Finish Strong: Your Guide to Completing College Applications
The final weeks of college application season can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps will help you stay focused and confident. Here are the key questions to ask yourself as you prepare to hit “submit,” along with a helpful checklist to make sure nothing is overlooked.
What’s Left to Do?
Take a moment to assess where you are in the process. Are your essays polished? Have your recommenders submitted their letters? Is every application section complete?
Essays: We know, you can barely look at them at this point, you’ve read them so many times. However, be sure to revisit your personal statement and supplemental essays. Are they clear, engaging, and error-free? The last thing you want is to find a typo right after submitting. Also, make sure your responses are specific and tailored to each school.
Recommendations: Confirm that your recommenders have submitted their letters. If not, send a polite reminder and thank them for their time.
Application Details: Review your applications for typos, formatting issues, and completeness. Check every section for accuracy. Double check deadlines.
Test Scores and Transcripts: Verify that your scores and transcripts have been sent to all your schools.
MULHOLLAND PREP TIP:
Make sure to thank your recommenders with a handwritten note and a gift. We love See’s Candies, but that’s just us.
Are There Any Gaps to Fill?
This is your last chance to make sure your application fully represents who you are.
Have you addressed all aspects of the prompts? Vague or incomplete answers can weaken an otherwise strong application.
Do your essays and activities reflect your values and achievements? Focus on being authentic and specific. Use your gut and assess if anything feels “off.”
Is there a “likely” school on your list? If not, consider adding one to ensure you have solid options when decisions come in.
How Can I Stay Calm and Focused?
The last stretch can be stressful, so take care of yourself. It will actually help you stay on track and put your best foot forward. Schedule short breaks during your work sessions, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself credit for how far you’ve come!
Final Checklist
Before you submit, go through this quick checklist to ensure every piece of your application is complete:
Essays: Proofread for clarity, grammar, and responsiveness to prompts. Recommendations: Follow up to confirm submission. Application Sections: Check for typos, accurate information, and completed fields. Test Scores: Ensure all required scores have been sent. Transcripts: Confirm delivery to each school. Deadlines: Double-check submission deadlines for every school.
Final Thoughts
Completing college applications is no small feat. Every essay, recommendation, and checkbox represents hours of effort and growth. Trust that your hard work will shine through.
Take a deep breath, review everything one last time, and press submit with confidence. You’ve got this!
About Our Counselors
At Mulholland Prep, our dedicated admissions counselors are experts in guiding students through the complex college application process. With years of experience and a personalized approach, they provide tailored advice on everything from crafting compelling personal statements to building a balanced college list. Schedule a consultation with one of our admissions counselors today to get personalized guidance on your college journey.
