For some, the college process has been finished for months, while for others, it is a constant source of stress and tension. Each senior has a different outlook, process, and goal.

Unfortunately, there are many that struggle with the college process, myself included. Students such as Mary Slankas and Aubrey Fairfield have similar experiences. Mary describes bluntly, “It’s stressful, and I still don’t know where I want to go. I simply want to be in school already”. Although she believes the common app is an easy system and has started her essay and supplementals, the idea of going to college and applying to schools put tears in her eyes. Aubrey Fairfield feels the same overwhelming sensation but has been very hands on with the process. She admits, “sometimes it feels like it’s all a lot, especially on top of homework and supplementals.” She works with an outside college counselor but does the central work herself.  Her main essay was completed over the summer and she feels confident with her college list, but she feels early decision is not for her.

There are other students with the complete opposite mindset. Tag Tomlinson and Jack Monroe believe they want to just “wing it” and get the process over with. Tag is relying on their independence while working on applications alone, being “on top of everything” themself. They believe they are ahead of the game, but fear that they are forgetting something. Jack Monroe has a similar viewpoint having relaxed optimism. He says he’s “not too worried” and trusts it will “work out fine”. He knows he will get into at least one of the schools on his list and remains confident about his outcome, knowing he will go to college no matter what.

Finally, there are those already into college, excited for their journeys to begin. Troy Leibovici is calmly confident as he only applied to two colleges and is already into one of them, waiting to hear from the other. He finished his application early and submitted his common app the first day it opened. He has felt little stress and simply wants to know from his top choice, Colorado State. In his words, he’s “Feeling great!” On the other hand Ryan Hallisey is committed and ready to go to Colby the following fall. She committed to join the Colby field hockey team on July 1st when the school called and offered her a spot. The decision “alleviated all the pressure,” though she is still wrapping up the remainder of her application. She has been considering committing since sophomore year, and felt Colby was the right fit.

From an outside perspective, guidance counselor Mrs. McPeck has many wise words. She notes, “While the college process can feel daunting, overwhelming and stressful, it does not have to be!  Take it one step at a time, remember to breathe, ask all the right questions, and utilize the supports and resources in the building.  Nothing is more important than feeling happy and confident about your college choice, and this does not happen overnight. It is a process of managing expectations, staying committed to your goals and being true to yourself and what matters most for your future!”