North Creek’s class of 2026 type furiously on their laptops, writing multitudes of essays and applications, beginning their last year of high school in a frenzy. Students spend hours and even skip school to complete their applications before the deadline: from late November to early January.
“College apps have definitely been stressful but so many people have been so helpful like my counselor and my teachers, ” Preethi Ganesha said, “I have a few more in December and January but I’m looking forward to finishing them so I can enjoy the remainder of my senior year.”
Seniors continue to balance school work and applications as they continue to make progress while maintaining their school life. “Overall my experience has been rewarding but also stressful,” Ainsley Moodroo said. “There are so many aspects to applying, and a lot of pressure to get everything just right, but once I submitted them I felt so relieved.” Moodroo said, who successfully submitted all of her seven applications.
A large number of colleges take applications through the Common Application – a platform where students can fill out one application and send it to multiple colleges, though depending on the college, specific questions may be asked. “Make sure that you have all of the class requirements for the school you’re going to,” Esmé Owen said, “specific places like California schools have different requirements and you might not be able to satisfy those with the courses you need to graduate.” Owen said. Colleges like the California University System, have their own application platform, as well as different requirements compared to the Common Application, so it’s important to go over your application before submitting. “Make sure that you have multiple eyes on your application and your essay,” counselor Charlene Beam said. “Make sure that it is as good as you can make it, but also be yourself on the application.” Beam said.
Other than the application itself, students are preparing to submit their SAT scores. “I did take the SAT, but I’m only sending it to the schools that require it depending on the school.” Ganesha said. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SAT requirement in applications began dropping as colleges became “test-optional”. Though some schools may not require applicants to submit their scores, many students still take advantage of the test to demonstrate their knowledge and skill.
Another thing students consider when applying are the colleges they’re applying to – specifically what they see themselves doing in the future. “Most of the schools I picked were based on what I’m interested in for my major.” said Owen, “I want to do engineering – specifically aerospace engineering – so I picked a lot of schools that have strong engineering programs.”
With thousands of colleges to choose from, it’s important to keep in mind how many you are applying to, “Our recommendation is between three to ten,” counselor Dawn LaMance said. “Not above 10 is a recommendation, applications cost a lot of money.”
Counselors at North Creek work closely alongside students during the college application season: writing letters of recommendations, sending transcripts, advising students, and more. College isn’t the only path after high school, “A lot of our students will do community college or trade school,” counselor Katherine Kanin said, “so still college, but slightly different forms of study. Also, we really want students to consider apprenticeships.”
Students press submit and others continue to work hard till deadlines, as seniors prepare for their future plans. “There is no perfect time to start college applications, so don’t wait for that,” Moodroo said, “I really recommend starting them over the summer!”
“I like my essays and my grades are good, but I feel my activities could be better,” Miles Mcgarrity said, who is working on his applications till January, “my advice would be to actively participate in something you’re passionate about for a long period of time to add some bulk to your application,” Mcgarrity said.
The wait for decisions can be nerve-wracking, but students should be proud of themselves, knowing they did their best. “Take a breather after applications, but also, don’t forget to write thank you cards for teachers who wrote a letter of recommendation, as well as counselors.” LaMance said. “Make sure that you are finding schools that are a good fit for you,” Kanin said, “and don’t be discouraged if you are finding that you’re not getting into schools, because that really just meant that it was not a good fit for you.”
