May 6, 2024

Isabella speaks on struggles regarding college applications

As the class of 2023 wraps up their college applications, researchers predict even more competitive admissions for the classes of 2024 and 2025. Photo courtesy of Collegiate Gateway

Isabella Montenegro

Editor-in-Chief

Finally, my days of college applications have come to an end. Jan. 15 marked the day I submitted my last applications. My best friend’s mom, who has supported me throughout the process and is like a second mother to me, helped me extract the most challenging experiences in my life as a guide so I could write the most authentic essays possible.

College essays have consumed much of my attention for the past few months. For example, my trip to Las Vegas for my siblings’ soccer tournaments was not so relaxing for me, as I still had hours of essays and resumes to complete.

I believe that the essay portion of the college applications needs change. While I may have inflicted stress on myself by applying to 25 schools, the application process took forever. Each university has its own unique prompt; writing for 25 different prompts becomes very difficult. The biggest issue is the word count limit. How am I supposed to explain how I will contribute to the diverse dynamic within the campus in less than 200 words? It is practically impossible. While I was writing mine, I had to cut so much out of the body of the essay, content that felt crucial to my representation as a student and individual. I felt like everything I wanted to say wasn’t in the essay. I believe there should be one universal application that can get sent out to each and every university you are applying to.

After all, I do want to spotlight the uniqueness of the application process.Writing these experience-based prompts made me realize what I have accomplished and what obstacles I have overcome. I am confident that the sole reason I will be accepted into universities will be because of my essays. It took a lot of time, effort, and thought, but I am glad it is finally over. So here is to hoping I get into the university of my dreams!

Isabella Montenegro
About Isabella Montenegro 27 Articles
Isabella Montenegro is the Editor-In-Chief and is responsible for editing pages for all sections and overseeing the production process. In her previous years on the paper, Isabella was an Opinion Editor and a staff writer. In her free time, Isabella enjoys learning how to improve the paper in any way, working out, and spending quality time with her family.

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