The glow of laptop screens lights up bedrooms across Rockville as RM seniors type up their college essays. Between AP homework, club meetings and essay drafts, “free time” has become something RM seniors can only dream about. For many, Nov. 1 isn’t just another date on the calendar—it is the date that defines months of late nights and big decisions. As early decision and early action deadlines approach, RM seniors face one of the most stressful, exciting and significant periods of their high school careers.
Seniors who have navigated early college applications say that starting early is key. Nya Prince, an RM senior balancing AP classes, club leadership and college applications, emphasized the importance of this fact. “Keep going over your essays—grammar mistakes sneak in even after you think it’s done,” Prince said. She also advises students not to put all their energy into one activity. “Try different things, and take leadership opportunities outside of school if you can.”
For juniors planning to apply early next year, Prince recommends taking advantage of RM’s workshops and counseling resources while maintaining a steady schedule to avoid burnout. “RM, like the counseling and career services, has helped out so much because there are different workshops, especially teaching you what to do and how to do different parts of your applications,” she said.
The counseling team at RM provides individual and group meetings, transcript reviews and workshops on essay writing and financial aid. Seniors can also use the College and Career Center to meet with college representatives, explore career options and track applications through online tools like Naviance. For students looking for a head start, RM collaborates with Montgomery College to offer dual enrollment courses, giving students the chance to earn college credits while still in high school. The school also emphasizes mental health and wellness, providing counseling and resources to help students manage stress during this busy period.
The most significant college essay is arguably the personal statement. “When you submit a careful application, you have a personal statement, and that is 650 words. And it’s basically a very free flow essay, like a ‘Tell me about yourself,’” James Zhang, freshman at the University of Maryland, said. “And that’s the most important essay because all the other essays that you get from each specific school are tailored to the school itself.” This essay is an opportunity for seniors to show their individuality. Zhang says he recommends that students start in the summer before applying, to get a good draft of their essay.
While applying early may be the right choice for some students, it can be disadvantageous for others. “The issue is for applying early, that’s mostly where the really smart kids are, where they’re committed athletes who’ve already talked to coaches, and they know they’re going to that school,” Zhang said.
Teachers also notice the shift during college application season. Carlos Montalvan, an RM social studies teacher, says that while seniors start the year excited, that joy quickly fades away as deadlines approach. “You can really begin to see the stress appear once Oct. 1 hits,” Mr. Montalvan said. “The first big wave is Oct. 15 for early decision, and the next comes around Nov. 1. Between October and January, you’ll see highs and lows of stress.”
Despite the pressure, Montalvan believes applying early can be worthwhile for students who already have a clear idea of where they want to go. “There is some stress involved, but I think you’d rather get it out of the way than have it hanging over your head the second semester,” he said. While Montalvan doesn’t typically adjust assignments for college application season, he says he is willing to make exceptions when needed. “If I notice high stress levels or students come to me individually, I might change a date, but it’s more of a case-by-case basis,” he said.
Law and AP Government teacher Mr. Jonathan Taylor also reflected on his role in student applications. “Every year, I write a number of college recs,” he said. Most teachers offer similar support as well.
While college is an important milestone for many students, Zhang emphasizes that it’s not the final destination. “It might not seem this way, but college really does not define who you are.”
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