By: Alexis LeMieux

Senior year is a stressful time for many between college applications, staying on top of work, and participating in extracurriculars and other events. Through the right preparations, the process can be all the more easier. 

“As much as you can, enjoy the process,” Bellbrook High School counselor Andy Hartley said.

“I would say to take your time and look at all the things that come with that college,” senior Elizabeth Dwenger said. “Think about it hard but also don’t stress about it. Prioritize education because other factors can get distracting.” Dwenger is going to Ohio University studying nursing.

Applying to college is a multiple step process. Taking a standardized test, either the ACT or the SAT or both, will suffice. Decide what you want to study. Write a college essay. Get your materials together. When you are ready, you can start submitting your applications.

As decisions begin coming out, it takes careful consideration on where you will end up going. Don’t be hasty about it, as you might end up making a decision you will later regret. There are multiple things to consider.

“Before deciding, I had many conversations with my parents about what works best for me and my situation,” Dwenger said.

“Go through finances to see what it’s going to cost for dorm housing and food plans,” Hartley said. “If you want to do any extracurriculars, what are the possibilities there, and just get all your plans set in motion and get your classes and stuff put together as soon as they offer that.”

In 2019-2020, 55% of all undergraduates received federal student aid, 23% received state aid, and 28% received institution aid, according to the Institute of Education Sciences. Financial aid is a big part of college, as it can get pricey. Search for scholarships offered by your given college and also scholarships individual of the college, and of course, filling out the FAFSA is very important.

“Looking at the price differences also was a challenge when deciding how much I wanted to spend,” Dwenger said.

In addition to price consideration, you should always select a school that will put you on a good path. On the other hand, it is common for one to select a school based on the fact that it is a “party school.”

“Then, of course, make sure they have what you would like to study and learn and grow into and see what kind of support they have for you while you are there,” Hartley said.

“I want to go into nursing so choosing a school with a good NCLEX [the nurse board exam] passing was something that was important,” Dwenger said.

Even if you get rejected from some schools, don’t worry about it. Rather than overthinking it, focus on the success of your other acceptances.

And, in the end, you should be 100% sure in your decision, all factors considered. But, you can always still go through the transferring process if you begin having second thoughts after you start at a particular college.

In Fall 2024, transfer enrollment increased by 4.4% according to Community College Daily, and it is common for many to start at a community college for two years, then finish the remaining years at a four year college. That alone made up 41.7% of all transfer enrollments that took place throughout 2024.

“So many things come with commitment to college but after analyzing all my choices I’m confident in my decision,” Dwenger said.

As you make the transition into college, take it easy. It’s a drastic change.

“Really, give yourself grace as you go through the first year,” Hartley said. “It’s an adjustment. You’re leaving home, you’re taking care of a lot of things, more independent, and all that, and sometimes it’s a really good influence and sometimes it’s a difficult challenge.”

“Just rely on people you trust to help you through it and ask for help if you need it and don’t beat yourself up if you have a hard time here or there, or you don’t get a grade you want,” Hartley said. “You know what? Live and learn. That’s a part of the journey of life.”