We spoke to a few local rising high school and college seniors to get their take on the college planning and career planning process, respectively. In their own words...

First, we hear from the high-schoolers:

Q: What do you plan to major in? What careers appeal to you?A: Erin Hayes of Essex, Valley Regional High School: I plan to major in either writing or psychology. I definitely want to do a theater minor as well. I really want to work in the film industry, either acting, screenwriting, producing, directing, or wherever I can find a good fit for myself and my abilities.Jesse Ferrara of Killingworth, Xavier High School: I plan to major in secondary education with a history concentration so that I can teach middle or high school history. I decided this in 7th grade.Kathryn Hausler of East Haven, East Haven High School: I plan on majoring in technical theater, specifically stage management.

Q: Describe your college search. Did you visit any colleges?A: Erin: Yes, so far I have visited seven schools, with plans to revisit some and visit more. I want to see as much as I can, to get a feel for different universities, different sizes, different areas of study/focus, etc.Jesse: So far, I have visited six colleges and plan to visit about five more this fall.Kathryn: I really utilize the mail colleges send me; it’s an asset that gives me information without me having to do much. I’ve only visited UConn so far, but my dad and I are visiting my four other schools soon. Planning itineraries is a good idea, especially if you’re applying to places all over the country, like I am.

Q: When did you start searching?A: Erin: My first college tour was in February, but my list began to become more serious and more specific as I began taking standardized tests in the spring.Jesse: I think my parents and I started searching early last spring.Kathryn: I didn’t start seriously considering any until the summer before my junior year. It’s important to start thinking about what you want early, but don’t settle on anything too soon. You change a lot in high school. I’m not even applying to what I thought was my top choice school one year ago.

Q: About how many colleges do you plan to apply to?A: Erin: I plan to apply to eight to 10 colleges maximum.Jesse: Maybe between six and nine schools.Kathryn: I plan on applying to five schools, some being reach schools, and one being a safety school. They’re all schools I would love to go to and have the program I’m looking for. I don’t want to go to a school for the sake of going to college. For the amount of money I’ll be putting into it, I want to know I’m getting trained in the career I’m pursuing.

Q: Have you researched scholarships?A: Erin: I have done research on university-offered scholarships, such as merit scholarships. I will be doing most of the research on local scholarships after the application process. Jesse: Not really yet. I know a few local ones that my older sister applied to and a few that my school awards each year that I qualify for.Kathryn: Not really in depth, but I’ve googled a few times about how to maximize the ability of scholarship money I receive. There’s so much money available that goes unused every year. You just have to know how to look for it.

Q: What would you recommend to other high schoolers?A: Erin: Start in-depth research as soon as possible. It’s easy to be swayed when colleges start sending all sorts of pamphlets and brochures. I would recommend searching for a school where you’ll stand out, not one where you will be one of thousands of undergrads and the school would accept you but couldn’t care less whether you choose to attend or not.Jesse: Start visiting schools during the winter and spring breaks of your junior year. It’s really good to see the schools when there are students on campus. Also, it’s really good to meet up with a student you know that already goes to the school.Kathryn: I wish I didn’t stress myself out as much. All the time I try to do things because I think they’ll look good on my college applications. I keep looking to the future instead of enjoying the present, and now I’m going into my last year of

high school. I wish I spent more time taking in everything around me, and cherishing every moment.

Now, we hear from the college students:

Q: What major/career are you pursuing?

A: Allison Ricker of Madison, Southern Connecticut State University: Psychology.Brianna Groves of Killingworth, University of New Haven: Interior Design.Q: How has the college you attend prepared you for your chosen career path?A: Allison: I also attended CCSU for three years. Both universities emphasize a strong foundation in general education. The courses specific for my major have allowed me to explore different aspects of the field. However, I feel as if the curriculum at both universities are not specific enough to prepare students for the workforce. It seems as if students are expected to move onto graduate school in order to have a career.Brianna: UNH has an excellent interior design program, the best in the state. Many other schools are currently looking at our program and revamping theirs to simulate ours. Our program is highly intensive with many hours spent after class and on weekends working in the drafting rooms along with CAD labs. Q: Did you change your mind about the career you wanted at any point?A: Allison: I have never been able to confidently say that I know exactly what I want to do. I know people twice my age who still doubt their decisions. I have never actually changed my major, but I have thought that I may be more suited for a different field. It is very scary because it is such an investment and commitment to make at such a young age.Brianna: I enrolled knowing exactly what I wanted to do. I’ve been passionate about it since day one of the program. I believe that in the long run I will have one of the most rewarding jobs out there. I will be creating new spaces for people that include all they hoped for and more.Q: Did you participate in any internships for your chosen field?A: Allison: I will be a research assistant for a professor this coming fall. Brianna: Currently I am doing my internship over the summer with Judy Cook Interiors, LLC, out of East Lyme. Working with her has been an absolute pleasure and has really helped. Real life experience is always more educational than school experience.

Q: How did you finance your education?A: Allison: Loans, grants, and out of pocket. I am fortunate enough to work for a company that is flexible, understanding, and family oriented. I am so grateful that I am able to change my availability to suit my needs and to also have such great co-workers and supervisors as a support system. Paying for college would have been very difficult if not for this. Brianna: I received some scholarships from UNH and the rest of my finances due to the school were through student loans. I commute to school from Killingworth daily, so my money for gas comes from me working part-time.

Q: What would you recommend to other college students?A: Allison: Financing is a very important aspect of college. Whenever you sign for a loan, understand that you must pay back that money plus interest, even if you decide to drop out. A degree is not equivalent to happiness, wealth, wisdom, or a sense of fulfillment in life. It is not a path that is made for everyone, and making the decision not to attend college is not necessarily a bad one. There are many other options to explore. Brianna: Good time management. I’ve always had a good sense of time management, but some of my fellow classmates didn’t have it at first. They really struggled their first year until they established what works best for them.