If you’re a senior at UHS right now, you probably feel the same way most do: stressed. Between balancing classes, sports, extracurriculars, and the mountain of college applications, this season can feel overwhelming. The senior class poll confirmed it—almost seventy percent rated their stress at a four or five. Most seniors are applying to around eleven schools, but only a few have actually submitted anything. With the first big deadlines hitting in mid-October and early November, many seniors admitted they wish they had started essays sooner or been more organized. It’s easy to feel like the process is just too much, but hearing from someone who has been through it can help put things in perspective.
The truth is, this process is overwhelming because it’s new. Most haven’t done it before, and while counselors, parents, and friends can help, a lot of the responsibility falls on the student. According to the Princeton Review’s College Admissions Guide, colleges care about more than just GPA. They want to see that you’ve taken challenging classes, stayed committed to activities you care about, and—most importantly—that you can show who you are through your essays. That’s your chance to shine beyond the numbers. Essays and personal statements aren’t busywork; they’re how admissions officers actually get to know students as people.
We spoke with UHS alumnus Adham Elgamal, now studying biochemistry at UMD, about his experience with the process. He said the most stressful part was the waiting period after submitting applications. “You spend so much time and energy preparing everything, and then all you can do is wait,” he explained. To cope, he focused on schoolwork and other responsibilities instead of stressing over results. “Keeping busy helped me maintain perspective,” he said. It’s a reminder that while applications are important, they aren’t the only thing defining a student’s senior year—or our lives.
When it came to choosing schools, Elgamal balanced “dream schools” with realistic options. “I tried to find schools that fit my interests and personality, not just names I’d heard of,” he said. Even though his dream school was UNC–Chapel Hill and he didn’t get in, he reflected that Maryland turned out to be perfect for him. “I love the people I’ve met and the experiences I’m having. In the end, it’s about fit, not prestige.” His experience shows that getting into your dream school isn’t the only path to a fulfilling college experience.
Elgamal also shared advice on balancing applications with school, extracurriculars, and social life: “I balanced everything by keeping my initial list of applications small, and focusing on the ones with the earliest deadlines first. This allowed me to spread out the workload of college applications over multiple weeks and gave me more time to allocate to the other aspects of my life.” This approach is practical for anyone feeling overwhelmed—it helps you prioritize without falling behind on other responsibilities or losing sleep.
For managing applications day to day, the advice is simple but effective: track every school’s deadlines, essay prompts, test scores, and recommendations. Set reminders in your calendar so nothing sneaks up on you. Familiarize yourself with the platforms—Common App, College Board, and Xello—before submitting anything. Double-check that transcripts and test scores are linked correctly. And don’t forget to take breaks, talk to friends, and give yourself grace. These steps make the process feel less chaotic and more manageable.
This process isn’t about being perfect or getting into a single school. It’s about telling your story, staying organized, and trusting the process. Essays, spreadsheets, and reminders are tools, not pressure. Focus on showing who you really are, and you’ll end up where you’re meant to be. College applications are just one step, and no matter how things turn out, you’ll find a place that fits you—and where you can grow. We wish everyone the best of luck!
