Have I learned everything I need to know? Did I spend my four High School years to their fullest potential? Could I have done more to prepare myself for the huge life change at the end of this school year? These questions are all too common for the Lakeland High School seniors as a massive change lies just on the horizon.
The Administrators and counselors at Lakeland understand the stress many seniors face and have solutions to many of their concerns.
College Application Week is one of the most beneficial by motivating students to apply to an in-state college best suited to their aspirations and goals. It elaborates on the student’s ability to apply to schools and gives advice on paying for tuition. It also breaks down some of the most misunderstood aspects of universities, such as debt, stress, and concerns that many students may have restricted them from attending college.
The Idaho State Board of Education and the Governor collectively created College Application Week. The State had an ambitious goal to get 60 percent of the state’s young adults to have a post-secondary education. Thus, College Application Week became. This promotes enthusiasm within the High School student body by allowing them to apply to at least one college confidently and feel good about their future after High School.
By providing time during the school day, recruiting volunteers and representatives from colleges, and involving the school staff, the event can be highly successful and engaging for the seniors.
“I think that having your options laid out in front of you makes the application process seem less stressful. Many seniors can have difficulty understanding all their options and how easily accessible they can truly be,” Senior Cora Burnham said.
Exposing Seniors to the state’s availability of financial aid, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid forms becomes a realistic step in the right direction.
A few of these scholarships include the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, the Idaho State Board of Education Scholarships, and options such as Work-Study programs within Universities.
One of the most desired scholarships in the state of Idaho is the Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship, which provides up to $3,000 per year.
However, many of these financial support options remain unknown to some seniors. Exposing students to the schools and their scholarship options can help them make informed decisions about their future.
Early knowledge about college options can reduce the stress and uncertainty surrounding the college application process, giving students the confidence to embrace their skills and apply them to their applications.
This enables students to make the best option that suits their aspirations and sets them up for success in their future professional lives.
LHS’s college guidance counselor, Carrie Paquette, recognizes this importance and has implemented the event at Lakeland High School.
“I am very grateful to have guidance counselors that showed me that college is something very attainable,” Burnham said.
“It gives seniors an opportunity to look into a college they’re interested in, and give them a chance to apply before it is too late and rushing to find a place to go,” Senior Zach McGee said.
Whether you aspire to be a doctor, a business owner,, or even a firefighter, College Application Week can help you locate the best opportunities and get you on the right path for your future.
