College Admissions Survival Guide

Applying to college may seem like a daunting and complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach you’ll be able to breeze through your applications. Here are a few tips to keep you on track and feeling confident as you go through the admissions process:

Start Early
Procrastination may seem tempting, but starting your applications early is key to staying stress-free. Set small deadlines for yourself, like finishing your personal statement by a certain date or researching schools on weekends. Spacing things out will give you time to breathe and make sure everything is polished before you hit submit. 

Why take early action? At FSC, applying early offers major advantages. Not only will you be among the first to hear back about your admission status, but you'll also be positioned for priority scholarship consideration and get first dibs on housing selection. Learn more

Stay Authentic
When writing your personal statement, remember: admissions counselors want to get to know you, not a version of you that you think they want to see. Don’t stress about trying to sound overly impressive or perfect. Your application doesn't need to be perfect to stand out. Tell your story in your voice – share your passions, your quirks, and what excites you about the future. 
 

Get Organized
Applications, essays, and deadlines can be a lot to keep track of. Keeping everything organized will save you a lot of headaches. Create a simple spreadsheet with deadlines, essay prompts, and requirements for each school. This way, you’ll have a clear view of what needs to get done and when. Plus, crossing things off the list feels amazing!
 

Ask for Letters of Recommendation Early
Your teachers, counselors, or mentors are busy people, so asking for letters of recommendation with plenty of time is not only polite, but it also ensures you get thoughtful, detailed letters. Reach out at least a month before the deadline and give them any information they might need to write a stellar recommendation.
 

Do Your Research
It’s easy to get caught up in rankings or peer pressure, but remember that the best college for you is one where you’ll thrive academically, socially, and personally. Take time to research each school, the programs they offer, and the extracurriculars that match your interests. Go beyond the websites, talk to current students and attend tours to get a real sense of campus life.
 

Double-check Everything
Before you hit submit, take a breather and review your entire application. Spelling errors, missing info, or forgetting to answer a question can happen, but they’re easy to avoid with a quick double-check. Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to give it a quick look; fresh eyes can catch things you might have missed.
 

Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Believe it or not, parts of the admissions process can actually be enjoyable. Visiting campuses, dreaming about your future college life, and writing about what you’re passionate about can be pretty exciting. Remember that this process is meant to help you find your ideal fit. You’ll end up where you’re meant to be, so trust the process and be proud of yourself for putting in the work!
 

Applying to colleges can be a time-consuming process, but with these tips, you’ll be cruising through it like a pro. Stay organized, be yourself, and remember to take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating those acceptance letters!

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