There are people that just have all the luck. And like in many novels or movies there are characters that are on the honor roll, star of a sports team, lead in the school play, holds the position as president of the student body, and is Prom King or Prom Queen. This type of character is often called the, ‘Big Man on Campus’ because of their ability to excel at just about everything. However, these fictional characters are just that, fictional. The real world is not as generous as these script or novel writers; it is often a pick-and-choose game where you focus only on a few areas. Real-life seniors have different approaches for their college preparation.
Seniors are busily preparing for the application deadlines that come around in the fall, most are reflecting on their past decisions dealing with clubs, extracurriculars and how much time they spent on their homework throughout the years. The deadlines for most colleges, traditionally, are due in the fall while the acceptance letters are sent out four months after. Other colleges, like University of Central Florida have a “rolling” application process; applicants send in their application and only wait for three weeks before receiving their acceptance letter.
Although being ‘Big Man on Campus’ is an extremely difficult feat, it doesn’t stop students from attempting to be involved as much as they physically can.
“I’m on the football team, am a National Honor Society member, have honor roll and am an all-around great person,” senior Manoli Boutzoukas said.
Some of the more favored colleges seniors hope to get accepted to would be UF and Florida State University but the most anticipated and dreaded aspects on college life are very similar amongst students.
“I’m excited to be on my own,” senior, Tommy Hart, said.
But there is always a downside to every situation. With the overwhelming taste of freedom also comes an enormous wave of responsibility. No longer will Mom be there to do your laundry or cook a nice hot meal for you. Dad will not be there to keep your car in tip top shape or give you an allowance.
“I’m dreading paying for everything, like my groceries,” senior Lindsay Graber said.
While most seniors regret some of the bad grades they made or their lack of involvement in extracurriculars, juniors and underclassmen still have time to turn things around- to start getting better grades, add more to their credentials by joining more clubs or sports and simply making better choices for their future.
“I wish I joined more clubs in the past, but I can still work on that,” junior Stephen Vlachos said.
College preparation is very stressful, not only for seniors but for all high school students. The decisions you make in these four years can ultimately decide if you get into the college of your choice or not. So choose wisely, study for an extra five minutes, make it to that volunteer event instead of sleeping in, your hard work will pay off.
Don’t Forget! Admission Deadlines:
USF- June 1
FAU-Rolling starts October 1
UCF-Rolling starts October 1
FSU-Deadline 1: October 15
UF-November 1
UM-November 1
FSU-Deadline 2: January 19
UNF-November 19
