As deadlines near closer and closer, college is starting to become more of a reality for Rosary’s Seniors. But that reality doesn’t have to be scary as long as you follow these tips! Three of our Royal Reporter staff who are currently in the process of applying to colleges have come together to create a list of various tips pertaining to any college you will be applying to in the near future.
Common App:
The Common Application (referred to as the Common App) is an online application that allows students to apply to multiple different colleges and universities using only one application and is an application I, Adreanna Esquivias ’25, am familiar with. Known for its vast selection of higher education institutions, you will most likely be applying to one or more schools through the Common App.
Made up of several sections, one of them being a 650-word personal essay, the Common Application requires a lot of time and dedication. Thus, for a less stressful senior year, here are some things you need to consider when filling out the Common App.
First, know the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision! As the only binding option, applying early decision means having to attend a college if you’re accepted. Thus, if you are not loyal to a single dream school, I recommend applying early action and/or regular decision as a means of keeping your options open and having more time to work on your application.
Second, whether you are applying early decision (binding), early action (non-binding), or regular decision (non-binding), make sure to stay on top of your deadlines!
Lastly, tour colleges and do your research: with over 900 institutions available on the Common App, you are bound to find some schools you could really see yourself in! For example, some things we like to consider are size, location, and quality of teachers.
UC App:
Over half the schools I, Rebecca Nassar ‘25, am applying to are a part of the UC application, so I’ve become quite well-versed with these questions and believe I’m qualified to give advice.
Separate from the common app, the UC application requires you to create a new login to apply for the UC schools. There’s a whole different set of supplementals that you have to answer along with a different set of questions. The “essay portion” of the application is 8 PIQS (Personal Insight Questions) in which you would pick 4 to answer. These questions range from asking you about your passions to asking you about a challenge you’ve overcome. Although they’re separate from the Common App essay, they’re relatively the same questions that all colleges are wondering.
Since you’re not writing one long essay, take advantage and try to show different sides of yourself by answering different questions. Some of the questions could lead you to want to talk about the same thing but try to branch out and think about different aspects of yourself.
You have a 350-word limit for each PIQ so don’t waste words! Only say what is necessary and what you believe showcases you the best.
Write like you’re talking to the admissions committee. The PIQS are purposefully set up to feel like interview questions so don’t get hung up on trying to sound “smarter”. Most likely, the meaning will get lost behind the words and you’ll miss out on being authentic.
Most of all, be yourself! Cliché, but true when you know the meaning behind it. Don’t try and seem like someone you’re not. After all, you want the college, UC or not, to accept YOU into their college.
Cal State App:
For all those planning to apply to a CSU, you’re in luck! The CSU application is only transcripts, and no essays, making this process relatively easygoing. In addition, these schools, such as Cal Poly SLO, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Long Beach and Cal State Fullerton, are test-blind, meaning that they cannot use your SAT or ACT scores to determine your admittance.
Since I, Gabrielle Lazo ’25, am only applying to Cal Poly SLO and Cal Poly Pomona, my application process couldn’t be any easier. While I understand that the application process is not a determining factor in deciding what schools to apply to, I highly recommend adding at least one CSU to your college list to balance out your stress levels.
Also, if community college is a viable option in your future, that’s great too! Community college is an amazing way to complete all your GEs while saving lots of money.
One last thing for every Senior applying to college this year: don’t compare your application process to others! Whether you’re applying to 20 or two (like me, Gabby), don’t succumb to the peer pressure of others who might deter you from doing what’s best for you.
No matter what schools you may apply to, we are confident that every student will embark on the path that’s best for them. Good luck, and happy application season to all. We are all in this together, seniors!
