For people careening down a college-bound pathway, it’s the time of year when deadlines are popping up like a game of whack-a-mole. Similar to the classic game, there are a couple of different approaches to take: option A is simply to swing and pray, but option B is to take a more systematic and timed approach. At AHS, what are the seniors’ attitudes on tackling their college applications and how on track are they?
Class of 2024 President Ally Morris spoke about her pace on applications. In regards to being the tortoise or the hare, Morris said, “Both, because I have gotten a lot of them done but at the same time I get motivated for one day and I’ll do them all but then I won’t do them for another three weeks.”
Morris is planning on applying to twenty-five schools, a far cry from the state average of six to eight.
“I think [college apps are] stupid. The application process is fine but it’s stupid how expensive it is to apply.”
Especially with the number of colleges she is applying to, Morris pointed towards the application fee waiver codes as an especially important factor in limiting her costs. She continued, “I’m obviously still gonna do it because I wanna go to college but the application process sucks. It’s ruining my life.”
Riley Ellyson is another senior ambitiously pursuing his applications but is feeling a bit behind in his progress.
“I fell off,” Ellyson said, “I was gonna apply early decision to Bowdoin College, and that’s a week from today, but things just didn’t come together fast enough.”
Many of the plans seniors make get pushed further off the table as they get into applications.
“I did have a plan, then decided I hated it, and just went for it,” Morris said.
Ellyson also brought up the multitude of supplemental questions that accompany applications via the Common App. The increased number of application tasks makes it all the more easy to fall behind.
Thinking of her own experience as an applicant, UCLA student and AHS alumni Kyra Alway said, “I did slack. Everyone in my class was for the most part doing their applications two weeks before they were due.”
She also shared some of the disparate attitudes between her and this year’s classes. “I feel like we were on track but your grade seems to be extra on it.” She also cautions this year’s students. “Remember that you’re trying to sell yourself. But, don’t stress out, things will get done and you will be ok. It doesn’t matter where you get into… But, apply to UCLA. Go Bruins!”
“The most important audience for college and scholarship essays is the student who is writing the essay.” Darcy Robins of the College and Career Center said. “Later in life, many students will remember at least parts of their college and scholarship essays, and in addition to their content, their voice, and their tone, maybe their process (frenzied or methodical) adds to making their essays even more reflective of who they are.”
No matter where you are, if you’re done or working on applications (or if you’re trying to be a Bruin), realize the resources you have around you to help. Visit the Tiger Opportunities Center or Darcy Robins with questions, they’re great resources.
