As graduation approaches, college decisions for many seniors are being released, and students are beginning to finalize where they’re heading when they leave The Nest.

The college application process for most students began over the summer, but for many students, the components needed to apply came together over the course of high school.

“I prepared for college by working hard all through high school,” senior Lily Leyden said. “I also did SAT tutoring to help with my test scores and worked on essays over the summer so I would be prepared when applications opened.”

The application process looked different depending on the student.

“I applied for a lot of music programs, so for them I had to look at the requirements for what they wanted me to prepare, record a video for prescreening, if I made it through then I auditioned at the school for a final round,” senior Hannah Lee said. “I even flew to New York for an audition, so it was a cool process.”

Not all students applied for the regular decision cycle, and some have already solidified their college choice.

“It feels really good to get decisions back,” Leyden said. “I applied early decision to Baylor, so I got accepted in October. It eased a lot of my stress and made my second semester of senior year a lot easier.”

Most decisions from the regular decision process come out in mid-to-late March, and as seniors begin getting decisions back, some feel bittersweet.

“With senior year coming to an end, I have all kinds of melancholy feelings and nostalgia,” senior Kirtana Gadde said. “Nostalgia is definitely hitting hard with everyone going their own ways after graduation.”

Coming close to finalizing her choice, Lee looks forward to finding her college community.

“I’m looking forward to committing, especially with in-state schools because a lot of my friends go there so I can reunite with them,” Lee said. “I applied for housing with some so I can finally decide on a dorm which is exciting too.”