Dear Rising Senior,

This is a big and exciting time for you as you face the challenges that come with the last few months of junior year and consider what next year will look like for you. For those of you who are planning to follow the same path as myself (a four-year university), I took note of the things I wish I had done differently or what I did that really helped me as a rising senior like yourself when applying for colleges. I’ll break it down into a little bit of a timeline:

What to do now

The end of junior year is one of the most academically challenging periods in high school. AP tests, finals, homework, and extracurricular activities will and probably are already taking up most of your time and mental space. This is a time in your life where you can really do yourself a disservice by borrowing tomorrow’s trouble. If you feel the need to think about the future, focus on what you can do now: get a summer job, volunteer somewhere, and spend time with friends. Making the most out of where you’re at is an important skill that will become incredibly valuable into the future. That being said, here are three things that you can do now that might help you feel more prepared for the future:

Take a break from all distractions and take 15 minutes to list everything you have enjoyed about your high school career. If you need ideas, write down the three classes you enjoyed taking the most, the best book you read, four things you enjoyed doing with your friends, and your favorite event in the last three years. This list could become a valuable resource as you figure out what it actually looks like to pursue your interests in the future. If nothing else, it is a valuable exercise in gratitude and can help you pull more meaning out of your daily life.

If you have the opportunity, take the time to explore your institutional options. For those looking at a four year degree, I recommend focusing on visiting the three kinds of universities (large public, small public, and private) rather than trying to find “the one”. For example, you could take a tour of OSU (large public), Western Oregon University (small public), and Linfield University (private). While these might not be the exact places you find yourself considering in the fall, they will give you a good idea of what you can expect from these different environments. This also gives you the opportunity to explore without having to make complicated travel arrangements or breaking the bank.

Ask at least two teachers if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you, and ask them in person, not over email. I know this seems a little scary because we look up to our teachers and want to make a good impression, but asking now and in person is the best way to show respect for their time and energy.

In the Summer:

Make an account with CommonApp if you think you will be applying to multiple institutions. I found this format much simpler to navigate than the websites of many of the Universities I applied to. Make sure that your account is linked to a personal email address. If you do not have one, I recommend making one now. You will not have access to your school email account once you graduate, so you want to make sure that you can maintain access to important data. Spend some time exploring the website. 

Take a moment to have a conversation with your parents or guardians about application fees. Many colleges (particularly large public schools and private schools) charge a $30-$90 fee, and that might impact how many colleges you plan to apply to. Some colleges will waive this fee for those with significant financial need. Take a moment to look at the “Direct Admissions” page on CommonApp. Most people get several offers from universities that are willing to waive the application fee based on the information you gave to CommonApp. 

Start brainstorming your essay! If you are applying through CommonApp you will likely need a personal essay that gives colleges a general idea of who you are. Be forewarned, there are a lot of people on the internet who will tell you how to write your essay. However, I found that the best strategy is to write what you know. If there is a format you found worked really well for you in class, do that! CommonApp offers a few prompts you can use to find inspiration, but if none of these click for you, find your own. This essay is about you!

Tips for the fall:

Fall is when you’ll have the most access to support. Take the time to visit the Career Center and ask about anything you don’t understand, and don’t be afraid to call or email someone from the college or university with any questions specific to that establishment.

Take the time to sit down with your parents or guardians and file the FAFSA. Even if you don’t think you will need it, the FAFSA is an important resource that helps you communicate clearly to the government and the colleges you are applying to exactly what you are able to pay. Check and see if any of the Universities are applying to require the CSS profile. This is like the FAFSA but is through College Board and typically includes other specific information the university needs such as how much (if anything) you are expecting your family to contribute financially. This platform is used mostly by private universities, although I did end up needing it when applying to the University of Wisconsin, Madison (a large public university). 

At the end of the day, your transition into senior year is an exciting and sometimes stressful period of your life. Make sure to be kind to yourself and prioritize your mental health as you consider the various options for the future. You are not alone. 200+ other students at CV alone are navigating the exact same process and may need your patience and support as you move through this stage. Be kind to yourself and others and live life to the fullest!

Your friend,

Iris Miller