How to Avoid Unnecessary College Applications Stress

Coming from an international high school, I was surrounded by high performing students eager to get into top US and UK universities. During our lunch breaks, there would be a different admissions consultant who would give talks about universities and its application processes.

These admissions experts would provide student consultation, clarifying any questions or concerns we have about getting into our dream college. 

My High School Background

During the entirety of my high school life, I was the kind of student that finished their homework and projects days in advance. I did not see the point of procrastination; for me, it was just delaying stress. Academically, my grades were strong. I was a consistent high honors student and I was taking the most difficult classes offered by my high school.

I took the IB Diploma, which I was predicted to get a 43. I also took AP US History, the only AP class my high school had at the time. I also had a strong SAT score, which I accomplished by doing as many practice tests as I could.

My extracurricular activities were admittedly not as plentiful as my peers’. While my fellow students inundated their schedules with a range of extracurriculars, I occupied my time as a member of  the Fine Arts Council and the secretary of the Photography Club. Artistic more than athletic, I knew that my interests were in the arts.

However, I wanted to push myself and while it was a challenge for me, I joined JV soccer. While building a strong college application is important, it is equally valuable to explore activities that genuinely interest and inspire you.

Applying to Berkeley

I still vividly remember when the college admissions team from the University of California came. The PA system announced that they were giving a talk about the nine UC campuses that admit undergraduates. I was excited; more than getting the free pen and school banner, I took all the university application consulting I could get.

When the university admissions team began to present the specialties and advantages of each campus, I had my sight set on UC Davis. While I was a studious student, my college admissions counselor labelled UC Berkeley a “reach” school.

Similar to the Common App, the UC network had their own application system. It was integrated, which made applying to an additional campus relatively easy. I took a chance and ticked the box that said Berkeley. While most university application deadlines were in late December, even January, I remember the UC system being one of the early ones that was due in November. 

The Waiting Game

In late December, after a few application deadlines had passed, I realized that I did not send my SAT scores to the colleges I applied to. This was an unnecessary burden to an already incredibly stressful and nerve-racking time. I scrambled to send my SAT scores, but being the anxious person that I was, I convinced myself that I was not going to get accepted into any school because of a technicality.

It all turned out to be okay but it was an avoidable additional stress. I first heard back from UC Davis but eventually decided on UC Berkeley. My four years studying Architecture in the top public university in the US was an amazing, enriching experience. If I had one advice for you, it would be to thoroughly read all the application material.

If you can, seek school admissions counseling services to ensure that you are presenting yourself in the best possible light and hitting all the necessary application requirements then reach out Helppo they help students get admission in their dream universities as well as online tutoring.