Submitting a college application is a long and enduring process that can weigh students down, creating further difficulties in their current high school academics. As seniors, we have seen how this process can be unique to many different people and how each individual’s journey can differ. To get various input, we interviewed someone who was already committed to college, someone still in the process, and a teacher who sees seniors deal with this year after year.
Our first interviewee, Nate Kristian, is already accepted and committed to The University of Vermont. His college process aligned with how most of the current seniors feel, except for the fact he chose the early decision route when applying. Early decision, for those who don’t know, is when you apply at an earlier deadline with the agreement that if you’re accepted you will attend. “It was a little bit stressful, but since I applied using the early decision deadline to UVM it was a lot easier.” When asked how his application affected his schoolwork, Nate said, “It definitely got a lot easier when I finished my applications.” Overall, Nate Kristian is thankful that his application process is over. Now that he is committed, Nate has taken a sigh of relief, letting his primary stressors go. Although everyone wishes this is how their application process goes, not all students are as fortunate as Nate.
Our second interview was with Callum Maclennan. Callum is a current senior at Ipswich High who is still going through the application process. Unlike Nate Kristian, Callum didn’t choose the early decision path, instead he chose to explore his options. Callum applied to a greater number of colleges. During our interview with Callum it was clear that his mindset was still stuck in work mode, impatiently waiting for the letter of relief from his top schools. “I feel like it is more difficult because I have the stress of writing supplemental essays and turning in my applications.” Callum and Nate offer a perfect example of how the application process affects seniors. Unlike Nate, Callum still has to put his head down and grind out his work, impatiently waiting for his turn at a sigh of relief.
Finally, we interviewed Mrs. McShane to get a better understanding of how a teacher sees the college application process. Mrs. McShane teaches junior and senior English classes year after year. She’s seen kids who don’t go to college, kids who apply to 50 colleges, kids who only apply to a few, some who know in December, and others who won’t decide until May. Her perspective was very unique, and we honestly didn’t expect her response.
“During the first quarter, kids are very invested in academics. They want help; they’re focused, and that tends to be, on average, the best grades all year. Usually seniors, in general, hit a mid-year slump when they hear back from schools. They get a little more relaxed it seems once acceptance letters start flowing in.” McShane’s input on the process aligned perfectly with what we had been seeing amongst students. During the process they were stressed, but shortly after they were accepted students were coasting their way into the summer.
Applying to college is a stressful time in everyone’s life. Filling out applications, writing supplemental essays, and even gathering letters of recommendation can be hard on students. This period has extreme effects on students, influencing their academic and emotional well-being. While it can build determination and critical thinking skills, it can also cause students to lose focus in school, resulting in poor grades and an increase in stress. Ultimately, those who are in the middle of the college process show a lower than average academic standard, further proving that the college application process is one of the most stressful times of a high schooler’s life.
