As the new school year begins, seniors across the country are searching and preparing for college. With the fall semester starting and with big decisions ahead of them, students are balancing their academic workload with the early stages of college planning, setting goals, researching schools and starting applications. This can be a very stressful time for seniors when planning their future. 

“I know this first semester is going to go by fast, especially with college visits, tests and essays to write. But I am taking it one step at a time and trying not to stress,” said senior Payten Wolf. 

Getting a head start on the college process prevents stress later in the year for seniors. To manage the many demands of this busy time, staying organized is key to reducing stress. Using a planner or digital calendar to keep track of deadlines, college visits and test dates helps seniors stay on top of their responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. High schools are offering more resources than ever to help students stay on track. Counselors have one-on-one meetings for their students. They also offer college planning workshops. Many students are taking advantage of virtual college tours and webinars to learn more about the schools they’re interested in. Meeting with counselors and making lists of colleges that are of interest is a big help in this whole process.  

“It’s kind of surreal knowing this is my last year of high school, but also I’m really excited to see where I end up,” said senior Makenna Martin. 

As seniors begin their final year, a mix of pressure and anticipation can be a lot, but so is the sense of possibility. With focus, effort and support, they’re setting the stage for the next chapter of their lives. It’s a time of reflection, where past experiences serve as a foundation for future decisions. The uncertainty of what comes next is balanced by the excitement of new opportunities, whether in further education, careers or personal growth. 

This transition is more than just about academics. It’s also about discovering who they are and what they want to become. The future is theirs to shape, and the steps they take now will affect how it looks.