Students at Williston are in the midst of doing their college application, and a boarding school like Williston can do a lot to make the process easier.
Mike Saliba, a senior, who has finished his application process, had a lot of assistance in the process.
“Working through the process can be a little stressful but not too stressful, as there was much help,” he explained.
Mike explained that he “compiled all the information I had gathered on colleges into a book, which I then consulted during the application process.” This helped him choose the colleges he wanted to get into.
Choosing what you want to go for college can be difficult; however, Mike he knew what he wanted.
“Sports has influenced my decision, and maybe a business program as well,” Mike, who is hoping to play football next year, said.
When writing his essay, an essential component to most college applications, Mike said he took an unusual route.
“I didn’t like any of the prompts that we were given for the essay, so I created my own essay prompt and put a lot of thought into my essay,” he said.
Mike’s advice in the process is to “Convey who you are through words, change make artistic elements such as photographs of what you did. Add more personality.”
Mike said the most challenging and stressful part of the process, now that he’s done, is the waiting and wondering.
Another senior, Pittman Alley, started the application process this summer. The college essay wasn’t stressful to him.
“My common app and essay was done during summer so I didn’t need to worry about it during the school year,” he said.
What he looked for was slightly different to Mike.
“My first way to choose was through alumni networking, endowment, and if I had a chance to be involved in basketball,” Pittman said.
Compared to Mike, Pittman’s biggest challenge “trying to find a school I can see myself fitting in with. This caused me the most stress.”
Students should take every opportunity to avail themselves of all Williston, and the College Advising office, has to offer, Pittman says.
