By Chelsey Allen

As the ending of senior year approaches, seniors start to think about college. College is right around the corner for many seniors planning to attend. There are so many things to do to get ready for college. Being accepted into it is just the beginning.

There are so many choices to make when the graduating class reaches the end of their senior year. The usual questions that arise when thinking about college: Should I go to college? How am I going to pay for college? How long will I go? Where am I going to college? College is going to be a life changing experience for a lot of seniors. All these questions are easy for some to answer, but others still have life changing choices to make. Many choose to move away and go to college or stay at home and attend a college near by.

There are many differences between high school and college. A student must be accepted into college, and pay more fees such as room and board, books, and other necessities. Even though senior year is not over, most have already been accepted into college such as Maja Howard and Kelsey Hartman. Sometimes there are students who do not receive acceptance letters back from their choice of college right away. Chris Kulbieda is one of those students who is still waiting to be accepted.

The years attended in college will depend on the desired career one wants to pursue. Some are going to school for two years while others plan to go for four years.  Alesha Day says she plans on attending college for four years. Day also says, “I am going to become a vet tech.” Jamie Duncan also wants to have a career as a vet tech, but says she wants to attend college for two years.

College is definitely not cheap. Everyone has to figure out a way to pay. Some plan on paying with scholarships, loans, grants, or their own money.  Sam Cox says she plans on paying with her own money, Duncan plans on paying with scholarships, and Lachandra Mata plans on paying with loans. The costs of college will depend on the years attended.

Furthering college education after high school is very important. Students with college degrees will be more likely to be offered a job than someone who just has a high school diploma. Kulbieda says, “students who attend college have a better chance of finding a well paying job, and better job security.” There are many reasons for someone to attend college. Howard says, “to higher my education and get a great job.”  Mindy Tredway says, “I think it is important to attend college in order to improve your education and make more money.”

Deciding where to go is a big step. Some might not want to live at home anymore and will have to worry about paying for room and board. That does not come cheap. Many will choose to stay at home so they do not have to pay any extra costs. Kulbieda, Duncan and Cox say they all want to attend a college close to home. Hartman chose her school because it offers her the career she wants to pursue.

To have a better chance of getting into college, seniors should fill out applications to more than one  college. This is not the case for Courtney Cox or Micaela Perez. They  have only filled out an application to Ivy Tech, and both have already been accepted. Courtney Cox says, “I want to attend at least four or more years.” She says the reason why she wants to go to college is “because I want to make my family and myself proud. Also I want my brother to see that if I can do it so can he.” Perez says, “ to get a degree and accomplish what I want to be.”   College is not like high school; college is the next step to future success.

Seniors Mindy Tredway, Jamie Duncan, Courtney Cox, Alesha Day, Kelsey Hartman, and Maja Howard are excited about their college plans. Photo by: Chelsey Allen