College applications and scholarships and financial aid, oh my! The beginning months of the school year are always stressful for everyone, but for seniors, it’s a whole different beast.

Throughout high school, students are followed by the underlying theme of “this is all so that you will get into a good college.” But how many students actually listen to the advice that is given to them? Some may not begin to pay attention until it’s too late.

For some students, the college application process may actually begin the summer before senior year or even late in junior year. These individuals may be using the time right now to visit colleges, write essays, or research scholarships and other types of financial aid to help them narrow down their short list of schools.

Yet, for other students, the college application process doesn’t begin until the second semester of senior year, when they realize that May 1,  the unofficial National College Decision Day, is fast-approaching.

There’s plenty to consider when searching for a college: in-state vs. out-of-state, big campus vs. small campus, private vs. public, common app vs. direct to the institution, the list goes on. Afterall, the decision could potentially frame one’s life for the next four years.

Deadlines are another of the most crucial aspects of college applications, and something that many students tend to neglect. This includes those for scholarships, sending in transcripts and test scores, applying for housing and finding a roommate. It is wise to be meticulous when managing deadlines in order to assure that everything is done on time.

Keeping all this information straight can be difficult, so organization is extremely important when it comes to a successful college application. Maintaining due dates, transcript requests and scholarship information is not a piece of cake. This is a serious process that requires some effort. That means that waiting until the last minute may not be the best idea, but it does not mean that it will not be beneficial to ask for help when needed.

“Do not be afraid to pick up the phone and call the admissions offices. When students come to me with college specific questions, I pick up the phone because every college has its own rules and processes,” says Ms. Burns, guidance counselor.

 For readers like myself that are novice at this whole college thing, some important deadlines to note include: October 1: the day that the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) first becomes available, November 1: a common deadline to apply early decision or early action, January 1: the typical regular decision deadline and May 1: College Decision Day, or the day by which most students must make deposits to attend the college they have chosen.

Now this doesn’t mean the stress of meeting a deadline is the only concern of prospective college students. The applications are no good if they are not well-written and insightful. Many colleges have extra writing requirements for personal essays that look into the personality of a student beyond grades and test scores. It is very stressful to try to paint an in-depth picture of oneself in 500 words.

Some food for thought when it comes to applying to college: odds are, most people are currently going through a similar struggle. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it be to a friend who can sympathize or a counselor who can help.

Whether or not one has begun the process of applying to college, it’s sure to be a stressful, yet rewarding time, no matter the results.