How to understand the college application process

Mmore than 1.2 million aspiring students are preparing to apply to the university of what has become a national rite of passage for ambitious students.

In fact, many applicants hoping to get into their dream schools have already submitted materials early decisiona guess that can increase one’s chances of getting in. But such a committed approach can be limiting for some students who are still thinking about their future — and how to pay for it — writes Forbes contributor Kristen Moon.

“In the crazy world of college applications, students are best served by making lots of flexible plans and backup plans. And then make backup plans for their backup plans,” says Moon.

The high school class of 2025 will have to plan slightly differently than last year’s graduating seniors. campus tumult, admission changes and changing student loan guidelines have reshaped the application landscape. Affirmative action and recognition of legacies have declined; artificial intelligence is starting to take root.

Forbes contributor Scott White, who writes about college admissions, outlines more than a dozen changes students are facing, including the new FAFSA rollout and DEI cuts.

Prospective students should have a well-organized plan for the application process — it’s a marathon, not a sprint, notes Forbes contributor Dr. Aviva Legatt. She offers a seven-step guide to getting started.

Read on for more expert advice from Forbes educational contributions:

Early action and early decision

Some students first want to delve deeper into their search for a university, while others may feel overwhelmedwrites Forbes contributor Brennan Barnard. There are plenty of options and expert opinions on how to start the application process. And students have multiple options with different deadlines. Knowing which choice is right for you can be difficult.

“The difference between Early Decision I (ED I) and Early Decision II (ED II) and planning both into your application process can mean the difference between a successful application process or not,” says Moon, a college application consultant.

Early applications are open from mid-October through November, and students are typically notified of acceptance between December and February, depending on the type of application they made and the specific school.

Applicants should consider how confident they are in their choice, their financial aid requirements, and their patience level before considering an early application.

Forbes6 Steps to Create Your Winning College ListBy means of Dr. Aviva Legatt

Elite School Competition

The Ivy League may have lost some of its luster among some employers, but these prestigious institutions remain among the most highly regarded schools in the country. Competition for places can be fierce and the process is not as merit-based as many thinkwrites Forbes contributor Christopher Rim, a college admissions consultant in New York.

“Excellent grades and test scores are the crucial foundation for admission to the Ivy League, but they are hardly the only thing top schools are looking for,” notes Rim.

The Ivy League may have lost some of its luster among some employers, but these prestigious institutions remain among the most highly regarded schools in the country. Competition for places can be fierceand the process is not as merit-based as many thinkwrites Forbes contributor Christopher Rim, a college admissions consultant in New York.

“Excellent grades and test scores are the crucial foundation for admission to the Ivy League, but they are hardly the only thing top schools are looking for,” notes Rim.

Last year, Harvard and Yale each received more than 50,000 applications, and the University of Pennsylvania received more than 65,000 submissions for the 2023-2024 school year. They accept very few applicants and students are always looking for an edge.

Rim suggests three ways Freshmen in high school can start preparing their resumes. But remember: “Students are not competing with all other applicants, but rather a specific subgroup of individuals with similar academic interests, extracurricular experiences and backgrounds.”

Forbes5 Red Flags Ivy League Admissions Officers Look ForBy means of Christopher Rim

Be selective

Applicants must be as selective as admissions officers when deciding which schools to apply to.

“Students need to think strategically about the types of programs, campuses, learning environments and communities they want to access,” Rim says.

For example, making a bid all eight Ivy League schools to increase the chances of penetrating someone can backfire.

“Spending time and energy completing eight Ivy League applications is actually a harmful strategy for most students,” says Rim.

Each college has its own character, offering and campus. When compiling a list of schools, Rim suggests that students ask yourself three questions:

• “Do you want to go to a small school with a low student-faculty ratio or a large school with an abundance of options?”
• “Are you interested in conducting laboratory research or are you more focused on the classroom experience?”
• “Will you thrive in a city or a rural environment?”

As tuition costs rise and other top schools offer similar educational opportunities, this applies to Moon as well advises students not to limit their focus.

ForbesIs an Ivy League degree important?By means of Kristen Moon

Avoid misinformation in college

Students pursuing Early Action and Early Decision should submit their applications in mid-October and early November. Those seeking help online in preparing their pitches for admissions officers may find conflicting information about grades, test scores and extracurricular activities that can lead to confusion.

It is important to understand facts and folklore when navigating this sometimes opaque process.

“A common misconception is that choosing a bizarre or non-traditional course of study increases the chance of acceptance,” Moon writes. This is not true. “When colleges evaluate candidates, they look at how they have shown interest in that specific field through their activities or academic classes.” Choosing a random course of study that does not seem to fit the student’s profile can harm their chances of acceptance.

Moon expels eight ordinary myths and misconceptions about college applicationsincluding confusion surrounding SAT scores and how much is too much for a student resume.

More from Forbes Contributors

ForbesShould You Hire a College Counselor for Your 11-Year-Old?By means of Christopher Rim
ForbesDo you want to join the Ivy League? Here you can read how long the application process actually takesBy means of Christopher Rim
Forbes5 strategies for getting into the college waitlistBy means of Kristen Moon
ForbesHow Your Social Media Accounts Can Affect Your Ivy League ApplicationsBy means of Christopher Rim
ForbesA definitive plan for your college admissions processBy means of Dr. Aviva Legatt