When Senior year begins, so does the difficulty of balancing academics with college applications, and sometimes it can be hard to see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel they create. I asked current Seniors if they had any advice looking back at their applications, and here is what they had to say.

Before Applications (9th-11th):

-Document everything you do in high school, whether you think it’s relevant or not; you’d be surprised how many small things end up being helpful for supplemental essays and interview questions. 

-Make sure to record your accomplishments with specific details and numbers.

-When you’re touring schools or learning about them, talk to a current student there.

– Student conversations will give you a better sense of the school than any tour or information session; if you don’t know anyone, ask your counselor to connect you with Marymount alumni. 

– Visit at least some schools before you apply so you know what you like. Why waste time applying to a school that wouldn’t be a good fit?

During Applications (12th):

-Start as early as possible – finish your Common App essay over the summer.

-There’s a lot more to do than you think, so make a document to keep track of every deadline, task, and supplemental essay.

-Create a master document (with multiple tabs) to house all of your work (essays, supplemental essays, activities section, etc.).

-Some colleges have similar supplemental essay questions – if you’re strategic and think ahead, you’ll be able to write essays in a way that works for more than one school.

-Allocate designated times or mini deadlines for yourself each week so you keep pace.

-Apply to as many schools EA (early action) as possible.

– Get your testing done as early as possible.

–  Use your resources, such as college counselors, because there are a lot of deadlines/info you can miss.

– While the process is stressful, remember to enjoy it because your supplemental essays reflect all of your accomplishments and are something to be proud of!!!