Application process nerves+Tips!

So.
Because I want to write some more to you lovely folks, and because I am(currently) still stuck here in the states, I figured I could talk about the one part of this whole process that I do have some experience in.
Applications.

Ohhhh my goodness. My life for the past few weeks(and months, even) can almost be summed up in that one word. Applications are stress-inducing, anxiety-ridden, sometimes-nightmares that I feel I've gotten better at tackling as I fill in more tedious information and upload more photos of myself faux-smiling.

I figure that some of you who stumbled across this blog are probably thinking of applying for programs, too...so I figured I would give you some little bits of personal advice I've collected from both experience and asking around.

1. Get started early. Applications can be intimidating, and sometimes it's easy to look at those deadlines that are a few months off and not worry about actually getting it done. It's takes time for teachers to fill out recommendations. It takes time to collect all of those documents and health forms. It takes time to write essays that are scholarship-worthy. So start early. You'll feel better near the deadline when you know your application is solid.

2. Make a calendar or chart of deadlines and fee-due-dates. If you're someone who is applying to more than one scholarship or program, this is especially important. Often times, the deadlines and fee-due-back-dates are conflicting, and figuring this out ahead of time will save you(and your parents!) A lot of stress later on.

3. It's never to early to start fundraising. I'm currently in this process myself, and it's not easy stuff. It takes a while to convince people and organizations that you're worth sponsoring  and it takes even longer to raise the money yourself with an after-school job or selling cookie dough. Give yourself a cushion by starting off early.

4. Call and email admission counselors, scholarship coordinators, and alumni. They know the program better than you do(and better than I do) and can give you solid tips for your application. They can also tell you from real-life-experience about the program, and help you figure out if you're seriously dedicated or not.

5. EDIT, edit, and re-edit. This one is especially important for essays. Get that rough draft rolling and spit it out quick, but in revisions make sure you like what you're submitting and that you feel confident in your writing. Also, give yourself a few days in between looking at it. Looking at an essay with a fresh set of eyes(so to speak) can give you a new perspective and new ideas as far as formatting.

6. Tell a close friend or family member that you're applying, and talk your application and the program over with them. A year or semester overseas is a big deal, especially in high school, and getting the perspective of someone you love and trust can help you have confidence in your decision.


These are some general tips I've found to be handy, and I hope they help some of you out as well. Best of luck in your applications everyone!

-Rowen

Ahoy!

Hi there members of the Interwebs! Nice to meet ya! My name is Rowen, and I'm currently a sophomore in high school, studying here in the good ol' USA.

                                                                                         That's me. >
And next year.......(drumroll please....)
I'm looking at being an exchange student! That's right, one of those crazy kids who decides to move to a different country for a year of high school. Pretty exciting stuff, right?

I was recently accepted into a program to study in Denmark for a year through a lovely non-profit called YFU, or Youth For Understanding. Currently,  I'm in the fundraising stage of this whole endeavor, and I'm doing everything I can to try and make this dream a reality. I do have a time crunch, but I'm trying.

Everything about the exchange experience seems fascinating to me, and I would love to be able to relate to a wider variety of folks.

This program does have a cost, however, and if you would like to support me in contribution to this whole endeavor, I'll link you to my Go Fund Me page: http://www.gofundme.com/2b6xt8

I plan to be updating this throughout the process, and more frequently throughout my actual year abroad.

Welcome everyone!
-Rowen Q