By: Maya Edwards

As the 2017-18 school year passes the mid-way point, the reality of college is starting to set in for this year’s seniors. It is time for some crucial decisions to be made that will affect the future.

It’s never too early or too late to explore your options for college. It takes a lot of time to research and understand your options, but you don’t have to do it alone because many of the people around you are taking the same steps. Getting a college education is a hard, yet crucial decision that will affect the rest of your life. With careful planning, you can find the school and financial options that work best for your situation and put you on the path to success.

There are many resources that are available to help you map out your senior year in order to successfully start your college career. Check out the website, mappingyourfuture.org/collegeprep, for a full senior year schedule guiding you on what you should do and have accomplished by certain dates. During the spring months, scholarships should be filled out and you should start deciding on what college you will choose to attend. Most of the college preparation that takes place during your senior year is filled with a lot of details and paperwork, so make sure your information is accurate and don’t be afraid to ask a parent or teacher for help.

The Squire interviewed senior, Sami Shelton, on what she has done in preparation for her freshman year of college.

The Squire: When did you start applying to colleges?

Sami Shelton: I started applying to colleges in October of 2017.

TS: When deciding on what college to choose, what did you look for?

SS: When choosing the college I wanted to attend, I looked at how long the degree I’m interested in would take to get. I also looked at the location and life on campus.

TS: How many colleges did you apply for?

SS: I applied at six colleges.

TS: What are some necessities you will be bringing to college with you?

SS: I will definitely be bringing containers and organizers so I can stay consistent and organized with school and my life.

TS: What are you mainly looking forward to about college?

SS: I am most excited about experiencing life on my own and being self-sufficient.

TS: What is your biggest fear about moving to college?

SS: One of my biggest fears about moving to college would be about making new friends and not knowing anyone for a while.

Now that you’ve heard about the experiences of a fellow classmate, you can have a better idea about the steps you should be taking to be successful going into your freshman year of college. Some initiatives to take now if you haven’t already would be to talk to your guidance counselor to make sure you are on the right track for graduation. The guidance office can also help you find scholarship and financial aid information. If you haven’t applied to college yet, you still have some time.