Many seniors are in the middle of applying to colleges, and while the process is overwhelming, there are tips that can help you.

School Counselor Ms. Oxendine gave some tips for seniors that she believes would be most useful during this time:

• Pay attention the deadlines
• Make the process has simple as possible
• Maintain your course rigor from previous years
• Essays should be personal to you and describe you as a person 
• Represent true self in the application
• Stay organized- a lot happens and make sure students are keeping up with everything
• Deciding where to go to college is solely up to student and their family, no university is a good fit for everyone
• Understand the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision
• Ask teachers early to do recommendations and be sure to thank them

One of the biggest things is that transcripts are not made available until after the 20th day of school per Wake County policy.

Additionally, in Common App students should attach their alpha counselor, and they will automatically send over your transcript to all the colleges under common app students have applied to.

Another big thing to note is to make sure students understand the different types of decisions they can apply for.

There are 3 different options for decisions: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision. However, not every institution offers Early Decision.

Early Decision is a binding commitment — if accepted, students must attend the school and withdraw all other college applications.

Early Action is non-binding — you do not have to attend the university, and students still have until May 1 to decide. The benefit in finding out earlier is it gives students two chances to get in if they were previously deferred and students can update important information such as test scores and first semester grades.

Regular Decision is the most flexible — students can apply to as many universities as they want. The deadline to submit applications is later, giving students longer to complete and strengthen their applications to give them the best chance possible.

For more information on the differences between all three application types: Full Guide on different decision types

It is also important for students to maintain their course rigor from the last three years as colleges do not like drop offs senior year. Plus if deferred, first semester grades may make a difference in a college’s decision about .

There are a lot of deadlines that quickly approach in a short period of time so staying organized is important. This can help students feel less overwhelmed and allows them to focus on what thing at a time. Do not overcomplicate things; keep the applications simple and take them one step at a time.

College essays need to be personal and give an honest representation of the student. College admissions officers read thousands of essays, and they want essays that stand out and are personal. Don’t write about the impact sports had on you or how stressful life is. Pick something that is like a shift in perspective or a habit that has shaped the students into the person they have become.

Be sure to thank the teachers that have taken the time to write a college recommendation, it takes up a lot of their time and they gain nothing from it.

Sign up for College visits to learn more about it and ask their admissions counselor any application questions you may have if applying there: College Visit Sign Up

All seniors will have an individual meeting with their counselor in the coming weeks to check in on their progress and answer any questions students may have.

Valerie Ziemba, staff writer

It makes my day better when I spend time with my friends and family.