Applying to and preparing for college can be a confusing and stressful process! The key is knowing what you need to get done and when to do it. Some of the major aspects of college applications are brainstorming potential colleges, asking teachers for recommendation letters, filling on the Common Application, and writing your college essay.

During a COVID year, finding potential colleges may be difficult. Thankfully, many colleges have virtual tours and information sessions so you can find out more about their school. Don't forget to utilize Naviance either! Their SuperMatch college search feature allows you to choose from a variety of characteristics (location, size, cost, student life, diversity, etc.) to generate a list of potential colleges for you to apply to.

Most of the Common Application isn't too difficult to fill out. Most of it is information about you, your family, your coursework, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Starting this early, such as in the summer before senior year would be a good way to make sure you aren't too stressed when school starts. Be aware that not every school uses the Common Application. Many schools use the Coalition Application and schools that are part of a system, like the University of California campuses (UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc.), may have their own application. Although any additional applications can seem daunting, these applications are not too different from the Common Application, so don't be afraid to apply to these schools!

With recommendation letters, colleges want to know something more about you that helps show who you are beyond your baseline application. Pick teachers that you believe can show this. Maybe you really challenged yourself in this teacher's class or developed a new passion. Maybe you work with this teacher in a club after school. Whatever the case, try to pick someone who can add a new dimension to your application.

It's never too early to start writing/brainstorming topics for your college essay. This year's prompts can be found here. In particular, we found this resource helpful for brainstorming and this one helpful for finding good examples. Don't forget about the supplemental essays that colleges may have!

Other than this, make a list of deadlines for different colleges. Maybe you want to apply early decision, get into a special program, or receive a particular scholarship. Depending on the college, these could have different deadlines, so do your research! Keeping in touch with your guidance counselor is also very important in navigating this process. We can't cover everything here, but any important questions about college applications should probably be directed to your counselor.

Good luck with this process and don't forget to take a break every now and then!