Timing is everything. That’s what I learned when I interviewed two seniors at my school, the Robert F. Kennedy Community High School in Flushing, Queens. Below are my interviews with Winnie Cheng, a senior who started her college process early, and Megan Dermody, a senior who started her college process later on. They were first published in the December issue of the rfkRECORD.
Winnie Cheng
How far along are you in your college process?
I’m almost done, I started in the summer because I knew I was going to be bombarded with homework and volunteering.
When did you start applying for college, getting recommendations, college essays, etc.?
I asked for recommendations during junior year and reminded my teachers over the summer. I did my essays and I started to apply in the summer too.
When are you going to get your responses back from the colleges?
Maybe January because I applied with early action which is NON-BINDING so I’ll still have a choice.
What are some tips for late seniors/juniors?
Apply before it’s too late. Get a head-start. It’s better to be early than late. Even if it’s TOO late, don’t give up because there are some schools that have rolling admissions.
Did it take a lot of stress off of your mind because you started early?
Yup, all I had to do was have my teachers look over my essays and just pay for the processing fee. I think what really stressed me out the most was finding time to sit down with my teacher to go over my essays because I have sports and volunteer, as well as school work of course. But starting over the summer, really took a lot of stress off!
Megan Dermody
How far along are you in your college process?
I started my CUNY application. I have colleges picked out.
What do you have left to do?
I have to write my college essay and get my recommendation letters from teachers.
What are some tips for late seniors/juniors?
For juniors, start as early as you can and don’t procrastinate. Applying to college is frustrating enough, don’t make it harder by putting it off and then have to rush.
Is it stressful to apply or register late?
It is very stressful starting so late. It’s overwhelming knowing that the deadlines are approaching and you don’t have everything done.
If you could start a year earlier, what would you have done differently?
I would start earlier. I kept telling myself that I have time but now I have no time and I’m rushing to get everything done.
What is your experience as the college application season is coming to a close? Share your thoughts below.