The college application process can be an overwhelming, stressful journey for seniors and their families. However, it can also be a rewarding experience that ultimately paves the way for your future. With that in mind, I am going to be sharing some takes from Apex High School seniors, and tips to help navigate through college applications! 

1. Start Early 

Getting on top of early admissions is key to less stress and better acceptance rates. A senior from Apex says, “I would say the earlier you get organized, the better, just so you have the peace of mind when you are applying.” Procrastination is your biggest enemy, but “taking it step by step and not overwhelming yourself is so important,” says KT, another senior at Apex. Making a list of your top schools, with safety and reach schools, will relieve some of the worry of acceptance and ease your overall application process.

2. Personal Essays 

The personal statement and essay is where you are able to share your personality as an individual, the challenges you have overcome, and the aspirations you have for your life. After asking Apex High School senior Luke what he was doing to set himself apart from other applicants, he said: “I wrote a list of morales, values, and extracurriculars I have on a piece of paper and elaborated on each of them so that it accurately reflects who I am.” Before final submission, sharing your essay to receive feedback and suggestions from a school counselor, teacher, or even a free online essay review is beneficial for college application success.

3. Financial Aid 

Taking advantage of scholarships is the number one way to financially support your future; however, it is also the most difficult part about the college application process. By researching, you can format the ones you are most likely to receive based on your interests, talents, or grades. Zen, a senior, isn’t worried about the application process; paying for tuition is her concern. “Scholarships are good for money, but if you don’t have financial stability at home to help with college, you are looking at student loans which are not good…” According to Forbes magazine, as of 2023, there is $1.75 trillion dollars in student loan debt; that is an insanely high number despite college being a huge resource for future success. When asked if college is too expensive, Zen responded with: “College is way too expensive for its importance to the world; if you are from a lower-income family and you are striving for higher education, you should be able to afford it without being in debt your whole life.” While this is still a hard situation to solve, programs like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), are available to provide specific financial aid for students. 

The college application process can be a challenging journey, but by following these tips and tricks, you can navigate it successfully. Starting early, building a balanced college list, crafting a compelling personal statement that highlights your unique qualities and talents are all key components of a successful application. More importantly, this is an exciting, rewarding opportunity to step into your future; good luck, Apex High School seniors!