Every week of senior year there is something new and exciting, but nothing can match the thrill and pressure of college applications. As deadlines get closer so do all of the events that everyone looks forward to. So how can high school seniors balance it all?
In February there was a meeting that explained to the juniors what their senior year would look like in terms of college applications and future readiness. The most recent meeting this September went more into detail about the entire application process and the use of the Scoir platform. While applications can still be sent through the Common App or other platforms, Scoir is best used as a document manager for students and counselors.
“Scoir, the platform that we use as an application manager and we went over how to request teacher letters of recommendation. On our end, myself and the three counselors in K025, Mrs. Mcguriman, Ms. Adams, and Mr. Daly, we use it as a way to send all of your documents. Students need to have everything in there,” explained Mr. Patrick Brett.
While Scoir and the counselors are a big help in managing documents, students need to make sure that they are getting everything they need done, in a timely manner. The deadlines for college applications are strict and students need to be aware of that. Time management is a growing skill that has been practiced throughout all 12 years of school, but learning to balance school, work, sports, and all extracurriculars can be challenging.
“I think that as a senior, you come in, and you’re so excited for senior year. We had the senior sunrise and we have homecoming. We have all these things that you want to do as a senior to try and make your senior year the best. There are students taking higher level classes to challenge themselves, and there are also students who use the opportunity of no school period one and eight to get other things done. Make sure you’re managing your time. Make sure you’re giving yourself sufficient time to get these things done. It’s a lot of work and getting it all done by deadlines is extremely important,” stated Brett.
Utilizing the future plans center in K031, and also the counselors in K025, is an extreme benefit for students. A lot of work is put into college applications and many kids and parents have no previous experience with Scoir or even the Common App. There are many tiny pieces that all come together to complete applications and continue with the college pathway.
“Students are always allowed to pop in [to K031]. Students are always allowed to come in here when they don’t have a scheduled class. I think that the biggest thing is knowing that this is available to them. Please come down, don’t email because then you’re adding another step, just come down. Another important thing is also reading your emails and knowing our process as well as the college process. And just being aware of everything going on,” expressed Brett.
Most information from counselors will come through an email or the class of 2025 canvas page. Students should be regularly checking these applications to stay up to date on all news. Any questions can be directly answered through Mr. Brett in the future plans center, or any of the guidance counselors in K025. Senior year is an exciting time, but it can get stressful, the students making sure they’re balancing their time, staying up to date on information, and reaching out if they need help is very important.