Senior year is commonly associated with many milestones that forever alter the course of one’s life. It is a time of fun, with many vibrant festivities such as prom, senior cookouts, and senior assassin. It is a time of enhanced freedom: being able to take fewer gen-ed courses and more electives. But most of all, it is a crucial period of reflection––looking back on the previous four years and looking forward to the next four.
For many seniors looking to attend four-year colleges, April is the month of decision: determining what road they will land on following the toss of their cap at graduation. These dilemmas, understandably, can lead to a wide array of emotions––from uncertainty to relief, to regret, and, of course, excitement.
As seniors navigate this complex transition and the distressing college application process finally reaches an end, their experiences hold valuable insight––not only for themselves––but for underclassmen who will soon embark on the same journey.
An overwhelming majority of seniors feel that the most challenging part of their college application process was ensuring that they allot enough time to produce a quality demonstration of their accomplishments.
“I was putting it off until the very end of the summer, and I feel like I should have started before,” admitted senior Tsering Shakya.
For senior Abigail Lee, procrastination was a significant obstacle. “I would have just rather gotten it done because, honestly, that was probably worse overall. I remember the night before it was due; it was really stressful.”
A significant cause of this issue is the extent to which application essays differ from academic ones, requiring a lot more vulnerability and depth. “I told myself, ‘It’s just an essay. How hard could it be?’ But then it takes a lot more time than you might think,” reflected senior Lanyu Liang.
Contrary to this, some were looking forward to starting their applications. For senior Kimberlee Smith, this vision began at a mere six years old. “Berklee College of Music has been my dream school for as long as I could remember, so I was really excited to get the college application process started.”
Another challenge for many is narrowing down a quality, balanced college list, especially given considerations such as fee waivers or supplemental essays.
“I didn’t want to be in a school where there are hundreds of students against very few professors; I feel like I wouldn’t be learning. I wanted to go somewhere with professor office hours to make sure I understand what I’m learning,” voiced Shakya. “When I was picking a school, I made sure I could actually see myself there.”
For Smith, however, the decision was more straightforward. Berklee “was my top, and to be honest, the only school I had applied to. Although this was a risky choice, I wanted to give it my all because I knew I was capable of putting my best foot forward.”
The stress of college applications is virtually universal amongst seniors, leading many to find ways to manage anxiety and prevent burnout.
“During this time, I was doing track, and it definitely helped me distract myself and deal with the stress,” said senior Helen Xie. “I tried to take time for self-care, either doing skincare, meditating, or getting my body moving.”
The application process looked different for Natalie Keating, a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater. “In addition to regular college applications, I had to film myself singing, dancing, and performing monologues, as well as go to live auditions,” she explained. “Despite how much I love singing, I found that extra layer tough to manage.”
For Keating, a big anxiety alleviator was external support. “My friends who are also seniors were able to empathize with me, and it was something I knew we were all going through together, which helped,” she explained.
Looking back on the application process, seniors have learned critical lessons regarding time management and staying true to personal development.
“At the end of the day, it’s your application; it’s your life,” emphasized Liang.
“Things could change––your career choice might change, what you’re looking for in a school might change––so it’s never too early to start planning, but don’t stress too much,” reflected Xie.
As seniors approach graduation, they are not only concluding the final stages of adolescence but also preparing for the next adventure. We can all agree that, while challenging, the college application process has provided invaluable lessons on discipline and self-reflection. The road is tough, but it is also full of growth and excitement for what is to come. As Smith puts it: “Though a chapter of our lives is coming to an end, a bigger one is waiting.”
