The start of the new school year brings the start of college applications. As the October 1st deadline for applications approaches, seniors begin preparing for college and the stress that comes with it. Students are all in different places for college search and have mixed feelings about this crazy journey.
Students were first asked if they had started their college applications and overwhelmingly most said yes although many of them also wished they had started it during the summer.
“It’s really stressful and over the summer I wanted to take a break from school and everything and really enjoy being a kid,” said senior Reese Holter.
Students found it stressful, but were left with no choice but to start their applications immediately in order to meet the deadline.
“Yeah, I started my applications, but it’s been pretty stressful,” said senior Giuliana Marsili.
Amidst the mayhem of college applications some students are looking to become collegiate athletes as they begin or close their recruiting process. The amount of students who go on to play college sports is slim to none, with about only 7% making it to a varsity sport in college and only about 2% making it to a Division 1 (D1) sport.
“I’m playing Division 3 lacrosse at Albright College, in Pennsylvania,” said Holter.
Holter expressed her excitement to play in college and all the hard work she has put in, especially with being a student athlete in high school. Many students must find the balance between athletics and academics, and with the college applications coming due, this is a pivotal period in their college process.
Many students are submitting their college applications through the Common Application (Common App), an organization that allows students to submit to multiple colleges simultaneously. At Marriotts Ridge, students also use Naviance as a way to connect the Common App to their teacher recommendations and other application requirements.
“It’s really helped me go through the process,” said senior Simon You.
Others had a different experience with Naviance and the Common App, finding it difficult to navigate the separate platforms. .
“Naviance likes to delete everything,” said senior Jaclyn Yencha.
This school year students have been graced with the added presence of Mr. Gitterman, the new College and Career Readiness Advisor. Mr. Gitterman has come to MRHS to help students expedite the college realm and is eager to help students and give them advice to properly prepare for college.
One of the most memorable parts of the college application process is the personal and supplemental essays. Grueling hours spent trying to figure out what to write about in order to properly showcase each student’s strengths, exemplifying why they deserve to get into their dream schools. Each personal essay uniquely reflects each student, and can include very personal life experiences.
“My personal essay is done, and I started some of my supplementals already,” said senior Whitney Egbe.
Many of the essays contain personal information and students found it best to include specific details for the college admissions officers.
The journey through college applications is daunting and scary as students prepare for the start of adulthood. As the deadlines approach, students will finalize their applications, starting their college careers off right.