Apply (Yourself) So You Do Not Get Burned

🌞Before you head to the lake to ski, beach to picnic, or forest to hike, it is wise to prepare yourself for some fun in the sun. While some of us rarely burn, it is important for everyone to apply sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to protect our skin against sunburn.

Likewise, you should plan how you will apply for college, so you do not get burned.
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Some students do not like to make plans for the summer, they just want to live in the moment. Be spontaneous.

Executive Function Coach Seth Perler shares that planning is a part of your executive function. Some students have to work harder to apply themselves and plan.

Seniors, here are four decisions you need to make before you apply to college.

🧴 Decide What Career You Want to Pursue

Making this decision will make it easier to finalize your college list. You should:

• Review your career assessment(s) for confirmation.
• Discuss your choices with your counselor or coach.

🧴 Decide Which Colleges You Want to Pursue

You are pursuing them, just as they are pursing you. Of the colleges you have researched and visited, each should:

• Offer the major(s) that will help you apply for a job in your career field.
• Meet your personal social, academic, and financial requirements.
• Make you feel excited and safe if you decide to attend.

🧴 Decide When You Want to Apply

Deciding now will help you schedule your essays and applications. For each college, you should:

• Know what it means to apply early decision, early action, or regular decision.
• Know how applying early increases your chance of admission.
• Know when the application deadlines are and submit them early. (Have you ever decided to apply sunscreen after being in the water a few hours? It was too late!)

🧴 Decide How You Want to Apply

While application deadlines vary, applications may be available as early as July 1.

• Use application portals like the Common Application, Coalition Application, ApplyTexas, or CSU Mentor to apply to multiple schools at once.
• Or use the application provided on the college website.

😎 Yes, these are four big decisions! Take the time to plan, apply yourself, apply for college, and avoid getting burned.