Everyday college applications absorb the free time of seniors nation wide.  They are lengthy, tedious, and sometimes difficult to complete.  In any event, these forms bring students one step closer to life outside of high school.

            Senior Allyson Norris finished most of her applications in September and October.

“I’m glad [the applications] are done.  They were a pain, but I wanted to finish them before schoolwork started to pick up.”

            Others see the January 1 deadline for applications as too far away.

            “I haven’t really started yet, but I’m not too worried about it,” said senior Nick Romano.  “There’s plenty of time to do them.”

            Though different in some respects among the universities, college applications have similarities among them.  Just about all consist of a basic information section such as name, address, and e-mail; an activities section allowing the applicant to list his or her extracurricular activities; and a writing section with two or more essays usually about a meaningful experience or person.

            Conveniently enough, universities are beginning to adopt the Common Application (sponsored by The Common Application Inc.), which allows the applicant to fill out the aforementioned basic information once instead of several times.  As of the 2009, 392 institutions use the application for first year students.

In addition to basic information, most colleges require at least two teacher recommendations and a counselor recommendation indicating the applicant’s readiness for college. 

            Over the years, the guidance department has managed to figure out how to best streamline the process.  Many teachers, on the other hand, are overwhelmed by the dozens of recommendations in addition to their already time consuming work.

Social studies teacher Joe Willard is one of the most popular teachers as far as recommendations.  Seniors who took AP US History with Mr. Willard feel that he can write an in-depth recommendation, since the class was all year long and its rigor shows the students’ readiness for challenging college courses.

            “It’s quite a bit of work.  Different colleges have different instructions, and some kids are applying to eight different places.  I feel like the students are giving me homework,” Willard said.

            Many students forget that the application is incomplete until the application fee is paid.  Some colleges have no application fee such as Tulane University, but most fall between $50 and $75 (depending on the institution).  While that may not seem like a great deal of money, it adds up.  Six schools at around $50 add up to a non-refundable $300 just for applying.

           As unpleasant as the application process may be, it has its rewards.

        “It will be all worth it when the acceptance letters start coming in the mail,” said Norris.  “Then it’s not if you’re going to college, but where.”