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College: It conjures up images of all-night parties and pregame pep rallies. But for Weston High School senior Brandon Kapel, it has been a source of stress since sophomore year. His mother, Jamie, remembers it well.
"It took him a while to find the schools he wanted to apply to," Jamie said. "It was hard, it was very difficult. [Brandon's] pretty mellow, but even being mellow, it stressed him out."
Brandon applied to two schools, but he decided to do early submissions. "That way he doesn't have to agonize over it until April," Jamie said. "I think it was a good decision."
Next fall, Brandon will grab a bunk at Cornell University. Although the application process was lengthy, it offered the Kapel family an opportunity to spend some quality time on the road and in the air as they visited prospective schools.
In Easton, senior Haley Young was also feeling the looming deadlines. "It's so stressful, and it's the worst time of year," Young said. Young input her information on CommonApp.org, which transferred her information to the seven schools on her list. "Each individual college has its own particular supplement, essays and fees, which is a whole other story."
Young estimated she has spent $300 applying to schools. "But it's college," she said, acknowledging that the payment could be considered an investment.
She's interested in pursuing journalism, environmental science and animal studies. Young advises seniors to start their application process early. "Start in the summer," she said. "Get the college essays done as early as you can."
Brandon Kapel would agree, according to his mom. "It feels great, knowing that he's going where he wants to go, and he got it done early."
What was the college application process like for your child?
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