ACT Newsroom & Blog: #WhyApply: Students Share Their College Application Experiences and Why It Was All Worth It

Written by ACT | Sep 20, 2024 5:00:00 AM

By: Lisa King, director, American College Application Campaign

#WhyApply Day is a celebratory day each year when students, school staff, families, and higher education advocates show their support for those pursuing secondary education. This day sheds light on the importance of applying to college and is meant to inspire those who have yet to decide. Please join us on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, on your favorite social media platform (e.g., TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X) and share why you believe students should apply to college, using the hashtag #WhyApply. Follow the conversation on ACAC's official Facebook and X accounts.

“Why should I apply to college?” This is a question many students ask themselves. Here are just some of the reasons college applications can seem daunting and ultimately not get completed: a lack of motivation, financial concerns, uncertainty about where to attend, long application processes, and being a first-generation student without family or friends who could provide insight.

But the “why” in the question is what speaks to the bigger picture of college. It’s not just about doing what everyone expects of you. It’s about the opportunities provided by attending and giving your future self the best chance at success.

When asked what inspired her to apply to college, Missouri 2024 Hume High School graduate and University of Central Missouri student Emily Wadel said, “The possibility of what I could be and what I could do in the future with my degree [...] The connections and the people are incredible and the memories you’ll make — good and bad — will shape you into a better person.”

And what could some of those good memories be? Studying abroad, learning about new cultures, navigating through self-discovery and independence in a healthy environment, joining extracurricular clubs and activities, and more.

Nothing worth having comes easily, but with the right support, all things are possible, including attending and graduating from college.

School counselors and advisors can be instrumental in inspiring students to apply to college and in choosing the institutions they can be confident in and excited about.

Bryson Morrison, Missouri 2024 Hume High School graduate and Missouri State University student, credits his former counselor and advisor Janine Castillo as one of his greatest champions and support systems during the college selection and application process. Castillo connected Morrison to athletic coaches and staff at various universities — an invaluable connection for a student-athlete. Castillo presented opportunities for campus tours and kept Morrison informed about school events and meetings focused on financial planning and applying to universities, as well as tests to help decide which school would be right for him based on his personal and career interests.

Morrison described Castillo as an amazing supporter and great help. “She can figure almost anything out. She will be on your side no matter what.”

Samuel Ricot, Massachusetts 2023 New Heights Charter School of Brockton graduate and Emerson College student, also credits his former counselor Paula Fontes as helping him tremendously throughout his college application journey. With Fontes on his side, Ricot didn’t have to stress when it came to finding simpler ways of doing things — or when waiting for decisions. Fontes kept Ricot abreast of different scholarship opportunities, and with her guidance, Ricot was awarded enough aid to cover his entire tuition at Emerson College.

“She was knowledgeable about the college application process [and] was one of the most amazing resources I had available to me,” Ricot said.

So, what are some other resources that helped these students and could help you too? Wadel, Morrison, and Ricot identified Common App, Going Merry, FAFSA, and programs like rootED as top sources for application assistance. Common App focuses on the most important information and takes the fluff out of applying. Going Merry identifies scholarship opportunities and allows multiple scholarship applications via one form. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. RootED helps students in rural areas connect with career and college advisors.

These first-generation students are excited about what the future holds. Wadel loves her classes and the major she chose. Morrison is happy to meet new people and obtain a degree that will place him in a position to serve his family’s community. Ricot looks forward to building relationships in the film industry and inspiring other members of his family to pursue what most would deem to be a dream.

They know they may face challenges on their journeys, but the reward will be sweet. If you have the chance to pursue higher education, they are advocates who will tell you to do it without question.

You may be at the beginning stages of your college application process but it’s the perfect time to commit to following through. As Ricot said, “Do it for yourself. Be confident in yourself, believe in yourself, and believe in your choices and wants.”

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