Understanding the College Admission Process
Ever feel like trying to figure out college applications is like I don't know. Trying to put together a puzzle, but you don't even have all the pieces.
Speaker 2:Oh, tell me about it. I can definitely feel that way.
Speaker 1:Well, good news is this deep dive, we're finding those missing pieces. We're gonna really get into how the whole college admission process work.
Speaker 2:Love it. And we've got a great road map to help us out with this.
Speaker 1:Right. We're using this awesome guide from college journey.com.
Speaker 2:Oh, I've heard good things.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's super helpful. And hopefully, by the end of this, you'll feel way more confident about what to expect because, let's be real, the whole college application thing can be a pretty wild ride.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:And you know what? Thinking about applying to college, it actually is a lot like building a house, which is funny because that's the exact analogy this guide uses.
Speaker 2:Oh, really? I like that.
Speaker 1:Yeah. You've gotta start with a super solid foundation.
Speaker 2:That's so true. And with college applications, a lot of that foundation comes down to research, doing your research early on.
Speaker 1:Makes total sense.
Speaker 2:And it's not just researching any colleges. It's about finding the ones that are actually a good fit for you. Mhmm. And that means figuring out what are your top priorities.
Speaker 1:Right. Like, what are you even looking for in a college?
Speaker 2:Exactly. I mean, do you picture yourself in a buzzing city or more of a cozy campus town Yeah. Big state school vibe or small liberal arts college?
Speaker 1:Right. Right.
Speaker 2:Figuring that out what matters most to you, that's key.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. But here's where it gets kinda crazy. This guide, it mentions that there are, get this, over 4,000 colleges in the US. 4000.
Speaker 2:I know. It's kinda mind blowing.
Speaker 1:It's overwhelming. There's no way you're applying to all of them. Them. Right. So you've gotta have a game plan.
Speaker 2:A 100%. And that's exactly why figuring out your priorities is so important.
Speaker 1:Okay. So let's say you've got your list of dream schools. Now what?
Speaker 2:Well, now comes another big piece of this whole college application puzzle deadlines.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah. The deadlines. And this is where things can get a little, I don't know, high stakes because choosing the right path for you on when to apply can actually impact your chances of getting in.
Speaker 2:It really can. The guide breaks it down into 3 main types of deadlines, early decision, early action, and then rolling admission. And they each come with a different strategy.
Speaker 1:Okay. Let's break it down. Let's start with early decision or ED, as I'm sure a lot of people listening already know it.
Speaker 2:Everyone loves an acronym.
Speaker 1:Right? So ED. I know when I was applying to college, this felt like a huge kinda scary commitment.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And it is a big decision. Yeah. Because with early decision, if the college accepts you, you're in. You're committed.
Speaker 2:No changing your mind. No looking at other financial aid packages or anything. Wow. So are there even benefits to applying? Packages or anything.
Speaker 2:Wow. So are there even benefits
Speaker 1:to applying ED then? Oh, definitely. The guide emphasizes that for some students, they love that certainty.
Speaker 2:They've got their heart set on one dream school, and they're totally ready to commit. So if you're absolutely sure about a school, it could
Speaker 1:make sense.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And there's another thing. The guy also mentions that colleges well, they actually accept a huge chunk of their incoming class through early decision.
Speaker 1:Really? Like, way more than regular decision?
Speaker 2:Way more. We're backing sometimes 40 to 60% even of the entire freshman class, and there's a reason for that. Colleges, they love early decision because it helps them predict how many students are actually going to enroll.
Speaker 1:Which makes sense. They need to know who's actually coming.
Speaker 2:Exactly. But it's not just about the colleges. There's a strategy here for students too because colleges often say that applying ED, it shows how strongly interested you are in their school.
Speaker 1:You know? Oh, so it's like a signal.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Like, hey. You're my top choice. And that can actually give you an edge over other applicants.
Speaker 1:Wow. So there really is a strategy to all of this. It's not just about checking the early decision box on the application.
Speaker 2:Exactly. There's a lot more to it than that. Now if you're not quite ready to go all in with early decision, there's another option, early action.
Speaker 1:Right. Early action or EA, and this one always seemed a little less, I don't know, intense.
Speaker 2:It definitely is. Yeah. The guide highlights that unlike early decision, early action is not binding. So you could apply EA to several different schools without being obligated to go if you get in.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay. So you've got some flexibility.
Speaker 2:Exactly. The deadlines are usually similar to ED, though. Mhmm. Usually, early November ish, and then you find out if you're in by December. So you still get that early application advantage.
Speaker 1:Right. Without having to commit right away.
Speaker 2:Exactly. That flexibility is a major benefit of EA, especially for students who are still deciding between a few different colleges, maybe, or who are waiting on financial aid offers, applying EA lets them keep their options open.
Speaker 1:So we've covered ED that's, like, what, taking the express train. And then EA, that's maybe like a scenic route, but you still get there faster. I'm trying to come up with analogies here.
Speaker 2:I like it. Those are good.
Speaker 1:Okay. But then there's rolling admissions. And this one, I don't know. It always seemed kinda mysterious. Like, is there even a deadline?
Speaker 2:That's a great question. And I think a lot of people get confused about rolling admissions. Basically, it just means that colleges review applications as they receive them, and they make decisions on a rolling basis.
Speaker 1:So in theory, you could apply whenever.
Speaker 2:Right. You could. But and this is a big but. Mhmm. Applying early is still super important.
Speaker 1:So even though there's no set deadline, you can't just, like, chill and submit your application in July and expect to get the same amount of consideration.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And the guide really stresses that. Because with rolling admissions, you're basically competing against a pool of applicants that keeps growing and growing.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Plus, a lot of colleges that offer rolling admissions, they'll just stop accepting applications once their class is full, even if it's before that official deadline.
Speaker 1:So you don't wanna risk it?
Speaker 2:Exactly. There's definitely a strategy there. Even with rolling admissions, getting that application in early is key.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've talked about research. That's our foundation. We've got our timeline with deadlines figured out. Now let's talk about the heart of it all, the application itself.
Speaker 1:Yes. Let's get into it.
Speaker 2:Because this is where things get personal. Right? It's not just about numbers and stats anymore. You're trying to show the admissions committee who you are beyond just grades and test scores.
Speaker 1:It really is. Yeah. It's all about telling your story.
Speaker 2:Okay. So where do we even begin?
Speaker 1:Well, the guide does a fantastic job at breaking down all the pieces. Perfect. Because there are a lot of pieces.
Speaker 2:There are. But think of it this way. Your application, it's like a giant mosaic. You know?
Speaker 1:Okay. I like that visual.
Speaker 2:And each piece of that mosaic is a different part of your application. So your grades, your activities, your essays, it all comes together to show this bigger picture of who you are.
Speaker 1:I love that. Okay. So let's break down those mosaic pieces starting with well, I guess the cornerstone of any college application has gotta be grades. Right? Academic performance.
Speaker 2:Right. It's essential. Colleges wanna see that you can handle the workload, that you can keep up with those college level courses.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. So it's not just about, like, being naturally brilliant. It's about putting in the effort.
Speaker 2:Exactly. They're looking for that upward trend
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:That you're committed to learning. You're challenging yourself.
Speaker 1:So show growth over time.
Speaker 2:Got it.
Speaker 1:Got it. What about extracurriculars? I feel like that's always a big question mark for students.
Speaker 2:It's huge. And this is really your chance to show those passions that you have outside of the classroom.
Speaker 1:Right. Because you're more than just a GPA.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And the guide makes a really good point here about quality over quantity.
Speaker 1:Oh, I was just gonna say, it's not about joining a 1,000,000 clubs just to look good on paper.
Speaker 2:Not at all. Yeah. It's much better to find a few activities that you're really genuinely passionate about and then really dedicate your time to those.
Speaker 1:So you're showing commitment.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Leadership positions are great, of course. But even if you're not president of every club, showing that you've really made a difference, that you've contributed to something you care about that speaks volumes.
Speaker 1:What I really like is that the guide also says that extracurriculars don't have to be the, like, traditional things. You know?
Speaker 2:Totally.
Speaker 1:Like, it's not all about, like, the debate team or the soccer team or whatever. Like, a part time job, volunteering, even stuff you do at home with your family, it all counts.
Speaker 2:A 100%. Colleges know that you have a life outside of school, and they value those experiences.
Speaker 1:Right. Because all of those things, they teach you important skills.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Responsibility, teamwork, time management, these are all super valuable, and colleges know that.
Speaker 1:Okay. Now for the $1,000,000 question, I'm sure everyone listening wants to know standardized tests. The SAT, the ACT. With so many colleges going test optional these days, it's like, what are you even supposed to do?
Speaker 2:I know. It's tough. It's definitely changed a lot even from when I applied to college. But the guide actually has some really helpful insights on this. It acknowledges this whole shift towards test optional and kind of puts it into perspective.
Speaker 2:For example, it points out that even though a lot of colleges aren't requiring scores anymore, about half of students are still choosing to submit them.
Speaker 1:So they're not irrelevant.
Speaker 2:Not exactly. They can still be a factor, especially if you're applying to, like, super selective schools or certain programs. Here's the bottom line. Strong scores can still give you a boost. But if your scores aren't where you want them to be, it might make more sense to focus on highlighting your other strengths, you know.
Speaker 2:So it's a judgment call. Exactly. You gotta weigh your options. Okay. Ready to talk about a part of the application I think a lot of students dread?
Speaker 1:Hit me. Wait. Don't tell me. Is it the essays?
Speaker 2:The essays.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I think I've, like, successfully blacked out all memories of writing my college essays.
Speaker 2:I don't blame you. It's a lot of pressure. Yeah. But the guide makes a really good point, which is that your essays, they're your chance to share your story. You get to show who you are beyond just the numbers.
Speaker 1:Okay. That actually makes me feel a
Speaker 2:little bit better. Good. Because the most important thing is to be genuine, to be thoughtful. Let your real voice come through in your writing.
Speaker 1:So don't try to sound like a robot. Got it.
Speaker 2:No robots allowed. Think of it more like a conversation that you're having with the admissions committee. You're telling them something they wouldn't know just from looking at your transcript.
Speaker 1:You're making a connection.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Okay. One more piece of the application puzzle we gotta talk about.
Speaker 1:Okay. Lay it on me.
Speaker 2:Letters of recommendation. And these sometimes get overlooked, but they can be really important.
Speaker 1:See, I always wondered, like, how much weight do those letters actually carry?
Speaker 2:They can carry a lot, actually, especially if they're well written and they're from teachers or counselors who really know you. You know?
Speaker 1:Right. Someone who's actually seen your work ethic.
Speaker 2:Yes. And the guide stresses this. Colleges, they don't just want someone to repeat what's already on your transcript. Yeah. They want those insights into your character, how you learn, what your potential is.
Speaker 1:So it's about finding those teachers who can really be your advocate.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Someone who can speak to your strengths, who can vouch for you. Okay. So we've talked about the application itself. Now we need to address the elephant in the room, which is, of course, financial aid.
Speaker 1:Financial aid. This is the part where it feels like everyone's just throwing numbers at you. Right.
Speaker 2:It can feel really overwhelming. Yeah. But remember how we talked about building a strong foundation?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Same thing applies to financial aid. You gotta break it down into smaller steps, and this guide is actually great at that.
Speaker 1:Well, that's good to hear because I need a guide for this part for sure.
Speaker 2:Well, get your highlighter ready. The the guide kicks things off with the AFSA.
Speaker 1:Right. The FSA. That's basically, like, the VIP pass to get into all things financial aid, isn't it?
Speaker 2:Exactly. The guide actually calls it the gateway, the free application for federal student aid, to be exact.
Speaker 1:Oh, right. The acronym. I always forget what it stands for.
Speaker 2:It trips everyone up. But, basically, filling that out, that's how you find out what you qualify for when it comes to federal grants, loans, all those work study programs.
Speaker 1:Okay. So mark it in your calendars, everyone because there's a super important date to remember.
Speaker 2:October 1st.
Speaker 1:That's when the FS becomes available every year. Right?
Speaker 2:You got it. Don't miss it.
Speaker 1:Okay. So that's federal aid, but then there are private schools too. And the guide mentions something called the CSS profile, which I've definitely heard of, but I'll be honest, I don't really know what it is.
Speaker 2:Okay. Yeah. So if you're thinking about private colleges, just know that some, not all, but some might ask you to fill out the CSS profile too in addition to the FFSA. Oh, fun. More paperwork.
Speaker 2:Right. But it's another financial aid application, basically. This one's specifically for something called institutional aid, which is just a fancy way of saying aid that comes directly from the college itself. Ah,
Speaker 1:okay. So it's like their own separate thing.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. So you've got federal aid with the FAFSAs. Some colleges might have their own thing with the CSS profile. And then, of course, there are scholarships.
Speaker 1:Oh, right. Scholarships. Those always felt kinda like, I don't know, a mythical creature to me. Like, how do you even find them?
Speaker 2:I think a lot of people feel that way. But this guide has a great way of putting it. They call it a treasure hunt.
Speaker 1:Oh, I like that.
Speaker 2:Right. The scholarships are out there. You just have to know where to look. And the key is to be proactive. Don't wait for scholarship to come to you.
Speaker 2:Go out and find them.
Speaker 1:So where do we even begin digging?
Speaker 2:Well, your high school guidance counselor is always a good place to start.
Speaker 1:Oh, right.
Speaker 2:They often have information about, like, local scholarships, stuff that's specific to your area, and then definitely check out all those online scholarship databases. Scholarships.com, Fastweb, those are big ones.
Speaker 1:I've heard of those. Okay. I'm writing this down.
Speaker 2:And one other thing I always tell students is to think about organizations that align with your interests or even, like, your dream career path.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's a good idea.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Because a lot of times, they'll have scholarships specifically for students who are, you know, passionate about those fields.
Speaker 1:So it's really about casting a wide net. Right?
Speaker 2:Exactly. And every little bit helps. Even if it's a small scholarship, it all adds up.
Speaker 1:It all makes a difference. So let's say you've applied for financial aid. You've scoured the Internet for scholarships. What's next?
Speaker 2:Well, the fun part. You start getting those acceptance letters, hopefully. And along with those, you'll get financial aid offers from the colleges that accept you.
Speaker 1:Right. And that's when it's time to really break out the calculator. Right? Because you've gotta compare.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And the guide stresses this. Don't just focus on that initial sticker price of tuition.
Speaker 1:Right. Because there's a lot more to
Speaker 2:it than that. So much more. Mhmm. It's about looking at the total cost of attendance, and that includes everything. Tuition, fees, room and board, books, travel, even just, like, everyday expenses.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Like, you've gotta factor in pizza money. Right?
Speaker 2:Exactly. You gotta live so once you've got all of that information in front of you
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:That's when you can really make an informed decision about, okay, which college actually makes the most sense for me and my family financially?
Speaker 1:Right. Which one fits into the budget? Alright. So we covered a ton of ground in this deep dive. I mean, we really broke down the whole college application process, everything from choosing the right colleges, navigating those tricky deadlines, figuring out how to make your application stand out, and, of course, tackling the financial aid maze.
Speaker 2:And the great thing is you don't have to do it alone. There are resources out there to help you every step of the way.
Speaker 1:That's so true. Resources like our trusty guide here from collegejourney.com. Seriously, if you're feeling overwhelmed, definitely check this out. All the info is in the show notes.
Speaker 2:It's a lifesaver, honestly.
Speaker 1:For real. Okay. But as we wrap things up, I think the most important thing to remember is that it's not just about getting into college, it's about finding the right fit for you.
Speaker 2:Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1:So to all of you out there starting this crazy exciting journey, don't be afraid to ask for help, explore your options, and most importantly, stay true to yourself. You've got this. And on that note, until next time on the deep dive.
