College applications. Standardized testing. Teacher recommendations. These are a few of the many things high school seniors have to accomplish throughout their senior year. Tension and anxiety levels are high and students often get caught up with how they want to present themselves to the schools they’re applying to.
According to Mr. Sarmiento, “There are thousands upon thousands of kids applying to schools, and if a student stresses about what they think the college wants them to say, then they are just going to be recycling the same thing thousands of other kids are doing. So when it comes to the application, it can be hard for some students to be authentic because there is this notion that they are going to be judged and reviewed. The more authentic students come across, the more they stand out. They control the message.”
Being authentic is one of the most important aspects of the college process, yet it can be very challenging. It’s difficult to show schools exactly who you are on a piece of paper. “In terms of the application process and looking for schools, it can be quite extensive depending on how in-depth you want to go with your search,” says Mr. Sarmiento, “For some students, they cast a wide net without really thinking about things and then sometimes that gets them in a very limited focus in regards to the different types of schools. When it comes to looking for colleges, you want to try to find a number of schools which you can see yourself attending, doing well, and succeeding. The ideal situation is that the students find a whole host of schools where they can see themselves being happy.”
Mr. Sarmiento also believes that the concept of being well rounded has gone too far. Students don’t need to “have saved a third world country, found a cure for cancer, and started the next startup company”. In short, students should be themselves. If they are interested in something specific, they should pursue it. It’s not the end of the world to focus on one thing; it shows interest and dedication. Student’s interests should tell a story that lets the admissions office get to know them better, and not be afraid of being judged.
As far as the actual application process goes, there are three main ways to apply to college: regular decision, early decision, and early action. Regular decision is when students apply around January 1st and hear back in April. Early decision is a binding application in which students apply early and if they are accepted, they must attend the school. If students apply early action, they still apply early, but they are not obligated to attend the school if they are accepted. Students that are accepted for early action do not have to respond to the school until May 1st, National College Decision Day.
Hewitt has divided the college process based on what grade students are in. During Freshman year, girls should begin to think about what they like and dislike as well as college in a conceptual way. At the end of Sophomore year, students do preliminary testing to figure out whether they want to take the ACT or SAT. During junior year, the students complete a case study program, begin college seminar, and begin standardized testing. When Senior year finally rolls around, it’s time to apply to college. Students don’t realize how much they change throughout their high school career, so it is important to take the college process seriously and be open minded.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself through this college process,” says Patricia O. ‘17, “Looking at schools made me realize what I like and what I don’t like, and what I want and what I don’t want. Don’t compare yourself to others.” The college process makes you really think about what you like and why, and who you are as a person. It calls for introspection.
Although not all students enjoy this, it is important to be willing to learn things about yourself that you never knew before. Sthefany M. ‘17 says, “Remember that you are not alone and everyone is going through the same thing. Find a group of people that you can depend on and stay true to yourself.” No matter what grade you are in, remember that being authentic and having a strong support system are both extremely important and, like Mr. Sarmiento alway says, ‘If you want to go to college, you’ll go to college.’”