Although December usually comes as a time to enjoy the holiday season, for high school seniors, it’s an entirely different story. The UC deadlines in November are just the beginning of an overflow of college application deadlines falling within the next four months.
For some seniors, the application process is an emotional process that encompasses everything they have done in the last four years of high school. Senior Karen Shibuya at Torrence High School said, “There’s this weird feeling that you haven’t done enough, and yet there’s not nearly enough room to put down your achievements. The whole process really quantifies everything like every little club or job you had is plugged into this strange points system.” Seniors reflect on their achievements and regrets as they move onto the next chapter of their lives. Patrick Tan, senior at Cypress High School, said, “I regret not taking more challenging classes, but I am proud of how much less withdrawn I have become.”
Others find the application process to be less stressful and more motivating. Sarah Song, senior at Cypress High School, said, “As I thought about all the obstacles I’ve overcome so far, I realized that I haven’t even lived half my life yet- it’s just the beginning. After I’m done, I’m going to get a job and enjoy every last moment of high school that is left.” Seniors can finally conceptualize what their year will be like next year when they are no longer in high school. Teresa Kang, senior at Cypress High School, said “I’m so excited to have the freedom to pick classes that I enjoy, and live in a new environment. I can’t wait for senior year to be over.”
This holiday season will be characterized by seniors rushing to get applications done by their due date, and seniors will definitely be able to take a breath of relief at the moment they click submit.
