To combat the stress that comes with the college application process for seniors, Blue 2 counselor Kelley Jayne hosts a college application workshop in the library three times a year. It was offered Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19.

“At my previous school, we offered several college application workshops, usually once a month,” Blue Two Counselor Kelley Jayne said. “I asked Ms. Stetson if we could do this, and she set it up in the Red Computer Labs the first two years after school. The workshops allow us to help more students get the support they need to complete their applications.”

This is the third year that the college application workshops have taken place. Senior Lauren Johnson attended three of the workshops that were offered this year.

“I went [to the workshops] for one of my friends [originally],” Johnson said. “At the workshop the counselors were very accommodating. They were patient and walked me and my friend through every step of the way.”

These workshops cover many different aspects of the college application process, from where to start to academic transcripts to application essays.

“I needed the most help with the application portal setting and sending transcripts,” Johnson said. “I learned how to send my transcripts directly to the institutions and how to pay for them. I also learned how to check if all of my submissions are done. I just wish it happened more often.”

Johnson applied to and got into many schools, including Sam Houston State University, the University of Mississippi and the University of Houston. More than 60 students have attended and been helped by these workshops.

“The college application process can be very overwhelming and frustrating, [and there are] a lot of unknowns,” Jayne said. “Having someone to support you through the application process can help lower anxiety and frustration. Again, our goal is to help break down barriers and give support to students during their application process.”