Some who have completed the college application process can testify to how painstaking it can be.Across Illinois students have to complete essays, surveys, and file financial aid in what can be a frantic effort to apply for college.
I and many other students would go so far as to call the application process for college the most difficult part of senior year because of how stressful and time consuming it can be. Still I as well as MC counselors Mrs. Vannesa Miguez and Ms. Rachel Jackson recognize that there is value in completing the process.
“The reward is when you get that acceptance letter to that institution, that is the reward,” Mrs. Jackson said. “Knowing that all of the time, all of the energy, all the effort that you put in, making sure that you get everything in on time. The reward is receiving that acceptance letter, and it’s like, “Wow, my hard work has truly paid off.’”
Part of what makes the application process difficult is the stress that comes with completing applications while having to turn in homework or participate in sports or clubs. I remember finishing cross country practices and, instead of relaxing, overthinking about the applications I had to get to. Many seniors feel a similar struggle.
“Soccer, it ran really late, like three to six, and there were games all the time,” senior Angel Reyes said. “I still had to do all the homework, you know. [Applications] made it very difficult.”
One other thing that can be stressful is waiting for colleges to respond after completing an application.
“For me it was waiting to hear back,” senior Julian Rodriguez said. “There were schools I heard a week after [when he completed his application], and some schools I heard back from last week. I think that was the most stressful part, just waiting to see what my options were.”
Sometimes the stress that comes with multitasking school activities during the application process or waiting for colleges to respond can make the college process the most difficult part of senior year.
However, just because the application process can be stressful and time consuming, that does not mean the process is not worthless. Part of the reward from the application process is seeing which college you could get into. Marty Mann is waiting to hear back from the United States Naval Academy, but he was accepted into the University of Notre Dame and Marquette University. Reyes was accepted into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Rodriguez was accepted into Elmhurst University. Often the senior counselors also share in the sense of accomplishment that comes with being accepted into college.
“Just today I walked out the door to go to lunch duty, and I saw one of our seniors, and he yells out ‘I got in, I got into U of I,’” Mrs. Miguez said. “It was just the happiest I got to be. Every time something good like that happens, it’s so rewarding for us.”
For Rodriguez, and many other students, the other half of the process’ reward is letting parents know just what you accomplished.
“I’m the first person in my family to go to college,” he said. “That’s always been in the back of my mind. All the stress is worth it, not just for me but for everybody else who set me up for where I’m at.”
In many ways, the college application process can be considered a necessary evil. It can be stressful, and it can be time consuming, and for these reasons it can become the most difficult part of senior year, but it can also provide a reward that can be shared by all.
“I just want to say, go class of 2025,” Mrs. Jackson said. “We are so proud of you guys. Do not be a stranger. Come back and see us. Think about us. If you are home, please come back and visit during spring break, winter break. We’re here, and we love to hear how you all are doing.”
