Seniors feel unprepared for college, set back by Covid

The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.

by Blaise Runyon

News Editor

Last year’s seniors went off to college this fall, many without being very familiar with their campus. College visits were limited, and they’ve just begun to really open up. One important factor to the college decision is how that campus makes a student feel. Some enjoy the big city vibe, while others would rather find comfort in their college being mostly contained in itself. Now that the class of 2022 is sending in college applications, many still don’t feel like they’re completely ready to make a decision. Not to say every student is dreading the change, 35% of Bradley students feel like they are prepared (data via Instagram poll).

Many ‘22 seniors have the same issue, they feel that through their junior year they lacked instruction. With the chaos that ensued last school year, Sara Lang (12) pointed out that “schools weren’t sure how to tackle Covid, and ended up pushing a lot of kids to the side” and that she also doesn’t think “we’ve all been given the tools to prepare ourselves.” While counselors continue to hold meetings and send out instructions through English teachers, the college application process started before our school for many students. Unless a student knew on their own or had a family member to guide them, many are just starting. As Francesca Divincenzo (12) points out, “there are kids that need more help than others on applications and such because they might not come from a family that knows all about it,” which is a real problem. Our student body is diverse and some may be striving to be the first in their family to go to college. It’s also important that students are educated on the options available besides college, such as trade schools.

Miss Braemer helps Josie Harshfield (12) with her college essay. Photo by Blaise Runyon.

Emma Hammond (12) is one of the students who is confident in her college preparedness, “less because of the school’s help and more because I’ve been doing research on my own.” However, Emma also says that “teachers like Mr. Woodford are great at setting you up for college,” but of course the senior class has 429 kids, more than a single counselor can handle. It’s understandable that seniors are feeling overwhelmed, but there are available resources such as articles sent directly to your school email by Mr. Woodford. You can find these by searching tom_woodford@hboe.org in your school mail inbox or you can ask your English teacher for help.

It’s hard for students to know what is expected of them by colleges. Reanne Daye (12) is concerned that “no one has taught us how to look for the best program at a university or how much it’ll be or what to do to make our applications better.” In a similar sense, Alex Nilsen (12) “would have taken college credit plus classes, I was never aware that was an option.” It seems that many agree, they feel behind in the college selection process. College credit plus classes can be a great resource to help prepare for college, but those who did not take them are in no way at a disadvantage. Many students feel set back by Covid, and the playing field is even for everyone. There is still plenty of time to turn in your applications, and if you have any further questions, your English teachers and counselors are your best resources.

Mrs. Cunningham talked to the Jaguar Times to remind seniors “every adult in their life wants to help them navigate this transition from high school to college. My advice would be to use those adults as resources.” It’s important to realize that everyone feels behind, no matter what, the pandemic affected everyone. English teachers are able to help with essays, Common App, and Naviance. Mrs. Cunningham was able to meet with an Ohio Dominican panel and create plans to help seniors with “Covid gaps.”

Overall, although the college application process can be stressful, it’s manageable. Bradley is full of supporters, counselors and teachers who want to help you reach your goals. If you have any questions, you can contact your counselor or see your English teacher.