Typically, fall is an exciting time of the year- the reintroduction of pumpkin spice, football games and changing leaves are enough to set a good vibe. But for seniors, the change in season marks a rise in the pressure to figure out post-high school plans. As seniors struggle to set a plan in place, they turn to the glass doors of the College and Career Center.

Senior Tyler Havle shares his experience with the College and Career Center.

“I mean, I’ve never even walked inside of it before; I’m not completely sure what they do. The stress of college admissions built up so much that my family just reached out to a private college planner,” Havle said.

Havle is not alone in this struggle. Several members of the senior class are unsure of how to use the resources DGS provides for post-high school planning. So, consider this article a summarized guide of how to use the College and Career Center.

One can actually use most of the College and Career Center’s resources effectively without ever stepping foot inside of the office. During Senior Focus presentations, students were sent on a “scavenger hunt” of the center’s website. A majority of students just sped through the activity, but a careful look through the website will actually reveal a lot of helpful resources.

First things first is making a plan. This document outlines all different types of post-high school options, from military to career to college.

Beyond the virtual resources, the College and Career Center provides in-person opportunities throughout the year. In Naviance, one can sign up for visits with college reps and career specialists to gain insight into possible future plans and ask any questions. These visits happen in the College and Career Center during normal class periods, and sign-ups are open online up to an hour before the session.

New this year Anita Gajula, from College Wise, will be available to provide any assistance with the college application process to interested seniors. From now until Thanksgiving, seniors can sign up to meet with her during 4th or 5th periods on Fridays in Naviance.

Planning for the future is scary and difficult to grapple with alone. As it turns out, the College and Career Center isn’t just an office that sits in the commons; the center provides a helping hand in career planning and the college admissions process.