May 1 was college decision day. A majority of colleges across the country require students to make a decision on whether to accept or decline an offer of admission to allow time to remove students from waitlists.
Bryson Weaver, senior, committed to Missouri State University. His main focus was finding a place that felt like home because moving is such a drastic change.
“There’s a part of college that is terrifying,” Weaver said. “You’re leaving everything you’re raised on.”
Instead of being set on a certain school from the beginning, Weaver focused on deciding what programs he wanted to be involved in so he could find the best fit for him.
For Weaver, the most challenging part of applying to colleges was writing application essays.
“I’m not a person that likes to brag about myself,” Weaver said. “It’s a long, awkward process.”
Another important aspect that got him through the admissions process was using his college and career counselor Paula Ake.
“She was extremely helpful,” Weaver said, “Even just being there for me.”
Ake starts working with students in the spring of their junior year.
“We help students with every aspect of the college admissions process, from assisting students with narrowing down their college lists to sending official transcripts and other documents as needed,” Ake said.
Even though college admissions can be stressful, Ake recommends students start researching schools early, staying organized, paying attention to deadlines and going on college visits if possible to be best prepared.
Vinny Thatiparthi, senior, said college visits helped him narrow down his choices.
“You could feel indifferent about them academically or campus environment-wise,” Thatiparthi said. “When you take time to observe your living conditions, you’ll get a better idea of answering the question ‘Can I live here for the next 4 years?’”
One important piece of advice Thatiparthi has is to remember that the college admissions process is just a fraction of your life.
“There will be moments where your expectations will be exceeded or shattered, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of what you’re left with,” Thatiparthi said.
