As college application season draws to a close, many seniors at Solon High School are confused and conflicted about their future. Between essays, applications and interviews the entire process can be stressful. Not one student’s situation is the same– for those planning to go to college, some have already decided where they would like to spend the next four years and some are unsure where to go.
Senior Cate Rukin, who has already decided to attend the University of Alabama with a major in Public Health knew exactly what she was looking for.
“I was looking for big schools with big sports,” Rukin said. “I love football, and Alabama has an amazing football team. They also have a really good pre-med program. I am also interested in their Greek life”
On average, going to school out of state can double or even triple tuition. When finding a school that was right for her, Rukin thought about not only what she wanted in a school but what was affordable as well.
“When I was looking for schools out of state, I had to make sure they would give me enough merit money to bring down the cost to an in-state school,” Rukin said.
The counseling department encourages students to keep the cost of school in mind as well. Counselor Cynthia Russell emphasizes the fact that the entire process is really a joint effort between the student and the person who is paying the bill.
With a graduating class of over 300 students, Solon High School’s counseling department has its hands full during the first semester of every school year. Counselors Russell and Kathleen Kinney assist students throughout this process.
“I try to find out what they like and what they care about,” Kinney said. “Depending on that answer is where I go. If a student is academically capable I encourage them to go college or some kind of post secondary schooling”.
Kinney emphasizes that continuing education is not for everyone– however, having a feasible plan is important.
“I have a saying I like to use ‘pursue your passions but don’t quit your day job,’” Kinney said.
It is crucial that students make decisions about post-secondary plans based not on what the people around them are doing but on what they want in life. From there students must ask themselves where they want to be.
“I always tell students to ask how far is too far, how close is too close, how big is too big and how little is too little,” Russell said. “It’s important to ask these questions and to also make sure you’re having these conversations with your family.”
While some students have already made their decision, many are still asking themselves Russell’s questions such as Senior Cyrus Rai, who has finished his applications but isn’t sure where he is going yet.
“This year I applied to seven schools,” Rai said. “I thought they fit me best with diversity and everything. That’s one thing I look for in schools– people I can connect with.”
Overall, the one thing that is most important to Rai is the academics. While he is looking forward to college experiences and joining a community furthering, his education is the main purpose of his going to school.
If a student is planning on going to school, it can be a very stressful process. Between the common application and trying to meet deadlines, students become overwhelmed.
“Make sure to take advantage of all the resources available,” said Rai “The counselors do a great job of preparing you.”
