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By Lena Pearson

For the Clemmons Courier

CLEMMONS — Despite only being in the second quarter, the pressure for West’s seniors is at its peak this fall. Students are working hard to craft their perfect essay, complete individual college requirements and submit their application in order to hear a decision back in the winter. Not only do senior Titans have college requirements on their plate, but they also have a list of West graduation requirements to fulfill in order to walk the stage this May. Although many seniors have already made the accomplishment of completing and submitting their extensive applications, the busy season is not over yet. 

The Early Action deadline for most schools has just recently passed on Nov. 1, leaving many Titans eagerly awaiting their decision letters back. Most schools tend to send out decisions in the winter, but others with a rolling deadline are reaching out to applicants in just a matter of weeks. The latest deadline, Regular Decision, is often Jan. 1, where students have the very last opportunity to send in their applications. Completing the Common App isn’t the last step though, as Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) doesn’t open until the start of December. Financial Aid is a part of the application process for many schools and is often needed to factor in scholarships, work-study funds, and student loans. From applying to scholarships and meeting individual school requirements, the seniors still have a lot on their plate, but are enjoying the brief moment of peace after finally submitting their applications.

Many of West’s seniors have spent numerous years of their educational careers leading up to their senior year as a Crosby Scholar, a program designed to help students navigate college admissions, financial aid, and real-life scenarios that come with young adulthood. Crosby requires its scholars to complete four hours of community service, a college visit to four schools, and a Senior Academy in which students attend an online or in person seminar discussing different must-know aspects of college applications. Crosby Scholars offers its members various resources regarding assistance with college, including a personal advisor for each senior as well as scholarship opportunities available only to those who have completed these requirements. The scholarships opened on Nov. 1, and the smaller pool of applicants allows for less competition among the students applying. Members of Crosby Scholars have periodically had meetings with their advisor throughout the years, keeping track of their requirements in order to apply for Crosby scholarships and college as a whole.

Although college applications are the top priority in most senior’s minds, there is still additional work to be done in order to graduate high school. West is hosting this year’s Senior Day on Thursday, Nov. 7, in which students will be walked through the steps needed in order to graduate. Seniors will be split into groups and rotated through stations where graduation requirements can be completed. Students will have the opportunity to order their cap and gown, pay their senior fee and record an audio of their full name to be read at graduation. Students will also arrive in their best attire on Senior Day, as cap and gown photos and the 2025 class photo will be taken. Senior Day will be a short day for the students attending, as a means of celebration for the massive achievements made by the graduating class this year. 

The seniors have had a busy run so far, but are filled with the excitement and motivation to see what their futures hold with the coming of acceptance letters and scholarship decisions. Despite the many steps to apply to college, West’s seniors are supported by educators and their school counselors to guide them along the way with any college inquiries, letters of recommendation, and general advice about applying. Although the stress is real, the end is in sight for all seniors who have already come this far.