For every senior–or junior–that thought that junior year would be the hardest year of high school, I have news for you. Most likely, the classes were harder, but the stress of college admissions doesn’t even compare to the stress that one feels under the weight of expectations and the pressure of their peers and parents. 

If there’s one thing all seniors relate to is the abnormal length of the college admissions process. Starting from choosing colleges, to writing personal statements, to letters of recommendation, and all the way until the deadline for early admissions, then regular admissions. The process is long and tedious and chances are that not every student is as informed as they should be. It could be the hidden naviance student questionnaire, or even their parents’ involvement in the admissions process.

In any case, students are all over the place in their college admissions progress, and rather than let the students fend for themselves, a college admissions class should be created. With correct guidance and resources, students can go through this grueling process with another supervisor and other classmates who are in the same boat. The right teacher or supervisor can completely change a student’s application and perhaps create presentations on how to use Naviance to its full potential.

Not only that, but many students may not be aware of various scholarship opportunities, and based on their family income, more opportunities may be available to them. For normal students, completing the admissions process, while juggling six to seven classes and maybe a couple sports and clubs, is a tall task. The addition of a college admissions class would put less stress on students and give them a set time during their day where they can focus on their future. 

Also, let’s be real here. Some students need deadlines. Giving students long deadlines will only add to their procrastination and in the long run, their stress. The college admissions class would focus on ensuring that students are on track to be successful. This means, giving deadlines for requesting letters of recommendations, or even deadlines to complete their personal essay. I’m not suggesting that this class be extremely difficult, but merely a push in the right direction. 

It’s true that I haven’t even fully experienced the college admissions process, but I can already feel encouraged when I see that other students are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. The college admissions class will only accelerate this feeling that “we’re all in this together.” I mean, amongst seniors, all people talk about are the college admissions process and their progress in it.

In the end, it is up to students on whether they would want to take such a class, but I strongly encourage it to be an option in future years at Ladue High School. I just hope that we, as seniors, make it past this grueling process and look back on it and think, I hope we never do that ever again.