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The College Process

In a series of essays, the Class of 2016's Tessa Payer provides an inside look at college interviews, the common application and the overall guidance experience.

Tessa Payer

Class of 2016
This essay is part 3 of a series by Tessa Payer, Class of 2016, regarding her journey through the college application process. She currently plans to attend The College of William and Mary after graduation. Read Tessa’s essays from her junior year as well as essays by other Ranney Upper School students pursuing their college dreams on our College Guidance webpage.
 
My senior year—it’s finally here. Even just thinking about the the words “senior year” brings on a feeling of excitement, a groan when thinking of all the preparations ahead of me and a huge amount of nervousness. In the past year, I have undergone college visits and interviews, drafted essays, filled out the Common Application—and still, I am amidst the process of applying to colleges and the frightful period of waiting to  hear back.  

I knew that the summer and fall of 2015 would involve a lot of work. In addition to continuing my studies, I spent three weeks in Virginia for a summer pre-collegiate program. The program was my first exposure to dorm life and a college course. Needless to say, I was pretty nervous. Now that I have gotten through the summer and the early weeks of my senior year, I would like to share a bit of advice with the junior class.

The College Interview

When I first thought about interviewing, I felt as though I wasn’t going to present myself well, or say what the admissions staff members were looking for. However, after a meeting with Ranney’s College Guidance Co-Director Ms. Myra Simpson, my fears were alleviated. I talked with her about what questions to prepare for, how to form certain answers and what to ask. The meeting helped a great deal, and after doing a little more research about the first school I was interviewing at, I felt prepared.

Not all colleges require or even offer interviews, but if they do, I would recommend scheduling one. I found that, while I knew the admissions officers were writing down my responses and listening to see if their school would be a good fit for me, the interviews were generally low stress, even enjoyable! My interviews were primarily about being myself and talking about the activities and classes I enjoy. I’ve completed four interviews so far, and each one has been a wonderful experience; the admissions representatives and student interns I met were extremely nice and excited to hear about my high school career. I even shared some laughs with admissions reps—so put aside those rumors about admissions officers who don’t really care.

In addition to letting a school get to know you and why you would be a good fit, interviews allow you to make connections and network with admissions officers. This component is important if you have future questions, or if you’re looking at a school that tracks “demonstrated interest”—a fancy word for making an effort to research or make contact with a school that you’re interested in attending.

If you have the opportunity to take a summer pre-collegiate program, I would also recommend it. Not only did I learn a lot about a subject I am interested in and meet others with similar interests, but I got a sneak peek into college life.

Although I was craving food from home, sleep and a comfortable bed after spending three weeks at my pre-collegiate program in Virginia, it was nice to get an idea of what college food, workload and dorms will be like. I learned how to balance the work I had to do with relaxing and having fun with other people—something I’m sure will be useful in college. I now have an idea of what my time in college will be like and I’m ready to take it on!

The Common Application

In addition to participating in college interviews and learning about campus life, I spent the past few months preparing my applications. The Common Application went live on August 1. That month, I met with Ms. Simpson again to review my college options, senior-year course schedule and essay topics. I’ve begun to fill out the Common App as well as the supplemental forms required by my college choices.  

Although stressful—are my essays strong enough? which activities do I list on my application?—I have learned to simply be myself through this process. Colleges are looking for the real me, the person who’s crazy about history and sweats through her summers in 1830s clothes (I volunteer for Allaire State Park’s Living History Program), because that’s who, hopefully, will be attending their college. They want to see what me, and you, can bring to their school. So, if I can impart any final wisdom, it is to be honest on your Common Application essay. Let your true self shine.
 
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