College Application Deadlines: The Fear Factor

As Halloween approaches, scary things lurk beyond the corner. Perhaps the most frightening for high school seniors is the Nov. 1 deadline for applying to colleges.

Don’t discount it because it’s the early deadline. It is significant because, as more students opt for early action (non-binding) and early decision (binding) deadlines, the Nov. 1 deadline is becoming the new standard. In other words, by applying through the standard deadline, usually at the end of the year, students may decrease their chances of receiving an offer. This is especially true at the University of Maryland, College Park, where students must apply by the early deadline to be considered for the school’s honors or scholars programs.

Applying to college doesn’t have to be scary. A helpful mindset is to stop thinking about being “accepted” and to start think about getting an “offer.” When you think about your applications in these terms, you’ll alleviate some of your stress. Think about this: After the applications are in, the stress turns to the schools, which must wait to see which of their offers turn into acceptances. Schools worry about their ratings. Will their numbers be as high or higher than last year’s? Will they get a good class? The power of acceptance lies in the hands of the students. Schools merely make the offers.

Fear is a powerful emotion. As much as you may try to talk yourself out of it, your fear may linger. Yet a good mindset can make it more manageable. By now you should be polishing up your application essays. If you are confident that they tell a story that relays your individuality, you are on the right track. Knowing that you are submitting your best effort also can ease your worries. What if’s are terrifying. Don’t forget to ask for someone else–whether a friend, a family member or a professional–to review your essay before submitting it. Build your confidence to subside your fears.

In the spirit of Halloween, I have given you a few of my tricks. Now get those applications in early so you can sort out your treats!

About Nancy Frieder

Nancy Frieder hopes her passion for assisting students with their college and post graduate application essays shines through in her blogs. She created The Write Stuff Help to reduce the stress for the applicants and their parents by helping the student pinpoint an essay topic and write it in a way to attract admissions officers. Those who work with Nancy not only improve their writing, but also learn to target an audience with a unique reflection of themselves in a way that their test scores and GPA cannot. Nancy has lived in Montgomery County for more than 27 years. She has held reporting and editing positions for both local and national publications, and enjoys substitute teaching in Montgomery County Public Schools. Nancy and her husband just became empty-nesters, as both of their children now attend college. Their dog, Fez, is getting more attention than ever! Catch up with Nancy on Facebook and at her website The Write Stuff Help.

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