College is becoming less and less normal for graduating seniors. School staff are encouraging students to look past college and figure out what they really want to do, whether that’s going to trade school or an apprenticeship. For those who have been in that place, the applications and scholarships can often be stressful on top of the school work that is expected to be done. Schools should be setting aside days for seniors to apply to colleges, scholarships and receive help from school counselors.
According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, in the academic school year of 2015-2016, 56% of undergraduates were first generation students. The percentage of first generation college students is rapidly increasing. Students whose parents have no previous experience with college applications, the FAFSA or scholarships are little to no help when it comes to answering certain questions. By having a day just for seniors to work on these items, it gives them the opportunity to ask their questions as well as converse with peers who may have had similar questions.
During senior year, students are expected to contribute much more to their community and school in comparison to other years. On top of completing school work for their class, participating in internships, maintaining a job, they are also told to apply to college, look for scholarships to help lower the financial burden and savor every moment because it’s your last year of high school. All of these expectations are great but each requires dedicated time and effort. Schools should implement a couple days during the fall semester as well as a couple in the spring. In the fall, seniors would receive two days off, one for early decision applications and the other for regular decision applications, where they would not be responsible to make up any work. The same idea would occur in early January and mid February for students to apply for scholarships or any sort of financial aid.
No matter what the students background is or where they want to continue in the future, a day to fulfill some of the expectations that come with graduation. This will benefit students because it will help to relieve some of the stress and allow students to truly soak up every last moment of high school.
