It’s college application season, and the class of 2025 is embracing the new challenges and opportunities that come with thinking about higher learning.
There is a large diversity of pathways students are taking after graduation. Some are considering 4-year colleges, some are considering community college, others are considering gap years and so on. Many athletes are interested in schools solely so they can continue playing their sport.
Senior Logan Carl is hoping to dance at a collegiate level at either LSU or University of South Carolina. She has been training extensively at Nebraska dance nearly every day since her freshman year preparing for recruitment.
“My main reason for wanting to dance in college is that I want to experience college game days, and I loved the success we had in high school,” Carl said. “I want to continue pushing myself in college.”
While the college recruitment process slightly differs from the traditional college application process, Logan is also nervous about being apart from her family and typical home environment, but is excited for the opportunities she will get in university.
“The recruitment process is sending videos in the fall for 1st rounds and going to a lot of appearances and recruiting events, and then after 1st rounds there’s two more rounds until I find out in March,” Carl said.
For the majority of those who aren’t planning on playing sports in college, one of the biggest challenges is deciding where to apply and what to major in.
“Applying to college is definitely a process, but once you know where you want to go [and] have applied, the stress is lifted,” senior Cora Stearnes said.
Cora plans to go into medicine, and would love to go to Loyola Chicago for pre-med schooling. She, like many others, has applied early to increase her chances of getting in.
“Chicago’s an awesome city,” Stearnes said. “I can’t wait to have a little more independence.”
Overall, the seniors at Westside are excelling in their college applications, and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for them.
