<p>Everyone on here talks about the frenzy of "application season". My friends are saying they don't do school work any more because they only have time for applications. Parents are worried their kids apps won't be good enough if they haven't started yet. Am I missing something?</p>
<p>Sure, college apps are a big deal. I'm using the common app, as are many on here. I haven't even started my essay yet and, I'm applying EA. I'll definitely start soon, but I just don't get why people feel like this is suge a monumental task. Sure, apps are important, but one essay shouldn't take months. Or should it?</p>
<p>My question is, why is everyone feeling so overwhelmed? Am I the only one who's not panicking with three weeks to put a good essay together?</p>
<p>Clearly you are just more able to brilliantly present your story in a few weeks than most of us are. The fact that hundreds of thousands of very bright , qualified students are competeing for the same few places at top colleges doesn't phase some!!</p>
<p>I think people are more stressed out about "application season" because there is a lot to DO. You can't apply to a school by simply jotting down some information about yourself and mailing it off in a regular-sized envelope on November 1. People spend quite a bit of time filling out the generic portions of applications and developing a comprehensive list of their ECs and awards that isn't too sparse but simultaneously isn't packed with unnecessary "filler" clubs. There is the main essay to think about, but also the fact that most schools require at least one short answer and sometimes as many as three, which basically qualify as mini-essays. You have to make sure that all the appropriate SAT and subject tests (if required) have been taken and that those scores are sent by College Board to whichever school you're applying to. A lot of teachers require packets of information before they begin to write their recommendations, which take time to put together, plus making sure that there are stamped/addressed envelopes, and that all has to be put together at least 3 weeks in advance to give to a teacher if you're polite. Different schools have different policies to deal with how counselor recommendations are handled, but those also have to mailed off in advance of the deadline. The school has to send your transcript, usually with the same packet, and your school report, and you have to make sure all that gets sent. </p>
<p>Basically, there's a lot of take care of. </p>
<p>Also, even if you are using the Common App, a lot of schools have a supplement to the Common App. That part may have an extra essay or something.</p>
<p>Multiply all of this by 3, 4, 5...10, 15(?!) schools, and it becomes a little bit of a craze. </p>
<p>I envy your attitude though, I wish I didn't worry so much about all of this.</p>