permission to print image: Gale
Senior year: the final year of high school. As seniors approach the final months of being a Pioneer, they are applying to universities near and far.
Seniors are faced with the tough choices of which university to attend. Whether it be in state or out of state, the decision is difficult for most students.
“I am choosing to go out of state for college because I feel like it gives me the opportunity to start fresh. Other than friends and a few family members, there is not much holding me here and the idea of meeting new people in a new setting is really exciting to me,” senior McKenna McConnell said.
Applying to universities is a process that takes time and lots of consideration. Students are encouraged to gather teacher recommendations where they acknowledge student personalities and student achievement.
Most universities require students to include a 650-word maximum essay about a specific prompt, such as a challenge and how they overcame that challenge.
“I wouldn’t say that it is stressful to apply, but it definitely is tedious. I applied through Common App and there were a lot of questions and information that you have to fill out for each new college you apply to,” McConnell said.
The process of applying can be seen as challenging but there are several outlets for help and questions.
Our school offered a class, On Your Own, featuring helpful tips and guides in the process of applying to colleges and scholarships.
“I wouldn’t say the application process is too stressful, but I had a college adviser which made the process a lot easier,” senior Julian Disabato said.
Universities all hold their own traditions and celebrations. These factors could influence students in their decision process.
Students also compare geological locations, distance from family and friends and majors while considering which university to attend.
“I think some major factors were the distance from home, along with the reputation of the school and the availability for the program I applied for,” Disabato said.
