College Application Week 2023: 5 Student Tips for This Year

College Application Week 2023 is here – what an exciting time for our future college students at St. Agnes Academy.

This initiative of the American College Application Campaign (ACAC) is intended to help students better understand and navigate the college admissions process. During this time, seniors are encouraged to take advantage of resources and perks that make it easier and more affordable to submit their college admissions applications.

While high school seniors can apply to their desired schools all semester long, many colleges and universities offer students the opportunity to apply for free during this period. Because students can apply for free to many institutions, participating in College Application Week is a great way to cut back on some of the costs associated with the admissions process.

If you plan to take advantage of the tools and resources offered during College Application Week, read on to learn five key tips for making the most of the college application process. Also, learn how the St. Agnes College Counseling team can help you out.

Students looking to submit college applications during College Application Week should take steps to ensure their applications are as comprehensive and effective as possible to maximize the value of these low-cost opportunities. Let’s discuss some strategies for crafting impactful admissions applications.

The first step in a successful college admissions season is research. Conducting thorough research into a wide range of educational institutions is the most effective means of finding the right fit for your higher learning needs.

It is important to research all aspects of the admissions process at each school on your list so you have ample time to craft and submit a comprehensive application that meets all requirements before the stated deadlines.

After conducting substantial research, it is not uncommon for a student to develop a strong preference for a small handful of institutions.

However, it is recommended that students apply to a range of colleges and universities and not focus solely on their “dream schools.” Unfortunately, the application process can be cost-prohibitive for a number of students because of the required fees.

For this reason, it is highly recommended that students take advantage of the free applications offered during College Application Week. With some or all application fees waived, students can affordably apply to more institutions and subsequently increase their odds of gaining acceptance.

The vast majority of college applications require students to submit a personal statement or topical essay as part of their admissions portfolio. The written portion of college applications can be daunting for some students, as there are many possible approaches and angles to consider during the writing process. 

At St. Agnes Academy, we encourage our students to embrace the things that make them unique when crafting their admissions essays. Rather than providing a cookie-cutter essay response, students can find a more creative approach that showcases both their writing ability and their individuality.

Students are encouraged to engage in peer review of their essays with their fellow students, as well as to consult with faculty during the writing and editing processes.

Students applying to college must keep track of many different deadlines simultaneously. Students are encouraged to keep a well-organized list or calendar of all deadlines for all application, financial aid, and interview deadlines.

Failing to meet your deadlines is a surefire way to negatively impact the likelihood of admission, and many schools will simply not consider an application if it is not received by the stated deadline. 

As you apply to college, it is critically important that you factor in all the associated costs for each institution. The cost of attendance is one of the most crucial variables to account for when making your final college decision, and not all schools on your list will have the same financial aid availability.

In addition to applying for federal financial aid through the FAFSA, some schools offer separate, institution-specific financial aid applications that must be completed promptly by students and their families. 

It is also important to keep in mind that tuition rates and financial aid availability may be different for a state student than for an out-of-state student. For example, a student from Texas who is applying to a North Carolina or Indiana college may need to seek out third-party scholarships and grant opportunities to help them cover the cost of out-of-state tuition.

There are some nationwide scholarship programs like the Countdown to College scholarship and the National Merit Scholarship that offer scholarship awards that can be put towards tuition at any accredited institution across the country.

Whether you’re planning to participate in College Application Week 2023 or are just looking ahead to prepare for the future, it is important to remember that you need to research, plan, and prepare.

For students looking for insight and support during the college application process, you can reach out to the St. Agnes College Counseling Department for additional resources and information. We would be happy to help you cultivate a comprehensive college admissions plan that is designed with her unique needs in mind.