November 1 is the deadline for many early action college applications, and several of DePaul Prep’s seniors have been busy finishing and submitting their early applications. While almost all of DePaul Prep’s seniors plan to attend college next year, their goals and experiences have differed. This year’s application season has highlighted senior students’ various paths, as well as recent changes in colleges’ application requirements.

Dominic Covington, class of 2022, is a student athlete who hopes to play football next fall at a D3 or small D1 level school. Covington is in the midst of the college application process and would describe it as “stressful and exciting.” Covington said, “The most difficult aspect of the college process is finding a school that is the right fit, academically and athletically.” Although this process has been challenging at times, Covington has received the most support from his varsity football coach, Coach Michael Passarella. Coach Passarella has not only been supportive, but has pushed Covington to be the best athlete he can be, Covington said. As of now, Dom says, “I feel good about where I am with the college process based off my recent college visits and conversations I have had with coaches. I have visited Illinois Wesleyan, Augustana College, Benedictine University and I have an upcoming visit at Valparaiso University.”

Another senior, Julia Martin, is also applying to schools early under the November 1 deadline. She is almost done with her college process which she says is “a great feeling.” Martin is applying Early Decision to a school she loves, she said. She explained she wants to major in communications because she loves public speaking, talking to people and using her creative skills. Due to COVID-19, many colleges changed their application requirements, such as ACT and SAT scores. Due to that, Martin is applying test optional and said, “I am not submitting my test scores because I feel that mine do not accurately reflect me as the hardworking and motivated student that I am.” Although some universities did accept applications without standardized test scores before the COVID-19 pandemic, a much larger number of schools made test scores optional as of the 2020 application cycle. This decision was due to the fact that testing was logistically very difficult across the country, and all students did not have equal opportunities to take the exams. However, since that change, many universities have maintained a test-optional application policy. For some students, this is an enthralling change and opportunity to show other sides of their abilities beyond a test score.

Through the college process, Martin said, “My parents, friends and my teachers have supported me the most. Everyone has been extremely helpful, have answered all of my questions that have come up and have kept me motivated by believing in me”. Martin explained she has an effective support system and is ready for her next steps in the college process although it has been “stressful” but also “so rewarding”.

Kiera Doyle, also applying early, wants to study music business/ music management. Doyle said, “I have always loved music and have had such a passion for it, but I am really interested in the business side of music. I have always wondered what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to artists, concerts and music events.” With Doyle’s love for music, being a manager for a musician would be an ideal job full of opportunity. During the college process, Doyle has felt most supported by her mother, she said. Doyle explained her mother has been with her through all the steps of the process and has introduced her to many schools that have the music management program that she hopes to pursue. Doyle would describe the college process as “time consuming, but worthwhile” in hopes that she will be apart of the next mainstream artist management.