Ever since I started thinking about college, I have wanted to go out of state. I looked almost exclusively at out of state schools and eventually decided on Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

While I couldn’t be more excited about going to college, the process of applying to college made me realize how little my high school experience had prepared me for the next stage of my life.

I will always be grateful for my experience at the school, that doesn’t mean it was perfect and there are ways the school could have prepared me and can help prepare future students who want to go out of state.

Plenty of students have strong enough resumes and academics to get into good schools, but the school could be doing more. The school currently has 25 Advanced Placement classes available, which is the vast majority of classes available. However, I always wished the school offered AP Research and/or AP Seminar. These classes allow students to explore new opportunities, learn how to research and be able to work independently.

As well, other districts have unique opportunities that prepare students for college. One program available in the Blue Valley District is called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). This program gives students the opportunity to develop test and note taking skills and time management, which are valuable skills to have going into college.

However, it’s not just the programs a school offers that can help students with college, it is also about the support staff provided to students. Most out of state schools require letters of recommendation. I had no idea how to ask for one going into my senior year. Finding scholarships for out of state students can be hard as well. I had to do it on my own, spending hours scrolling through school websites.

Emotional support through the whole process is an important factor in helping students achieve their goals. I felt ignored by many of my teachers and received shocked or confused reactions from teachers and peers when I expressed my interest in going out of state. Not every teacher or every peer had this reaction, but it was enough to make me doubt my choice. It was enough to make me wonder if I had made a mistake.

There is no way to help every senior have a good experience with college, and I understand counselors and staff are used to students staying in state. However, help is always appreciated, and a better understanding of the struggles of students going out of state could help avoid students, like me, from doubting their decision.