Ready or Not, Here It Comes! One Senior Takes on College Applications

by Beth Gardiner

    “What are your plans after high school?” Every high school student has heard this question countless times. When responding, some are able to give a confident answer because they are pretty sure where their journey will take them after graduation. Others have no clue what the future holds. Then, there are students in the middle that have a general idea of what their post-high school plans will include but aren’t sure how it will all unfold. Senior year is the time for students to start taking advantage of opportunities and making choices for life after PHS.

    One of the biggest lessons I have learned in high school is that it is just fine to not have your whole life planned out. I have found freedom in this and instead, have learned that life is just about taking steps that grow and stretch me. Just like many other students, I have begun the process of applying for college.

    Leading up to senior year is a great time to stretch yourself and learn more about the things you enjoy doing. This is very helpful in deciding what your next step after graduation will be. If college is for you, junior year is the perfect time to start taking college visits and getting an idea of where you would like to go after high school. ACT testing becomes a part of junior year in preparing for applying to colleges. It is fine to be working on these things at the beginning of senior year, too. Every senior has a conference with Mrs. Foote where he or she discusses how the school helps in applying for colleges. It is a great time to ask questions and to figure out how you are doing academically.

    So, where is the senior journey at for me? I just started my applications to two colleges! It is a little surreal. High school has flown by, and I can’t believe how real college is becoming. I took one college visit in the summer and am excited to tour one more in October. I’m enjoying every minute with my friends at school as I keep working on those long application processes.