boat '25–'26

Apply broadly: I applied pretty broadly partly because I anticipated this cycle being more competitive than usual. I took it a little too far with the amount of applications I sent, but I’m grateful for all the options I received and the leverage they gave me during scholarship reconsideration.

Apply early: Shoot for maybe before November, but you’ll be fine at most schools if you apply later. Some schools like USC and Georgetown take FOREVER if you apply past November.

Be realistic: Always make sure you have a good balance of “safety”, “target”, and “reach” schools. Shoot your shot, but also give yourself options.