As fall sets in at Middletown High School South, seniors are invested in the college application process. This is a time filled with excitement, extreme stress, and anticipation. With deadlines quickly approaching, seniors are finishing up essays, receiving recommendation letters, and touring colleges that could be where they end up for the next four years. 

For many students, the process seems never-ending. Senior Gianna describes being “over it,” really capturing the exhaustion many seniors are feeling after weeks of revisions and applications. Balancing between schoolwork and applications is very difficult to manage. 

Others feel a diverse group of emotions. “It is thrilling but also very scary because this is deciding my future,” shared Rayna, who expressed that while it is an exciting new endeavor about new beginnings, it is also intimidating to make such life-altering decisions. 

Not everyone shares the same excitement, though. “It’s annoying,” said Bea, who finds the process very repetitive and some parts even unnecessary. Many students agree that, between essays, deadlines, and waiting for an acceptance letter, the process becomes very overwhelming quickly. 

Despite the stress, the senior class continues to move forward and use their motivation to try and achieve their goals. As the countdown to graduation continues, one thing is obvious: the class of 2026 is ready for whatever future is to come!