As someone who applied to TWENTY colleges (yes, twenty!) I feel as though I have a good sense of how to frame powerful applications. If you’re a first generation student or had parents who did not attend college in the United States (like me), this process may seem very daunting. Even if those don’t apply to you, college applications can still be very overwhelming. I’m here to help you all! Outlined below are some of my application tips for those of you who are ready to apply.
- Use your resources. Talk to guidance counselors, watch youtube videos that outline the application process, visit college websites, email current college students and ask them questions. Do anything in your power to have a leg up. By reading this blog, you’re already ahead of the game!
- Get fee waivers. You can request fee waivers through your high school or directly from the application platform if you qualify based on family income. You don’t need to be low income to qualify for all fee waivers; you can find many waivers in promotional college emails or mail. I received fee waivers for some of my applications (including Amherst College).
- Cast a wide net of applications. I had no idea what I wanted in a school so I applied to a variety of colleges. If you’re like me, it’s good to apply to a mix of colleges (big, small, far from home, close, etc.) so that your options stay open for the spring when you may or may not have a better idea of where you want to go.
- Visit the Common Data Set. To determine whether a school is a reach, safety, or target it may help to visit the College’s Common Data Set. Amherst’s is here. The common data set gives you a surplus of information on past admitted classes including the average SAT/ACT, gpa, and class rank of admitted students. If your statistics align with that of the common data set, the school is most likely a match. If your statistics are higher, the school is most likely a safety. If you have lower statistics, the school is most likely a reach. It’s smart to apply to a mix of safety, target, and reach schools!
- Take a chance. You have worked so hard in high school, so don’t limit yourself to colleges you know you will get into. Apply to your dream schools even if they are harder to get into. I expect you all to submit an application to Amherst College!!
College applications can definitely be stressful, but remember that you are so lucky to be getting an education in the first place. Don’t bank on one specific college. You will end up exactly where you need to be! Good luck :))
If you have any questions about college applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at ipatel28@amherst.edu!