Aching Apps

By Frank Vitiello 11/17/15

 

It’s an uncomfortable feeling when your back is aching and your eyes burn from a bright computer screen. These are frequent symptoms of mine while I sit in my office chair for hours completing college applications.

 

I walked into the college application process prepared, almost excited. Believe me, that feeling was swept away quickly and replaced with dread and anxiety. Don’t get me wrong, college life is something I am much looking forward to. It is the process to get there that is physically exhausting.

 

Applications are not as simple as checking a few boxes and typing in your name. And any application that claims it “only takes minutes” is a fat lie. It’s rather grueling.

 

Most, if not all, applications begin with the easy parts. Name, birthday, parents’ names. (If this is the difficult part for any of you feel free to contact me, I’ll help you out fam). These simple beginning steps are what pull you in. “I got this, bada bing bada boom.” These are my exact thoughts every time I sit down to complete an application. And then… the essay.

 

I love writing, and essays are a strong suit of mine. But a weakness of mine? Essay, after essay, after essay, after 650 word essay. It’s almost like a never ending tunnel. If you’re in this position currently, I do feel your pain. But there is light at the end of the long, narrow tunnel.

 

It is a great feeling when you finally hit that SUBMIT button. No more questions, no more essays. Shout out loud, jump up and down, I don’t know, whatever gets you hyped. And if your mother is anything like mine, she will take pictures of you hitting the submit button and send it to any and all relatives.

 

Unfortunately, I see too many students who do not know where to begin the college process. If you are just beginning to think about college, good. If you’re a senior and just now thinking about it, good luck. I am not bitter or cold, only brutally honest. Starting early is the best advice I could give. Planning ahead is a useful skill to have in general and applying it to college is a great way to start. As you think about college life (the academic aspect, not the turnt parties), think about what you want for yourself. Even a few characteristics of something you are looking for drastically reduces the stress of finding just the right school.

 

Aside from applications and college searches, tests are extremely important. Whether it be SAT’s or ACT’s (I prefer the latter), tests are a serious aspect in the college preparedness process. Do not wait until senior year to take these. Trust me, it will haunt you later. Along with starting early comes taking tests early. Early junior year is a perfect time to take the tests and get them out of your way. Then brag to your friends as seniors that you finished your tests already.

 

 Deadlines, due dates, “I will die if I do not have this in in time,” whatever you call it, application deadlines are important. Having organized, OCD parents like myself, I have an advantage in this area, as it is impossible for me to not know when a deadline is for college. Do not underestimate the power of a calendar. A simple reminder could make all the difference in the world when it comes to “accepted” or “denied.” Submitting at 11:59 is also not a great idea when it comes to applications, but on your English assignments for Turnitin.com, go for it.

 

College may not be in your vision of your future, but if it is, know how to at least get started. Mentally preparing yourself for the grueling journey ahead may never happen, but from someone who is almost at the end of the tunnel, it is possible. Just get used to burning eyes, and aching backs.