5 Things I WISH I KNEW before Applying to College

Hey guys!! In this video, I breakdown the 5 things I wish I knew before applying to college. These are application tips for high school seniors filling in their common app right now as well as long term advice for high school freshman, sophomores, and seniors thinking about their college applications right now.
The 5 Tips we talk about are:
1. College Fit: This is a concern I see with a lot of high school students who have a dream college and will do anything to carve their application to 'fit' a school. Whether it's Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, or MIT, at the end of the day these colleges simply want high potential students, regardless of what intrinsic quality the school claims to 'solely possess'.
2. Build Bridges: In High School, it is so so important to recognise the individuals who will affect your college application apart from you. From your high school teachers, to college professors you work with on research papers, to even your school counsellors, start building relationships with each of these pillars of your profile.
3. The 2X Rule: This is a time management and productivity tip that has SAVED my life when I was in high school and applying to college. If you think a task will take x amount of time, just double it. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
4. 0 Wasted Experiences: In high school and in life in general to be honest, no experience is ever wasted. Trust me on this, everything you've been through will play some role in your eventual application, regardless of how useful you perceive it to be.
5. Applying Undecided: This is a personal opinion, however, I think it's dangerous to apply to the United States undecided. This is because when a college is evaluating your application, they want to see some direction with your academic interests. This helps them place you in their class and understand the kind of student you will be. Indicating no specific major does make this relatively harder for them to accomplish - and the last thing you want to do is make an admission's officer job harder.
That's it!! Now for some timestamps.
Timestamps:
Introduction - 00:00
College 'Fit' - 00:56
Build Bridges - 04:46
The 2X Rule - 07:07
0 Experiences Wasted - 08:41
Applying Undecided - 10:40
Conclusion - 12:30
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[@basilhalaseh232]

First! Let's us give an official thanks to this man without him many essays would only be many empty papers.

[@p222k]

So true His videos are super helpful ✨♥️

[@ShauryaSinha]

I'VE ALWAYS GOT YOUR BACKS

[@basilhalaseh232]

@@ShauryaSinha Yes to that

[@harpreetlamba4427]

Thanks Shaurya for great videos... I would really appreciate if you could kindly help regarding taking help from career counselors in application, profile building and selecting right majors....it's the 3rd video I'm writing a comment related to career counselor... would really appreciate if you could help... thanks

[@sohamwaghmare2801]

Why is this video buffering so much

[@shrawanipal]

I love the two hour rule thing. Underestimating the time it’ll take to do something is my greatest skill.

[@ShauryaSinha]

Should've done the same with the video :(

[@mnm__studios]

@@ShauryaSinha lmaoooo

[@hitanshugedam8408]

Shaurya : " 5 things I wish I knew before applying to colleges ". Me who didn't even know that we could apply to US universities as international undergrad until 11th: Hmm, people virtually laughing at me.

[@Anonymous-mf8le]

Well, I got to know in 12th only.

[@cherrysharma1515]

Currently in the process of filling in my application and I never expected it to be so stressful! But your videos always give me motivation!

[@tea2164]

This put so much worth into the activities I have done in high school that I thought were not "good enough". Looking back, I now see how much I've accomplished; tysm!!

[@ShauryaSinha]

EXACTLY THIS IS SO TRUE

[@lalitayadav3946]

Can u make ' a day in my life ' video??

[@ShauryaSinha]

Done.

[@vanshajgambhir3706]

@@ShauryaSinha same I wanna watch this too

[@pratyushsudhakar8458]

I committed a crime😳 to fill my felony essay in the common app 😂

[@ShauryaSinha]

BAHAHAHAH

[@khushiparikh3074]

Hiiii! (Only commenting to help shaurya with the KZbin algorithm)

[@p222k]

Arehhh sweet one!!!✨🐣

[@ShauryaSinha]

HAHAHAHAH LOVE THIS

[@pratyushsudhakar8458]

Hey Shaurya, why have you changed your editing style. I love how you emphasized some words by shouting them out at the screen!

[@ShauryaSinha]

Good point!!! Honestly it was just because those videos took me 3 days to make and I wanted to push more content but I promise I'll return to it when I pick an editor this week

[@pratyushsudhakar8458]

@@ShauryaSinha yay!!! But do it only if you will be able to manage time.

[@usmanmir5663]

Yeah that added an extra dimension to his videos!

[@vanshdeepsehrawat4703]

After all this time, i can like every video Shaurya puts up, even before i watch it, due to the consistent awesomeness of his videos! Thanks bro 😊

[@ShauryaSinha]

Always welcome Vanshdeep :))

[@aayushjangir5085]

I just love your tips!!!! Thanks a ton!

[@bhoomikaagrawal4698]

Your videos are amazing✨ thank you for making them and helping us!

[@aditirai2112]

Thankyou so much for posting these videos!

[@jasnoorkanwarsingh9218]

Please make next video on how to cold mail a professor for research internship and boost your other extracurriculars

[@fanny6920]

Yes even I would like this

[@aditidas2862]

Check out iris fu!!

[@jasmannsingh5341]

Check out Crazy Medusa for that

[@rajdohadwalla8847]

Really enjoy your content and gain much from it,but just had to put this out there,im just in awe of how intimidatingly smart you are,coupled with being so riveting and possessing such profound social skills,really hope you do even better in time to come and wish you all the best!

[@neharikaravi2914]

I love the timestamps thank you so much!

[@ShauryaSinha]

ALWAYS WELCOMEEE

[@jahnavivenkat7575]

You really just opened my eyes. I'm shook.

[@ahbabsiddiquee7120]

Shaurya , can you make a video on preparing a college list and what things to take into account while preparing the list of colleges one wants to apply to? It would literally be one of the biggest help everrrr!!!

[@vivaanbanerjee7765]

Your videos feel like an actual conversation which doesn't happen often. Great videos keep going! And giving us advice (any for EC's in middle schoolers highly appreciated) Love you vids 😍

[@hjjvc4028]

Editing on point 💯

[@aishwarya6707]

Hey Shaurya ! This was so helpful,really appreciate your dedication

[@ShauryaSinha]

ALWAYS WELCOME Aishwarya :)

[@sunidhipatil2574]

Thank you for guiding us Shaurya:)

[@riaankumar6624]

Thank you Shaurya for breaking the STEM student myth. It really helped!

[@jyotsnaprasanth5460]

Thank you so muchhh.This is really helpful

[@ShauryaSinha]

Always always welcome Jyotsna!!!!

[@blizz8563]

Gotta get that 10 minute revenue ;). Love your vids my guy

[@khushi9432]

thanks, this really kinda helped!

[@taneeshadaga0703]

This is amazing 🤩

[@alaynarukh4290]

hi shaurya! your videos have helped and encouraged me so much to achieve my dream college, can you please make a video on the application process and at what grade can i start applying the forms and approximately how long does it take to prepare for each exam that there is, it would help me so much, thankyou!

[@kashikagoel7888]

I have been fangirling over you for 3 weeks now. You’re so amazing, I might fall short of words if I begin to describe further. You Stan me, Shaurya. I hope I get to speak to you personally, someday. 💜💗

[@Mel-up7un]

Umm he stans you?

[@akshatkakade3124]

Hey! When are you going to announce the editors? Awesome video BTW...

[@saadaltaf7726]

Thank you so much from the depth of my heart 🌝

[@ShauryaSinha]

Thank you for watching and subscribing, from the depth of my heart

[@adwita224]

Heya! So I'm in grade 10. I have almost nothing for ECs except for having a writing page on insta,and honestly it gives me shit ton of anxiety. I do have quite a few domains where I want to make some things work but this pandemic is being helpful enough in not letting me do so. Could ya maybe make a video about how to build ECs, what are the different options for the same (like Olympiads, non profit, internships,summer school programmes,etc), and how exactly to get started? It'd be a HUGE help cuz the academics are easier to tackle but the ECs aren't.

[@user-nd5vr3yu9s]

Always love your video soooooo much!! By the way, this has nothing to do with your video, but do you happen to know which study to major in if I want to study artificial photosynthesis at Stanford Undergrad? I was wondering what the difference is between "Energy Resource Engineering" and "Atmosphere/Energy" Be really happy if you could answer!!

[@hemungkapoor1368]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@jasnoorkanwarsingh9218]

Please make next video on how to cold mail a professor for research internship and boost your other extracurriculars!!! Please

[@revathynair8395]

0:07 , lol! me too except it's always just the mirror and me🤐🤦‍♀️

[@umang2018]

Hey Shaurya, I love your content. I'm a high-school student from Gurgaon as well, can you please tell me about the internships you did as a student ?Thanks!

[@pranavkashmire4734]

heyy can you post a video on filling the complete common app form and css profile form

[@aumpagar5596]

Hey Shaurya you editing skills are dope,which software do you use?

[@uchihaitachi8072]

Adobe Premiere Pro.

[@daiwikshah2608]

love the content though

[@pranavkashmire4734]

heyy plz make a video on how to get a fee waiver for college appplications and also fee waiver for sat exam[since it has a lot benefits]

[@AmaraMir2]

Hi Shaurya, thank you for all of your videos! If you're comfortable, would you consider checking your FERPA files-I've been seeing a lot of Stanford 2024 students reading theirs and it's been so interesting!

[@ShauryaSinha]

Hi Amara!!!! Unfortunately, because I'm taking a gap year they're not letting me view it, but a video on that will come super duper soon :)

[@defne3510]

really helpful video and lovely music, what is its name

[@harazizsingh1266]

Man shaurya on fire 🔛🔥

[@p222k]

Shaurya please make next video regarding extracurriculars being Indian students we don't have that many options available right now I have Saw your previous video on ECs and it helped alot I don't know why Students are wasting there time on random things on KZbin THEY SHOULD PROBABLY SEE VIDEOS OF THIS KIND..... A GENUINE THANKS SHAURYA ♥️✨

[@shravanimore950]

Should I start working on my college essays? I am in 12th Grade, I want to apply for 2021-22 batch becoz already it's delayed that's why I'm applying after the 12th

[@raisasiddique7018]

You should!

[@dishitagoyal6255]

Just one question...what is that one thing that admission officers completely ignore in our common app but we think it to be playing a vital role in our admission.🤔🤔 btw love your videos

[@ShauryaSinha]

I mean it'd be kinda scary if they ignored a part of your common app but good question, honestly I'M not really sure

[@dishitagoyal6255]

@@ShauryaSinha that's fine...thanks for replying 🙂 🙏

[@shr7ddha]

Could you please make a video about how you got an internship at MIT?

[@aarjavgohel1792]

Before a month........ A new video came after 4 weeks Now after a month..... Four videos in a week🤙👏👏

[@ShauryaSinha]

LET'S GET ITTTT

[@vaanity7091]

everything else is alright but where are you getting your music from coz i find it really iconic and want to use them in my own content. could you share your playlist of these tracks if you have one?

[@user-vk2fd1ce4t]

hello, i'm in the 11th grade, cbse board. could you please make a video about extra curriculars one should pursue while in india? yk, launchx, how to get into launchx, internships etc; classes besides math, sci etc.

[@alveetaqi361]

Hi i am a huge fan of spectraverse This inspired me to do social work like you but, i have a problem with legal information for starting a nonprofit. Can you please discuss about legal issues you've face while making non profit at the age of 16

[@krishnalad6106]

Hi when do you start applying for college in the US as most of the websites only show the deadlines

[@shreyatm1880]

Hey! Do colleges consider our gap year accomplishments for admission?

[@AryanMaggo]

hey, please someday tell us about the books you read. Thankyou

[@adibanawrin8517]

Hey Shaurya, it's off-topic, but felt like asking for your opinion. I sat for the SAT on December 5. I had close to zero preparation. My mom died on 4th November, just a month before the test due to COVID. She was in the hospital and was put on life support. I was detached from studies for a couple of months. I previously planned to invest this time to prepare for SAT. I am not really satisfied with what I did on the test and might not score 1500+. What I am asking is, if my score is not good enough, should I go test-optional as we have that chance this year, or should I report my scores anyway and explain my situation in the special circumstances section?

[@godcolor9722]

What's the song that plays after cuts

[@shubhangib.kundagrami3445]

You sound like the wise indian uncle whenever you explain things very quickly and its honestly a vibe

[@chriselle8]

when is it a good time to ask about letters of recommendation to teachers? is it invalid to ask teachers from 9th grade or lower?

[@daf1678]

The main mistake I made when applying to U.S. colleges is that I didn't prepare a lot of time in advance. I was supposed to attend a French university, but at the last minute things got really hectic (I skip the details) and I had to find another way. I thus decided to apply to a US university right after graduation without knowing anything about the application process. I was discovering the required exams at that time, and they were a little tough for me because my entire high school curriculum was in French. I also did not have a lot of opportunities for extracurriculars in my school (except playing an instrument) and exploring interests through extracurriculars is really not in my country's culture. However, I still managed to get to a good US university (but not my top choice). Now after trying a lot more extracurriculars in various fields, I found out exactly what major I want to pursue and what school I want to attend (Stanford, hence I'm here😁). Looking forward to transferring to Stanford. Wish me luck :)

[@ayesha1069]

@D AF heyy I'm at the end of year 12th grade and I wish to apply to a us university for an undergrad course ....so can you brief about how you got into the good us college ??? Please ✌🏻✨✨

[@neetafromgenesis2024]

Hi Shaurya.. do IVY league and other top tier unis give scholarship OR financial aid for international students? Could you please throw some light on this ? Thanks !

[@vaenkatanathansundararajan429]

Is there any way to waive TOEFL exam fee as an international student.??? Anyone reply me if you know something !!!

[@adityatripathi9039]

Hey! Just a request can make a specific video on scholarships for indian students applying for 'undergraduate courses' abroad in countries like Ireland(Dublin engineering universities) , US or UK.

[@bruhbruh8733]

I'm considering taking a gap year this year and applying to university next year instead of now. This is because due to covid I couldn't do many of the things I wanted to do for my extra curriculars and I don't think I'll get into a good university if I apply this year. I'm from Pakistan and I'm very scared of how I'll deal with all my friends being away at University if I gap and stay here. Do you think gapping is a good idea and could be worth it?

[@aditidas2862]

Hey, Shaurya, pls make a • 'books every high schooler should read' vdo *any time u want (like when u r thinking about brainstorming some vdo topics)! •podcasts for highschooler yada yada yada ;)! It wud be cooool 😊👍

[@rojakhondokar2848]

Hey! Loved ur video and the insights! So i had a question. Through my essays and ECAs, i will be showing the admission officers that i am passionate about mental health advocacy and motivational speaking... So most collges have that 1 qs that asks how u will contribute to that college/ what u wanna do when u get in/ how will u add some sort of value to their community? So my general answer, in the simplest terms, would be that i wanna start a motivational speaking club(cause most unis dont have them) and talk abt why unis need such a club/organization. And i will put my own perspective into the answer, to make sure that they know that this is something actually coming from my heart. So my qs is.. does this sound too ambitious? Like i dont want them thinking that im talking big just to impress them... Waiting for ur reply😊

[@ritarin2434]

I apply undecided because I don't have the number of math classes they require for their engineering class. So as long as I got accepted I can change my major. I don't know what to do now 😭

[@shivamsshiragavi]

Damn you learnt to breathe. Didn't have to pause this time

[@SanjayGupta-gm4gt]

i love your videos so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ShauryaSinha]

I LOVE THAT YOU LOVE IT SOOO MUCH!!!

[@SanjayGupta-gm4gt]

@@ShauryaSinha can you please reply to my emails

[@anandmishra9794]

I don't have a school counselor in my school , what'd do I do?

[@shridhikhandelwal9593]

Hii shaurya!! When is the essay editing?

[@yazhinibalachandar833]

Hi !! I notice that you always update your videos at the same time, like 8 to 9!

[@ShauryaSinha]

YES!!!! It's a measly attempt at getting the KZbin algorithm to appreciate me

[@architg203]

I don't have any achievment in extra curricular activities but I am above average in academics, can I get addmission in like top 20 uni?? I am currently in 12th grade.

[@yashkushwaha6150]

Hello shaurya.I m also applying to Stanford for fall 2021.I Need some help from you.I m preparing without any guidance.I want someone like u who had already applied to read my essays and tell me where I stand.

[@DeepPatel-lz8fj]

Background sound source????

[@anushkasharma5398]

I want to do post graduation, I hope my class 9-12 doesn’t even matter right?

[@raghulakshai7307]

Brother actually my passion is to become at aerospace engineer studying at MIT (USA). I'm actually working on a national level project competition related to space technology, after the competition can I work more on these kinda projects or can I concentrate on exam(Olympiads, KVPY, JEE, SAT etc.....)

[@ayamdash6427]

What's the competition name

[@Nanami_X_Higurama]

Hey i had a question , How many people from India got into StanFord '24 ?? Please tell :-)

[@balavigneshp7570]

hi shaurya is relatively easy to get into canadian universities than usa

[@who9873]

Hey Shaurya, I was thinking about applying to the summer entrepreneurship programme by launch x for 2021 but it's application deadline is in February but tbh I need some time to prove to my parents about the fact that I am serious about it(I hv the tendency to slack off but I am really serious about it although 🙄)......So I don't think I will be able to apply to the summer programme bcuz it's too early for me TO PROVE TO THEM......Are there any other courses by launch x in the later part of the year which I can probably attend or any other summer entrepreneurship programmes which I can apply to and has a later deadline....... Your answer will be of grt hlp😁 P.s I already commented this in the entrepreneurship series video (part 1 to be specific).....but I just commented it here again just so that it may be noticed by u......(yea I am desperate!)

[@deekshaj4051]

your video really helped me . just wanted to ask a question . if u hadn't got stanford which college would u be studying today ??

[@ShauryaSinha]

Good question, probably Pomona to be very honest. Great institution, the small class size virtually guarantees a really intimate learning experience, and the campus and location are both AMAAAZING

[@hrishikeshkalyanaraman5831]

@@ShauryaSinha bruh... USC really facepalming now huh😂😂

[@agastyasinha8793]

​3rd wow!!!! great to be here!!!!

[@ShauryaSinha]

Graaaapeee

[@anaghakhot4245]

I'm trying for Open University 1 year course for "graduate certificate in Industrial Organizational Psychology" with probably "San Diego State University" just to get an insight on what specialisation I wana focus in HR. I already have a Master's degree in Human Resources. My question is shud I directly opt for 2 year/3 year full time on campus degree in I/O psychology when I dnt have a Bachelors degree in psychology?..wud the top 10 Universities consider wteva Qualifications & work experience I have?

[@kevinthomas9667]

Hey shaurya! From Mumbai. I don’t have a really big achievement like you but I have interests and take part in activities in various fields. Just want to know if it’s still possible for me to get an admission in my dream college. Currently in the 11th grade

[@kithagani]

Hi shaurya, I am from Hyderabad ( 8th grade) .I also run a company I have extreme interest in neuroscience and research in it .. as an aspiring US applicant in india I want to do a research project with professors.. but I don't know how to contact them and I come from a normal family where our background is not very big so no good connection with like professors and all .. so how can I contact them in Hyderabad P.S - loved the video would love if u make some more boosting the extracurriculars

[@vishaljuneja1206]

Why did you apply abroad for a bachelor degree rather than a master one like a lot of Indians do? Please Reply

[@pratyushsudhakar8458]

11:18 drama performance!

[@ShauryaSinha]

India ke dramebaaz

[@aniketshukla1404]

Can you Pl tell which colleges did you apply??

[@ShauryaSinha]

In my college decisions reactions video!!!

[@aanchalyadav4378]

hey i have a question , is it necessary that one can only be successful when they attend an ivy league

[@viradeus4322]

No

[@cvsanjeev]

Hey bro, i’m in 12th right now, i’m confused whether should i apply to college this year cause, our board exams are going to be in the month of may (ISC ) so i can expect my 12th results by June 2021,and applying to college during fall 21 wouldn’t that be a good option ? just asking whether it will affect my application if i apply after i finish 12th

[@StillRocking76]

Bro, many colleges might not provide you financial aid and it's very hard to get admission after 12, I'm telling with my brothers experience, who scored 97% in 12. Please try for colleges in India, as these colleges are very very tough for transfer students

[@cvsanjeev]

@@StillRocking76 but this time it’s pandemic It’s different and I can really do better in SAT But couldn’t write it cause I was affected by Covid But thanks And can you tell me what’s college is he in right now

[@StillRocking76]

He is in BITS

[@StillRocking76]

Better, you could actually apply for masters, and in masters you have very less competition. And higher chances of admission

[@mohaksaxena7675]

Shoutout to Shaurya for being an awesome person !!! and please become my connection at LinkedIn

[@punchieeiy]

Hey. I am in 12 th I am really focusing in 12 I got 91/ in 10 and fall in 11 I know some school is only india specific like 10 th or 12 but ivy league are not I think I don't have a good score but I need of financial aid so I can't pay so anything for me .

[@hamnashafqat2096]

Thankyou

[@ShauryaSinha]

ALWAYS WELCOME!!!

[@rupanshisharma5514]

Could u please share ur spectroverse journey from scratch?

[@daiwikshah2608]

bruh why are there so many ads :((

[@ShauryaSinha]

Oof probably because it's such a long video I'll remove a few of them

[@asifahmedbr]

Man just gave me hope for northwestern. Thanks 🙏

[@ShauryaSinha]

You can do it my g, LETS GOOO

[@trinamitra9805]

where did the ring go??

[@ShauryaSinha]

:8 I became a lil conscious of it

[@nikhilsiwach117]

Dear Shaurya.. Please make a video on indian students applying after a gap year in prestigious university like harvard ,mit, Stanford... Please

[@ShauryaSinha]

Day in the life of a Gap Year student!!

[@nikhilsiwach117]

@@ShauryaSinha It would be great! Also are there chances a good student with good ECs and Essays get into prestigious university after Taking a gap year after class 12th? Please reply .. Please it's humble request :-)

[@pixellbliss]

Shaurya please let me know if you want to work with me on my start-up

[@meharkaur5]

Hey Shaurya!! I am in a great uncertainty that in which school should I go for my 10+1 and 10+2grade : • A school(Spring Dale CBSE) new for me i.e; teachers don't know me which will effect my recommendation but with all the extra curriculars+ the counselors+ it has its name in college board • My old school(Sacred Heart Senior Secondary ICSE) where all the teachers know me very well which will be beneficial for my recommendation but no extra curricular activities and no counselors+ it doesn't have its name in college board Plzz help me out keeping all the pros and cons in notice 😊

[@nadinprabhu8480]

Bro same issuw