Emily Ballard, like many other high school seniors, is eagerly awaiting college acceptance letters.

Like thousands of other high school seniors, Emily Ballard has pored over the glossy recruiting materials, visited campuses, and finally, filled out the applications for a number of different colleges.  Emily has applied to the University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island, Bryant University, Bridgewater State College, and Northeastern University. 

“I tried to get all my stuff in early so I wouldn’t go crazy,” she said. “”But then the day to turn everything in came and I was kind of running around all over the place.”

With the pile of materials necessary to apply to college, it can be easy to lose one’s focus and resort to panic, especially as deadlines loom.  Transcripts, online applications, essays, teacher recommendations, and SAT scores all must find their way into the hands of the admissions officers.  Emily avoided some stress by getting her applications in early, though she admits that she wasn’t entirely without worry.

“It’s great getting a notice that they received everything,” she said, noting that the materials all go out at different times so it can be confusing and she often doubted everything would wind up in the right place.

Emily’s guidance counselor at Whitman-Hanson High School, Ruth Carrigan, helped to explain the preparations each student at Whitman-Hanson can take advantage of.  An experienced high school counselor, Carrigan has also worked in college admissions offices.

“The truth is that you really need a plan for life after high school,” she said.  “We know four-year and two-year schools aren’t for everyone, so we try to have workshops that focus on career development as well.”

  “The truth is that you really need a plan for life after high school”

Emily’s college preparation kicked into high gear in the spring of her junior year, when she began meeting wither guidance counselor.  Evening seminars with college admissions personnel and visits to campuses made it clear that this process was not to be taken lightly.

This year’s seniors have an arsenal of online resources, including a database of statistics that can predict whether or not a student will get into a certain school.   They were able to have their admissions essays critiqued by a current college admissions officer at a Boston school. Even with all this help, the process of applying can be a formidable challenge.

“It was definitely helpful getting a critique,” said Emily.  “But by that time I was just hoping that I wouldn’t have to write the whole thing over again.  I had already submitted my applications when we got our essays back.”

Another big aspect of admissions, the SAT, has presented a new challenge.  The College Board, which administers the test, recently changed its format.  The test is longer in length and now includes a writing section.  Many schools have taken issue with the changes, and an increasing number of universities no longer require that SAT scores be submitted.  However, the SAT remains a rite of passage for most college-bound high school seniors, as many universities do require the scores as part of admission. 

For Emily, the test seemed to be more of a nuisance than a stress.

“We started at 8 a.m. and ended at noon,” she said.  “By the sixth section, you’re just dragging.”

“Everyone says that colleges weigh everything, so it’s not like the test is all you have,” she added.

Carrigan has no doubt that Emily’s diligence will pay off.

“Emily’s all set,” she said.  “She’s a wonderful girl, a talented student, a talented athlete – pretty much the perfect package for admission.”

Though her applications are in, Emily’s work does not end here.  Once she receives her acceptances, she will have to choose which school to attend.  This decision is not always as easy as it might seem, with financial aid to consider, friends and family to think of, and her own academic and personal goals to respect. 

With little time to reflect on this part of her journey, Emily’s focus remains fixed on one thing.

“I’m just waiting to get that big envelope.”