Keinanah Weakland
Opinion Editor
We asked nine seniors to share their early experiences with the online college search. Answers showed that some are quite far along and others are just getting started. First, take our poll and let us know where you are in the college search.
Rachel Urback
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“I am most worried about my lack of knowledge of how to go about the search process, because we aren’t in school to have meetings like normal.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“Choosing the right school. I don’t want to move far away from home so choosing from the schools close by is hard.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“It’s been going pretty well. I am struggling to figure out if I want to go to community or straight to a 4-year. So that’s been fun.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“Start now!! There are soooo many options which is why it is important to start now so by the time you’re ready to apply you have some ideas.”
Nicolette Mackey
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“Not knowing what specifics I should be looking for in a college and being too late in the game.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“I am the first person in my family wanting to pursue college. This makes it difficult because I don’t have anyone close to me who can help with my college search and kind of have to figure it out on my own.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“It’s been stressful. As a senior who is still unsure of wanting to just go to community or wanting to go to a 4-year, my selection process has been difficult to accomplish.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“Jump on it! Scholarships and colleges fill up quickly and you want to be at the top of those lists.”
Jackie McCrea
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“I was more worried about choosing a major to go into, because I knew I wanted to do something science-related, but I didn’t know what, or how to go about it.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“Making sure that the application I am turning in is non-binding.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“It’s been going good for me, I just have to turn in applications.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“Look up application dates early so you are not crunched for time.”
Esten Barker
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“Not really worried about anything except for money.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“Money, money, money.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“It’s been decent, I just wish I had friends who want to go to the same college as me.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“Don’t stress about it too hard, and make sure to check out financial aid options.”
Shilo Scott
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“Picking a college that’s too expensive.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“Picking the right college that suits me.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“It’s been fine.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“Honestly, I can barely do this myself so I don’t think my advice would benefit anyone.”
Molly Izer
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“Because of the economic crash, I doubt there will be as much financial aid available.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“The wait for application results.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“Relatively fine, two of my applications are due tomorrow and the rest are in January.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“Start your essays the summer before senior year.”
Marly Beshara
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“Not getting enough financial aid through a school I like.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“Choosing a school that’s in a city best fit for me.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“Search has been going good. I have a good idea of the schools I’m interested in and what degree I want to pursue.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“I would advise to go through a college board survey to help give you a general idea of what type of school you’re interested in.”
Tamzyn Pendleton
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“I am most worried about the SAT because I didn’t take it and I don’t want to.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“Requirements, I guess.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“It has been ok, I only have two schools I want to apply to. One I already did and got in because it didn’t require an essay. However, the second one does so I have been procrastinating finishing the application.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“Find colleges that have your degree/ major. Also schools that have a lot of scholarship opportunities. I also look for WUE schools, so that you don’t have to do any extra stuff to get into the program.”
Katie Fisher
What are you most worried about with the college search?
“The school I want to go to will be too expensive.”
What’s the most nerve-wracking problem with the college search?
“Doing all the things on time.”
How has the college search and selection process been going?
“Barely started.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone who hasn’t started the process yet?
“I don’t know, I need advice.”
The Pioneer Press 