Leonia Seniors Ease College Stress with Early Action Applications

November 1st was the deadline for Early Action applications to many colleges and universities. Many LHS students were motivated to take advantage of that early deadline.

LHS seniors Laila Springob and Xenia Baez chose to apply for college through early action in October, seeking to reduce the uncertainty of the admissions process. By meeting earlier deadlines in the fall of their senior year, both students gained peace of mind and extra time to focus on other responsibilities, thanks to support from their guidance counselors. Applying to college can be a stressful experience for many high school seniors, but opting for early action can offer significant advantages. 

Laila explained that she applied early action to show her strong interest in her top schools and to potentially receive her admissions decision earlier. Xenia echoed this sentiment, adding that getting her application done sooner allowed her more time to explore other options if needed.

The earlier deadline did have its impact on their preparation, with Laila noting that it motivated her to start the process early and manage her time more effectively. Xenia mentioned that although the process wasn’t too different from applying for a regular decision, the earlier deadlines required her to be more organized. Both students felt that applying early helped reduce their stress during senior year. For Laila, the peace of mind of having her application submitted early allowed her to focus on her other responsibilities. Similarly, Xenia explained that while it was initially stressful, the relief of being done by November 1st was worth it.

Guidance from their school counselors also played a crucial role. Laila praised the support she received through college counseling sessions and workshops that helped her polish her application. Xenia highlighted the personalized support from her guidance counselor, who ensured she stayed on track with deadlines, easing her anxiety about the process.

From the perspective of guidance counselors, applying EA (Early Action) offers clear benefits. Students not only receive admissions decisions earlier but they also increase their chances of receiving scholarships, as some schools prioritize early action applicants for merit-based aid. According to a counselor, applying early is particularly beneficial for all students who are prepared to meet the earlier deadlines, as it gives them a chance to be among the first pool of applications just to meet the deadline, as an incomplete or poorly prepared application can potentially tank your chances of acceptance.

To make the most of the early action opportunity, counselors advise students to start the process as soon as possible. By beginning the application over the summer and refining it once the school year starts, students can submit a well-prepared and polished application without the last minute stress. Ultimately, the key to success with early action is careful preparation and taking advantage of the support available through schools and counselors.