A new school year has just begun, and the senior class of 2019 is preparing to begin their college applications. Whether they’re applying to Ivy Leagues, CSU’s, UC’s, Privates, or community colleges, they all must undergo a process they’ve never done before. How prepared and ready do these high school seniors feel to begin such a crucial process that’ll define their future?
Throughout their high school years, many students have always known that applying to college was a step they would eventually get to, but once they get to the actual application process, results have shown that students feel very unprepared to do so. Much of this has to do with the fact that many students don’t take advantage of the support and services Logan has to offer.
So, where does the current senior class stand? The Courier interviewed seniors, current college students, and teachers to find the answer to the question, “how prepared do you feel to begin the college application process?”
Senior Stephanie Gonzalez said she doesn’t feel ready at all.
“I feel as if senior year really crept up on me. Time really flew by and now I have no idea what’s my next step,” Gonzalez said. “I’m excited to apply but I don’t know how. I’m a first-generation student and I have no one to go to for advice which actually sucks. It makes everything for me a bit harder because I have questions and concerns that have yet to be answered.”
Having someone to talk to about the process is important. Logan has an Academic Outreach Program designed for that very purpose. Ms. Diaz, from the DCAC (Destination College Advising Corps), is available for students like Gonzalez that are seeking advice, and the student’s counselor is always a good person for support.
“I’m so nervous. I really don’t feel ready enough to begin such an important process but I’m very thankful for the close relationship I have with my counselor and I know she will help me with everything I need,“ Gonzalez said
Current freshman at SFSU, Santiago Escobedo had some advice from back when he was a senior.
“I felt pretty prepared. I did seek the correct help I believed would benefit me the most and I believe I did ok,“ Escobedo said. “I definitely have to thank my counselor, to be honest, she helped me with everything throughout the process.“
A common theme for many seniors is the sense that even though it is still early in the year, time is running out.
“I have an idea of what to do and I know where to find resources to help me apply, but the idea of it is nerve-wracking,” said senior Paola Garcia. “I’ve seen the applications. I open them and I get very nervous and end up closing it because I know that I don’t know how to properly fill it out.”
Seniors also have to deal with the anxiety of leaving high school and growing up, something often made worse by the thought of college applications.
“I also feel that my fear of adulthood is an impediment,” Garcia said. “But at the end of the day, I know I can achieve it because I need to lose the fear, ask for help, and fill it out. “
Logan teacher Mollie Wright shared her perspective as a teacher and as a former student who had many experiences over the years. When asked how ready and prepared high school seniors are for the application process, Wright believes it is an individual experience.
“I think it really depends,” Wright said. “The application process can be really confusing and different students are more familiar with it than others. For example, if you don’t know anybody who has applied to college and you’re the first one in your family, it can feel very overwhelming.”
Another thing that can be challenging for students are the differences in application types and styles. A student may be prepared for one type of application, like the Common App used for many private schools, but feel overwhelmed in attempting the FAFSA, the financial aid application for most colleges.
“People are prepared for different applications,” Wright said. “But it can become very complicated for students because there’s more than one system to navigate.”
Wright also believes that most students are not taking full advantage of the resources Logan provides.
“I believe there are so many different resources being offered that students get overwhelmed by the number of resources we provide at school, including support and mentorship,” Wright said.
Wright echoes the sentiment of many counselors, admissions advisors, and former seniors in the same boat as the class of 2019 – start early.
“I recommend making your plan early and then figuring out where the holes in your plan are and asking for help there,” said Wright. “Ask those questions now, not when they’re due, but now. Bring these questions to the adults in your life to get feedback and we can work on this together. It is overwhelming and big, but you can take something big and scary and break it down into smaller tasks.“
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