When the deadline of Nov. 1 approached for early action and early decision dates, many seniors scrambled to submit applications for colleges and scholarship programs.

“I’m applying to KU, OU, University of Washington, Johns Hopkins, Northeastern, Boston, and UChicago,” senior Alyssa Baker said. 

While some seniors are applying to a long list of colleges, others are choosing to apply to a few.

“I’m applying to KU and Penn State,” senior Anna Lin said. “… It is stressful thinking about college and whether or not I will get into a certain school. But the actual process is not very difficult and is easier than what I always expected.”

Whether it’s applying through priority applications that are directly from a college or through larger platforms like the Common App or the Coalition, the application process is fairly predictable. 

“Most of it is just putting in information,” senior Eric Sprecker said. “It can get boring, but using the Common App has saved a lot of time.”

While many in-state colleges have rolling admissions — where students can apply at any time — there are also other colleges that have regular decision deadlines ranging from Jan. 1 – Jan. 4. 

Some of the stress that comes with these deadlines can be minimized. 

“Do it (apply to college) as soon as you can,” counselor Joaquin Zapata said. “Most applications take 20-30 minutes. In today’s world, you don’t have to write essays that much anymore for KU and K-State.”

In addition to filling out the required applications for a particular school, students are recommended to apply for scholarships and federal aid — both of which can lower the cost of college.  

“Many times here at Derby High School, we have hundreds of dollars that go unclaimed,” Zapata said. “We need people to apply to those scholarships.”

“… Along with that, you need to do your FAFSA as soon as possible because, a lot of times, you may or may not know you qualify for a lot of money that you don’t have to pay back. The FAFSA is for college, so it could mean cosmetology school, barber school, technical school, community college, career college.”

Whether it’s a question about the Common App or FAFSA, students can turn to DHS counselors for the help they need.

“If students stumble across any issues or have any concerns about applying to a school or scholarship, we are here to help guide you through your college apps,” Zapata said. “There is a lady here that will get you started (on the FAFSA) and if you really need help, she will sit down with you one-on-one and help you get it done.”