Don't Hit the SEND Button So Fast

After all the feverish excitement of the Aug. 1st Common Application launch, at least one college counselor is urging students to wait a bit before pushing the SEND button on the whole shebang. Make that two counselors - I second her suggestion. Take a look: 

"The Common Application went live Aug. 1, and some very eager students have already submitted their applications.

"Not so fast. Early may not be better. There is applying before the deadline and then there is the crazed family, most typically a parent, who is intent on submitting all the college applications in August.

"While students can make changes once applications are submitted, it can be anxiety-provoking and time-consuming. It is far better to complete the applications, wait a bit and let the whole process marinate just a little. Ideally, students have worked on their essay(s) over the summer. Their best bet would be to finalize them, put them away for a few weeks, then reread them and perhaps make a final edit. READ MORE