thepolkadot's College Application Tracker

For all those people applying for colleges I am just going to write a little bit about my experience with applications and what I think you should know. First of all, if you are looking at my page you are probably applying to UCs or CSUs because those are the only schools I applied to. I think one mistake you can make when applying to them is to say, "Oh, of course I'll get into at least one UC" and then just assume that you have a chance at the top. My first choice had actually been UCSB because of how beautiful and social it was, but despite my 75% chance, I was rejected. I was completely set on that school and didn't really consider any other schools as a perfect fit, but now that I think of it, they were always there. One of the UCs that I almost didn't apply to, UC Irvine, is actually probably the best school I could choose for myself. It is in a safe area, has good academics, beautiful weather and amazing beaches and fun all around (not directly in Irvine, obviously). I am so glad I applied here and really lucky that I applied to it as my "backup school". Truthfully, if I had gotten into all of the UCs, including Santa Barbara, I think that I still would have chosen Irvine in the end because it has everything I need. Before you apply to colleges make sure that you have many schools that you could get into and be happy at. Also have schools that you know are nice, and even if you think they won't thrill your soul, still apply. Irvine was the last on my list for the schools I applied to and now it's the best place in the world that I could possibly go to college.

Some other random tips for UC applications specifically:
-start writing your essays in the summer, that way your won't be completely stressed over Christmas Break, like everyone I knew
-make sure you turn in your application at least a week before the deadline, the system usually crashes near the end of the deadline because of the thousands of kids who procrastinated turning it in. Around this time it takes hours to submit it...

For people who need financial aid, make sure you submit your FAFSA as soon as possible!!! You will get way more money if you turn it in during January, unlike those who wait until March and just get what's left.