Feeling Behind on College Applications? 6 Things to Do

1. Focus on Your Own College Application Journey

Your classmates’ college application updates can make it seem like they have everything all figured out.

One person is posting on social media about their college essay. Another is touring campuses. Someone else already knows exactly where they want to apply.

But social media rarely tells the whole story.

You don’t know how long someone has been working on their applications or what parts of the process they’re still figuring out. Comparing your progress to someone else’s highlight reel can make a completely normal application timeline feel like you’re falling behind.

Instead, try to use social media in a way that supports your journey. Follow colleges, admissions offices, and current students if their content gives you useful information or helps you learn more about your options.

And if certain posts consistently leave you feeling stressed or discouraged, it’s okay to mute those accounts or take a break.

2. Create a Checklist with Deadlines

Before worrying about everything on your to-do list, take a step back and figure out what needs to get done.

Make a list of the colleges you’re considering and review each school’s application requirements and deadlines. Depending on the college, you will likely need an application, a personal essay, supplemental essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, or other materials.

Once you know what each school requires, the process can feel a lot more manageable.

Start by asking yourself:

• Which colleges am I considering?

• What are their application deadlines?

• Which application platform do they use?

• Do they require supplemental essays?

• Do I need letters of recommendation?

• Do I have any remaining testing or transcript requirements?

You might realize that you’re not actually as far behind as you thought. You may just need a clearer picture of what comes next.

3. Narrow Down Your College List

Whether you’ve finalized your college list yet or not, you still have time to explore your options.

Start thinking about what you want from your college experience. Consider academic programs, location, campus environment, student life, career opportunities, cost, and resources available to students.

You don’t need to find your “perfect” college right away. Give yourself time to learn more about the schools you’re considering and figure out which ones feel like a good fit.

You can use this time to:

●      Explore college websites and academic programs.

●      Take virtual or in-person campus tours.

●      Attend admissions events.

●      Talk with current college students.

●      Compare application requirements and deadlines.

●      Research financial aid and scholarship opportunities. 

4. Ask for Recommendation Letters

Letters of recommendation require some planning, so now is a good time to start thinking about who you want to ask.

Consider teachers, counselors, coaches, or other mentors who know you well and can speak meaningfully about your strengths, experiences, and potential. Check each college’s requirements so you know exactly what you’ll need.

When you ask someone for a recommendation, give them plenty of time. Teachers and counselors can receive many recommendation requests during college application season, so asking early and respecting their timeline can help ensure they have enough time to write a thoughtful letter. You can also provide helpful information about yourself, such as a résumé, activities list, or brag sheet.

Then, create a simple timeline for the rest of your application process. Keep in mind, your timeline may look different depending on the colleges you’re applying to, so always check each school’s official requirements and deadlines.

5. Start Drafting Your College Essay

A blank page can feel intimidating, especially when you’re not sure where to begin with your college essay.

Start by brainstorming. Think about the experiences, people, interests, challenges, or moments that have shaped who you are. What have you learned about yourself? What matters to you? What would you want a college admissions counselor to know about you that they wouldn’t find somewhere else in your application?

Once you have an idea, start writing. Don’t worry too much about grammar, structure, or finding the perfect words just yet. That’s what revision is for.

However, it can be helpful to keep your word count in mind as you write. The Common App personal essay has a maximum of 650 words, so you’ll eventually need to communicate your story clearly and concisely.

If you’re having trouble getting started, set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes and write down whatever comes to mind. You might not have a finished essay at the end, but you’ll have something to work with.[AM1] 

For more guidance, explore our tips on how to write a strong college essay.

6. Seek Support 

You don’t have to navigate the college application process on your own. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your school counselor, a trusted teacher, family member, or the admissions team at a college you’re considering. Sometimes, talking through your next steps with someone else can help you figure out where to focus first.

If you’re considering St. John’s University, our Undergraduate Admission team is here to answer your questions and help you better understand the application process.

You’re Not Behind. You’re Getting Started.

It’s easy to look at what your classmates are doing and assume you’re behind.

But the college application process isn’t a race, and someone else’s progress doesn’t determine yours. What matters is knowing what you need to do and taking the next step.

Research one college. Start your essay. Ask a teacher for a recommendation. Add an important deadline to your calendar.

You don’t have to figure everything out today. Start with one step and build from there.