Students' Advice for Next Year's Applicants

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Every year on the College Hopes and Worries Survey, we include an optional question at the end that asks respondents what advice they have for next year's applicants and parents of applicants. Here, in their own words, are their suggestions and tips. Enjoy!

On the College Application Process

Dream big, prepare early. – Chelsea, Huntington, CA
Two Words: Start Early! Deadlines creep up on you quicker than you may anticipate. In addition, there are little things that you need to do to fulfill the application requirements. By starting early you can reduce stress levels and assure that you have enough time to get everything finished without rushing. – A.S., Naperville, IL
Don't focus on your first choice. Widen your eyes to keep your options open. – Christina, Pullman, WA
Choosing a college is like shopping for a pair of jeans. Keep your horizons open, because there are thousands of schools. – Elaine, Metairie, LA
Applying to college is no different than buying groceries. It involves shopping around and finding which college tastes the best. – N.A., Littleton, CO
The college search process is like buying a pair of shoes. You want one that feels good, looks good and wears well. Not only does it have to be the right "fit" in terms of the type of curriculum, student profile and extra activities, it has to prepare us for the future whether it be grad school or the workforce. – Kristi, Wellesley, MA
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On Stress

Don't stress out too much. College is about finding your happiness, not your parents or what would look good on your bumper. Be open-minded. Don't limit yourself. – Jenny, CA
Don't freak out. College is not the end of your life. Everything will be OK. – Michael, MA
Don't get frustrated with college applications. Just think of how good you'll feel in the fall walking the halls of your chosen college. – Tyonna, MD
The college application isn't the worst part. Waiting to hear back is! – Courtney, Ashburn, VA
Breathe, and believe that everything happens for a reason. A good education comes in many forms. – M.K., WA
Calm down. It's only four years! – R.H., Springfield, MO
Take lots of bubble baths. – Cindy, Cupertino, CA
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On Standardized Admission Tests

I strongly advise studying for the SAT and ACT as much as possible. However, do not stress out over them. Doing small exercises five days a week really does help. – Meghan, New Orleans
Be sure to take SATs and ACTs first time during junior year and then do the required prep, and retake them in first test date possible during senior year. – Kendra, Mason, OH
Take the SAT or ACT early in your junior year so you have plenty of time to take a class, find a tutor, or study like crazy on your own. – J. H., Pickerington, OH
Use Princeton Review SAT prep books and classes! They really do help to improve scores, and make the overall testing a much less stressful event. – K.M, Hillsborough, NJ
Practice from an SAT review book frequently to get a higher test score and get into a better university. – Leeza, CA
Get a 31 on the ACT – Steven, MO
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On College Visits

Visit every college you can! Get interviews, tours, info sessions, overnights, and attend classes. While information sites and books from companies like the Princeton Review give great information on which schools you should put on "The List," making the final decision can be largely intuition-based. This sense of intuition cannot be gained without experiencing the campus for yourself. – Bethany, Rochester, NY
Visit more schools than you would like to apply to. The visit (even if during the summer) is the most important part. It gave me an idea of what it would be like to live there. I saw the location, toured the buildings and met administrators. I ended up choosing a college I never imagined I would like over ones I had dreamed about for years. – Theresa, Rochester, MO
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On Parents

Go where you want, not where your parent want. – T.M., Mason, OH
The most important thing to remember is you are the one going to college, not your parents. The colleges you look at should have what YOU want because you have to live with whatever decision is made. – R., Fairlawn, NJ
The best thing to do is always keep talking to your parents because no matter where you go they will support you. Also your guidance counselor will make a huge difference if you keep in contact with her. – K.J., Dix Hills, NY
Take a deep breath and let your parents help. They may actually know something. – Robert, CT
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On Money Matters

Getting into college is the easy part. Paying for it, on the other hand, is difficult. – Tabitha, Phoenix
SCHOLARSHIPS! Make sure you apply for as many scholarships as possible and take the practice SATs multiple times because unfortunately colleges take that into big consideration. – E., Fairfax, VA
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On Rejection

When you think you didn't get into the school you wanted, you might be getting into the school you needed. – Amy
You are smart. Don't let a rejection letter make you feel depressed. – A.P., Knoxville, TN
You may not be able to get into the top 25 schools in the country, but you will find the one that wants you as much as you want it. – H., Barrington, IL
It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Don't worry so much about where you're going. Worry more about the mindset you go to school with. – Samuel, Wasilia AK
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On Choosing Which College to Attend

College is a match, not a prize! – K., Minneapolis
Don't worry so much about what other people think is the best college for you. The only opinion that matters is your own because you will be the one spending four years of your life there. Pick the college you feel most comfortable at. – Stephanie, Windham, OH
Don't rule out schools just because they aren't Ivy League caliber. Smaller schools have a lot to offer. – Erin, Woodridge, IL
Don't be afraid of traveling far from home and don't go somewhere just cause friends are going there. – Robert, Shorewood, WI
Choose the college that is right for you and nobody else. – K.T., Valdosta, GA
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Wise, Funny or Both

Whoever said that senior year is the easiest is a liar. – H., Fairfax, VA
It sucks. You can only hope it's worth it. – Stacy, St. Paul
Everything you are doing right now will all be worth it. – Janeth, Los Angeles
I am receiving information from dozens of colleges and universities because I got a perfect math score on my ACT. Instead of giving advice, I would like to get some. – Peter, Greenville, SC
We will be ok. – A., Tyler, TX
Good Luck! May the force be with you!! – R.M., Brooklyn, NY
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Praise for The Princeton Review

Use Princeton Review SAT prep books and classes! They really do help to improve scores, and make the overall testing a much less stressful event. – K.M, Hillsborough, NJ
The Princeton Review's website is extremely helpful in determining good colleges, majors, and careers to pursue – Erin, Alpharetta, GA
Use The Princeton Review and take their SAT courses. It has made the whole daunting college experience so much less stressful. Also, START EARLY! – Annie, Seattle, WA
Buy a Princeton Review book (I read "The Best Colleges") to help you decide where to apply. It helps so much determining what schools have a personal fit, which I think is more important than anything. – Kelly, Lees Summit, MO
The Princeton review and The College Board both provide excellent information on all schools. – Christian, Grapevine, TX
The Princeton Review was a lifesaver. – Chase, LaJolla, CA
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The Princeton Review thanks all the students who shared these comments and tips and the thousands of others we heard from on our survey. Our customers are our best advisors and counselors!
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