Alexa Ford ‘26, Social Media Manager
As the school year is quickly passing by, college is approaching before you know it. College admission becomes increasingly competitive each year, and seniors are taking college prep more seriously than before. From taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes, sending in applications, letters of recommendation, campus visits, and financial planning, students are preparing to start this huge new chapter in their lives.
The prep for college starts freshman year: setting up your GPA, creating study habits, and learning time-management—but this is not just about grades. It is important to keep up these responsibilities throughout high school to maintain good grades and a high GPA. Participating in extracurriculars and sports gives you a better chance at getting into colleges you want. Not many freshmen are concerned with the idea of college and preparing now since they still have four years to do so; however, laying down a strong foundation at the start of freshman year is the best way to set yourself up for success, even if you do not know what your plan is after high school. Colleges want to see leadership and growth in you as a person and as a student to determine you as a person and how well you will thrive at their university. Long-term and consistent involvement in these programs gives you a better chance at getting accepted.
Students are encouraged to start their college application process in the summer or early fall. Preparing your Common App before you start applying is highly encouraged. It is time to start applying, paying fees, and start to really consider what colleges are best to fit you, and then taking steps to find out where that fit is by taking in person or virtual campus tours or looking through their websites. Early application can lead to reduced stress later in your high school career, more time to plan, and can give you a higher chance at getting accepted. Campus visits and college fairs are best to give a student a feel for the school and if they can picture themselves going there.
Beyond academics, college prep involves emotional readiness. This is often overlooked through the stress of applying for college. Moving away from home, managing a new schedule daily and academically, and being away from your family. Senior Emma Greene said, “I have been visiting my friends and family that live in Kentucky as well as taking tours around the campus to get to know the area better.” Greene is prepping for college away from her hometown and getting used to the area where she will be living after high school. This is a huge undertaking for students as they are planning this whole new chapter while also still trying to finish high school. To help cope with this big change, you may want to create a comfortable dorm space, establish new routines, and balance staying connected at home and also getting involved on campus.
For some students, moving away from home and changing up your regular routine right after high school just is not for them. Senior Alina Plausiuk said, “Going to community college for my freshmen year gives me the chance to stay close to home and save money, and then switch to a bigger university later on.” For Plausiuk, saving money and staying home for her first year is what works best for her. The stress of applying for college, quickly packing up your life right after you graduate, and starting a new school all while being away from family and friends can be tough and very stressful. So many students go down this path of community college to still get a degree and live a college experience, but remain close to home and saving money in the process.
Another key part of college preparation is learning how to build strong social and networking skills. Going away to school can place you in an area where you will meet new people. Making new friends, forming new relationships and, if applicable, living with a stranger. These people you meet become your lifelong friends and people you never forget. You are also encouraged to join clubs, sports, and meet with teachers and counselors who can help guide you through academic and emotional success. Some students are worried about what roommates they might get, as for some it means sharing a room with a complete stranger. Therefore, some people use an app to find a compatible roommate, and that makes it much easier to get along and make friends. Also, some schools have other schools and housing that focus solely on the subject you want to go into, which makes it easier to have things in common with the people with whom you will share a space.
Technology has also changed the way students prepare for college: you can apply through an online browser, take a virtual tour, use platforms to search for information, go through an application process, and apply for scholarships. Technology has given students an easier way to compare colleges and find their best fit from home. Having everything available online gives you real time updates and status checks of your application creating less stress and making the whole process more streamlined and less overwhelming.
Career exploration is another important stage of college prep. Students are encouraged to start to look into what they want to major once accepted. This task adds another layer into the stress and overthinking of college. It asks the question, “What do you want to do for the majority of your life?” This can be a stressful process, but if you have a general idea of what field you want to major in, like healthcare or business, you can help break down your college lists by what school is best for your planned major. Understanding career goals can help students choose colleges that offer the strongest programs for their field.
College preparation is more than just applications and test scores, it is about giving students the tools and resources for taking the next step into their lives. It highlights hard work and dedication paying off. For many, the stressful process all makes up for the beginning of their new chapter, one built on hard work. Seniors, enjoy this part of your life and take time to give credit to yourself for all of your accomplishments over the past 4 years.
Lyon Life 