For many seniors, the first week of November consists of last minute work to complete the deadline for their early action and decision applications for colleges. Many applications were due on Nov. 1, though some colleges have early decision deadlines on Nov. 15.

Early action is an application process where students turn in their applications to colleges early, so they can hear back and make a decision in December or January rather than April.

“I put in a lot of time for my early action applications to make sure I got everything correct and thought of all the things I’ve done throughout my high school career,” senior Kimberly Rowand said. “The applications consisted of multiple questions about myself, family, school, and social activities. It also included personal statements, essay questions, transcript requests, and teacher recommendations.”

Another option for teenagers is early decision, a process where students complete and turn in their college applications early and if the college accepts the application, they have to enroll at the school.

“I did early decision to Virginia Tech. The applications consisted of personal information and forms,” senior Derrick Hollenback said. “I also did early action to UVA and MIT. These applications included essays as well.”

This process of applying to colleges early can be very easy and beneficial to students who are good at managing their time and not waiting until the last minute to finish these applications.

“I managed my time well by doing a little bit of the application each week over a course of a couple months,” Rowand said.

For seniors that procrastinated, they are rushing to finish their application.

“I haven’t really worked on them, but the deadline for early action is Friday so I’m trying to do it all tomorrow. If I don’t finish by Thursday I have to do regular decision and that’ll take forever to hear back,” senior Hiba Abuelhawa said.