What I Wish All Families of Rising Seniors Knew Now

Written By Apple User

What I Wish All Families of Rising Seniors Knew Now

Many families wait until the summer before senior year to begin working on college applications.

But in reality, May is the ideal time to start.

Beginning now creates a longer runway, builds confidence, and significantly reduces stress later on.

With many college deadlines—especially Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED)—arriving as early as October, students who start in May gain a meaningful advantage. Even an extra month can make a real difference when managing the many moving parts of the college application process.

So what can students do now?

1. Create a Common App account

Students can set up an account at Common App and begin exploring. This is a great opportunity to become familiar with participating colleges and the different sections of the application—before the pressure of deadlines sets in.

2. Begin thinking about the personal essay

The Common App essay is one of the most important parts of the application.
Now is the time to:

  • Review the prompts

  • Start brainstorming

  • Reflect on meaningful experiences and personal stories

There’s no need to write a full draft yet—but getting ideas flowing early makes the process far more manageable.

3. Start building a thoughtful college list

Initial research should begin now with the goal of creating a balanced and realistic list.

Helpful resources include:

  • College websites

  • The Fiske Guide to Colleges

  • Virtual platforms like CampusTours and YouVisit

These “no travel required” tools allow students to explore campuses, get a feel for different environments, and begin identifying what matters most to them.

Students who start their college search and application process in May—and stay engaged through June, July, and August—return to school with something incredibly valuable: confidence.

They feel prepared. Focused. Ahead of the process.

And that changes everything.

Apple User