College Applications
Senior Perspectives on College Applications
By America Jasmine Palomarez Ledesma
College application season is a stressful time for high school seniors. Between figuring out what to do after high school, getting through senior year, and applying for colleges, it can be quite an overwhelming time. Many factors play a part in this season, from parental expectations to financial issues. Although many students plan to take a different path in life, many do in fact plan on continuing their education. Whether they are staying local or going far from home, this semester is a prime time for seniors, and that can be quite a challenge.
Feelings of Current Seniors
How does the class of 2024 feel? GHS Senior Jocelyn Ortiz describes it as a massive feeling. Ortiz explains “I feel very overwhelmed applying for college and I am so sad my time has come to an end. I wish I could have the option to stay a little kid forever because being a senior feel so stressful. I feel like I have so much to do that I’m not ready for.” Ortiz explains how this has been her hardest year yet, but she’s excited about what there is to come. “I get to experience my senior night and graduate with a diploma. I am also glad to know that I am going to be going into a new chapter of life and get to make my own decisions.” Future nursing student Jocelyn Ortiz says she plans to go to UC San Diego or San Diego State.
Not only Jocelyn, but many seniors have also described this season as a “stressful time.” A time where students are about to choose what to do for the rest of their lives, and a time when they’re no longer a little kid. Of course, it’s a big pressure on students. Many describe that they still don’t have anything quite figured out, and many know exactly where they’re headed. All in all, seniors have started to take part in their responsibilities and leave their kid roles behind.
The future of GHS Bruins
Greenfield High School offers their guidance and help in many ways. For example, guidance counselors are there to help students each year and each step of the way. From picking classes to choosing where to apply, it’s always nice to lean on someone for support. Whatever one chooses to do after high school, there are always multiple options and paths waiting to be discovered. As a senior, that is a senior’s first step into adulthood, and into discovering their newfound future. All in all, only students have control over their future and can decide what to make out of it.
Greenfield High Alumni Jesus Perez champions his Mexican heritage on his college campus.
Photograph by Jesus Perez.
It’s important to consider that every senior goes through this process, and although some might feel alone, chances are that someone was in this exact place last year. When asked about any advice he had for the class of 2024, UC Berkley freshmen Jesus Perez elaborates, “Stay on track of everything, know the due dates of applications and FASFA, don’t wait until last minute to turn applications in, look into local scholarships and finish the required community hours.” Perez explains how seniors tend to think they have lots of time and slack off senior year, but time flies by quickly and the faster they do things the better. “Yes, you’re about to be done with high school and doing the bare minimum at this point, but it’s important to remain consistent in the amount of effort you put into school. Colleges could drop acceptances if senior year grades don’t satisfy them.”
Many seniors will agree that the moment they are handed that diploma, they're out of here. And they’re not wrong, that should be a motivation and something to look forward to as they approach graduation. Jesus Perez, who graduated from GHS last year and is a first-generation student told us “The feeling of getting my diploma handed to me was a very proud moment to me. To know you completed high school and have a higher education than your family really brings you happiness because you’re on the steps to success.” Perez, who continued his education says that he knew he had more to come, “but to know I'm going in the right direction was such a proud moment and happy feeling.” Currently Perez is attending UC Berkley, and he can admit that “university is the best choice that you can choose straight after high school, although it’s challenging, you can do it.” He ends our interview with “Uno acaba lo que empieza.”
Reassurance for Seniors
With the amount of stress seniors are facing during this season, typical problems like where to apply or even how to start can raise a lot of worry in students. Also, students struggle to manage their extracurriculars and personal lives, leaving no time for themselves. College applications come with a lot of responsibility, which in terms brings anxiety and worry. Seniors are heavily affected by everything given to them at once. It can be too much on their plate, but it also introduces them to adulthood.
It is important to also take a step back and realize that everything will be okay. When interviewing current Cal Poly Freshmen and GHS class of 2023 student Daisy Picazo about what she would like to say to current senior she remarks, “Surround yourself with those who you love the most, and find time to do what you like, this can be a stressful time, but it’s little things like this that make it a little better.” She explains how finding time to go out for a walk, get some food with friends, or go out for a drive can be helpful. “Live in the present and enjoy the time you have right now. Don’t stress about life right now, there will always be time for that. It is going to be tough as you’re always thinking about applications and graduation in general. But before you know it, you’ll be walking across that stage.”
Like many graduates, Daisy explained the amount of joy she felt from getting handed her diploma, “I feared finally becoming an adult and no longer having my parents to push me to get out of bed or even do my work.” She describes her moving in as the realization that she was an adult, “I didn’t feel prepared, but there were many students like me and I realized I had nothing to be worried about.” She explains how seniors should go to university if they have that option, “Yes, it is stressful, but I know in the end it will all be worth.” When asked what advice she had for seniors, she says “Invest in yourselves. You are all you have, and you are only as good as you make yourself to be. Hard work does pay off.” Majoring in Aerospace engineering, Daisy assures seniors that whatever path they choose to take will bring them happiness if they put their mind towards it. “I’m happy where I’m at and so excited for the next four years.”
