If I Could Do It All Over

The greatest piece of advice I can offer about tackling college applications is to spend some quality time researching schools, both before and after applying. If I could change one thing about my experience applying to college, I would be sure to focus less on the actual process of applying and spend more time asking, investigating, and reading about schools. This research can save quite a bit of energy and time. After hearing back from schools and finally faced with deciding on a college, I realized I had applied to a number of schools that I was not even considering going to. The number of hours I spent on the applications for these discarded schools could have been better spent improving my other applications, applying to other schools, or simply enjoying my senior year.

Whereas I dedicated many sleepless nights tinkering with my essays, trying to create the perfect application, I spent no more than a day deciding which schools to apply to. Even worse, I decided on schools based merely on cursory online searches and on reputation. I would suggest spending the end of your junior year and the summer before your senior year, talking with people who are currently at the schools you are considering, investigating programs at these schools, and, if feasible, visiting campuses. Even as early as your junior year, begin asking your parents, your teachers, and your classmates if they know anyone currently attending schools you are considering. You would be amazed at how many people this type of search produces. I have found that current college students who graduated from your own high school (perhaps old friends) and family friends are particularly helpful to talk to because they come from somewhat similar backgrounds and think somewhat similarly. Be more critical of advice and information from people who do not directly attend the school you are looking at.

So you have finally made contact with current students, now what do you ask? Ask them questions about everything and anything—academics, campus life, programs, services, and their general opinion. In retrospect I wish I had asked more practical and less abstract questions, such as, “How often do you go home?,” “What kind of freshman requirements are there?,” or “What is campus housing and dining set up?” Try to ask the same questions to different people. Varied responses give the best foundation of information from which to decide.

I also wish I had asked more questions about specific programs. Because I had very little inkling about what I wanted to study or to do with my life, I did not know which programs to ask about and simply did not ask. Little did I know, my lack of knowledge gave me all the more reason to ask. If you have any interests at all in any subject, ask if the particular school has special programs in that field or if that department is any good. If you are like I was and have no leaning in any direction, ask people about their specialties because that is what they know the best. Ask them if they are involved with any specific programs and what they think about their major. You could also ask if the school is particularly known for any department or program.

It is by far the best to talk with current students about classes and courses, but if you have time you may also want to look at the course bulletin. The course bulletin gives you just as much information about classes and departments as current students have before they specialize. Finally if you can find the time and money, visit campuses. Campus visits are especially telling if you visit when school is in session and if you do not visit during admit weekend.

While the more research you do before choosing schools to apply to the better, many of us just don’t have enough time. So how much investigation is necessary? Although I hesitate to name a specific number, I would suggest investigating schools at least until you can narrow down your pool of schools to under 10. Before applying, look into schools enough so that you can say, “If I get in, I would honestly consider attending and I can see myself at this school.”

When applications have been completed and submitted, although you should definitely celebrate, you are not done. The most important part of the college application process is ahead of you—deciding on a college. With this decision must come substantial research. My greatest mistake is that I waited until after I heard back from colleges about admission decisions before I seriously starting investigating the schools. There is simply not enough time in the month between when you hear back from schools and when you must send in your decision to make an informed decision.

During your winter break of your senior year start glancing through course bulletins. Begin thinking about specialization and looking more at departments. Consider what classes you would take your freshman year. Be sure to continue talking with current students. Do not be afraid to contact people more than once. This decision is very important and they understand. Finally set aside time to sit down and discuss college with your parents.

All this time spent investigating schools seems exhaustive and somewhat excessive, but it’s worth it. During my entire freshman year, I constantly questioned my college decision. “Did I make the right decision?,” “Would I be happier somewhere else?,” “Is it worth the money to come here?” These questions burned in my mind and made me especially upset at myself for not researching schools enough before I made my decision. Surprisingly, I found that most people I know questioned their college decision some point or another during their freshman year as well. Because of the decision’s importance, I think that questioning one’s college decision is almost inevitable. Thoroughly looking into colleges before deciding, however, will give you the peace of mind that you did all you could to make the best-informed decision.

During your winter break of your senior year start glancing through course bulletins. Begin thinking about specialization and looking more at departments. Consider what classes you would take your freshman year. Be sure to continue talking with current students. Do not be afraid to contact people more than once. This decision is very important and they understand. Finally set aside time to sit down and discuss college with your parents.