After enduring an endless barrage of standardized tests, honors classes, and extra curricular activities, many students are completely stressed out and overwhelmed. Even more discouraging, the enigmatic admissions process causes students and parents consternation.

Here are three easy tips to streamline the college admissions process:

1. Start early!

I can’t stress this enough. The majority of college applications are turned in the week before admissions deadline. I strongly urge any student to finish their applications as soon as possible and submit earlier rather than later.

Students who are ahead of the curve show the admissions committee that they can meet deadlines and don’t procrastinate. Applying early may increase a student’s chances of admissions since the committee still hasn’t filled its college class.

2. Make your essays sparkle!

If I read one more essay about building latrines in Costa Rica, the last minutes of a high school sporting event, or how climbing a mountain gave you clarity on life – I’ll find another line of work.

Admissions counselors read countless versions of these clichéd topics again and again. Think outside the box and find a topic that only you could write about.

3. Apply to the right amount of schools!

There are so many wonderful schools out there – do your research so you have many options. I recommend for my students to apply to at least nine schools – three that are safeties, three that are matches, and three that are reaches.

This way you won’t be stuck attending the only school you were accepted to since you will have choices.

Alana Albertson is the founder of Academe Advantage (www.AcademeAdvantage.com) and has a masters degree in Education from Harvard University and a bachelors degree in English from Stanford University. Alana provides rare insight as both a successful two-time Ivy League applicant and as a former admissions officer with more than 16 years experience in test preparation and college and graduate school admissions. She has prepared thousands of students for the SAT test. She is also the president of Romance Writers of America’s Young Adult Writers chapter.

Here are three creative ways to incorporate SAT prep with your kid’s summer plans:

1. Read a great book! The verbal section of SAT is all about vocabulary. But many teens hate to study long, boring vocabulary lists. Instead, grab a classic. Some of my favorite books happen to contain a plethora of SAT words. Try “War of the Worlds,” by H.G. Wells, “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte, or “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Perfect reads for a summer’s day on the beach or a summer’s night at a campfire.

2. Volunteer to teach English as a Second Language! This tip not only helps you give back to your community, but also improves your grammar skills. When you teach English to a non-native speaker, you are forced to break down grammar rules. This knowledge of English grammar will help you improve on the writing section of the SAT. You can find opportunities at your local church or community center. Added bonus – also looks good on your college applications.

3. Learn a new instrument! Mathematics and music are interconnected. By tackling a new instrument, your teenager will learn timing, logic, rhythm and meter. Learning elementary musical theory will help utilize and reinforce all of the concepts above. All of these skills will aid in increasing your student’s understanding of math.

Alana Albertson is the founder of Academe Advantage (www.AcademeAdvantage.com) and has a masters degree in Education from Harvard University and a bachelors degree in English from Stanford University. Alana provides rare insight as both a successful two-time Ivy League applicant and as a former admissions officer with more than 16 years experience in test preparation and college and graduate school admissions. She has prepared thousands of students for the SAT test. She is also the president of Romance Writers of America’s Young Adult Writers chapter.