How do you know when it's time to hit "Send?"

Applying to College
1

<p>So...you've done your research, decided on an ED choice, written multiple drafts of your essays. It all looks really good. The deadline is approaching. How do you know when the moment has arrived to hit "send," that further review and revisions add nothing, and the time has arrived to launch it into the adcom universe?</p>

<p>I am interested in thoughts from current college students and those who have already sent one of their important apps (how did you know?), and parents (how did you counsel your D or S?).</p>

2

<p>You’re ready when

  1. you have reviewed the application a couple of times for errors
  2. you printed out the application (common and supplement) to review
  3. You have completed your essays. They have been checked by others. You have gone through a couple of revisions. You are only changing a word here and there. You are basically satisfied with the content and construction of the essay.</p>

<p>The big thing is the essay. At some point, you have to accept that your essay is basicall the best it is going to be and press the send button</p>

3

<p>Scary, isn’t it? My D is only applying RD. ED is surely SO much harder. She’s “hit the button” (that’s what we’re calling it) only one her one rolling admissions application. None of the others. So I don’t know. But I WILL say:</p>

<p>Once you DO push submit…go busy yourself elsewhere! Don’t think about it. I used to be an actor and the rule of thumb was to have someplace to go immediately after an audition. It is out of your hands now. Don’t go back and re-read your essay. You can’t change it. It’s fine. It’s you. Don’t continue to pour over everything again. Just wait, and stay as busy as possible. You WILL second guess yourself. You WILL wish you’d done something differently. So just don’t revisit it and then that can’t happen. Best of luck!!!</p>

4

<p>R,</p>

<p>Thank you for your note. YES…it is scary! My D has pushed SEND only on her two safety schools, both of which are rolling admits. But now it counts. Your old acting wisdom surely applies here. Imagine if your callbacks took 6 weeks (in the case of ED) or 18 weeks (waitlist + RD’s)?!</p>

<p>M</p>