Students can start preparing by:

• Taking your ACT/ SAT 
• Working on your college essay
• Creating a resume (with extra-curriculars and activities listed)
• Looking at your (hopeful) schools requirements and making sure you have all of them
• Showing interests through touring

Over the past 10 years, college has become more of a necessity when applying for jobs. According to the Education Data Initiative, with over 15 million students enrolled in college in 2022, it has quickly become the norm to attend higher education after high school. College can provide students with more options for their future, and it can make one’s application stand out among others. However, with so many people attending college, the application process only continues to get more competitive and complicated. 

So, why is it getting more competitive if it is more necessary than ever before? The reason is simple – with more students applying to college than ever before, the number of rejections also has to increase. Each year, millions of high school students apply to college. With only limited spaces available in these institutions, cuts have become higher than ever. This year alone, college application numbers increased 8%, suggests Common App Data. 

However, researchers believe that there will be a dip in the number of applicants starting next year because of the ACT/ SAT. Next year, the ACT and SAT will no longer be considered optional, and students will have to submit these scores among many other things when applying. This brings stress to applicants, especially because these tests are becoming increasingly harder to study for. 

“The college application season is coming up, and as a rising senior I am stressed out. The ACT and SAT bring a lot of pressure, but with the added element of it being new brings more stress. I feel like we aren’t prepared enough, so it’s scary,” junior Shai Scheinson stated. 

Because of the introduction of the digital ACT and SAT, students are unprepared for the treacherous test. There is so little known about these digital tests, students are going in blind, and test scores are reflecting this. 

“I didn’t test well on my digital ACT, I think it was because I didn’t feel prepared at all. The new ACT makes it harder to study, since there is so much unknown about it,” junior Sydney Adamo stated. 

Students also believe that these tests are not only unnecessary but unfair. Students think that standardized testing is not the most effective way to measure a person’s potential. These tests also do not take into account students’ backgrounds and life experiences. 

“I have never been a good tester. But, I have been a good student. I don’t think it is fair that my ability to get into college is measured on that fact,” junior Madden Daniel stated. 

Nevertheless, this is not the only factor weighing into college decisions. Current juniors should start looking into what is needed for their applications. Having everything sorted out prior to applying can take away from the majority of stress, and can help students out tremendously. 

All of these things can provide you with an upper-hand heading into college application season. Students should keep in mind that all of these things are necessary when applying, and that completed early will make the whole process easier.