College-bound seniors hopeful for new beginnings

The first of May will be here before we know it. Seniors have mixed emotions during this college time. With everything going on, they hope they have a normal college experience. With a lot of school tests optional, the college journey has been going well for some people and hard for others. Some students have heard back from their top college and have committed. Others who have not heard back from schools or struggling during this, are feeling overwhelmed and worried. 

Senior Alyssa Gagliano, who is committed to Penn State, said she’s looking forward to hearing her results. ”I feel relieved now that the stressful part about waiting to hear back from your top school is over,” she said. “I can now focus on spending the last few months with my friends before they leave in the summer.”

“The college process is stressful and exciting, but I’m happy the application part is over,” senior Gabby Mager said. “For students, filling out applications takes a lot of time. Not only is an essay required, but some schools have an extra question that students applying need to respond to. 

Guidance counselors have been also extremely busy with sending in transcripts and helping students with their applications. Teachers also take their time to write teacher recommendations for students as well.

“I would call the process exciting,” guidance counselor Riley Gallagher said. “I think it’s a lot of fun to think about all of the possibilities that are available for students after high school.”

This college process is definitely different than years prior. Some schools are easier to get into with it being test optional, and some schools are harder. Students are waiting anxiously to hear back and can’t wait to relieve the stress off their chest after they make their college decision. Everyone is patiently waiting for May 1 to be here!