Lessons I Learned from Writing My College Apps

by Anonymous

The writers of this article applied to both US and Canadian Universities with varying results. Thus, this recount may not reflect everyone’s experience, nor will it be a prediction of your application process.

1. Time management: at the start of Grade 12, even though it seemed as if there was a long time before applications were due, time went by faster than expected. Before I knew it, months had passed and there were only weeks left before applications were due. With schoolwork and extracurriculars also taking up time, I was racing to the finish. I definitely recommend keeping track of university deadlines so you don’t miss any important ones. Calendars and schedules are great for this!
2. Researching schools: there are many opportunities throughout the year to research schools and programs. University websites, fairs, and guided tours can give you the chance to speak with a representative and ask any questions you may have. These resources are invaluable; I’ll admit that before going to the Ontario Universities’ Fair, I had absolutely no idea which school was which, so learning about individual programs definitely helped me understand if I wanted to apply. Additionally, this helps to prioritize your applications. Instead of working relentlessly on an application to a program you probably didn’t want to go to (something I unfortunately did, which sacrificed the quality of my applications to programs I really did want to go to), spend more effort on your top programs.
3. The fun parts: some supplementary prompts can be genuinely fun to write. You get to really reflect on what you write, which can help you learn more about yourself. For instance, one prompt required me to write about my extracurriculars, so I discussed activities I enjoyed and took pride in doing. Don’t be afraid to jump outside the norm, it only makes you all the more unique. Plus, it’s sort of satisfying finishing an application and knowing you never have to touch it again. Remember to organize your ideas and focus on the central message. Make what you’re saying as clear as possible. Also, show, don’t tell.
4. For those of you writing essays, keep in mind who you ask to edit them. Well-intentioned parents and peers often take your true voice out of your writing to make it seem more impressive and tailored to the schools you are applying to. You might lose yourself, which is never what you want. Especially if you have overly concerned parents, you might be limiting your topic choices significantly. The US Common App will feel like a huge milestone for those applying. I remember spending my entire summer brainstorming ideas, writing and rewriting and editing and rewriting and deleting and restarting. It feels like you are trying to encapsulate your entire life within 650 words. SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY.
5. DECISION DAY is never fun. It’s hard to get anything done when all you’re thinking of is the time passing by. I personally planned a huge list of things to do every decision day which totally helps take your mind off the inevitable doom/glory. Here are some ideas to get you started: Bake some cookies! (you get the added bonus of having celebratory/comforting food), Hang out with friends (especially those that did not apply to the program — they will probably tell you how ridiculous your stress actually looks), and finally, read! Getting yourself off the internet in any way is actually really great in reducing sympathetic stress.
6. DECISIONS! Congratulations! You made it this far. You might be overflowing with joy or drowning in sadness. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind through this time. If you were rejected. It’s okay! It happens to the best of us. Take a moment to yourself and realize this decision does not define you. Remember to celebrate your own and others’ successes and savour the small joys in life. If you were accepted. Congrats, you earned it! Celebrate your acceptance with those around you. Remember to also offer a helping hand to those who need it.
7. MORE DECISIONS! Making the “right” decision of which offer to finally accept can be intensely daunting, especially considering it will nearly dictate your life for the next few years. First, make a list of all the factors you think are important in your decision. Order them from least to most important, assigning the corresponding number to each (e.g. in a list with 10 factors, the least important will be 1, the most, 10). Using that number as a “maximum mark,” rate each of your programs on each factor (this requires some research). The program with the biggest sum of factor marks will most likely be your “right” decision!

Though it was an arduous journey, it was most certainly a worthwhile one. Going into university, the lessons I learned from the application process will not be forgotten. For you, the reader, hopefully these lessons will be helpful as well. Regardless of where you plan to go in the future, best of luck!