Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

The last few weeks of fall term bring many things, from finals and stress to holidays and festivities. It also brings applications for financial aid and, in the case of some upperclassmen, to graduate programs.

Whether applying at Western again or elsewhere, the process can be stressful and sometimes intimidating. However, there are a few tips that might help make a difference in both confidence in the application and the quality of the applications themselves.

The first place to start is to check the deadlines. This may seem obvious, but it can affect how the challenge is tackled. If the deadline is far off, this gives time to hone and perfect any written requirements to be submitted. If the deadline is near and there’s some uncertainty as to whether this particular program is the right one, it may help provide motivation to apply anyway just in case it does turn out to be a strong contender. Also, regardless of the results, the sooner they are returned the sooner the idea of one’s options becomes clearer.

Next, it’s a good idea to make some kind of checklist of everything that has to be turned in. Some applications may require specific test scores, letters of recommendation or personal essays. These can take some time to put together, which is why the first step will help to prioritize which need to be done first. Some schools have later deadlines, but may require more time consuming materials.

For those who don’t have their heart set on specific schools or programs, it can also be a good idea to try and narrow down the list of applications. While it’s good to have options, having too many can become overwhelming and applying to too many that are just for backup can take time and focus away from the first choice applications. It can also become costly, as many applications can only be submitted with a fee.

It’s also never a bad idea to consult advisers or others who have also gone through the process. Experience from others can be just as valuable as personal research. In the end, a combination of both perspectives will take a great deal out of the stress and uncertainty of applying for that dream program.

Contact the author at howlifestyle@wou.edu