College app season is here, and it’s a lot. Between building my school list, writing supplemental essays, and choosing where I want to spend my next four years, I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed and don’t even know where to begin. But I’ve learned a few simple tips and tricks along the way, by myself and through friends in college. I’m sharing them now, in hopes they make others’ application process feel more smooth and manageable!

1. Be authentic

My biggest tip is that your essay should sound like you. It doesn’t need to sound perfect, or poetic, it just needs to sound genuine. As Eden Choi (12) puts it, “I am currently in the process of writing my personal essay for college applications, and a tip I would give regarding the writing process is to refrain from using AI for assistance. The evaluators of your essay are expecting your essay to sound like it’s coming from a 17/18 year old, so you want your voice to be as authentic as possible!” Admissions officers read thousands of essays every year, and can tell when you’re faking it. What stands out isn’t perfect grammar or vocabulary, it is honesty and personality. So, be confident in your own story, it goes a lot further than trying to sound impressive!

2. Plan ahead

I found that planning ahead is a lifesaver when it comes to staying organized and reducing stress. Start by making a simple “brag sheet.” List everything you’ve done, including clubs, sports, work, volunteering, passion projects, and even hobbies. You’ll be able to use this information for your activities section and for your recommendation letters. This takes two major tasks off your plate, freeing you up to focus on other parts of your applications. Part of planning ahead also means asking your teachers for letters of recommendations early. Teachers are busy people, and asking them to write the letter, as well as giving them your brag sheet, ahead of time means they can write a more thoughtful letter that truly honors who you are. I also found that making a calendar or spreadsheet ahead of time for tracking information such as submission deadlines or status on essays allows information to be organized in one place.

3. Take breaks! 

Don’t make college apps your whole life. Though it’s tempting to try to grind through apps nonstop, you can’t write your best essay if you’re burnt out. So take breaks! Go for a walk or watch a movie, and when you come back, your brain will feel clearer and more focused. Some of my best ideas actually showed up when I wasn’t forcing them, and I learned that sometimes inspiration hits when you’re relaxed and letting ideas come to you.

4. Ignore comparison 

It’s easy enough to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to your classmates who have “more impressive” stats, SAT/ACT test scores, or extracurriculars. Even though you may not have as high of a GPA as your friend, your journey is yours alone, and you have to trust that you have something special to offer. Recent YLHS graduate Giana Mejia (A) shares her advice for current seniors: “It’s important to remind yourself throughout this process that you will end up where you are supposed to. As long as you put your best effort out there, you will be okay. Don’t dwell on things you did or didn’t do, and just keep moving forward!” Admissions officers are looking for your perspective, and personal  qualities could definitely attract colleges over impressive stats. I started thinking about moments that make me unique: maybe it’s a hobby I’ve pursued for years, a challenge I overcame, or a community I’ve impacted. Even small things can be meaningful, and I found that highlighting my own experiences made me feel more confident in my applications.

5. Keep balance

In the end, no single application defines you! Life has a tendency to sort itself out, so do your best, be happy with what you’ve written, and keep your confidence and optimism intact! Often the schools you least expect end up being the best fit, and I learned to trust the process, stay grounded, and focus on doing my best with what I can control.