As a senior who has already survived the college application process, I thought I might share some advice to the juniors and other grades about the college application process.

1. Work on Common App during the summer!

• Senior year can be kind of stressful at first, so what I did was I started working on Common App during the summer before senior year. It sounds like a pain, but it’s honestly one of the best things you can do to avoid stress. So, I would definitely recommend taking a day in the summer, and gather up all of your grades, personal information, and make sure a parent or guardian is near you (you’ll need their information, too) and start filling it out. Trust me, when senior year starts up, you’ll be glad you did.

2. Write your essay over the summer

• I know I’m telling you to do a lot over the summer, but trust me, it’s worth it. I would definitely recommend writing your college essay over the summer and sending it to your teachers and ask them to read it. This way, you have a lot of time to edit it and make it perfect. Also, write about something interesting and maybe even unconventional. College admission counselors are going to be reading hundreds of essays, so you want to stand out. For example, I have a friend who wrote her college essay on Sumo Wrestling, so don’t be afraid to write an essay that’s a little out there.

3. Go through your college mail

• Before you throw that college mail in the recycling bin, please go through it. You can find some really valuable information about the college and potential programs you may be interested in. Also FEE WAIVERS! Applying to college can be super expensive. I applied to six schools and each school usually has a $50 + application fee. But sometimes colleges send out fee waivers which saves you from paying that fee. So believe me, it’s worthwhile to spend a few extra minutes looking through the mail.

4. Apply to Honors Colleges

• I know that extra application seem like a lot of work, but Honor’s Colleges can be worth it. They have some extra perks, so I would definitely consider applying.

5. Don’t procrastinate

• Just don’t, trust me.

And most importantly,

6. Stop Worrying!

• The best piece of advice I ever received about college was that I should stop worrying because somewhere out there, there is a college more than willing to accept you. You are going to find the place where you belong and any college will be lucky to get you, so don’t worry!