During the first semester, seniors juggle chainsaws in the form of taking standardized tests, maintaining grades, and writing

college essays, all for college application after college application.

Not only are grades and test scores crucial, but writing solid and unique college essays are important to the application as a whole.

During October, seniors had the opportunity to attend college essay workshops where they received feedback on essays in order to improve them.

“I have most of my major essays written,” senior Laura Ferraro said. “I’m editing them and tweaking them so I can turn them into different colleges.”

Essay workshops are also scheduled for Nov. 13 and Dec. 9 at 2:15 p.m. in the Career Center.

While essays give colleges a more personal view of an applicant, standardized testing measures a student’s readiness for college.

These standardized tests include the SAT and ACT.

“I finished everything back in March last year,” senior Abby Reinhold said. “Then, I decided I would redo my subject tests, so I did that in early October.”

Senior Matthew Hutchins decided to take the SAT again, in the hopes that he will get a higher score and receive more financial aid.

“I didn’t do so hot on them so I’m probably going to take them again to get more money for college,” Hutchins said. “The SATs are stressing me out the most. I don’t like how standarized testing affects how much money you can get for college. I don’t think it accurately reflects how smart you are.”

In addition to college essays and applications, seniors also have to worry about staying on top of the homework, classwork, and tests.

All of these components can be compiled in the Common

Application, a free, uniform, online undergraduate application used by over 400 colleges and universities.

However, the website, has recently experienced some technical difficulties.

“What stresses me out the most is the Common App website,” Ferraro said. “I spent like six hours trying to submit my application. I was really mad.”

As a result of difficulties on the Common Application website, many schools extended their early application and early decision deadlines. A full list of these schools is located on Family Connection.

“Deadlines are also another critical part of the process,” career specialist Karen Burke said. “If you submit at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 2 when your application was due on Jan. 1, you’re late and chances are you will not be considered for admission.”

Despite deadline extensions, Burke advises students to plan ahead and give counselors enough time to work on their part of the applications.

“Counselors and teachers have to write a large number of recommendation letters each year,” Burke said. “While I know they are more than happy to do so, they need adequate time to prepare to write the best letter possible.”

Deadlines to submit recommendation requests to counselors are available on Blackboard and correspond with the school application deadline.

Generally, counselors need at least a three week notice. Many colleges require teacher recommendations in addition to counselor recommendations.

“Giving others ample time to do their part of the application will only help the strength of your application,” Burke said.

Senior JD Mullins offers some advice to lowerclassmen.

“Teacher recommendations are required by most schools,” Mullins said. “So, it’s pretty important to not mess around in class junior year, or you may have a bunch of teachers not wanting to write you a recommendation.”

Burke encourages students to stay proactive throughout the college process and to ask for help if they need it.

“If you have a question, ask someone immediately or jot it down if you can’t go to your counselor or the Career Center,” Burke said. “We’re happy to help throughout the process no matter how big or how small the request.”