What is college application season?

A period in the fall from about August to January, college application season is when seniors applying to four-year and two-year colleges begin their application processes.

Students start by narrowing down the list of schools they want to apply to and begin to complete their applications and supplemental essays. The main three portals that Los Al seniors use are the University of California Application, the Cal State University Application, and the Common Application that includes out-of-state public and private schools. Depending on the schools that seniors are applying to, they may have to deal with the stress of three independent applications that each ask for different requirements. 

What problems do seniors face when completing their applications?

The most significant and difficult problem that seniors often encounter is the temptation to procrastinate. Students face procrastination throughout their school careers, but when filling out their college applications, the consequences can be much greater.

“I feel as though I am rushed to finish an application and an essay. Right now my head is just filled with deadlines” Gloria Kim, a Los Al senior, said. 

Students often fall into the trap of procrastination due to fear of their overwhelming applications. However, holding it off only adds to the stress that seniors feel and often causes them to be more anxious and overwhelmed as due dates approach. 

“If you wait until the last minute, nine times out of ten, the site will crash and [students] will be very panicked,” said Mrs. Hutchinson, a Los Al counselor. 

Another part of college applications that seniors commonly struggle with is staying organized throughout the difficult process. With multiple deadlines to keep track of, staying organized is very important when completing applications. Mrs. Hutchinson suggested creating a checklist to make organization easier. 

“[After writing a checklist,] they know what they need to do, it’s written down, and then they can prioritize,” she said.

How are Los Al seniors feeling about their college applications?

Many seniors are dealing with extreme nerves regarding their college applications. 

Mrs. Shaeffer, the college and career counselor at Los Al, explained the emotions she has seen in her students.

“I think kids are both [nervous and excited] depending on the day. And [always] hopeful, I hope,” Mrs. Shaeffer said. 

Nandi Smith, a Los Al senior, shared her current experience completing her college applications. 

“[I’m] very stressed [about college applications]. I’m thinking about it a lot, but at the same time, I’m taking it slowly and starting with the basic information and working my way up,” she said.

Advice for seniors

Asking for help when they need it can help many students feel stuck about their applications. Los Al offers multiple workshops to help seniors as a part of the Los Al College Mini Series. These workshops offer extra assistance for students with the essay section of their applications, as well as providing more information to keep students well-informed. The school also hosts daily college visits where students can meet with college representatives.

College application season can be a stressful time for most seniors, but it is important to remember that resources are available to make students’ lives easier. The support Los Al offers ensures that no one feels alone in this overwhelming time.