Thomas County Central High School seniors learned it’s never too early – or late – to start their college applications. TCCHS held its Georgia Apply to College Day session Thursday, Nov. 17.  

According to the official press release, this day is an annual event sponsored by Georgia Student Finance Commission and supported by Communities in Schools, the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Independent College Association, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, the Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia.

“I am thrilled to host Apply to College Day at TCCHS,” 12th-grade counselor Tammy Shealey said. “Our goal was for each student to successfully complete at least one college admission application utilizing No Fee November.”

Senior English classes visited the school’s media center computer lab and received hands-on assistance from guidance office staff and representatives from local post-secondary institutions Thomas University and Southern Regional Technical College. 

Senior Coltin Kilgore said youth should take this day seriously because it aids them in deciding their future.

“Going to college is a way to find yourself, and it gives you more opportunities in the future that you wouldn’t have otherwise,” he said. “Going to college is a great way to find out what you want to do with your life.”

Kilgore already has an official acceptance to Full Sail University and plans to major in business media. 

“College is important to me because I will be the first in my family to go to college and have the opportunities they didn’t have,” he said. “College will also help me reach the goals I have set for myself.”

Senior Shelby Bryant applied to Valdosta State University and Savannah College of Art and Design and plans to pursue a degree in fine arts, specifically production design.

“Today gave me insight into what applying to college is like,” Bryant said. “It helped me get closer to pursuing my dream career. Both these colleges have amazing things to offer in all the subjects I love.”

Students completed approximately 140 applications during the TCCHS event. Shealey’s pleased seniors took advantage of the opportunity.

“Whether students are college bound or entering the workforce, it is crucial for them to have experiences completing applications,” she said. “This helps them to further their career endeavors and be successful after graduation.”

For more information about the Georgia Apply to College program, visit gafutures.org.