Don't Slack on your College Apps

Hey seniors! Congrats on making it this far. I know the past 3 years have been crazy and this year isn’t going to be any different. Exams, club meetings, college prep classes, and a gang of senior activities are all piling high on your plate. Not to mention making sure you pass all your classes.

With so many things going on, it’s easy to get sidetracked. We wanted to make sure that you make time to apply to colleges before that good ol’ case of senioritis sets in. Applying to schools can be very overwhelming. So, Brownstone has gathered some tips to help you through the application process.

1. Research Schools
I can’t express how important it is to research the schools you want to attend. Don’t base your decision solely on one factor. For example, “I want to go to XYZ University because it has a beautiful campus that overlooks the beach.” Location is important, but you should also consider factors like what majors are offered, student housing, professors, student v. teacher ratio, etc.

2. Attend college information sessions.
Most colleges and universities host “preview days” or “information sessions” for prospective students in the fall. I recommend attending these so that you can get a better idea/feel of the school you’re applying to. A school may look better to you on online than in person. This is important to know so that you don’t waste money applying to a school that you’re not so crazy about after all.

3. Have a selection of schools.
Always have a list of schools (at least 5) you want to apply to. You should have your top tier schools and back-up schools in case you don’t get into your dream schools.

4. Personal Statement
Every school’s essay prompts are different. Make sure you articulate your reasons for wanting to attend the school, how you can be an asset to the school, and how the school can help you achieve your goals. This is where doing your homework on the school and its programs come in handy.

5. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row.
Make a check list of everything you need for each application. Make sure you have completed the SATs, your A-G subject requirements, order transcripts, request recommendations, etc.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Applying to colleges can be very stressful and sometimes confusing. Sit down with your high school counselor and discuss your options. Also, talk to your parents about your future; work together to develop a timeline. Seek the help of college students or friends who can help you with the process as well.

7. Apply for fee waivers.
College apps are not cheap! On average apps range from $60 to $100. If paying the application causes a financial hardship, you may be eligible or a fee waiver. Talk to your high school counselor and visit the school website to find out qualifications for fee waivers.

8. Don’t procrastinate.
Believe me time will fly by before you know it. Apps are due as early as the end of November and as late as the beginning of February. Start now if you haven't already! College applications are not something you can just put together overnight, especially considering how competitive the applicant pool is going to be. Figure out what schools you want to apply to and make a timeline that you can follow through.

9. Apply for scholarships.
It’s never too early to start applying for scholarships. Scholarship = FREE money! With the current economic hardships, many schools have been forced to raise their tuition. Take advantage of the opportunities out there to eliminate the costs of your education.

**Not a senior yet? Well it’s never too early to start researching and visiting colleges!

Below is some more advice from women in the Brownstone Women's Network that I hope will help guide and encourage you!

“Take the time to research what schools offer the best programs that you're interested in. Applying for college is hard work, especially during your senior year, but the work you do will pay off. Now this may be hard if you don't know what you want to major in, but at least research different universities. Take tours of campuses, talk to people (teachers, friends, parents, etc.) that may have gone there. You may find something you like about the school even if you’re undecided on a major. If I had done this, I likely would have ended up at a different school” – Aimee Cherry (CSU Long Beach, ’07)

“Write about personal situations. Ways that you've persevered in your life. Situations that you've overcome. They want to see that you can/will work hard. Have parents or family friend to read personal statement to make sure that your grammar is correct and that your sentences flow, etc.”- Alexis Barner (UC Berkeley, ’05; Northwestern University, ‘06)

"I applied to undergrad 6 years ago. I did not have any help. I question how I even got through the process. Many of the resources that are available now were not when I applied. I come from a family where I was the first generation to apply to a four year institution. I would say first do not wait to the last minute, be sure to pace yourself. Be honest with yourself about your study habits and about what you are interested in. Second, build a strong support system, whether it’s family or even friends. When I was applying my friends were my support system because we are able to relate to what each of us were experiencing. Third, when picking your schools be sure to have a top five and really think about the schools you want to go to. I know money may be a big consideration but leave that in God's hands. If you really want to go to a school and you don't have the funds a way will be made. You must apply to all scholarships and grants even if you think you will not get them. It’s a gamble you will lose some and win some. You just have prepare to expect the unexpected. You young ladies can do it. There is no excuse. Just be patient, productive, and ambitious and everything will fall into place. Good Luck.” - Jessica Williams (UC Santa Cruz '07, USC '09)

--Tymika Morrison

Brownstone Team