As a financially-independent college student, I navigated the application process alone. My parents had made explicitly clear that they could afford in-state tuition, but if I wanted to apply elsewhere, I would need to fund the process myself. I managed to get fee waivers for every application (even though I am not FGLI or on financial aid), win outside scholarships, and receive full-ride offers to many top universities. Reflecting on the college application process, I submitted more applications...

Spend some quality time before you start your application (ideally, the summer before senior year) reflecting on your high school experiences. I find it helpful to write down everything you were involved...

Don't be afraid to ask. Teachers know that part of their job is to write you letters of recommendation, so don't feel as though you are burdening them - they expect it. Find teachers to write you letters based on your personal relationship, not necessarily the discipline in which...