The start of a brand new year may seem exciting filled with fresh starts and resolutions. To others, a new year may seem bittersweet and filled with ‘goodbyes’, ‘lasts’, and a new change in everyday life. The Lakeview Senior Class of 2025 has already seen many ‘lasts’ and ‘goodbyes’, even though the year is only halfway over. With deadlines spurred throughout the year, the college application and admittance process has reached its peak.
With most early action deadlines in November, many seniors have already applied and committed to their future homes for the next four. Since applications opened in August, many seniors used this time to craft strong first impressions with their applications toward dream schools both near and far.
For senior Adrienne Rich, this gave her the perfect amount of time to complete her applications before the November deadlines hit.
Rich began her applications “back in August when applications opened. Most of the due dates for early applications were due near November 1st, so I made sure to finish all of my applications by then. After spending a few months working on my applications and waiting for admissions decisions on December 15th, I found out about every college decision.”
As for commitment, Rich has narrowed her choices, deciding to hold off on making her ultimate decision about a school.
Rich noted that “I have not committed yet, but I have narrowed all of my schools down to my top choice. I plan to attend Miami University of Ohio. I will most likely commit around March after I finalize everything.”
For senior Olivia Petrilla, there was no doubt she found her dream school.
When asked if she’s committed to a school, Petrilla replied “Yes! I am committed to Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania”, where she will be “an hour and a half away from home so I can still come home for the weekend if I wanted but I’m still living independently.”
While not everyone has a clear plan yet, some feel that staying closer to home may be the best option. For senior Arianna Powell, watching her two younger siblings grow up is a non-negotiable part of her college search.
Powell notes that she will “most likely stay closer to home. I’ve always wanted to travel and possibly go to college a little further from here, but now that I have two younger siblings, I want to be there for them more.”
Along with deciding where to study, seniors must know what they want to study when applying to schools. While majors often change during college, most schools require students to declare a major when applying. For some seniors, their passions were found just as early as middle school!
Senior Katie Wutrick is in the midst of the college application process with her long-standing passion. Along with many other careers in the medical field, the feeling of helping others improve their health can be the best reward, and to Wutrick, this is no different.
Wutrick notes “Throughout college, I plan on majoring in occupational therapy. This has been a decision of mine since middle school. I think this career will be very rewarding because I get to help people.”
Many seniors can agree that the process can be a bit daunting. With so many questions, having someone to assist in choosing the best answers is greatly appreciated and encouraged.
For Rich, this included her parents and teachers, stating “My parents helped me a lot throughout my application process. Along with my teachers and guidance counselors as well.”
The college application process creeps up pretty quickly on students. This being said, there is lots of preparation to be done beforehand and can be started as early as sophomore year!
Powell discussed her advice for future seniors applying to colleges, noting that starting early is the best way to prepare; “My advice for future seniors would be to definitely get a head start on the process. Especially if you have a large workload with CCP classes, it’s going to be stressful if you don’t start early.”
For seniors, the final moments of high school are often bittersweet. With graduation in 4 months, seniors are finalizing their next steps and look forward to senior sunset, senior trip, and the last prom. The future is bright for the class of 2025 Bulldogs. With most still unsure of their plans upon graduating, this class is leaving a lasting, positive legacy at Lakeview High School.
