Omaha high school seniors are busy deciding where they will spend the next four years, but there is an advice for them

OMAHA, Nebraska – Currently, many high school seniors are occupied with choosing where they will attend college for the following four years.

Current Creighton University students recall the familiar college application process.

Tess Humphrey, a sophomore, explains that, thanks to COVID, her junior and senior years were drastically different.

Grace Liberati, a sophomore, explains, “It was a strange moment, which certainly added to the already difficult process of applying to college.”

Nationally, the application window opened on August 1.

Sarah Richardson has 12 years of experience as Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment and Director of Admissions and Scholarships at Creighton. She understands that the process can be intimidating.

We are examining approximately five things, four in particular, which is very typical in most areas. We require an application, an essay, school transcripts, a recommendation letter from the student’s guidance counselor, and for some pupils, test scores,” says Richardson.

Similar to many other institutions, Creighton no longer requires students to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission.

Richardson explains that this puts the student in the driver’s seat when deciding whether or not their test result accurately reflects their academic ability.

Richardson’s finest piece of advise for streamlining the process is to have a plan.

“I usually recommend having a system to keep track of the schools I’m applying to, the paperwork they require for the admissions process, and the deadlines,” adds Richardson.

The epidemic began when members of the class of 2023 were freshmen, therefore their high school experience was anything but typical.

“Over the past few years, we have observed students who are really concerned about how distant learning has affected them. For some kids it was quite beneficial, while for others it was a severe harm, as evidenced by their marks,” explains Richardson.

Those experiencing anxiety should not be reluctant to contact admissions.

We appreciate that the pandemic has deprived them of some possibilities in which they may have otherwise participated. “Reach out, find someone with whom you feel comfortable, and have that dialogue about your experience,” advises Richardson. “No one is flawless, and we do not expect them to be. What we want are genuine individuals who can make a difference on our campuses.”

Richardson offers the following advice to parents who may be sending their first child off to college: “It’s good for them to know that they can be an advocate in this process, but it’s a terrific time to start letting your student be their own voice. In their application essay, kids have the opportunity to discuss issues that are significant to them, and they request more materials be given. It is an excellent moment to begin preparing for the move to more independence.”

Some Creighton students concur with this advise and assert that all you can do is your best.

Chris Harris, a sophomore, advises, “When writing an essay, it’s most important to highlight your strengths and acknowledge your faults, because you’re here to grow, learn, and improve.”

“College is fresh and really changes everything, especially if you’re leaving home. “Therefore, it’s okay if something doesn’t immediately click or fit; sometimes it just takes time,” explains Liberati.