National College Application Day

Happy students in casual attire, holding college applications, with bustling campus scene in the background.. — National college application day illustration

Hey there, fellow knowledge seekers! Are you ready for a rollercoaster ride through the wacky world of National College Application Day? Grab your backpacks and sharpen those pencils, because we're diving headfirst into the internet history of this much-anticipated day!

When is College Application Day?

It's national college application day on the 27th September.

The Origins of National College Application Day

Every year on September 27th, students across the nation gear up for National College Application Day. It's a day dedicated to celebrating the pursuit of higher education and encouraging students to apply to their dream colleges. But where did it all begin?

Legend has it that a group of over-caffeinated high school seniors gathered in an internet forum, desperately seeking a way to cope with the stress of college applications. They were tired of feeling alone in this daunting process, so they decided to create a day where everyone could come together and support each other.

With a few clicks of their keyboards, National College Application Day was born. The virtual holiday quickly gained traction, spreading like wildfire through social media platforms and inspiring students far and wide to join in the celebration.

How to Celebrate National College Application Day

Now that you know the origins of this auspicious day, you're probably wondering how to properly honor it. Fear not, eager applicants! We've got you covered with some fun and creative ways to celebrate:

Throw a College Application Party: Gather your friends, print out your applications, and fill them out together. Don't forget the snacks and motivational playlists!
Wear Your Dream College Gear: Show off your school spirit by sporting the merch of your top college choices. Just make sure you have alternative options ready in case you change your mind.
Take a Break from Applications: College applications can be overwhelming, so take a breather and treat yourself. Spend the day indulging in your favorite activities or exploring potential future college towns online.

Did You Know?

On National College Application Day, did you know that the virtual world of Second Life holds an annual college fair? You can explore virtual campuses, interact with admissions officers, and even attend lectures without leaving your house. It's like Hogwarts but with less magic and more wifi!

History behind the term 'College Application'

1636

Origins of the modern college

In 1636, Harvard College, the first institution of higher education in the United States, was established. Back then, the term 'college' referred to a place of learning where students pursued undergraduate studies. College education was seen as a privilege limited to a small number of individuals.

1701

The establishment of the first American college

In 1701, the first American college, Harvard College, was founded in Massachusetts. It was established to provide education and training to prepare young individuals for careers in ministry, law, and medicine. This marked the beginning of formal education in North America.

1701

The rise of higher education

In 1701, Yale College came into existence, expanding access to higher education in the colonies. As colleges multiplied, so did the number of students, resulting in a need for a standardized process to evaluate applicants. This necessity eventually led to the concept of the 'college application', as a means to collect information about potential students.

1850

Introduction of competitive admission process

During the mid-19th century, colleges in the United States began experiencing a surge in the number of applicants. This prompted the need for a more structured and competitive admission process. Universities introduced entrance examinations and requirement of letters of recommendation to evaluate the academic abilities and character of prospective students.

1850

The birth of college admissions exams

The year 1850 saw the establishment of the College Entrance Examination Board, later known as the College Board. This organization was responsible for creating entrance exams, such as the SAT, which aimed to provide a fair and consistent way to assess college applicants. The introduction of these exams further solidified the need for a formal 'college application' process.

1905

The emergence of standardized application forms

Around 1905, colleges witnessed an increasing number of applicants, causing administrative difficulties in handling individual applications. To streamline the process, standardized application forms were introduced. This allowed students to apply to multiple colleges using a single, uniform application, easing the burden on both applicants and institutions.

1897

The Common Application emerges

In 1897, a group of 15 colleges formed the Common Application, an initiative to simplify the application process for students. The Common Application allowed students to apply to multiple colleges using a single application, effectively streamlining the cumbersome application process and reducing the burden on students.

1926

Introduction of Common Application

In 1926, the Common Application was established as an organization aimed at simplifying the college application process. The Common Application offered a centralized platform, enabling students to apply to multiple colleges simultaneously. It provided a standardized format for information, including personal details, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and essays.

1975

Electronic applications revolutionize the process

With the advent of technology, electronic applications emerged as a game-changer in 1975. Online platforms offered students the option to submit their 'college applications' electronically, simplifying the process further. This shift not only increased efficiency but also made it easier for students from different regions to apply to colleges across the country.

1990s

Digitization and online applications

With the advent of the internet and widespread digital technology in the 1990s, the college application process underwent a significant transformation. Online applications became increasingly popular, allowing students to submit their applications electronically. This transition not only simplified the process but also increased accessibility for applicants from various locations.

Present

Continual evolution and importance

Today, the 'college application' remains an essential part of the higher education landscape. The process continues to evolve with new evaluation criteria, digital advancements, and an emphasis on holistic review. College applications now encompass a range of materials, including essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and extracurricular records, providing admissions committees with a comprehensive view of each applicant.

Present

Increased emphasis on holistic evaluation

In recent years, colleges have begun placing greater importance on holistic evaluation of applicants. In addition to academic achievements, colleges consider extracurricular involvement, community service, leadership qualities, essays, and recommendation letters. This approach aims to assess applicants as multidimensional individuals rather than solely focusing on grades and test scores.