Choose knowledge. Choose strength. Choose education.

By: Adijah Darden

As Pelé once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing.” 2020 is approaching fast and most of the seniors, myself included, have been busy getting college applications in. The process can be intimidating and stressful but it’s worth it in the end. 

College is important for many reasons, including long-term financial gain, job stability, career satisfaction and success outside of the workplace. Earning a college degree is a major life achievement, a gift that not everyone receives. It helps push boundaries, it allows families to rise from hardships, and it promotes big dreams.

Going to college can be stressful, there’s no doubt about that, but education opens new doors and offers great opportunities, which inevitably helps bring you one step closer to your dream. Before being able to actually go to college, you have to apply. The Common application is an undergraduate college admission application used to apply to 800+ member colleges and universities in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, China, Japan, and many European countries. The Coalition application is a newer application that commits to providing accessibility to lower-income students. Public schools offer low-cost in-state tuition to residents of their state and private universities will meet the full demonstrated need of students.

College applications have deadlines, fees and certain requirements. Some applications require an essay and recommendation letter. Majority of the time, all you need is your transcript, ACT/SAT score, and a fee waiver if eligible. It would help to create a to-do list to simplify things and make college apps a lot easier. Be sure to keep track of all applications submitted and which schools you were accepted to.