It's College Admissions Season.

If you’ve stepped foot near any high school senior lately I am sure you have not failed to notice the obvious: it’s college admissions season. Students, myself included, scramble to finish early decision and or early application submissions in time for the common October 15th and December 1st deadlines. On top of that, we must keep up with our additional commitments: schoolwork, sports, clubs, etc. For many, this unfortunately leaves little time down-time for relaxation and hanging out with friends. Even after applications are submitted the stress does not stop: then comes the waiting period. Anxiously anticipating decisions while constantly hearing questions from others like what’s your dream school? Where do you think you’ll end up? What’s a college again? However, I am not here to add to the worry. Instead, I have a message for us all: we got this!

Teachers. We in the senior class are so grateful for all of the hard work you have put into our recommendations, as well as your understanding and compassion for this process. Whether it is adjusting the work load assigned, listening to us rant, encouraging us, giving advice, or reviewing our writing, your help does not go unnoticed. We truly cannot thank you enough. A shout out and thank you to Ms. Hanig, Ms. Warshauer, and Mr. Figueroa (or “Figs”), our school's college counselors. We could not do it without your support. You are amazing at what you do, and we appreciate all your hard work! Additionally, another big thank you to Ms. Healey for taking care of our transcripts. Though the work is not easy, all of these amazing, selfless people are fantastic at what they do, assisting students in everything they can to help us through the process.

To my fellow seniors–though the stress may feel overwhelming right now, we are almost there. I wish everyone luck, and can genuinely say that I know each and every person in my grade will end up somewhere incredible. And for those who are already committed to a school, congratulations! We on the Beaver Reader are so happy for you. 

And last but not least, senior families. Thank you for still loving us even during this process even though it may be hard to (kidding, but not really). 

So, as we get through this busy, nerve-wracking time, let’s remember the people around us who help make it possible. Hang in there, and I cannot wait to see all of the extraordinary places the senior class of 2026 ends up!