Seniors at Benilde-St. Margaret’s have submitted college applications and eagerly wait for the responses. Every student has a dream college they hope to attend, but the anticipation of waiting can be challenging for them. What are the dream colleges of some seniors at BSM? What do they want to study? How are they handling the response, and what are their backup plans?
Every student’s dream college may look different and change based on the student’s personality, goals, and academic statistics. Senior Matthew Syme says that his dream college is Iowa State University, in part because of the campus. Moreover, there are many different majors students can choose from at college, one of the most popular of these being the engineering branch. “My dream college is Iowa State. I love the campus and the engineering program. It’s an amazing school overall,” Syme said.
As college decisions approach, Syme is weighing both his goals and his possible plans for the future. His plans include an alternative option if his first choice does not work out. “I’d be enthralled to go to Iowa State… If I didn’t get into Iowa State, I’d probably go to community college,” Syme said.
Unlike some students who have a single alternative in mind, senior Patrick McDonald has kept his options open beyond his dream school, considering colleges in the area as part of his planning process. “If I were denied, I’d look somewhere else. I’m looking at some Minnesota schools as well,” McDonald said.
McDonald’s dream college is the University of Notre Dame, a Catholic university in Indiana, and McDonald notes that Notre Dame’s faith-based education is important to him. Like Syme, McDonald also admires the campus. “My dream college is the University of Notre Dame… It’s faith-based [and] I love the campus,” McDonald said.
The anticipation of hearing back from a dream college can also be a stressful time for many kids. Students often put a lot of effort into applying for these colleges, and their plans hang in the balance as they await the response. However, this anxiousness can make admission into the college a rewarding experience. “If I’m accepted, I’ll have to evaluate my options, and I’d hope to go there,” McDonald said.