As the college application season comes to a close, many Saint Ignatius seniors are finding themselves with more free time after months of stress. The college process, which typically spans from late summer through winter, requires months of planning and effort from students balancing both academics and extracurricular activities.

For many seniors, finishing their applications marked a major turning point. Paul Skomoroch, a Saint Ignatius senior, noted that support from parents, teachers, and counselors, played a major role in the process. Skomoroch said. “I had a lot of great support, especially with essays, so overall the process felt manageable.”

Despite that support, many students still believe the application process is too harsh and stressful due to the mass number of essays written and schools apply to. On average, students apply to more than five schools, many of which require substantial allotted time to complete essays and their overall application. Skomoroch acknowledged that the difficulty often comes down to time management. 

“I think it’s too difficult when people don’t give themselves enough time,” he said. “With enough time, anything can be easier.”

The stress described by Saint Ignatius students may indicate a bigger trend. According to the College Board, the college admissions process is “perceived to be an increasingly complex, unpredictable, and opaque process.” As one of the main companies responsible for standardized testing and the college process, the College Board’s statement shows the growing concerns about the pressure placed on students to apply to college.

Julian Adas, another Saint Ignatius senior, shared similar feelings about finishing the process. 

“It was a lot to deal with, but once I finished, it felt good. I think it’s pretty fair,” Adas said. “For the best colleges to get the best students, the process has to be difficult.”

“If you don’t do it, you don’t go to college,” Skomoroch said, showing the importance of the applications. Now that applications are complete, many seniors are enjoying new freedoms. Students report having more free time and less mental pressure. 

As graduation approaches, the end of the college process marks a significant change for Saint Ignatius seniors. While the months leading up to it were stressful, students agree that finishing the process brings not only relief, but hopes for the future to come. 

“I can go home and do whatever I want now,” Skomoroch said. “I don’t have to constantly think about college admissions anymore.”