Applying to College 2024

Thankfully, it doesn’t appear the college application process has changed much in the past three years. Our youngest son will hit send on his early decision college application in just under a week. The process has not changed much since his older brother applied back in the fall of 2021.

Nowadays, Common App is the tool used by most universities for applications. While it is incredibly convenient to navigate there are still requirements to write essays, gain recommendation letters, report official scores and request transcripts. Fortunately, once it is all gathered, then a student can apply to multiple universities.

It is a lot of work. That being said, I am glad our academic system has developed these tools to help students realize their dreams. There is no comparison to 35 years ago when I was a college bound high school student. If such a tool existed, I certainly didn’t know about it! I think that’s probably why I just went with my state university down the road. Didn’t want the hassle of researching and applying to a bunch of different schools with different application processes.

While Common App has made the process more efficient, it doesn’t alleviate the mental stress on young college applicants (and their parents). I think it’s probably natural for students and their parents to question themselves as they complete the application; did I apply myself enough, did I push him / her enough, is my child well rounded?

What I stressed to my oldest and have reinforced with my youngest is that when he hits send on that application, all the chips are on the table. He is all in. The should’ve, could’ve, would’ve don’t matter anymore. It’s the absolute best application that he can put forward at this time. End of story, stop worrying about it.

Then it’s time to wait. Early decision is a binding commitment to attend a college if selected for admission. If selected, a student must immediately withdraw any other applications. The benefit of early decision is that admission rates are generally higher than regular decision in the spring.

Another great benefit is that usually decisions are released by mid-December. If selected, that is one less thing a kid (and their parents) have to worry about during senior year! If not, the squeeze is on to get accepted regular decision to another college.  

Fortunately, our oldest was picked up early decision; a good thing since he really didn’t have a solid plan B. Our youngest took the lessons learned from his brother and has an early decision college picked out, but also plan B, C, and D.

He did all this on his own. In fact, although I have proofed his application materials, he is managing this daunting task by himself. I am very proud of him.

When he clicks send next week it will be in God and the admission board’s hands. No need to worry. It’s just another milestone in this journey called life.

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