Late nights and early mornings have become the norm for seniors who are juggling a never-ending list of responsibilities. From managing homework and extracurricular activities to maintaining a social life and spending time with family, getting a full seven to eight hours of sleep seems like an unattainable luxury.
The reason? Students are navigating the seemingly-limitless options for life beyond high school.
At Billings Central Catholic High School, students have a wide array of future ambitions. Take senior Kate Chambless, for example, who said enthusiastically, “Right now, my top choice is Gonzaga, but I’m also considering similar private schools and universities.” Her plan? To major in business with a minor in music and venture into the financial side of music production.
There’s also Braydon Peterman, who confidently explained, “After graduation, I’m sticking around in Billings to attend a trade school. I’m hoping to pursue a career as an electrician and dive straight into an apprenticeship.”
Then there’s Kellan McClintock, who revealed, “I’m planning to apply to several different schools, but my top three picks are Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, and MSU – Bozeman. I’m aiming to major in civil or environmental engineering.”
For students applying to college over the next several months, test scores, GPA, letters of recommendation, and even the task of tidying up one’s digital footprint are just a few of the hoops that they must jump through in the gauntlet of holistic application judgment. According to the US News And World Report, students must be exceptionally diligent in four crucial areas of their application:
- Crafting a personal statement: University applicants must draft a 650-word personal statement that delves into a significant life event. Colleges place substantial weight on an applicant’s character, values, and extracurricular activities. The US News and World Report emphasizes the importance of presenting an “authentic self” in showcasing one’s unique qualities. Fortunately, Central students have the opportunity to structure, write, and revise this essay in Michele Mattix’s English class.
- Managing your online presence: Social media and an online presence can be assets in demonstrating voice and community involvement to colleges. However, a single admission officer’s glimpse of unfiltered content can significantly impact a student’s chance of admission. For students, consider cleaning up past Instagram stories or disassociating from inappropriate tagged posts.
- Thorough research: Students should ensure they thoroughly research the institutions they are applying to. Evaluating personal preferences, academic and career goals, and financial factors are of utmost importance when considering college options.
- Prioritizing Emotional Well-Being: The college application process can be emotionally taxing, and it’s crucial to cope with stress and anxiety through proper outlets by seeking support from parents, teachers, counselors, or mental health professionals.
In the whirlwind of college applications, it’s important to remember that the journey is as significant as the destination. High school seniors, take a breath, embrace the process, and remember that you’re not alone on this exciting, nerve-wracking journey toward your future.
