When entering high school, the college process is the last thing students often consider. We are all so worried about high school that we forget the next step: college. All of the seniors explain that it goes by so fast, but we do not believe them until our last year of high school begins. For most students, college is not much thought until junior and senior years. Students often start the college search over the summer by visiting schools, brainstorming for their essays, and deciding what they may want to pursue in the future. Students are also encouraged to contact their junior-year teachers so they may request their recommendation letters. While many students do not know what they want to do, many students have had their eyes set on just one college since they were young. NDCL students started preparation in the summer with a college essay workday. Students could sign up, if they wished, for a few hours to begin their college applications, brainstorm essay ideas, and talk to college admission counselors. This pushes the students to start working on their applications and decide what they would like their major and minor to be. During junior and senior years, college counselors will come into theology classes and discuss the steps students should take throughout the school year until it is time to submit their applications. These reminders are beneficial as they are set to push the students ahead so they do not fall behind. Students are also encouraged to do act or sat practice to score high enough to submit. Due to covid, many colleges are now test optional. This lifts a great weight off the students because many are not the best test takers and would rather reveal their talents in diverse ways throughout their applications. When applying, NDCL students use both scoir and the common app to aid their application process.
Unfortunately, there is not just one app due to the great qualities of both, so this makes the application process at NDCL a bit more complicated. This is because the apps do not transfer to one another. Common apps are used to form applications and apply, while scoir is helpful with information about colleges and universities. College Applications often have fees, but many schools will waive the fee if submitted by a specific date (commonly November 1st), and most private colleges waive fees entirely. Another aspect of college applications is FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), a free application for federal student aid. It considers students with lower incomes to receive government aid and loans. Overall, college is an excellent opportunity for students, but the process is often very stressful, so it is best to plan and work hard to stay on top of the work.