From Monday, Oct. 30 – Friday, Nov. 3, the Apply 2 College Week was held for the college-bound seniors at Southwest. Each day had a theme to dress up for and a task to complete to apply for college. Stickers and prizes were given throughout the week to students who completed steps toward their college applications.

“This week is meant to build some community,” counselor Mr. Anders Peterson said. “Applying for college is an individual process that can be scary and challenging, so I think this makes it a little more fun. It sets a low bar and allows people to get stuff done.”

Students picked up a college checklist from the counseling office on Monday, Oct. 30. On Tuesday, Oct. 31, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Southeast Community College and Doane University, as well as the Southwest counselors, were in the A100 forum from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. for a college fair. On Wednesday, Nov. 1, students stopped by the counseling center at 3 p.m. to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. 

“I think it’s a nice way to get people involved in thinking about college,” senior Markus Rutledge said. “College is really important for advancing your career, so I think this is helping to build students’ futures.”

There were many prizes for students participating in the Apply 2 College Week. Tuesday’s theme was “Dress for Success,” where stickers were handed out for completed college applications and there was a photo booth open in the A100 forum. Wednesday’s theme was “Dress like a College Student” and students received a free cookie when they made their FSA ID. On Friday, the theme is “College Gear.” The photo booth will be open again and students will earn a free t-shirt for showing confirmation of their submitted college application.

Students who need additional help with college applications may contact their counselors in the counseling office or by email.