Time is Passing Fast for Senior Class
Jahniya McBride, Writer
September 23, 2011
Filed under Features, Senior Stuff, Top Stories
For the class of 2012, the once anticipated faces are turning into faces of reality. With many things to think about and consider in such little time, some seniors may have a lot on their plates in the upcoming months. For the students who already have plans on where they’re going to college and have already taken either SAT or ACT, may not have as much to worry about.
On the other hand for students who have not taken either test yet or thought about college, the upcoming months maybe a stressful time. For seniors, the season of fall brings on deadlines, recommendations, transcripts, planning, applying and rushing to do all that before December. Doesn’t that sound fun? Well it shouldn’t unless you take the right steps and plan to prepare, then the thought of applying to colleges the fall of your senior year should be fun. Not only college admission deadlines lurking right around the corner, but placement test deadlines also coming up soon.
To satisfy the admissions office at the colleges you’re considering, you will most likely have to make that life altering decision to take the SAT or ACT. If you have not decided which test to take, the deciding factor may be whether or not the college requires a certain test. You wouldn’t want to get all the way there for them to tell you that you passed the wrong test. Even though many colleges accept either one, it is still good to check on the policy at the college you are considering. Senior Daryl Butler took the SAT the June after completing his junior year and says, “it isn’t too difficult as long as you focus, it was just long.”
The months of September through December will be busy for seniors who plan on going to four year colleges and universities next fall. Senior counselor Mrs. Smiley says that college-bound seniors should apply to college as soon as possible preferably by October 1st but no later than December 1st. Students should also remember to schedule college visits and take the SAT or ACT if haven’t already. Online applications would be the best way to apply to a college but if needed, paper applications for most in-state colleges can be asked for in guidance. Before you become overwhelmed with applying to college, you should take the time out to gather as much information about the college and take college visits. Take a weekend tour of the campus, talk to professors, walk up to random students and interrogate them and ask as many questions as humanly possible. Having more than enough information is better than having no information. If you are unavailable to make a visit to the campus, another good way to research a college’s reputaion is by talking to people who are familar with colleges or someone who has recently graduated from the school. Ask your parents or that strange family member who always seems to know too much about colleges. Finding general information of colleges over the Internet or social media websites such as Facebook or Twitter, is not always the best way to get information on a place your considering to get your higher level of education from. Not everyone on the world wide web is an expert, and sometimes rumors get passes along as facts.
Many opportunies such as CSRA College Night and The Educational Opportunity Day that both took place early September, helped to relieve students and parents with some of their questions and concerns. When asked if either of the opportunity days helped with their his college search, Senior Kwashane Robinson responded ” Yeah, I got alot of information I needed for North Carolina A&T. It was very informational but there were alot of students there.” Scholarship drawings, financial aid seminars, and an essay writting seminar were available at college night. Both events helped many students who haven’t choose a college to apply to or students who didnt know what they want to major in once the get to college. Career Specialist Mr. Saunders replied ” In certain situations some kids are still finding out about them self “. So if you’re still undecided about your college major or just cant seem to pick only one, its okay according the The College Board, most colleges offer advising to help you find a focus. In general, you don’t start taking courses for your major until your junior and senior years. Only after applying to the colleges of your choice may you start applying for scholarships. Every senior has to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FASFA in Febuarary or after your taxes. You should submit your forms as soon as you can and see if a college you applying for has a financial aid deadline date.
When done with your checklist of preparing for college, don’t let the noose of senioritis break the neck of the previous four years of accomplishment! As the year continues on and you’re awaiting that 8.5 x 11 envelope letting you know where you will or won’t be heading, remember enjoy and embrace your last few months in high school while it lasts and that although it’s a big decision, college doesn’t have to define who you are.
