Senior year is meant to be fun, carefree and filled with treasured memories of friends. But those memories are often overshadowed by the stress of college.
Most high school seniors hear this dreaded question daily:“What are your plans for after high school?”
The thought of having to plan out your life, stay on top of assignments, and balance a social life at 17 years old is a lot to handle. It is important to take a breath and take life one day at a time during this process.
For those that want to further their education at a college or university, choosing one can be daunting due to the sheer amount of options out there.
It can be helpful to write down your non-negotiable aspects of a college like tuition, financial aid, location, major, and even sports interests. This really narrows down the list and makes it easier to choose which campuses to tour.
When touring a college, don’t be afraid to ask questions and really take in the environment. You want to be sure the place you choose is somewhere you feel comfortable since it will be your home for the following years.
It is necessary to know that if you end up disliking the school you picked it is not the end of the world. Students change their minds all the time.
A few New Hartford seniors have some advice for those struggling with the college process.
“I would say it’s important to know what you are looking for in a school and to keep your options open,” Gabriella Trunfio said. “You want to pick a school that meets every aspect of what you are looking for and I think the more research and college visits you do, the easier that decision will be. My advice would be to ask lots of questions, and take pictures so you compare and remember your college visits.“
Writing a pros and cons list is hugely beneficial when deciding between your top options. Staying organized makes the entire process run smoother for yourself, your parents, and even your counselor.
“My advice would be to take the college admissions process one step at a time, and to make sure you are keeping track of your applications,” Nicole Zuniga said. “Procrastination makes it very difficult when you are handling something so important, so make sure to take it seriously.”
Many people don’t decide where they want to go until weeks before the May 1st deposit deadline. It is okay to slow down and really think about your choices– after all it’s better late than never.
“Don’t be afraid to take your time and vocalize what you do and don’t want,” Madelynn Drake said. “After a while you’ll start to get a feel of where you want to be, but make sure to always trust your gut.”
