By Sithini Chea
The class of 2024’s senior year is finally here! However, that doesn’t mean that work is done. As early action deadlines approach closer and closer, stress towards the application process continues to build. The University of Georgia and Georgia Institute of Technology share the same deadline of October 15, about a month and a half away. It’s simultaneously a fun and stressful year for seniors — they have to continue doing work in their classes on top of applying to several colleges. How can they combat this stress?
The director of college counseling Bryan Rutledge has some advice for seniors who are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the college application process.
“The first is for college counselors to acknowledge that it’s a big change,” Rutledge said. “[There are] individual meetings with their college counselors. We sit down with each person individually. We started in early August with Common App and SCOIR [and] started jumpstart. We follow up with an action plan personalized for them. The concern tends to reduce after the meetings.”
Jumpstart is a session that seniors are highly encouraged to attend; college counselors help seniors fill out the Common App, and students can ask any questions they have. Since it is an overwhelming process, filling out the Common App is a good starting point as it helps motivate students for the bulk of the college admissions process.
However, even with the Common App, seniors still have trouble avoiding other obstacles like senioritis. Rutledge warns seniors to avoid falling into this trap of senioritis.
“[Avoid] being so worried that [you] don’t do anything about it and wai[t] for the last minute to do it,” Rutledge said.
Stress with college apps can be highly overwhelming, but it also can be relieving for seniors to know that they are not going through this process alone. He recommends that seniors stay in touch with adult figures in order to help relieve stress.
“Reach out,” Rutledge said. “Tell someone. Seniors know who they trust. You’re not going through this alone. Reach out to a teacher, college counselor, or coach. The college counselor’s office is a safe space where seniors will be listened to.”
Seniors face the challenge of balancing classes on top of filling out several college applications. Lahari Savilli ‘24, who is balancing both of these challenges, feels motivated to finish strong because college applications are one of the last major challenges in her high school career.
“I feel like I just have this motivation that once I get into somewhere, then I can chill [out] so that pushes me,” Lahari said.
Many seniors worry about getting into top-notch Ivy League and prestigious colleges, especially since competition among these respectable schools is immensely high. She advises others to focus more on one’s interests.
“Honestly, I think you don’t have to worry about going to some Ivy League,” Lahari said. “Do what you like to do. It’ll work itself out.”
Rutledge assures seniors that everything will turn out to be okay at the end of the day.
“You’re going to be okay,” Rutledge said. “It’s going to be alright. WA has prepared [you] well.”
