College application season is a time of stress for many involved. Especially during the third week of October — free application week for some North Carolina schools — when students are scrambling to submit their applications. As we approach the first application deadline for early decisions, many applicants rush to finish before the cut-off. Whether that would be the actual application questions or written portions, the stress of refining applications and essays can be taxing for the mind.
For teachers, the process involves reviewing brag sheets, which are used to provide detailed information about the student. When writing letters of recommendation for students of diverse backgrounds, an educator’s assessment is representative of the student’s strengths and character. Recommendation letters are a tool for colleges to see a broader, comprehensive perspective of academic performance inside a classroom setting. Writing is an opportunity for instructors to advocate for their students. Wakefield High School’s Ronnie McMasters, a NC Math 3 teacher, shares insightful information on the expectations of students before asking teachers for letters of recommendation.
“When the students ask [for a recommendation], [the teacher] needs to get a brag sheet of some kind,” Ronnie McMasters said. “If [the student] gives me a brag sheet, I can now build an extra narrative around that student that gives a better perspective on their high school life.”
Senior and college applicant Danika Clayton addresses common elements that many seem to forget in the application process. This includes getting test scores added, personal essays, extracurriculars and even personal information. All of these pieces come together to make up what colleges expect to see in applications.
“[It is important to] make sure you send your teacher the right information that they need for the college [application],” Clayton said. “[As well as] making sure you add them when you’re doing the actual Common App.”
While students should be intentional about deadlines and building their resumes, it’s also essential for them to maintain a supportive environment. Taking time for oneself and being surrounded by friends and family can make a huge difference, as this season can be incredibly overwhelming at times. Amelia Miano, an English III teacher, highlights factors of stress often overlooked by students due to the importance of getting applications done promptly.
“[The] major reason they [are] stressed out [is] because for so long they have been given all of this leeway of deadline, deadline, deadline,” Miano said. “But colleges don’t do that, and the kids get really nervous if they miss that deadline.”
As for students, many struggle with finding a balance between workload and daily life as they try to navigate making decisions that will impact their future. The challenge of figuring out what comes next, for many students, extends from the Common App. Financial support and grades are some examples of aspects that impact choices for students when applying to college. Haley McMasters, a senior applicant who is taking many rigorous AP classes this semester, touches on the topic of stress and the importance of finding a healthy balance between schoolwork and social life.
“In the modern age, there’s so much to handle with [responsibilities like] maintaining social relationships, your grades [and] your job,” Haley McMasters said. “It gets very hard to find time to take care of yourself mentally.”
