College Applications
With the start of the new year at Leonia High School, the new seniors are faced with the challenge of college applications. College applications have always been one of the hardest parts of senior year, from perfecting college essays to the complicated FAFSA.
Senior Adam Arriola explained that for him, college“means starting a new chapter but also it means that being a kid is over and it’s time to start learning how to be a mature adult.” Most seniors can identify with this. College is a new chapter in each and every one of our lives, where we become functioning adults pursuing our own individual interests.
Before seniors even start their applications, however, there is the decision about where to apply. With thousands of colleges readily available nationally, not to mention the international options, the sheer number of choices can be daunting.
Senior Helen Pineda gives us insight into her own process of finding where she wants to go. She says, “I based my opinion on the colleges I wanted to attend on other peoples experiences and the time they had there. I wanted a school where it was academically rigorous for my major and also fun in order to distract me from being away from home and finding new friendships and connections.”
Adam explains his process, concluding that “I found out through some research and through an app called Collegevine. It was very helpful in helping me figure out which colleges are good and have programs that I would like to enroll in. It was also good for the app to calculate my chances of being accepted.”
College can be a frightening idea, not only for the students but their families as well. Helen shared her fears about college, saying “I’m fearful that I will miss home and that will contribute to my mental and academic well being. It’s a scary thing to think about because it will be a new environment, new people that I do not know that will impact the rest of my 4 years of the college of my choosing.” On the other hand, senior Cole Kizer says “I don’t really have fears because I’m confident I’ll do good and have fun.”
All in all seniors have a rough start to the year, although it is supposed to be a fun year, it can be a daunting experience applying to colleges. Although it seems most seniors have it together, it’s okay if you don’t yet. Most early decision deadlines are November 1st, but regular decision deadlines range from January 1st to rolling admissions. Check Naviance for your specific college deadlines and make sure you submit your transcript request forms early!
Good luck!
