As many students at West Salem High School are entering their senior or even junior years, college application stress may be starting to settle in.
In the past, WSHS students have had success applying to a wide variety of schools including the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the University of Minnesota-Mankato, and local schools such as Viterbo and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. These schools, among others, continue to be popular options. School counselor, Abby Kemp, says where students choose to apply is often based upon the current trends that vary from year to year.
Many aspects of the college application process have changed over the years such as the ACT not being required at many schools. Kemp believes this is a good change, but she is worried it may return as a requirement.
On the upside, WSHS has so much to offer when it comes to extracurriculars, electives, college courses, work experiences, and College, Career, and Life Readiness (CCLR) days which are great assets for students. “I am taking college classes kind of just (to) get a head start, so I’m used to what college classes are like, (and) I have college credits when I’m going into college so I can take more classes, spend less money,” said Junior Tom Stenberg.
Nonetheless, college applications never fail to cause stress, and essays are something Senior Signe Roesler pointed out. “The essays are really challenging, trying to find a prompt that includes how you represent you and then also why you want to go there,” said Roesler. Even the simple-seeming act of beginning the process can be stressful for students. Roesler said, “It’s just difficult getting started for sure.”
Although the college application process comes with challenges, steps can be taken to ease the stress. When asked about advice he’d give to students during the application process, Stenberg said, “Start early so you’re ready and not just cram everything in second-semester senior year. Look at colleges before and then start the application in the summer and early.” Similarly, Roesler suggests, “Get it done early, get it done right away.” Kemp advises that students apply for scholarships, take advantage of visits and job shadows, ask for help when needed, and, above all, do it for themselves.