On October 13th, high school seniors from all over Colorado applied to college with costs waved as part of Free College Application Day. At Greeley West, several of those students applying for college were first generation, which means they are the first of their families to go to college.

Some West students said they felt nervous to await the college’s decisions after applying.  Other students said they felt relieved. 

Senior Leslie Martinez was most impressed how West’s staff helped organize the day.  “I thought it was a lot easier that they made a Google doc that showed all of the codes for the Colorado schools,” Martinez said.  “It relieved a little stress because I applied through the common app and had all my applications done prior to Free College Application Day.” 

Only Colorado universities were represented on Free Application Day, as it’s a program unique to the state institutions.  However, there are a ton of reasons as to why our high school seniors still took part in applying to schools around Colorado.  First, they’re guaranteed in-state tuition.  University life can also help students make good money in their career choices, or because they want to do something they love for the rest of their lives.  For some students, college provides an opportunity for individuals who have seen their parents, siblings, family members go to college themselves. But what about those who had no siblings or parents who went to college? What inspired them to be the first to go?

Senior Kaing Oo said that the nervous experience is worthwhile because of some hidden benefits.  “I feel really excited because in my whole family no one has ever gone to college…so I feel like everyone is going to be very proud of me,” Oo said.  “I do kind of feel nervous to experience the college life. It’s going to be different…but I’m excited to actually start a life in college and study a major I have in mind.”

Some seniors have prepared and made decisions far before others, but regardless of how soon or how late they decided they wanted to apply to college, it will soon become a reality for many Greeley West Students and students all around Colorado as they await the results of their chosen colleges.