Recently I tweeted an article about the disadvantages of being the first one to submit a college application. Since then it has occurred to me that some further explanation might be needed.
First, if one of my students is applying to a state university like Auburn, the U. of Tennessee, Ole Miss, or any college with a rolling admissions deadline, there's nothing wrong with getting the application completed as soon as possible. As I often tell students, there's nothing quite like that first acceptance letter to help you breathe again. But even with those schools, students are sometimes in such a rush to "just get it done," that they make careless mistakes or perhaps even more important, don't take advantage of every opportunity to illustrate who they are.
Sure, some applications only want biographical information and the name of your high school, but many of them offer some opportunities to say something about yourself. It may be in the form of an optional personal statement, or it may be the chance to upload a resume. Why wouldn't you take advantage of these opportunities?
We've barely finished two weeks of school, so rather than racing through your college applications, take a deep breath (and that includes mom and dad) and slow down. Submit a thoughtful application, one that showcases your best self. Regardless of the outcome, you will know that you did everything you can to gain admission.
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