HC seniors work to apply for college

College opens great opportunities for many students. However, preparing for this milestone in life may be difficult if you’re not quite sure how to apply. HC seniors are preparing by going to college fairs, attending college visits, and filling out applications to several different colleges. 

“[The application process] was a lot simpler than I thought it was going to be,” HC Senior Devan Baker said. “I thought… I was going to need all kinds of information I didn’t know.” 

Students who have a lack of experience tend to get more overwhelmed than students who don’t. 

“I’ve seen a lot of cases where students have missed good opportunities due to lack of knowledge,” HC College and Career Coach Vincent Bingham said. 

Bingham and HC Guidance Counselor, Bonnie Barnes, know how easily the college application process can be done with today’s technology. 

“[Students] go to the college website and there will be a place that says, ‘apply now’,” Barnes said. “It isn’t hard at all.” 

Bingham is one of the people to go to when it comes to a college application process. 

“The process of a college application… first, thing is to fill out your FAFSA,” Bingham said. “That is the first and foremost because that’s free money, so I always recommend that to students.”  

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is meant to give students eligibility for student financial aid. High school students usually have their schedules full of sports or extracurricular activities. Due to that, students may put off applying for college until the last second. 

“Yes, it can be overwhelming… [but] keeping up with [your] reading and not procrastinating can help make it easier,” Barnes said.  

Students need to focus on the application as a first and foremost priority. This can impact whether they get into the college. This also shows if they’re aware of the schools. When they are aware of those schools, then comes what they want to pursue. Many seniors have had an idea of what they want to do in college. They also have an idea on how college can help their ideal careers. 

“[College] would put me farther ahead of people who have not been to college or major in the same field as mine,” Baker said.  

Overall, students have been getting the help they need from HC and the counselors there. 

“The vast majority of those that are applying to college are doing fine,” Barnes said.  

Students are already preparing for life as a college student. They have a journey ahead of them and the staff at HC is here to help by giving students reliable resources, help when needed, and someone they can trust with their college futures.