To many, senior year is the most exciting time of all of their education. There are less required classes, you can go to prom, and it is the very last year of your required schooling. However, this can also be a difficult time for many students.

College is just on the horizon for many seniors, and with it comes struggles.

Not only do seniors have to question if they plan to go to college, but also where they will go and how they will pay for it.

According to Chris Adams, senior guidance counselor, “the most common [questions seniors have for me] are Where should I go? What should I major in? How am I going to pay for it?.”

Another issue can be the area in which students plan to attend college. A recent poll of 26 seniors at Central Hardin reveals that 81 percent of the polling population plans to attend college in-state.

Reasoning for this choice varies, but the most common explanation is that it is ultimately cheaper than out-of-state alternatives.

The vast majority of polled seniors have expressed worry about paying for college.

One student explained their specific economic situation, “My parents make too much so I don’t qualify for any grant money but not enough to send me to college. I’ve been applying for scholarships like crazy and I feel like I’m super behind on everything.”

Not only are economic and academic factors weighing on students, but emotional ones as well.

Hannah Pence provides that “… [she is concerned that she] won’t be in high school anymore to see my friends everyday and get that social time in.”

Adams attributes some of this fear to the fact that reality is settling in on them. 

“There’s a bunch of excitement I think in the first part of the year, you know; they’re ready to be out of here… Then after we’ve had Christmas and everything and we’re wrapping up this trimester, the realization starts to hit them.”

As far as advice for those beginning to think about going to college, Adams said “[Important factors to consider when picking a college are] how much it’s going to cost you, if they have the major you want, and if you feel comfortable there. Those are the big three.”