Over the course of the pandemic, the class of 2022 did not receive the structured materials and resources normally provided by the CUBE (Skyline’s College and Career program) when applying to colleges. Returning back to in person school in August 2021, seniors received an introductory slideshow from the school administration and a (not so) brief explanation on how to apply with the Common App or directly on the college’s website.
This Spring, The Skyline Post conducted a survey of 70 skyline seniors. 90% of seniors reported feeling unprepared when starting their college applications. On a scale of 1-10 (horrible to great), we asked students how the application process was for them this year. The average number was a 4.
Many responses to the survey seemed to reflect senior Kyan Steudle’s opinion: “I wish there was some sort of outline given with everything we need to do. I know all school, applications are different but I would have felt more in control if I knew each step to take.”
Post high school planning is stressful. Making a final decision for your future can feel almost impossible. Managing the extracurriculars, homework, and life is just a lot on one’s itinerary. Some students claim they aren’t ready for applications during senior year and they chose to start after graduation or to take a gap year. Senior TeAnna Johnson said, “I will apply when I am done with high school.”
The survey revealed feelings of uncertainty when taking the next step to actually apply to college. Taking that huge leap to start an application and get the materials needed to apply can be difficult and frustrating for students.
Collectively, 50% of the students used teachers and mentors strictly for letters of recommendation instead of help on the application itself. When asked, “did you reach out to teachers/mentors for help on the application?” senior Claire Kozma said, “I felt their help could take away from my own story since they did not live through my experience. Their advice may water down my perspective.”
We also asked about the senior year English class curriculum: “Should there be college preparation and help with applications?” Different courses have different curricula. Journalism and English teacher Dr. Annie Blais says, “I try to include lessons and resources for my senior students that help with decisions, resumes, and applications. It’s hard to navigate this process, even if you have a lot of help and resources.” Parents report that students in her classes found this structure helpful.
Other resources found at Skyline promoted by counselors are Naviance, The Common App, College Board and The CUBE. The CUBE has been one of the main college and career resources since Skyline opened in 2008. Students get help from mentors and college reps that come and visit once a week. Whether you are a student looking for work or college, the CUBE can help.
However due to the lack of staffing in the CUBE this year, students couldn’t visit and get help. Unfortunately, there was not a replacement college counselor until April 2022. John Boshoven, retired director of Ann Arbor Public Schools college counseling, was welcomed with open arms into Skyline’s building this spring. He is an expert in the college and career search and provides an abundance of help to the students.
Unfortunately, Boshoven is only hired for the rest of this school year. “It could be a possibility that they hire me next year,” Boshoven commented, “I would love to split the job with someone else and work as a team so then we could help more students.” There are no plans for who will be the teacher next year for The CUBE, or if it will still be kept open. “[T]hey should hire someone coordinated and fun, to get students motivated and excited for the future and [help get] them organized and structured for their upcoming choices after high school.”
As the school year comes to an end, teachers are preparing juniors for next year’s applications. Resources for planning post-graduate life need to be improved for next year’s senior class. Questions still stand: will there be resources in the curriculum? Will there be any other options for seniors choosing not to further their formal education, and can they find jobs? Most importantly, will the Skyline and district staff take the time to hear their own students and make a positive change for the future?
