The long process of writing an essay, gathering test scores, and asking for letters of recommendation, only to be followed by the anxious wait for the letter that can determine your future is what 329 students face senior year.

As if the college application process is not stressful enough, in some cases, seniors who apply to college in the fall have to wait until the spring to see if they will be accepted.

Senior Abby Hercules is currently in the process of applying to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. However, notification letters for FIT will not be delivered until April first.

“The entire waiting process is extremely stressful. I just want to know quickly so I can make an easier decision,” Hercules said.

Hercules is also considering applying to the University of Mississippi, just in case she does not get in to her college of choice, FIT.

“I have to apply other places because I need a backup plan if I don’t get in to FIT. This is why I wish the notification letters came out sooner so I would know what my options are,” Hercules said.

On the contrary, some seniors have it easier when applying to college. Senior Jennifer Welby applied to the University of Missouri over the summer and received her letter of admission during the first few weeks of the schoolyear.

“It was very non stressful and now I don’t have to worry about it for the rest of my senior year. I also have the opportunity to apply to other colleges and still have Mizzou as a my back fall,” Welby said.

The date letters of notification are sent out differ depending on the college.

“It is important to keep your options open and always have a backup plan when making these decisions,” Welby said.