Warning: Do not copy any bad habits explained in the following:

Reality is tough to face.  Everyone is struck by it at different times and under different circumstances.  Unfortunately for many of Chapin’s seniors, the reality of their entire high school career comes at the most stressful time possible.  This event is known as the college application process.

I will admit that in my high school career, I have always been a procrastinator.  Whether I’m writing an article the night before or even studying for a test just a block in advance, my nature has been to procrastinate.  When I was faced with college applications, I decided that I would not procrastinate.  Unfortunately, my nature overcame my desires.

As the University of North Carolina application deadline approached, my stress level began to rise.  I had, in fact, waited to the literal last minute to submit my completed application.  This is not a desired path.  Staying up until hours past midnight for an entire week was the sacrifice I made in order to reach the Chapel Hill deadline.  Imagine attempting to convince a university of your worth through mere numerical and biographical information, and the importance and difficulty of applications will become evident.

Similar to college, the actual admissions process is a learning experience.  Whether it is memorizing your social security number for the first time or even taking on the responsibility of communicating with the guidance department, college admissions extend beyond the literal application.

Everything you’ve ever done (or haven’t done) in high school is the only measure for your admittance into college.  Some colleges include in-depth essay topics, and others just require basic information and test scores.  The largest issue with college applications is beyond any field that the documents require.  Rather, the management of time and effort to complete college admissions material is the most difficult aspect of all.

Learning from my North Carolina experience, I intend to get a head start on my future collegiate submissions.  Hopefully underclassmen and unsuspecting seniors are amply warned.  Trust me, an experienced procrastinator, when I say start early and prepare earlier.