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“Where are you going to college?”
This question is seemingly everyone’s favorite when you become a senior. Suddenly, every adult in your life simultaneously forgets how the application process works and is dying to know where you’ve decided to go to college. However, most will not know where they are going to college until December at the very earliest—sometimes as late as March or April.
“I don’t think [adults] understand that I haven’t even applied yet…it is this all-consuming process that takes months,” Nora Donoho, AHS Senior, said.
So, what does the application process actually look like? For most students, the Common Application is their path of choice. The Common Application—or, more casually, Common App—was an experiment founded in 1975 by a coalition of 15 universities across the country seeking to streamline the application process.
In 2025, the digital Common App has become the most widely used application, with over 1,000 colleges and universities accepting the Common App. In fact, over 10 million applications were submitted to universities all over the world in the 2024-2025 application cycle.
STUDENTS IN APPLICATION ACTION
While all this data shows that the Common App is the most popular choice, it is far from perfect or easy for students to submit their applications.
“I feel like a lot of people don’t realize how long the process takes from start to finish,” Donoho said. “I’ve been working on [it] since August.”
The process itself is evidently very time-consuming, but it also boasts little instant gratification due to the very nature of the application. Donoho expresses discontent with the process as a whole:
“It’s very much like you’re laying your soul bare for these...applications officers that you’ll never meet. ‘This is my life—I hope it’s good enough for you!’”
Senior Shiloh Farrell, applying to 11 schools including several top universities, echoes these frustrations. When asked what was the most tedious aspect, Farrell said, “Either writing or just going through each of the colleges and listing your information…I have to write it for the Common App and then [again] for each school.”
And the most common time-sink? Essays. In addition to the Personal Statement essay facilitated by Common App, many schools have their own writing supplements, oftentimes involving more than one additional essay. Farrell, having written tens of essays throughout this process, shares his best advice for tackling these essays. “Try to show your true character in them. And proofread, proofread, proofread,” Farrell advises.
AHS ADVICE
If you’re reading this—no matter your grade level—and thinking to yourself, “I have no clue how to go about this process,” fear not. The interviewed seniors and AHS counselor Chelsea Meyers have some helpful tips for students at any point in the application process—researching, visiting, or applying.
When sitting down to discuss with Meyers, she provided a list of questions to guide the college process (see Figure 1), as “when to start applying” is the most common question she gets asked. Meyers advises prospective applicants to take their time and enjoy the exploration process, which is “the most fun part.”
Figure 1: Meyers’ College Search Guide
“I definitely recommend tours (and doing virtual tours), applying early is really important, and then talking to your letters of rec people,” Meyers said. She urges applicants to “[show] a genuine interest and really [take] the lead on your own path.”
And, while tours can be great to reinforce a selection, Donoho explains they are just as helpful for figuring out what you don’t like: “I felt it was really easy for me to visit a place and say, ‘Oh, I hate this—I really don’t want to spend the next four years here.’”
When applying, it’s important to make your application feel unique when compared against the thousands of other applications, as a memorable application is a strong asset in the admissions game. While this task may seem daunting, “being real about it” is the way to go, according to Farrell. He encourages applicants to “just [do] things outside of school that they are passionate about and that they have dedicated their time to. Because…that’s what colleges want to see, instead of something that’s obviously been inflated to ‘look good’ for a college app.”
FINAL REFLECTIONS
After discussing with Meyers, Donoho, and Farrell, this is a list of the best ways to bolster your application. (Spoiler alert: not all of them are easy!)
Take a rigorous course load and mind your GPA (9th graders—your grades do matter and impact your GPA forever!).
Study before taking the exams (ACT or SAT).
Draft and revise your essays multiple times.
Get involved in extracurriculars that match your passions—athletics, clubs, leadership, or service.
Get in contact with prospective colleges; visit, email, and show interest.
Follow all directions carefully on the Common App.
While application season is a stressful time for many, it does give you the ability to take time and reflect on your high school experience.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself,” Donoho said. “It’s been cool to see every part of your personality and high school career just all laid out on paper.”
So, for the current applicant or future applicant, take a few breaths, start early so you can take your time, and really take advantage of the distinct perspective that emerges from being tasked with pouring out your heart into an application. You can do it!
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