Applying to college is basically like running a marathon—but with essays, deadlines, and a sprinkle of existential dread. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here’s a mix of real talk and solid advice from students who’ve been through it and lived to tell the tale.
Don’t Let Perfection Paralyze You
One student said, “Stop obsessing over every tiny detail. Your essays don’t need to sound like Shakespeare, and your resume doesn’t have to scream ‘future Nobel Prize winner.’ Just be real.” Another added, “I spent weeks reworking my essay because I thought it wasn’t deep enough. In the end, it was the version where I just wrote like myself that worked best.”
Start Early, Stress Less
Procrastination is tempting, but the students agree: don’t do it. “I started my apps the week before deadlines, and it was literal chaos. Give yourself time to actually think things through—it makes a huge difference,” one student said. Another shared, “Even if you don’t finish everything early, just having a draft done takes so much pressure off when deadlines get closer.”
Quality Over Quantity (Always)
When it comes to extracurriculars, focus matters. “It’s better to have a few activities you’re passionate about than a laundry list of random clubs you barely showed up for,” one student pointed out. Another said, “I used to think I needed to join everything to look impressive. Turns out, colleges care more about what you actually contributed than the number of things you did.”
Don’t Ignore Your Safety Schools
Your dream school is great and all, but safety schools matter too. “I applied to a safety just in case and ended up falling in love with it. The smaller class sizes and scholarship money were a game-changer,” one student shared. Another added, “Your safety school isn’t a failure—it’s a backup plan. And backup plans are smart.”
Trust the Process (Seriously)
Rejections suck, but they’re not the end of the world. One student said, “I got rejected from my top choice and was crushed. But now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Sometimes, things work out better than you expect.” Another said, “You’re more than where you go to college. Focus on your goals and how you’re going to reach them, no matter where you end up.”
