Senior Hannah Sommers (left) and college counselor Jen Loomer (right) look over Hannah's 10 college acceptance packages.
By the end of December, Providence Hall senior Hannah Sommers heard “You’re in!” from all ten colleges to which she applied. “It was the best Christmas ever,” she said. Mixed in amongst the Sommers’s family Christmas cards and bills were letters welcoming Hannah to join the student body at Azusa Pacific University, Cal Lutheran University, Calvin College, Gordon College, Lewis & Clark College, Seattle Pacific University, Tulane University, Westmont College, Whitworth University, and Willamette University.
Hannah set out to apply to four colleges, but when she began getting offers to submit shorter priority applications with fees waived, she kept on going. Now the ball is in her court, as she analyzes which school fits her best. Hannah credits Providence Hall college counselor Mrs. Jen Loomer with “great help” in the process. Mrs. Loomer especially helped Hannah to be proactive in submitting the applications, which were all in before November 1. “I would have been swamped had I waited,” said a grateful Hannah.
According to Mrs. Loomer, “Hannah has worked hard and engaged in the college application process to find a number of potentially good fits. She joined us on the Midwest college trip last fall and is planning to visit colleges in the Pacific Northwest later this month.”
When asked why she submitted ten applications, Hannah mentioned pursuing scholarships as a factor. “I don’t want to be a strain on my parents,” she said, “and I don’t want to take on lots of personal debt.”
The resourceful student has not yet chosen a major and for that reason she specifically sought out liberal arts colleges. Hannah said, “I believe Providence Hall has prepared me for the quality of work expected in college, but I do expect the pace to pick up in college.”
With the hard work of applications behind her, Hannah now enjoys the leisurely task of making a college decision by May 1. “I am excited to see which of these great opportunities she chooses!” said Mrs. Loomer.