Well seniors, it’s that time of the year. It’s time to apply to college (if you plan on going to college). You’ve probably either been looking forward to or dreading this moment for a while now, and it’s finally here.

Many students have already started this process, and it can all be huge and overwhelming, so for anyone looking for some extra guidance, here’s some advice help you through the process.

1) Know what you’ll need for the school(s) you are applying to. Most schools will just require the basic information you fill out on your common application. However, some schools also require you to fill out additional information that can sometimes be major-specific, and other times it can be more personality based through supplementary writings.

You will also need to know if you should send your AP and SAT/ACT scores in. Be sure to request your high school transcript for schools that need it as well. That can be done through your Naviance.

2) Know when applications are due. Schools often give you multiple options for the timing of your application, all of which have different deadlines and agreements that come with them. You need to be sure that you choose the decision that you like the best and best reflects your interest in the school.

If you plan on applying early decision to a school, you are agreeing to go to this school no matter what; it is a binding contractual agreement. If you get accepted early decision to a school, you have to withdraw any other applications you may have sent in to other schools. Some schools do not offer early decision, and you cannot apply early decision to more than one school.

If you plan on applying early action to a school, you are agreeing to go to that school if you get accepted, but there is no binding contract, and you can decline the acceptance if you wish. The point of early action applying is to let schools know that you are very interested in going, but you aren’t flat-out committing. Some schools do not offer early action, and you can apply to multiple schools with early action.

If you plan to apply regular decision to a school, you are just applying like normal, with a later deadline, and you can accept or decline the acceptance to the school no matter what. All schools offer regular decision, and you can apply to as many schools as you want with regular decision.

If you plan to apply rolling admissions to a school, you are basically applying regular decisions, only instead of the school waiting to review your application, they review it when it comes in and get back to you a lot quicker.

3) Keep on top of deadlines. All the different decisions and schools have different deadlines for when their applications are due. Most early action and decision applications are due around the end of October, beginning of November, so if you are planning to apply with these, you don’t have too much time left.

Regular applications and rolling admissions are due later, but that doesn’t mean you should let all this work pile up until the last minute. College applications are a lot of work, so you don't want to fall behind on the work and end up doing the entire thing last minute. This isn’t a regular school project after all.

4) Make sure you are satisfied with your test scores. Many schools are still test optional, but it doesn’t hurt to submit a good score. If you aren’t happy with your SAT/ACT score(s) at the moment, you should sign up to take the test again. Also, if you have the time, it could be very helpful to do some studying and tutoring for these tests. The next SAT dates are November 5 and December 3. The next ACT is December 10. You can register for the SAT on your College Board account.

5) Make sure you are completely satisfied with your Common App essay. The Common App essay is sent to all the schools that require it, which is now most. This essay is the only chance for the school to really see you and your personality beyond grades and extracurriculars. It is important that you make the most of this essay. You should proofread it, get other people to look at it, even maybe ask teachers to look it over so that you know you are making it the best that you can while still being as authentically yourself as possible

6) Ask your guidance counselor for help. College applications are a big deal, so if you have any questions about anything on them, no matter how small, you should just ask. It’s better to ask your questions than to guess and do something wrong. Your guidance counselor is there to help you, so just ask for help if you need it.

At the end of the day, college applications are a big deal, but it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself. Your sanity is worth more than your application, so just remember to be kind and patient with yourself.