by Sarah DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
For high school seniors, choosing a college involves more than deciding where to spend the next several years. Applications, admission deadlines, scholarships, financial aid, and the cost of attendance can make the process difficult to navigate.
At Geneseo High School, a program called College 101 helps students work through those decisions and prepare for the next step in their education.
Led by Mrs. Taylor, College 101 meets once a week during the school's WIN (What I Need) period. The program typically runs six to nine weeks, depending on the needs of participating students.
Approximately eight students are participating this year.
The program primarily serves seniors because its lessons focus on the college application process, including essays, admissions requirements, and financial aid.
"The goal of the group is to help students with picking a college that is right for them, completing applications and essays to increase their chance of success and understanding financial aid," Taylor explained.
She hopes participants finish the program feeling more confident and informed about applying to and selecting a college.
College 101 begins by introducing students to the different types of postsecondary institutions available to them, including community colleges, universities, liberal arts colleges, technical institutes, and professional schools. Students also learn about historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, and women's colleges.
From there, the group explores how to identify colleges that align with individual goals and interests.
Students examine factors such as accreditation, academic programs, location, campus size, cost, graduation rates, and campus life. They also discuss choosing a major, visiting campuses, and identifying schools that may be considered reach, target, or safety options based on admission requirements.
Another portion of the program focuses on the application process itself.
Students learn about early decision, early action, rolling admission, and regular admission, along with the deadlines and requirements associated with each option.
The group also covers the Common Application, college-specific applications, admissions essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and ACT or SAT requirements.
Financial aid is another major component of College 101.
Taylor said students frequently have questions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarships.
"It seems that students always have a lot of questions about FAFSA and scholarships," she said.
The program introduces students to several ways of paying for college, including federal student aid, loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
Students also spend time learning about scholarship essays and how to approach the application process.
As the program concludes, participants review how to compare colleges and financial aid award offers before making a final decision. Discussions also address what students can do if they are not accepted into their preferred college.
The specific lessons and schedule can change from year to year depending on the needs of the students participating.
Taylor is in her fifth year at Geneseo High School and has led College 101 during each of her four previous school years.
The program was already established before she joined the school, although its original starting date is not known.
While College 101 has traditionally focused on seniors, Taylor is considering changes that could expand participation.
"I am looking into revamping the group for next year in order to increase the number of students who participate," she said.
For now, the program continues to provide a small-group setting where seniors can explore their options, ask questions, and work through the steps involved in applying to college.
Taylor hopes students leave with a better understanding of their choices and greater confidence in making decisions about their education after high school.
