High school seniors are entering one of the busiest stretches of the year as they prepare college applications, and students interviewed at RM said cost, essays and timing are the biggest pressures. Practical steps and planning can reduce last‑minute stress and help keep options open.
Prioritize affordability and make a realistic college list
Many seniors said price is a primary filter when choosing where to apply. Students who must consider family finances or plan for graduate school said they rank institutions by projected total cost rather than prestige alone. Experts recommend compiling a list with a range of price points — “safety,” “match” and “reach” schools — and checking each college’s net‑price calculator to estimate expected family contribution and available grant aid.
- Use colleges’ net‑price calculators early to compare likely costs rather than sticker tuition.
- Include public in‑state options and community colleges if affordability is a major concern.
- Consider future plans — students aiming for professional school may weigh undergraduate cost with graduate‑school financing in mind.
Start the personal statement in pieces
Students described the 650‑word personal statement as one of the most difficult parts of the Common Application. Writing experts and counselors advise beginning with short exercises — lists of meaningful experiences, turning points, and what motivates you — then shaping those notes into a single narrative. Drafting over weeks, rather than in a single session, helps with revision and keeps the essay from feeling forced.
- Draft multiple short versions of a story and then combine the strongest elements into the required word limit.
- Seek feedback from teachers or counselors, and give them time to read and comment.
- Focus on showing rather than telling: concrete details and actions convey character more effectively than broad claims.
Work, time management and support
Some seniors said they are working part time to contribute toward college costs and to gain experience. Balancing a job with applications requires clear scheduling: set weekly goals for applications, essays and recommendation requests, and block calendar time for uninterrupted writing and edits.
- Request recommendations early and provide recommenders with a résumé and a brief summary of your intended major and activities.
- Use application trackers — spreadsheets or apps — to monitor deadlines, required supplements and submission status.
- Reserve time for breaks to avoid burnout during a long application season.
College application season combines financial decisions, writing and logistics. Breaking each task into manageable steps — estimating costs, drafting essays early, and organizing deadlines — can lower stress and keep seniors on track as they complete their submissions.
