As Padua students, all of us know the importance of a good education. Whether you’re senior who’s found their dream school or a freshman who’s unsure of what they want to do when they grow up, we all know that we want to attend college when our high school education is done. YaYa Traylor (‘15)  began looking at colleges when she was young, and now, as a senior, she can discuss first hand what it’s like applying for a college.

When considering a college, it’s important to take into account things like size, what majors they offer, location, and the overall “feel” of the college. Some people might like a very large, open college, while others would prefer a more personal experience. YaYa says, “I’m a very adaptable person, so in choosing a location I didn’t really care as long as I knew where the nearest airport, police station, hospital, and grocery store was; ironically, in the end, I ended up applying to all New York schools. Size really didn’t matter either, but I knew that I like close knit communities, so I looked at small and medium-sized school. Majors:  I was looking for acting,theatre, and education. All in all, I was looking for a college that fit my personality and what I strive to embody, but also a college that would challenge me.”

YaYa also suggest visiting the college before deciding. “If you’re not comfortable with the environment you’re in and can’t see yourself going there, then that’s not the college for you.” Many of the current students at Padua can attest to the importance of this because they shadowed at several high schools before choosing on which environment they felt best in.

The entire college process may seem overwhelming, but YaYa assures that the hardest part of the whole process is writing the essays. She says, “Were there difficulties? Of course, but in the end it’s all worth it. You have to uphold a positive attitude throughout the entire process from writing the essay, to common applications, and the waiting period during the time you wait for acceptances or rejections. Keeping a positive attitude and prayer was key for me.” College can seem overwhelming and stressful, but as YaYa has told us, it’s important to stay positive and take it one step at a time.