The Next Steps: My College Search

by: Lauren Taylor, senior

Lauren Taylor, class of ‘21, is an STJ Ambassador, member of Spanish Club, Interact Club, IPPRYL, and serves as the senior class treasurer.

Lauren on a college visit to the University of Washington.

Being a student at Saint James means being surrounded by a large amount of people who do nothing but support you. The teachers, counselors and other students push you to be the best version of yourself, as well as supporting the dreams that you have. The counselors at Saint James are incredible. They help you throughout the college application process, as well as being a support system for you. When students are in their junior and senior years, they are allowed college visit days, that allow them to go and look at prospective colleges and learn more about them. These college visits help us students get an idea of what college is like, let us scope out the area, and see if it is a right fit for us. We are also able to meet other students at the colleges, as well as the staff there. The administration is extremely supportive of the students as well, allowing them to go on these visits and make up any work that they may miss while they are out. Saint James also has a variety of schools come to speak to us. Typically, all the interested students meet in the college rep room and talk with the representative from the college. This gives us an opportunity to ask any questions that we may have and learn more about that specific school. This also helps us get an idea of what to expect during the college application process, and eases the nerves that we have about college. Personally, I would not have been able to get through this experience without the help of my counselor and teachers. They have helped me apply for scholarships, to colleges, and have even helped me decide what major to choose to prepare me for my future. I am extremely grateful for all of the help I have received, as it has made a lasting impact on me.

Lauren on a college tour of Seattle University.

During my own personal college search, I toured many colleges in Washington including the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Western Washington University. When I stepped foot on Seattle University’s campus I knew it was the school for me. I was able to look at the classrooms, meet teachers, and meet other prospective students. Once I committed to the school, I was able to meet with a counselor over zoom and talk about what major would benefit me best for my career goals. I plan to take the MCAT to get into medical school, so we found the major that is going to best prepare me for that test and my career. I will be majoring in biology and minoring in psychology! Go Redhawks!