Let’s be honest — senior year is a lot. Between classes, sports, rehearsals, work and pretending you understand FAFSA, it’s easy for college applications to sneak up on you.
But here’s the good news: It’s not too late. You still have time to craft an awesome application — one that sounds like you and shows exactly what you’ll bring to your future campus.
At Transylvania University, our admissions counselors read tons of applications each year. Their best advice? Take a breath, grab your laptop and let’s finish strong — together.
Deadlines matter (but you still have time)
Before you do anything else, check your deadlines. At Transy, the Dec. 1 deadline is critical — that’s when you must apply to be considered for Early Action and top merit scholarships, including the Premier Scholarship. “Early Action” at Transy isn’t binding — you’ll hear back early without committing right away.
If you apply by Feb. 1 (Regular Decision), you’ll still be eligible for most merit-based scholarships (though not for the Premier awards).
See all application deadlines and details.
Make your essay sound like you (not like ChatGPT)
You don’t need to write “the best essay ever.” You just need to sound like a real person with real thoughts.
Think about a moment that taught you something — a risk, a weird hobby, a small victory. Then tell that story. Be honest, be specific and skip the thesaurus.
“At Transy, we read every application with care,” said Julie Sams, director of admissions. “We’re not looking for perfection — we’re looking for students who bring a balance of interests, experiences and curiosity to campus. Our goal is to remind students that it’s never too late to put together a strong application. We’re here to help them find their voice, share their story and take that next step toward their future.”
Pro tip: Read your essay out loud. If it sounds like something you’d actually say to your favorite teacher or coach, you’re good.
Quality beats quantity (every time)
Your activities list isn’t about showing off how many clubs you joined — it’s about what you actually did.
If you’ve been tutoring for years, managing your school’s social accounts or working part time — that’s gold. It shows commitment, leadership and time management.
So skip the filler. Real passion beats a long list every single time.
Ask for help — seriously
Even the most organized seniors need backup sometimes. Ask your teachers, counselors or parents to proofread your essay. And don’t be afraid to reach out directly to your admissions reps.
At Transy, our Office of Admissions loves helping students who are in the home stretch. Whether you’re unsure about test scores, transcripts or your essay, we’ll help you get it right.
You can even start your application and come back to it later — just don’t wait too long.
Final check: proof, submit, celebrate
Before you hit “submit,” run a quick checklist:
- No typos (spellcheck helps — but your mom might be better)
- Your name and contact info are correct
- You’ve uploaded your transcript
Then go for it. Don’t second-guess yourself. You’ve put in the work, and you deserve that “application submitted” feeling.
Once you’re done, do something fun. You’ve earned it.
Why this matters (and why Transy gets it)
November is crunch time, but it’s also the moment when great things happen. The students who slow down just enough to polish their work — and show a little personality — are the ones who stand out.
At Transy, we look beyond GPAs and test scores. We want thinkers, makers, helpers and curious minds ready to dive into the world and make it better. If that sounds like you, this is your sign.
Apply to Transylvania University today and finish senior year strong.