On the topic deadlines, it is imperative students understand that there is a difference between the alignment of tasks on a timeline or calendar and actual due dates—the difference between organization and unnecessary stress. Some would argue deadlines are what keep us organized, but I strongly disagree. In fact, deadlines are the reason so many of us become overwhelmed by the list of tasks we have set in front of us. Rather than setting ourselves up for greatness, we stay up long nights cramming with a subconscious awareness of the particular dates and times that haunt us, specifically college related deadlines.

As students begin to take on preparation for college and the deadlines that come with different sheets and applications, stress and apprehension follow. I am amazed by the number of schools my classmates and I manage to apply to in light of the amount of homework we receive. “[I’m applying to] about fifteen, but I’m only only considering like eight,” senior Carlos McMerty-Brummer said.

With pressure to stand out and seem like the ideal candidate to college, students at BSM pour their souls into their applications, especially the writing supplements that’re often required. “[I’ve spent] probably five days total. Filling out the activities section on the common application took the longest. Also, my essays took up a bunch of time. I’d go to Ms. Koshiol in the Writing Center after school and she would read my essays and help me out a lot by making sure they all made sense,” McMerty-Brummer said.

I was not surprised by the reaction students had when asked what effects applying to colleges and having strict deadlines has on their senior year. Many of my peers struggle with time-management and getting their priorities straight; the very thought of getting started on applications is daunting. “I think that if they had a designated day for seniors to just sit silently in the Great Hall and be required to work on their applications and essays, it would urge students to get the process underway,” senior Sky Kosek said.

I propose teachers give senior students a week or two time frame to get their priorities straight and complete their tasks. By doing so, students will have an easier time managing their time for both schoolwork and college applications. Deadlines are dreadful because they promote substandard quality, distract students from the assignment’s purpose, and do not give students a large enough time frame. We can avoid the challenge and stress so many senior students face by simply abolishing specific deadlines and creating broader time ranges.

The harsh reality of it all is that deadlines do have an effect on students. It is obvious the amount of time and effort put into meeting these deadlines. Teachers need to take these different deadlines into consideration as they give their students assignments. In order for students to succeed and be able to put their own best work into both schoolwork and college applications, they must be able to handle their workload. Providing larger time frames in school would not only alleviate senior students’ stress, but improve their working standards.