Just a couple of days ago, on November 1st, thousands of high school seniors across the United States submitted their first college applications to several universities. While students still have time to submit their regular decision applications, which is the normal deadline for universities, many Jesuit seniors feel relieved to have completed such an integral part of their college journey.
As students await to hear back from their schools, here is what Jesuit seniors had to say about completing their early action applications.
“Honestly, I feel really happy after submitting because I had a lot of colleges that I had to apply early to,” said Stefania Kattar. “But it was nice. It took a burden off my shoulders. I’m still a little stressed because I have a lot of regular decision applications, though.”
Senior Mailani Tran added, “I submitted six early action applications and it made me feel very relieved. Now I feel great, but the week leading up to it was very stressful, especially with finishing my supplemental [essasys].”
Supplemental essays, which are additional required essays by other colleges, are an important part of the college application process. In addition to writing a personal statement, seniors have to take the time to plan, research, and write several smaller essays from multiple universities- ranging from topics such as their interest in the school to more personal questions.
When asked for advice, Kattar urged seniors to start their applications early: “Please start early. Supplementals take a lot of time, especially if [schools] ask questions like ‘why do you want to go to this school?’ They want you to do your research. I would suggest taking 5 or 10 minutes out of your day during the summer leading up to the application dates.”
Some seniors, on the other hand, have already been accepted into schools, reducing the usual stress of the application process.
“I’m just glad I’m in, now,” said senior Hudson Hofford, referring to his acceptance into Montana State University. “I get to enjoy my senior year, and early action went really well for me.”
When asked for advice, he added, “Make sure to get good grades. Sports and extracurriculars are definitely helpful, because they can help you get scholarships. Overall, just try your best in school.”
However, seniors are not done just yet. Some colleges, such as Oregon State University, have early applications due on November 3rd. Several other colleges have applications due up until January for regular decisions, giving students more time to work on their applications before submitting.
“Applying was definitely a little stressful, but it’s nice to be able to submit early,” Ahana Naskar said. “I’m really excited to see where everyone ends up going.”
