Former students give advice on college process

The college application process can seem long and confusing to many. However, confusion isn’t the only option. Past seniors have found ways to best conquer the applications and the daunting challenge of finding a college that is the right fit for them.

Now finishing her freshman year at the University of Washington, 2012 graduate Megan Benzing said she never had a dream school or any particular plan when it came to applying for colleges.

“Personally, I just applied to schools that I knew I would enjoy going to, either for their reputation or, the main reason I chose, was their location,” said Benzing.

Stepping onto a college campus on visiting day can make a monumental difference. Student and admissions presentations, tours through the dorms and meeting future fellow classmates help a student gain a better feeling for their ideal college.

“When you find the right school there is that moment where you just know that it is the right place for you. When I visited Whitman, I had that moment and that's why I chose Whitman over other schools,” 2012 graduate Emily Williams said.

Besides this general “clicking” with a campus, students must also consider the academic, GPA and SAT requirements of each school before submitting an application.

The “CommonApp” used by most colleges consists of essay and short-answer questions, designed to paint a picture of the student. In addition, most colleges also require a supplemental application specific to their school. Applications are due in October (for early decision/action) and in January, all while homework, finals and tests are in full swing. In today’s world it isn’t uncommon to apply to 15 or more schools.

“[The application process] was hellish and inhumane, but necessary,” said 2012 graduate Christine Bancroft, now studying communication at the Annenberg School of Journalism at the University of Southern California (USC).

Bancroft started her applications to more than 20 schools during the summer when the common application essay prompts were released.  Her advice to future seniors: “Start at the beginning of summer before senior year. Do one thing a week, if you have to. Find a date to be finished by and stick with it.”

Once the college decision is made, the once-again freshmen start the transition to their new university lives. For some this can be difficult, but for many others it is a relatively easy adjustment.

“I am enjoying college — I miss my friends and family and the comforts of home, especially  my dog, but Skype makes things easier,” Bancroft said. “I enjoy my classes because I mostly get to choose what I focus on, and I've made some good friends.”

Students must get used to doing their own laundry, meeting new people, finding their way without the guidance of teachers that knew them well and simply grow up.

“College is not this perfect blissful experience, it is just you living your live in a different setting, there will always be ups and downs, good times and bad times,” Williams said. “But the most important thing is to keep an open mind because college was nothing like I expected!”