St. Marys Memorial High School prepares for College Application Week

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St. Marys Memorial High School will help students explore their options after graduation during Ohio College Application Week.

Social studies teacher Chad Doll recently appeared on WCSM’s Spectrum to preview the activities planned at the school. Doll said the week is designed to encourage seniors to complete their college applications while giving all students an opportunity to learn more about college, military service and workforce careers.

The school’s guidance office is encouraging seniors to complete their applications by the end of October. While many official deadlines fall later, students are being advised to begin early so they have enough time to request recommendation letters, prepare admissions essays and review their applications.

Staff members will display signs and clothing representing their alma maters. They will also contribute anonymous pieces of college advice that will be posted in the hallway for students to read and judge.

Other activities will include a college scavenger hunt, a schoolwide trivia competition and staff bingo. The activities will challenge students to learn about colleges, majors, mascots and the experiences of staff members who attended different schools.

The school’s media production class will also create a video recognizing the plans of graduating seniors. Students will be pictured with logos representing their chosen college, military branch or workforce destination.

Seniors may visit the guidance office for assistance completing applications through the Common App and other online systems. Students who provide proof that they submitted an application will also be eligible for prize drawings featuring items useful for college life, including gas cards, laundry supplies and small appliances.

Doll encouraged students to visit campuses before making a final decision. He said students should consider the size and location of a school, its academic programs and whether the campus feels like a place they could call home.

He also emphasized that college is not the only path available after graduation. St. Marys will recognize students entering the military, workforce, apprenticeships and skilled trades.

Doll said the most important goal is helping every student identify the path that best matches their interests and future plans.