I am writing this on Jan. 1, and for the most part, application deadlines are here or past. Here are some common regrets I hear from seniors as the process comes to a close.
I wish I had visited more schools earlier.
Why does it matter? Because some of these students are now considering an Early Decision II option. EDII still offers better odds of admission, but it is binding. So you are committing to attend if admitted.
Students who have not visited are often debating between vastly different schools. For instance, Brandeis University and the University of Colorado Boulder. Both will get you degrees in the end, but the experiences will be quite different.
Students who visit schools in advance have a much better sense of fit, which allows them to make better decisions. Often saving money on application fees and time spent writing essays. Investing early in the process through visits is eye-opening in the best ways.
Why didn’t I start my essays sooner?
Those who worked on their essays over the summer were 80% done by the time school started in August, and turned in all of their applications by Thanksgiving. They did not spend their vacations stressing over essays.
My extracurriculars don’t even fit on the application.
The Common App has 10 lines for extracurricular activities, and you only get 150 characters (not words) to describe each activity — anything from high school counts. UC has 20 lines and 350 characters for description.
On the opposite end, I do not have many extracurriculars to list,
It’s fine if you do not fill in all the lines, but aim for at least five (clubs, sports, volunteer work, jobs, hobbies, etc., all count).
Why did I work so hard if I can’t even get in?
Usually, this comes from a high achiever who gets rejected, and it comes as a surprise to them because they worked hard and look amazing on paper. They checked all the right boxes, but it didn’t get them what they wanted in the end.
That happens when you chase elite status on someone else’s terms. Chase your curiosity and find a school that values you for that exact thing.
They did not give me enough money to make it affordable.
This often comes as an unpleasant surprise. What families believe they can reasonably afford is not the same as the FAFSA calculation.
Even when a family can pay what FAFSA calculates, schools sometimes recognize need, but can’t always give students the full amount stated on the FAFSA due to limited (and shrinking in some states) financial aid budgets.
This is why building a list that is an academic, social and economic fit matters.
There are about 2,500 options in the USA, and more if you are willing to consider other countries.
If you have a student graduating in 2027, 2028 or 2029 and want help with your search, please contact me. I can help, and I love my job!