By Kayla Edwards
As students at Ponte Vedra High School start their senior year, many are beginning the exciting and sometimes overwhelming process of applying to college. From choosing schools and writing essays to applying for scholarships, the application journey often raises more questions than answers. To help students navigate the process, Ms. Lee, college counselor at PVHS, shared her insight and answered some of the most frequently asked questions.
One of the biggest challenges she notices is that students often focus on where their friends are applying or which schools sound impressive, rather than what truly fits them. “I would love for students to pause and consider where they are applying and not be biased toward particular schools,” Ms. Lee said. “Be open and realize it’s not about other people, but your own unique goals.”
She also believes students should go beyond the basics when thinking about schools. “Why have I selected these schools and what are these schools going to do for me? What does it offer you?” she said. In her opinion, those are the deeper questions students should be asking themselves as they plan their next steps.
Even though she doesn’t usually get direct questions about majors, Ms. Lee works with many students who are undecided about their future. “Typically, I see students who may not get support at home and are at the beginning of their journey,” she said. For them, her role is to help provide direction and support through the first stages of the application process.
“Typically, I see students who may not get support at home and are at the beginning of their journey,”
ms. lee (pvhs college counselor)”
Her biggest piece of advice for all seniors is to take the process one step at a time. “Chunk out the work and manage your time, don’t try to do it all at once,” she said. She also encourages students to be themselves throughout the process. “The more real and authentic you are, the easier it is because you’re not second-guessing yourself.”
College applications may always bring nerves and stress, but Ms. Lee reminds students that with organization, self-reflection, and authenticity, the process can also be an opportunity to discover what matters most for their future.
FAQ
Q: What are some of the most common mistakes students make when applying to college?
A: Many students focus too much on where their friends are applying or which schools sound impressive, rather than considering what truly fits them. It’s important to pause, reflect, and make choices based on your own unique goals.
Q: What are the most common questions students ask you?
A: Students often want to know where to even begin. The top concerns include:
- How do I complete the Common App?
- Where should I apply?
- How do I apply for Bright Futures?
- How do I access my transcript?
Q: What do you wish students asked more often?
A: I wish students would ask deeper questions, like: “Why have I selected these schools? What are these schools going to do for me? What do they offer me?” Thinking this way helps them focus on what’s really important in their decision.
Q: What advice do you give to students who are undecided about their major?
A: It is normal to be undecided about your college major; the goal of higher education is to spend time learning, discovering, and growing into yourself. Start where you are and move toward the things that excite you!
Q: What’s your biggest piece of advice for seniors during the application process?
A: Take it one step at a time. Chunk out the work and manage your time instead of trying to do everything at once. And most importantly, be yourself — the more authentic you are, the easier the process becomes.
Graphic done by: Phil Berkwit (12)
