A note from the editors
It’s time to start applying to colleges, and choosing where to apply is one of the biggest decisions high school students will have to make. Deciding on where they will receive their future education can be a huge undertaking and very tedious, but when taking simple precautions and avoiding common mistakes, the process is a breeze.
When going through this stressful process, there are multiple factors to consider such as academics, sports, Greek life, scholarships, location, etc. Many examine financial aid packages, university size, and even if they will attend community college prior to tackling a university.
With all of these different aspects to analyze, students need to prioritize what determining factors mean the most to them. As they begin to weigh these pros and cons, students ultimately discover what college is the best fit for them and how this decision will help shape their future.
However, this entire endeavor doesn’t need to be taken on in solitude as there are many people available to aid in decision making and applying.Mrs. Hogan and Mrs. Brockman can be found in the College and Career Center; they serve as experts for all things college. As such, they can assist in the decision making process as students take big steps into their future.
Multiple college recruiters visit the College and Career Center to students about what their school can offer them and how their university may benefit their needs. In doing so, students who have applied to these schools can begin narrowing down their options. With all of these steps that need to be taken, there are many common errors to avoid throughout this process.
Students may be lured into the legacy appeal, but just because their parents attended that college or university, doesn’t mean they have to or are even destined to. Some students possess strong ties with a school because they grew up rooting for their favorite sports team, or maybe a school is appealing because it has that amazing party scene they admire. But what students need to consider is, are these factors really going to influence their college career and future for the better? Sure, these may seem appealing at the moment, but once a student realizes that the school they’re attending doesn’t suit the career they’re pursuing or offer the programs and courses that will aid in receiving the degree they desire, they’ve landed themselves into a predicament.
This situation can be avoided by sticking to instinct, choosing what will benefit them in the long run, and what will ultimately ensure their happiness. After all, when it comes to prepping for the future, a student shouldn’t set themselves back, but instead do something for which their future selves will thank.
Claire Marie Avery and Ansley Flowers are Co-Editors of Paw Prints