Senior year may come with many stressful choices. Students are deciding what classes to take, or if they want to have early release. However, one of the most challenging decisions is determining the future. Many seniors’ futures entail college.
In the midst of applying to colleges, many seniors apply for early action. Early action is very similar to early decision, yet it is a non-binding agreement, meaning students do not have to commit to a school until May 1. Through early action, students get their results sooner and can form a backup plan if necessary for regular decision.
In the process of early action, senior Danielle Burroughs explains how taking this process was a good decision for her. Burroughs mentioned, “[Early action] really will make your life so much easier, even at first you are like ‘oh these deadlines are so soon,’ you are going to be able to relax so much more after it.” Along with getting her applications done earlier, Burroughs added, “I am taking the time now to focus more on college and then for the last three quarters I can focus on school instead.”
When balancing applying for colleges and high school, seniors Mason Byrne and Kate Verry shared their struggles. Byrne commented, “[Early action] is a lot of things to fill out, so that takes up a lot of your time…school work is hard to get done.” Thinking about the future while staying in the present is difficult to equalize. Verry explained, “I am taking eight AP or DE classes and barely have time for anything but essays and homework.” For rising seniors, Verry advised, “[Do not] take tons of AP’s and definitely don’t do a fall sport if you are serious about getting into a [top 20] school.”
Underclassmen will have many things to stress about in their upcoming senior year. Early action may add to seniors’ worries. Byrne encouraged, “Just get your stuff done early. A lot of the common app is basic questions…You can do that over the summer of junior year and then you’ll be ready to put your essay in and do the writing parts.” Senior Bella Towe suggested, “Make sure to get your teacher recommendations early and build those relationships.” For underclassmen, Burroughs recommended, “Take a deep breath, it’s going to be ok. Don’t get too caught up in your head, every year seniors do this.”
Early action may be worrisome, especially when it is tied into senior year. However, it can benefit senior students when it comes to applying early and getting results from colleges sooner. Through struggles and successes, coping with the present and future can be balanced.