There’s a big envelope sitting in the mail box waiting to be read. Their heart beats faster and their eyes grow big. Looking at their dream school stamped on the envelope. They open the letter quickly just to see the great word, “Congratulations”. Seniors jump with excitement and run to teachers to show their college acceptances.

Seniors are eager to find out if they were accepted into the colleges of their choice. Many seniors have already been accepted to multiple colleges, but they  decide to wait for other options. A college acceptance is only the beginning. Students worry about how they are going to pay for college. Many are signing up for scholarships and crossing their fingers in the hope of receiving a good financial aid packet.

“Most students should follow their dream,” said Mr. Giandolfo.

Mr. Giandolfo reccommended students to weigh their options and go to the college that fits them best. But to him what’s most important is the financial aid packet the colleges offer to students.

“I went to Mr. G and he said that it’s unfair that I’m getting all these free scholarships for being an athlete, but he was excited,” said Orniela Pitt, senior.

Pitt was accepted to five colleges; Salem international University, Monroe College, Jamestown Community College, Huntington University, and West Virginia Tech. Each of the schools have given her an athletic scholarship for soccer. Monroe and Jamestown Community College offered her two years without pay and the Salem International University, Huntington University and West Virginia Tech gave her a free ride for her whole four years if she attends to their school.

“She is very lucky, although the scholarships was not based on academics but on athleticism,” said Mr. Giandolfo.There are scholarships for nearly anything. There are scholarships based on athleticism, race, hobbies, extra curricular activities, interests and etc.

“I didn’t have to apply to the colleges. I already knew I was going to get accepted since I spoke to the coaches from the colleges,” said Pitt.

Pitt joined a soccer program for recruitment. She didn’t have to apply to the schools, but she had to make a video of herself playing soccer and send it to the coaches. After they receive the video they make their evaluation. Pitt’s top college was Boston University.
    “I would get excited if I was to go to Boston University. Then I’ll drop to the ground,” said Pitt.

Pitt hasn’t made her decision yet, but with the soccer scholarships Pitt is able to go to colleges for free and continue to play soccer.

While some are relying on scholarships other students are relying on financial aid to save them the trouble of paying for college.

Pamela Ovando, senior was accepted to Fairleigh Dickinson University and Pace University. She was worried about paying for college, but then she finally received her financial aid packet and is now looking forward to going to Pace University.
 
"I didn’t want to go at first, but now that I saw my financial aid packet I think I might go,” said Ovando.

When Ovando first received her acceptance letter she jumped in excitement.     

“When I got my first acceptance I went crazy. I went ballistic. I read it twice to make sure and went crazy,” said Ovando.

Many seniors are being accepted to several colleges which makes it harder to make a decision of which college to go to.

Although seniors are being accepted to a lot of schools they are reminded that colleges could take their acceptance back if they start to slip in school. When a student is accepted to a college they go to Mr. Giondolfo to tell him the good news.

“When I went to Mr. Giandolfo he started going on and on about how Pace is good and bad. He also talked about how some financial packets are better than others and that I should start looking into scholarships,” said Ovando.

After being accepted into colleges Mr. Giandolfo recommend students to start looking for scholarships. The more scholarships you get the less you have to pay for college.

 “Make friends with the financial aid office. Be aware of deadlines for deposits and dormitory assignments and placement exams,” said Mr. Giandolfo.

Seniors should watch out for these deadlines and make sure that they meet them in order to have a spot at the college of their chose. He also reccommend seniors to develop a support system.

“Make freinds and reach out for help;” said Mr. Giondolfo.

Sometimes students are hesitant to ask for help. Students should learn to feel less timid and make connections.

College is a new beginning for seniors and high hopes for the future.

“College is the only time in life to follow your dreams,” said Mr. Giandolfo.