By Ashley Chen
Northwest Asia Weekly
Around this time of year, high school seniors have just completed the final step of the college application process — getting into college. Some people will feel that where they go to college is a testament to all the hard work they put into getting perfect grades and accumulating athletic honors in their childhood. But getting into college is one of the biggest steps in life, no matter where you end up going. Here’s what some current high school students have to say about college applications:
start early
Delayed by Nee McMillan
“At least 80% of college application work is done before your senior year. Writing a college application is just compiling the work into something another person can understand.”
—Delaynie McMillan, Class of 2022
While some people plan their lives from elementary school, others still make decisions during college. Most college research is looking for a college niche that fits your identity, not the other way around. Research includes majors, housing, food, study abroad, cost, or other considerations that are important to you.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, more and more colleges are starting to choose exams. SAT and ACT scores have been downplayed. Standardized tests are meant to provide a benchmark for colleges, but with the rise of the pandemic closing testing venues and scandals of wealthy people buying good test scores for their kids, the benefits of standardized testing are less viable. While colleges haven’t decided where they stand on next year’s standardized test scores, it’s safe to say that the essay is the most important element of the application.
Let papers come to you
Grace Park
“I think the most important thing I’ve learned is how to present my story to others. Before the college application, if someone asked me to introduce myself, I would simply say my name, age and hobbies. But during the college application , I spent a lot of time and energy trying to tell my story in a uniquely nuanced way. As a result, I not only got a better understanding of myself, but also how I can show other people what I know about myself.”
— Grace Park, Class of 2022
Ziqi Fang
“If I were to give advice to those applying to schools in the future, it would be, don’t be afraid to show who you are! Don’t think too much about packing yourself, but I think it’s okay to ‘pack’ in a way. Sometimes real Sex is really obvious.”
— Ziqi Fang, class of 2022
Most of the best articles come from the heart. Write about a very influential event in your life that is at the heart of your identity. However, some people may find it difficult to explore their memories of events that had a huge impact. Most of us lead simple and boring lives. Maybe sitting in bed watching YouTube will inspire a college essay. you will never know.
You can also try reading peer-to-peer or online articles. Be sure to change the types of essays you read from valid to invalid, as well as those written by people who may have resumes similar to yours. Your article shouldn’t be an exact copy of someone else’s, but taking inspiration from them may help.
think about your audience
Hannah Huang
“You should try to make your audience comfortable and consider your audience’s perceptions. Make reading fun and not cliché. You should sound real and engaging. Being a boring person is a dead end for college applications because of admissions Officers don’t want to defend people who bore them.”
—Hannah Huang, Class of 2022
Many interviewers are college alumni who want to write something positive in your favor. Most interviewers will ask the same question, for example, “Why do you want to go to school x?” or “What extracurricular activities have you participated in?” Rehearsing every interview question may not be the most efficient use of your time, but there is a set of criteria Your answers to show what sets you apart from everyone else can really impress your interviewer.
Interviews are usually casual conversations, but talking to older people isn’t always easy. If the interviewer throws a curveball, pause and think about the answer thoroughly. At the end of the interview, feel free to ask any questions to the interviewer. It creates this back-and-forth conversation between two people rather than a simple relationship between interviewer and interviewee.
believe in yourself
Anita Gao
“When people say don’t compare yourself to others, they mean it because every step from writing to submitting to waiting is different for everyone. Nor should you expect perfection from anyone , and always remember that people only bring out the best of themselves. Chances are what you know or see is only half the story. Take a moment to breathe.”
— Anita Gao, Class of 2022
At the end of the day, your college app is whatever you put there. You can spend a lot of time editing papers, participating in new activities, and being your best self, but once you hit the submit button, it’s out of your hands. Everyone is different – the way they emphasize their personality, values and hobbies will always be different than yours.
Congratulations! You have just taken the most important step of your life. Pat yourself on the back. you deserved!
Ashley can reach info@nwasianweekly.com.
