Applying to college might feel like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Follow these helpful tips to ensure a stress-free college application process and give yourself the best chance of getting into your dream school.

A little prep work goes a long way when managing the components required for each college’s application package. While they have common elements, don’t assume that each college’s application process is identical. Don’t put yourself in a position to be disqualified or wait-listed because you forgot to submit a key element, such as a personal essay or your SAT Subject test scores.

Start early and stay consistent

When it comes to submitting college applications, there is little room for error. You are competing against hundreds – even thousands – of other students for spots at any given college, so make sure that you start on the right foot by submitting a professional, thoughtful, and thorough college application.

By developing your filing system, creating an application theme, and determining what types of college applications you need to fill out, you are setting yourself up for success when it comes time to fill out and submit your applications. You will also stand out to college admission officers who, no doubt, have to wade through many incomplete and/or confusing applications each year.

One of the best ways to eliminate stress from the college application process is to start early and stay consistent. If you’re stressed out about applying to college because you haven’t even applied yet, you’re going to be even more stressed when the deadline comes around. Instead, start early and stay consistent — get your applications in as early as possible, of course, but also get your essays and extracurriculars all submitted and reviewed as soon as they’re done. Follow the same timeline every year, and you’ll find that applying to college becomes much less nerve-wracking.

Stay Organized

The college application process requires a lot of paperwork, that can drive you crazy and stress if you don’t know how to keep up with deadlines, documents, and submissions.

By developing a filing system, creating an application theme, and determining what types of college applications you need to fill out, you are setting yourself up for success when it comes time to fill out and submit your applications. You will also stand out to college admission officers who, no doubt, have to wade through many incomplete and/or confusing applications each year.

Create a Filing system

Whether you prefer papers in folders in file cabinets, or digital documents in folders on your computer desktop (or both), create a college application filing system that allows you to store the information you generate or receive from each school. Follow these steps:

• Create a file folder for each school you plan to apply to so that you automatically have a place to store anything you send to or receive from that school.
• Assemble and create folders for your primary application components.
• Create a folder for scholarships and financial aid information.
• Create a college application calendar.

After you’ve organized your college application process, create a checklist of requirements for each school on your final college list (target, reach/dream, and safety schools).

Ask for help — from your school, your parents, and fellow students

College is a big transition for everyone, and applying to college is stressful for all kinds of reasons. But there are ways you can reduce stress and make the process easier. First and foremost, approach the process with an open mind. We all have different strengths, different things we’re great at, and that’s going to be a big part of how you apply. Ask for help from your school’s career services office, your parents, your fellow students, and whomever you feel comfortable asking for help with the process. Take advantage of the support system you have in place, whether that’s a sibling, a best friend, or an online community.