As the new school year kicks off, the countdown for seniors has already started. College application season is here, bringing with it pressure, deadlines, and the constant challenge of keeping everything in balance. With the first deadlines just around the corner, students are finding themselves caught between staying on top of classes and finishing their applications.
Some students feel caught up with the process, while others are still in the early stages. Many have completed the general information sections on their applications but still face a long list of supplemental essays and the task of revising their personal statement. Across the board, there is a shared feeling that there’s still a lot left to do and not much time to do it.
For many, the most difficult part of the process is writing the Common App essay and supplementals. Students explained that bending to what the college admission officers want to hear and finding the right way to represent themselves is stressful. “Drafting my common app essay is really hard because I feel like I’m not getting that specific wow factor event yet, and I feel like I’m kind of just waiting for something like that to happen,” said senior Amalia Pacleb.
Similarly, senior Lindsay Samika Hamisu shared, “I would say the supplementals [are the hardest] because they have different requirements for each school.”
Balancing applications with schoolwork and extracurricular activities adds more to the pressure, but many seniors have found ways to manage their schedules effectively. Some try to fit in application work whenever possible, making use of even short breaks or free periods during the day. Relying on detailed planning to keep everything organized is also a way to stay productive.
“I make sure I put everything into sections in my planner because I’m more of a visual physical learner…I get this satisfaction from checking something off on a list,” said Pacleb. By breaking the workload into smaller steps and keeping track of deadlines, seniors are finding strategies that help them stay on top of both academic and application responsibilities.
Comparison also plays a significant role in students’ stress as many seniors find themselves measuring their test scores and achievements against their peers. This adds to the feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, making students feel small and behind. Senior Alyssa Fisher said, “Like SAT scores, it just adds an extra layer of stress and anxiety because there’s the expectation set by your parents…and by comparing yourself to others.”
Amid all this stress, Bellarmine is working to provide support and resources to help students navigate the college application process. The “Appy Hour” program gives seniors a dedicated time to ask questions, get feedback on essays, or receive guidance on any part of their applications. Students can come to the Counseling/Kateri Room – Orell Hall on Wednesdays after school, where counselors are available to answer questions and offer one-on-one support.
