College Go!

With Career and College App day happening this week, the seniors of “The” Cascade High School are working diligently to finish applications, apply for scholarships and prepare to talk to college representatives about taking the next step in their careers.

App day came to be at Cascade High School six years ago. Cascade was one of the first schools in the state to ever hold a day like this.

“We believed that seniors would take more ownership into the college process if they could hear from college representatives and feel an act of accomplishment when accepted into the colleges,” says CHS guidance counselor Chris Dubois.

Some students may find out if they were accepted to college on this day and many hear about the type of financial aid they could receive.

“The day gives students a chance to feel relieved and to understand what their future might hold,” says Dubois.

Relief is what all seniors are looking for at this time. Nothing is simple about realizing you are no longer going to spend your days walking down familiar hallways and seeing the same people everyday.

“I get stressed out filling out applications,” says senior Hanna Burdsall of the process. “It is overwhelming and bittersweet.”

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, as of 2007, 15.6 million undergraduate students were enrolled in college. There are many things you have to do before you can even start the application process.

“Seniors deal with college applications, scholarships, resumes, personal statements, FAFSA, college entrance essays, Parchment and other items related to post high school plans,” says Dubois.

It all starts at the beginning of your high school career. Schools nationwide prepare their students for important tests by assessing them using the PSAT as sophomores. As a junior, you must take an ACT or SAT test and patiently wait to receive the scores that could determine your college placement.

It is also smart to prepare a resume and a personal statement in order for colleges to learn more about you and what you’ve accomplished in your time in high school.

Senior Kaitlyn Elliott said, “In my resume, I included skills, work experience, volunteer experience and achievements in school.”
Finally, some colleges require you to do different things in order to apply to their school.

Burdsall said, “I noticed the main difference in college applications was that some colleges require an essay while others only require a list of challenges faced in high school.”

“Some colleges have required a fee and a list of community service hours in order to apply,” says senior Allison Woodall.

Although the process is tiring and requires organizational skills, with the help of great guidance counselors, the stress and anxiety can be reduced.

“When applying to college it is important to use your time wisely and plan early. This will reduce stress levels when deadlines get closer,” says senior guidance counselor, Marcia Bright.

Good luck this week seniors. Keep the acceptance letters coming.