The College Admissions Process: Why It Was Not Too Bad

The college application process has always been a future terror I had to face, something I had come to dread going into senior year. Upperclassmen always told me to do your applications in the summer, to not wait till school begins because, as they put it, “you will suffer and regret it.” Of course, at the time I was going to follow their advice, but then summer came. With the service project, family vacations, and all other things “summer,” I completely neglected college applications. So, when I went into senior year with no list and no idea of where to begin, I was absolutely terrified. However, the many changes that happened in St. Agnes Academy my senior year allowed me to face this dreaded endeavor with no stress at all.

The first thing that helped me, though, was a help that my school has provided for decades – the college counselors. In my very first meeting with Mr. Rob Mooring, I figured out my college list and all the basics for applications. Additionally, the counselors provide feedback at light-speed. As soon as my essay was done and sent for feedback to my counselor, I got it, revised and checked, the very next morning. In the end, I was able to apply to my colleges in the following two weeks.

St. Agnes senior Kayla Casuga visits Rice University.

The second thing was a big change that happened to St. Agnes – the new schedule. When I first heard about the schedule, I absolutely hated it. I did not want longer classes and the shortest lunch I have ever seen; of course, the short lunch is still an issue, but it’s one I am willing to overlook. I was complaining with a lot of my friends that this schedule being enacted our senior year is going to “ruin it.” To my surprise, I actually prefer this schedule. It has given me a lot of extra time; time I utilized to apply to colleges. The homework load was less, but still, I am thriving with all this free time.

Thus, there are many things that helped make the college admissions process easier, but it’s not over yet, so my opinion on it may change. But! If I have any advice to lower-classman, I would say to do your applications, or at least, start them over the summer. Starting early will give you decisions sooner and take stress off since you will not be racing deadlines during the school year. However, I know most will probably not begin till summer ends, so my real advice is; do not stress, you will still get into college no matter when you apply. You will be provided with great help, especially those of you at St. Agnes. I would suggest to have fun during the summer, and as soon as it ends, begin making your list and your essay, try to keep it all on one application website (Common App or Apply Texas), and just utilize all your resources because it is you who they are here for anyways.