As the end of the 2025 school year comes to a close, the Class of 2026 will be starting their journey to find navigate senior year and ultimately find a college after they graduate. With college applications, visits, and scholarships, the process may seem stressful. Here are a few tips that can help make the process straightforward and less overwhelming.
Seniors Evie Hurlburt and Jonathan Byrum wanted to remind students to enjoy their time at McNicholas while making sure to work to their best ability. Bryum explained how sometimes high school may feel as if it is passing quickly, other times slowly and said, “Enjoy the time with friends and the people here but also use that time to put your best work forward.” Hurlburt also said the same but added to “be proactive,” and to work on projects and homework sooner rather than later, “But if you miss some school events and work, it isn’t the end of the world.”
Students can begin thinking about which college they want to attend and their future major as early as freshman year. Hurlburt and guidance counselor Mrs. Erica Stablum said that junior year is when students should start considering their options. However, Byrum said that throughout high school, students learn which subjects they excel in or have interest in, and from there should have an idea of what they would like to go into. To make sure you have enough time for visits it is best to decide on a major by the end of junior year or summer before senior year Bryum added.
Upcoming seniors should begin their plan for application season soon; Stablum said whatever you choose to do after high school, make sure you create a plan. “Do your research, schedule some college visits and have a plan for when you return to school in August,” Stablum said. Bryum recommended that upcoming seniors not view senior year as solely based on college applications and decisions “Do not miss what is right here, right now,” Byrum said.
Stablum said that the majority of a student’s scholarship money will come from colleges they are applying to, such as merit scholarships, but there are other sources available. Counseling Department administrative assistant Mrs. Megan Bayer sends out many emails throughout the school year with scholarship opportunities, some of which are. renewable. Scholarships may be available any time as early as the fall, but the majority of them are between January to March. Bryum and Hurlburt said they searched for scholarships online on websites like College Board, Common App, and Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation. Hurlburt has also received scholarships from the emails Bayer sends out to seniors periodically throughout the year. Bryum added that he made sure to showcase the best of his writing abilities and provided a resume of his achievements, experiences and qualifications when applying for scholarships.
Stablum had added that the school counselors are there to help. They do not only provide college and career activities, but they provide support for students. Students do not have to wait until they are called down for their scheduled visits, they can stop by the counseling office or email their counselor with questions anytime.
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