The 5 Scariest Things About College Applications
College application deadlines are approaching faster than ever, and students are scrambling to figure out what colleges they should apply to, what they should include in their applications, and how they balance their busy schedules to ensure they have enough time to complete and submit applications.
But beware, students — here’s more to college applications than just filling in the blanks. Continue reading to discover the five scariest things about college applications this Fall.
Crafting a college essay
When colleges decide who they want to accept into their programs, they look at criteria such as high school grades, what you do after school for fun, and ACT and SAT scores. Nowadays, with many schools taking strong consideration of other elements in a college application, writing a compelling college essay is more important than ever.
Not only do you have to think of an engaging life event that will serve as the core of your essay’s structure, but you also need to consider grabbing readers from the essay’s start, focus on deeper themes, approaching your subject from an entirely new perspective, and writing and editing several drafts. It’s pretty scary, isn’t it?
Early decision’s nonrefundable deposits
So, you have yet to have a chance to visit all the colleges on your list, and you've only submitted a portion of your applications, when out of the blue, one of your top five choices sends you an early decision notification. What do you do? How do you navigate this? Yikes.
To make matters worse, now you need to decide if you want to pay a non-refundable deposit to the school. What?!? The horror.
Applying for FAFSA
Financial aid is great. Applying for financial aid? Not the easiest task. You need to gather information, create your FSA ID, enter guardians’ information, and provide financial information. But that’s just the half of it. What’s even more terrifying? Waiting to see how much financial aid you’re able to receive.
Requesting recommendation letters
Asking for college recommendation letters can be quite a task. First, you've got to muster up the courage to ask your teachers or mentors. Then, you're on their timeline, hoping they don't forget or procrastinate. Plus, there's all this paperwork and specific guidelines to follow, making it feel like you're navigating a maze. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, from stress to relief when it's finally done.
Taking the ACT and SAT
Getting ready to take the ACT and SAT can feel spooky. You're in a dimly lit classroom, surrounded by fellow students in their exam day costumes (aka comfy pajamas). The clock on the wall ticks louder, as you try to remember those math formulas and complex grammar rules.
You're desperately searching for the right answers. So, beware, the ACT and SAT are lurking in the shadows of your college journey.
Fortunately, it doesn’t actually have to be scary.
Applying for college might seem like a daunting journey, but it doesn't have to be as terrifying as it seems when you have an Academic Coach by your side. With their guidance, the process becomes more of an easy journey. They help you navigate the maze of applications, essays, and deadlines, making sure you're well-prepared for each step.
An Academic Coach plays a pivotal role in elevating learners to higher levels of proficiency while bridging learning gaps. While others might be spooked by the college application process, you can face it with confidence, knowing you have a knowledgeable ally to help you conquer the admissions ghouls and goblins.
Want to learn how Swoon Learning’s online Academic Coaches can help you get into the school of your dreams? Get in touch with us today.
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