Stepping Into the Unknown

By Abigail Medved

It’s college application season, and seniors need to prepare.

Austin Belore, Pueblo County High School’s very own University Tracks Coordinator, was able to answer some common questions seniors and their parents may have about preparing for the next step. 

While some students begin applying the summer before their senior year, others wait until the last minute. This can make it difficult to determine just how long seniors can wait until their procrastination affects their chances of getting into their dream school. 

Belore states, “...I don’t believe it is ever too late for anyone to apply to college and further their education, but if seniors…want the best opportunities for themselves both academically and financially, they should start their college and scholarship applications now…On top of that, seniors need to make sure they complete the FAFSA!”

Belore explains that although a senior may have a dream college, they should always apply for more than one school on the off chance that they don’t get accepted. However, he cautions that students should also take application fees into consideration.

“I encourage students to have a top three or top five schools at a minimum (ranked from most preferred to least preferred),” Belore says.

Students may also choose to apply as “undecided” rather than declaring a major upon application. Although this is a common decision and doesn’t hinder a student from being admitted, it may affect their overall college journey.

“Applying as an undecided will have an impact on a student's college experience, but it won’t be the end of the world by any means. Your first two years of college are designed to have you take your General Education (Gen Ed) courses that are required and elective courses that help you discover what major best fits you,” Belore explains. “...but keep in mind that you can’t be an undecided student forever, and some degrees…may require additional prerequisite courses on top of your Gen Ed Courses.”

Belore also acknowledges that college isn’t for everyone. Some students may choose to attend a community college, go to trade school,  join the military or enter the workforce. However, this difference does not mean that they do not have steps to complete before high school.
“Students who aren’t bound for a 4-year University but are going to trade school or community college have a lot of the same Next Steps as someone who is pursuing a 4-year bachelors degree. They need to create an FSA ID, they need to submit applications early to their trade schools, and apply for scholarships!” Belore reports. “Military-bound students need to touch base with their recruiters to make sure they are on path to enlist…Workforce bound students should start to prepare for the job they are going into…”

But in the midst of all the craziness, Belore also offers some advice to students:

“RELAX! I think of this quote from the economist Adam Smith’s 1776 book, ‘The Wealth of Nations’ 

‘The real price of everything, what everything really costs to the man who wants to acquire it, is the toil and trouble of acquiring it.’
I mention that quote because what you get out of college or career prep, and, let me be completely honest, just life in general, is what you put into it.” He goes on to say, “For the students reading this, if you’ve met with me, asked questions during presentations I’ve given, or are now thinking about meeting with ‘College Guy’ you’re doing great!! Keep asking questions, keep learning more, keep pushing yourself because that’s where the prosperity and success come from.”

If students or their parents have more questions about college and career preparation, they are welcome to meet with their UTC coordinator! Students are also invited to attend the first-ever FAFSA Night hosted by Belore and the District 60 UTC Coordinator. It will be held at CSU Pueblo on October 16th at 5:30 pm. 

Good luck, seniors!