By Seniors, For Seniors: Advice on Tackling College Applications and Graduation Planning

Grisel Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief
  Senior year is a mix of excitement and pressure, but with a solid plan, students can better manage college applications.
  A typical senior-year checklist suggests finalizing a college list, taking any remaining standardized tests, and submitting applications early. Students should also draft a personal statement or essay and to start reaching out to teachers for recommendation letters. Keeping grades up during senior year is also crucial, as colleges can still consider mid-year reports. Using strategies such as blocking time, batching tasks, and setting mini-deadlines help to stay on top of applications, AP exams, and school work. Erin Bake, a senior at Bonneville High School, shares that her biggest piece of advice is to split it up into manageable portions. She started by listing things about herself that she wanted to include in each answer and then focused on answering one or two questions on her free days. Along with that, Madelyn McOmber, another senior at Bonneville, states that her biggest piece of advice is “to block out time either every day or every week specifically dedicated to scholarship applying and/or other college planning matters.” In order to do so, McOmber continues to explain, “You sit down somewhere and spend that time looking for scholarships or applying for housing or whatever is next on your to-do list. Students should try to schedule mental recharge periods in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  A final year bucket list can also help balance academics with memorable experiences such as planning a road trip or attending prom with friends. For the final stretch, a checklist might include verifying university account activation, submitting FAFSA, applying for scholarships, and confirming that all required documents are sent. McOmber declares that, “...A to-do list is crucial and the Director of Admissions for your college or even Lexi [Tucker, the college counselor,] can help you make one of those.” While the advice is abundant, it is clear that every student’s journey is unique, and the pressure can feel overwhelming at times. The key is to find a balance that works for each individual person, stay organized, and reach out for support when needed.

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