BCHS Lauches College Application Week

Barren County High School had 125 seniors, from the “GEAR UP Class of 2012,” make 263 college applications in one day. Barren County High was chosen as one of 13 Kentucky High Schools across the state to launch “College Application Week.” Sponsored by KHEAA, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, the week was an effort to assist all students with their college applications so that the process itself would not prevent any student from pursing a continuing education.

Several school wide activities, with participation from the school faculty and staff, helped to make the “College Application Week” a success. Teachers and staff were encouraged to decorate their door to promote the college of their choice. Teachers and staff were also asked to share their own personal story concerning their college application and lessons they learned about attending college. College shirt day was a fun day for students and staff to wear a favorite college shirt. On application day 11 colleges and universities, from across the state, participated in a college fair in the school library. Over 200 seniors and a few parents attended the fair, making some very important contacts with colleges of interest. In addition to the 263 applications made during the fair, some students left with several applications to be filled out at home and mailed in at a later date.

According to Magnet School counselor, Nicole Jones, “It is a wonderful opportunity for students to ask their college admissions' counselors questions without having to schedule an on-campus visit”.

Senior Counselor, Angie Frazier agreed and had this comment, “College Application Day was a great opportunity for our students. Many of our students are the first in their family to go to college and beginning the application process can be very intimidating. The admission counselors were on hand to answer questions and assist students with the application process. I am overwhelmed at the number of students who came in to apply. I am very excited with our turn out and looking forward to planning for next year!”

Barren County High’s GEAR UP Program coordinator, Kathy Lowe was pleased to see so many of her students in attendance. “After 5 and a half years of working toward the goal of College Readiness and Preparedness, it was very exciting to see them actually applying to colleges and universities. The seniors were a little nervous, apprehensive, and of course excited that the day is finally here and we are indeed ready for that next step.”