As college application deadlines close, Emerson High School seniors provide their advice for juniors and insight on their application process as well as what steps they’re taking to prepare for transitioning from living at home to an independent adult lifestyle.
There are many factors that play a part in the college decision making process. Location is an especially deal-breaking asset.
“If there was an airport nearby, shopping districts and also things you can do on your off days, that mattered to me,” Ava McCall, 12, said. “I don’t want to live somewhere where I don’t have any resources or outlets to enjoy myself outside of school.”
“Weather was one of the most important parts of my decision making process,” Emily Leach, 12, said. “I don’t want to have to live in a place where the climate is too uncomfortable for me to enjoy living in. I also weighed in other considerations, such as how far away the college would be from my home, the cost of living and transportation fees, and if I would be able to easily contact my family while living there.”
Finances are another prevalent focus on the minds of college applicants. Many key financial decisions must be made to ensure a comfortable life away from home.
“I’ve been really aggressive with applying for scholarships,” McCall said. “I studied for my ACT for months just so I could ensure a good score and earn scholarships. My main priority before moving on to college is to be able to put more money towards living expenses as well as accumulate less loan debt.”
As the summer before college approaches, seniors are finding meaningful ways to maximize their remaining few months at home. Many seniors prioritize their preparations for living independently, using their time left before moving to ensure that they’re capable of taking care of themselves.
“I’m making sure to really apply myself to things that I used to have to rely on my parents for,” Leach said. “I refuse to let anyone take responsibility for me anymore. I’m making my own doctor’s appointments, driving myself places, and teaching myself how to cook.”
Other seniors are using this time as a way to connect with their families.
“I’m really going to soak up the last few moments I have with my family before moving out,” Madison Mintz, 12, said. “I’m going out of state for college and won’t be able to see them as much as I would living from home. I really love my family and truly cherish the support and aid they’ve given me to help me get this far, so I want to show them how much I’ve appreciated their presence over the years.”
For those deciding between in-state and out-of-state colleges, Luke Stohner, 12, “If I were to go out of state, I’d have to plan how to manage staying connected with my family back home,” he explained. “In-state colleges are only a few hours away, but out-of-state would require flying during breaks.”
Many strategies are involved with having the most successful application process, however punctuality and starting early are among the most stressed.
“I started writing my essays and researching everything the summer before senior year,” Leach said. “A lot goes on during your senior year, and you’ll want to get ahead so you can focus on your last year of high school instead of stressing about college applications.”
Juniors should also remember to stay true to themselves. Their life path and college decisions should be made of their own volition, not due to the peer pressure of friends or family.
“Don’t feel pressured to choose–or even go to–a college just because all your friends are going there or because your parents want you to attend a certain school,” McCall said. “Always keep your career goals in mind. Your life should be decided based on the decisions you make, not anyone else’s.”
Ultimately, seniors encourage juniors to see the process as a journey of self-discovery. Mintz’s perspective on rejection offers reassurance.
“Everything works out for a reason,” Mintz said. “If you get rejected or waitlisted, it’ll hurt, but it’s okay to move on and trust that the universe has something else planned for you.”
While college applications can be a stressful and time consuming process, Emerson’s seniors have found ways to overcome the challenges of planning for their futures through a commitment to organization, starting early, and carefully considering every factor that applies to moving on to a new adult lifestyle such as planning their finances, location, and living independently.
