The Class of 2026’s senior year at University Academy is underway.
With August and September passed, seniors have participated in one major event, Senior Sunrise, which is a symbol of the beginning of their last year in high school. During the event, students talked about the future, set goals for the year, participated in fun activities, enjoyed snacks and more.
G’Niyah Long, a senior at UA, said she enjoyed the event.
“Senior Sunrise was fun for the time that it lasted,” Long said. “My favorite part was playing the running game with my friends and talking about our best memories at UA.”
As the quarter of the school year is coming to an end, the college application process is weighing heavily on seniors’ minds. UA guides seniors in researching what college and major could be the best fit for their next step in life. Many have started applying to some of their safe colleges that they feel certain about getting into, and some are holding off a little so they can apply to their favorites.
UA senior Cameron McFarlin said he’s applied to many colleges in state and out, with great responses from some.
“My favorite is the University of Houston, which I have been accepted to, so that’s a great thing!” McFarlin said.
He has also been accepted to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas University, the University of Missouri-Columbia, Northwest Missouri State, and more.
Yesterday, the FAFSA opened for students so they can apply free for federal student aid. Students are highly encouraged to apply to receive federal, state and institutional financial aid for college. Even for those who don’t think they will qualify, low-fund loans are still available.
Seniors are also excited about scholarship applications, most of which have deadlines between September to May.
Many seniors can get quite frustrated with all the tasks they have to juggle, which can be challenging. At UA, staff encourages students to ask questions so they can be on track to success.
Zoe Harris-Hall, another UA senior, feels as if UA offers plenty of assistance along the way.
“UA provides enough help for new seniors because they offer a lot of resources and guidance throughout the year,” Harris-Hall said. “UA does a good job of preparing us by making sure we know what’s expected and giving us the support we need to stay on track.”
In addition to college applications, many have other hurdles to face, too. Students may participate in extracurricular activities or have after school jobs that take up time. Seniors at UA also have to budget plenty of study and homework time.
UA senior James Amerison has faced some challenges, and he has made a plan to stay focused.
“I’ve been managing everything by creating a weekly schedule and sticking to it as best I can,” Amerison said. “I prioritize school and training, then fit work and college prep around that. It helps to stay organized and not leave things to the last minute.”
Along with the more serious parts of the year, fun times are coming, too.
“I am most excited to take our senior pictures because I get to dress up and get my hair done, and seeing myself in the cap and gown will make senior year feel a lot more real,” she said. ”It’s something I’ve looked forward to since freshman year, and it feels like a milestone that represents how far I’ve come.”
Seniors will graduate in May, so they only have to push for a little while longer.
