Navigating Senior Year: The College Application Journey

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As the school year unfolds, senior year can feel like a whirlwind of emotions for both students and parents—think excitement mixed with anxiety, and a dash of sadness. Amidst all this, there’s the practical matter of what comes next. In my suburban town, most high school graduates—around 95%—head off to college, with about 88% opting for four-year institutions. With Rutgers just a stone’s throw away, it’s no surprise that 20% of my daughter’s classmates will choose to attend there, often living on campus despite its proximity.

My daughter, Mia, is right on track with her peers, applying to ten four-year colleges, which include a mix of “safety” schools (where her GPA and ACT scores are above the typical admissions range), “target” schools (where she falls within the average range), and “reach” schools (where her scores are below the norm). For every school she’s looking at, I’ve asked her, “Would you be happy here if this is where you end up?” It’s crucial she understands that safety schools can be just as viable as her more ambitious choices.

Sometimes, those reach schools surprise you. My older daughter, Lily, got into one of her dream schools that I thought was a long shot, thanks to a unique program she liked. She applied on a whim, and six weeks later, after an unplanned visit, she found herself head over heels for the campus.

Mia has selected three reach schools as well, and while I’m reminding her that admission will be tough, I’m also encouraging her to go for it. Sure, application fees can add up—eight of her chosen schools range from $30 to $65 each—but I believe it’s better to take the chance than to wonder “what if.”

To stay on track, we told her we want all applications wrapped up by October. She’s applying early action to eight of the schools, which means she’ll get her answers by February for those, while the other two will take a bit longer. But with her high school needing time to process everything—transcripts, letters of recommendation, and fees—she’s got to get her materials in by December 1.

The Common App opened up on August 1, and luckily, all her selected schools are on it, which simplifies the application process. However, many schools still require additional essays or statements, known as supplements. Mia has filled out most of the Common App details, from her family’s educational background to her extracurricular activities, but she’s still fine-tuning her essay. I’m confident she’ll find the right topic, although I have a feeling this might happen right at the last minute—maybe on September 30 or even into the wee hours of October 1. There’s a full month for her to get it just right.

I reminded Mia today that in just nine months, we’ll know where she’s headed for college, and a year from now, she’ll be stepping onto a new campus. The anticipation is palpable—we want to know her destination, and once she completes those applications, we’ll finally have the answer.

For anyone navigating this process, check out this article on intracervical insemination for some helpful insights. And if you’re looking for more info, Make a Mom is a great source on home insemination kits. Additionally, the ASRM has excellent resources that can guide you through pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, senior year is a blend of emotional highs and practical challenges as students like Mia embark on their college application journeys. With preparation and a little encouragement, they can approach this milestone with confidence.