Nov. 17, 2025
By Nikalena Iacono
Managing Editor
This piece is part of a four-part in-depth reporting project about college.
With college application season underway, seniors are feeling the pressure of essays, deadlines and big decisions.
To ease the process, The Lighthouse sat down with school counselor Ms. Truncellito to discuss advice, common mistakes and helpful tips for making seniors’ college applications stand out.
Should I submit my SAT/ACT scores?
A student should research each school to determine its average SAT score. If the SAT score is in the range of their average, it can help strengthen the application. However, if your SAT score falls below the average and the school is test-optional, it is recommended that you do not submit it.
“Do not submit an essay before editing it for grammar and clarity. No ChatGPT. No AI. Colleges will see right through this, and it does not reflect highly on a candidate.”
Should I take a gap year?
A gap year can be beneficial for students who want to explore the world before starting college or gain financial security by getting a full-time job. It can give a student a mental break from academic demands, allowing them to refresh and recharge before starting the collegiate experience.
If a student is unsure of what to do after high school, it can buy them some time to figure out the next steps instead of committing to a path they are unsure of. However, the risk of a gap year is that it may create a lack of motivation to return to a school environment, and some teenagers may feel they are missing out as their friends experience college.
How do I apply for financial aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the application for federal aid. It is now open to students who will be attending college in Fall 2026. A student and parent need to create a studentaid.gov account to begin the process.
After completing the FAFSA, if a student plans to attend a college or university in New Jersey, they will then fill out another application on the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority website.
The HESAA can help New Jersey students access additional money available to them if they attend an in-state college or university.
What do colleges and universities look for in a personal essay?
Colleges want to see authenticity in the personal essay. Therefore, a student should speak from their heart so the admissions committee gets a true sense of who they are.
Do not submit an essay before editing it for grammar and clarity. No ChatGPT. No AI. Colleges will see right through this, and it does not reflect highly on a candidate.
What can I do this year to enhance my application?
Colleges seek students who are well-rounded and will make positive contributions to their campus environment. They want students with a personality who will represent their school well.
INFOGRAPHIC BY MARIAH ALLEN This infographic represents the views of 111 college-bound LHS seniors. Survey results were collected using Google Forms between Oct. 3-13.
If a student knows what they want to study in college, they can take steps at the high school level to reflect this interest. For instance, if a student knows they want to study business, they can join the Future Business Leaders of America Club to demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject and also to build a foundation that can be strengthened in college.
If a student does not know what they want to study, they should participate in clubs and activities they enjoy.
Of course, the most essential part of a college application is the student’s GPA and rigor of coursework, so applying yourself in all classes will go a long way. It is essential not to wait until your senior year to improve a low GPA, as it will be too late by then.
If you are an underclassman, committing to your grades is the best way to enhance your application and become a stronger candidate for scholarship and grant opportunities.
How should I go about selecting teachers to write letters of recommendation for me?
If you know you want to study a specific field, you should ask a teacher whom you have worked with in that field for a letter of recommendation.
If a student is undecided about what to study, they can choose a teacher who will write a strong letter based on their performance in the class, or a teacher they are close to and feel comfortable sharing their story with.
Coaches are also a great choice for a letter of recommendation, especially for students who want to continue their athletic pursuits at the collegiate level.
