Filling out College applications can be a painful process, but students at Marietta High School were all smiles going over their early applications this year.
The reason for the smiles is School Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera.
Rivera is donating his performance bonus of about $10,000 to district seniors who are applying to college.
Rivera said, “This is about just honoring our kids and saying to them that when you do the right thing, we’re here as a community, and certainly my family and I are here to support you.”
According to the Education Data Initiative, college tuition has increased nearly 37% since 2010. But it’s not just tuition students have to worry about. The cost of applying averages around $65.
Senior Mahi Patel is applying for early admission into Georgia Tech, one of seven schools to which she intends to apply. The application fees can quickly add up.
But the application process is important and can’t be ignored.
According to U.S. News and World Report, college applicants who apply for early admission are 34% more likely to get accepted.
Rivera said, “I don’t want them waiting until April or May to start making major life decisions.”
The students said they appreciate it, as evidenced by the never-ending line to spend a few minutes with Rivera.