All 31 members of the Senior Class of 2025 have submitted at least one college application. Even with such a small class, as of December 5th, 211 applications had been submitted, with 48 acceptances into a variety of schools. October 15th marked the first deadline for many early action applications, but deadlines have been popping up for seniors throughout the semester with the most recent batch of applications having to be submitted by December 1st.
But what is this process really like? How do you make, what Ms. Barr, the Dean of Academics and college counselor, said is “a decision for the next step of your life and your career?”
Well for starters, this year we have already had 24 college representatives visit campus. Meeting a representative from a specific college can sway someone into either applying or not based on how positive the interaction is. Representative visits can truly make a big difference in the application process. “Some kids walk out, and they’re like ‘nope.’ Some kids walk out, and they’re like ‘yeah,’” Ms. Barr said. However, students struggle with more than just choosing where they want to apply.
Ms. Barr said that the most difficult part for seniors is “balancing everything–all your obligations for the Fall. It’s a real challenge for seniors in the Fall to navigate eight or seven periods of class, and then the pressure of writing their personal essay.” Time management is a skill some underestimate, but it definitely becomes necessary in your senior year.
Juniors, before you start to panic, don’t worry. There is an incredible support system behind the scenes. Every Sunday, seniors meet with Ms. Barr in the library to review the application process. Ms. Barr then has a one-on-one meeting with each senior throughout the week–every week. Additionally, on October 11th, Grier hosts the annual Senior College Workshop Day, where teachers come together to help review students’ college essays.
Ms. Barr said that the most difficult part of heading the college application process is “the balancing act of making sure everyone’s needs are met.” In addition to all of the meetings and check-ins, Ms. Barr also had to write a letter of recommendation for every single senior. This didn’t seem to be an issue for her, though. “I get the luxury of, one, being a former English teacher, and, two, knowing all of you guys,” Ms. Barr said.
Now, she just has to make sure there are no procrastinators putting off their applications. Ms. Barr said that the final step is simple; it’s just “sitting there and being that cheerleader to make sure you get your stuff done and submitted on time.”
