Seniors pushing through college application season 

College application season is in full swing for Broward County seniors, including those at Deerfield Beach High School. It’s one of the busiest parts of the year. Students are juggling essays, recommendation letters, test scores and regular classwork all at once. Even with all the pressure, most seniors are just trying to stay organized and get everything in on time.

Guidance counselors have been helping students sort through deadlines, essays and financial aid questions. A lot of seniors say that the hardest part isn’t the actual application but picking which schools’ interest and benefit them.

A current senior at Deerfield Beach High, Aiden Garcia says, “Picking which schools I want to apply to has been the most stressful. It’s way different from the movies or what media depicts.” He added, “It’s genuinely the path that makes or breaks my future.”

This year, colleges are focusing more on holistic reviews. They’re looking at more than grades, paying more attention to extracurriculars, community work and the personal stories students share in their essays. It pushes seniors to think about what makes them stand out beyond numbers.

At the same time, many seniors are trying to enjoy their last year of high school. Between college prep, classes and everything else, there’s still this feeling that senior year is moving fast and they want to make the most of it. That gives the year a mix of stress and excitement.

“After high school, I’m definitely excited about meeting new people and finally being independent” says Anna Pinheiro, an IB senior. “I love my family and my hometown, but I’m ready to experience new things, make new connections and explore the world around me!”

As deadlines get closer, the energy on campus reflects all of that. Seniors are helping each other out, sharing tips and celebrating small wins whenever they can. Even with the pressure, people can see everyone putting in real effort and hoping it pays off once decisions start coming in.

Written by Leila Rogers | Graphic Designed by Leila Rogers

Published November 18, 2025 | ePathfinder | News