COLLEGE
Seniors become college readyBY MARTHA BENNETT DECEMBER 18, 2014
Although applying for education after high school is still in the works for seniors, some have already finished their applications and have already been accepted into college. Universities such as East Carolina (ECU) and North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) are examples of colleges that have already begun to make dreams come true for some seniors. Senior Ashley Weingartz has been accepted to ECU and is currently awaiting acceptance into the school’s EC Scholars Award Program. “I made the decision of where I wanted to go because I was offered to play on ECU’s softball team, which made me want to apply early,” Weingartz said. “I’m also striving towards the honors college and the EC scholars program, so hopefully I’ll be hearing back soon.” The majority of students who applied to school out of state are currently waiting for feedback and are anxious to know what may be in store for them. “I’m still waiting to hear back from Washington State which is my first choice,” senior Kia Burnette said. “My whole family has always been in Greenville, so I want to get away.” For Weingartz, staying close to home will benefit her. “I’m really excited that I’ll be able to stay in town, so I continue doing a lot of the volunteer stuff I’ve always done which is important to me as well as playing softball,” Weingartz said. Seniors who have been accepted into their first choice school are happy to begin planning their futures and give advice to other students who may want to apply early to college in the future. “I got into my first choice, UNCW, and plan to double major in business and film directing and I’m so excited,” senior Mattie Ocker said. “My advice to juniors for next year would be to definitely manage your time in doing your applications and possibly get them done early so you will not get caught up in the stress of things.” Seniors have also given other tips to lower classmen. “Be prepared and make sure you have your unofficial transcript when you need it, especially if you are wanting to go out of state,” Burnette said. Outside information given to seniors has also influenced their decision to get the tedious application process done ahead of time. “I applied early because statistics say that 70% more students who apply early get in, so even though there is no real difference between applying to [schools] in general, you are more likely to get in by applying with early admission which is why I thought it was a better choice,” Ocker said. For some seniors, knowing that they have been accepted into college this early on has given them a gratifying feeling. “It’s a great load off my shoulders because I do not have to worry about it anymore,” Weingartz said. “I already know where I’m going to be next year and I do not have to worry about making that decision anymore.” Whether you are a senior who has finished applying for college, or even has not begun, a common goal for many of the class of 2015 is to work towards their futures by getting a degree. |
|