As the November first deadline passes, a lot of students sign into the union together. The “Early Action” and the “Early Decision” submissions are all submitted for students which adds up to the majority of the schools students apply to, especially the reach schools. 

The stress in Lake Forest culture takes it to another level since the community sets up an expectation for the students that reside in this town to attend a well above average college for the next four years.

This is a worldwide deadline, so LFHS seniors are not alone in this stressful period. 

Students report stress levels have significantly decreased even if there is still work to be done. 

“Now that November first is over, I feel a lot less stressed. The pressure that the community puts on college apps and sending a majority of your applications in early action is insane,” senior Milana Yanev said.

Senior Travis Calaway says that he has seen his amount of stress decrease even though, “only 75% of my applications have been submitted, but they are all for regular decision.”

There is a strong stigma in getting into the best possible school. Students are filled with stress feeling that they won’t get into the school if the “Early action” or “Early decision” box is not filled out on their common app application.

“I remember seeing three people cry on Oct. 30 [two days before the deadline], I feel like now a lot of seniors can finally sleep and breathe with ease,” senior Bella Griffith said.

There is not just one source of stress that is left with students, but now that this deadline has passed, new stresses may be lifted onto students. 

“I think the stress students have will now become a different type of stress now that they have entered the waiting period,” said LFHS Guidance Counselor Elizabeth Hannon. “This whole year is filled with all different kinds of stress starting with applications, then wondering where they are going to get in, then choosing the right school for them.” 

With most applications being done for students, they have found more time to do other things. 

Senior Ella Droege says she has found a lot more time to spend on school work rather than “having to spend time on essay writing.”

Along with Droege, senior Bella Griffith is relieved and happy to “have more time to spend with my friends and prioritize other things.”

Students have experienced more productivity now that these applications are due, however, that may this deadline may not be the only factor in this increase in productivity.

“I will say overall the number of kids who are reported on the D’s and F’s list is significantly lower this first quarter,” said Hannon. 

Since students are finally past the haunting date of Nov. 1, they can happily say that the stress levels of students should significantly decrease and allow students to focus more on their actual school work and keep their grades high!