are open to an urban campus? Walk the campus at a large state school, a mid-sized college (app. 4,000-10,000), and a small liberal arts college to get a sense of what you prefer. Explore, talk to students, and keep an open mind. If you can see yourself in every scenario, that’s fine. Rule out what you don’t want. I am here to fill in all the details, provide the data, and refine the list later!
