Seniors, the time has arrived to begin applying for college after graduation. This is a culminating chapter in your lives as all of you will decide your future by applying to the university of your choice.
Regardless of the college you decide to attend, this process is filled with excitement as you have the opportunity to showcase the work you have done over the years to the universities. Applications open early in August and the deadline is usually at the start of December, which varies by school year.
During the application process, it is important to stay up-to-date with information about certain colleges and the deadlines they have in place, especially private universities. Deadlines are important to ensure you send your application so the admission team has time to evaluate the application. If you need teacher recommendations, ask your teachers who know you best and can write a strong recommendation letter that defines the person you are.
When applying to a UC Campus, you must create an account on the University of California Admissions website. From there, you will need to be able to refer back to transcripts, and annual income, to input the data into the application.
Many resources, including College Consulting, are available to prepare and submit a college application. College Consulting provides its services, free of charge, to seniors interested in applying to a UC, help plan out PIQs (Personal Insight Questions), and much more. The teachers involved in the program include Ms. Baca, Mrs. Ramirez, and Mr. Nevarez. However, be sure to book an appointment as soon as possible because appointments fill up quickly. If you have any questions regarding the college application process, you can contact them by email or see them in person to see when they have a spot open; Mr. Nevarez: [email protected]; Mrs. Ramirez: [email protected]; Ms. Baca: [email protected].
The College and Career Center is available in A202 and can directly ask questions about colleges, permits, and internships.
Although a handful of students have plans to attend a UC or Cal State here in the state of California, some will venture out to nearby states or attend a Private University. Cal State is a great option if you choose to attend. Their programs will vary depending on the campus however each Cal State University has its benefits. Private Universities are prestigious yet that shouldn’t prevent you from applying. If your application is strong and competitive, then apply. Nothing should prevent you from choosing the universities you plan to attend.
To gather more insight into what universities to choose, we asked Mrs. Crespo, the AP English Lit/English 10 teacher to discuss how to prepare and advise she has for seniors. When asked about the factors a student must have in mind when choosing the universities to attend, they should consider “their professional goals, so thinking about what career they want to pursue” and find a college that is most suited for that career. She commented that put in the time to research the university and decide whether their criteria meet your goals for the future. Mrs. Crespo commented how one of the mistakes students make on their college application is “not sounding like a person.” Her message was clear, and relates to the phrases we hear around us; it is okay to admit flaws because not everyone is perfect. A flaw in our lives proves to others that we display growth.
Mrs. Crespo discussed how the best writing happens when “they’re walking or even talking with other people and they’re relaxed.” She emphasized the importance of keeping your mind open and suggested: “doing the writing without being in front of a computer is so important.” At the end of the discussion, Mrs. Crespo commented how this fall is the most exciting period of the application process because “they are (students) trying to see which doors they want to or which doors they want to try to open.” This ties back to the importance of exploring which universities satisfy your goals and communicating with others to gather more support. “In my opinion, I think students should take a breath and enjoy this process of all the many opportunities they are lining up for themselves,” Mrs. Crespo commented.
It’s important to note, Seniors, to continue to stay informed about all updates from the universities of your choice, make sure to submit your applications on time, and don’t procrastinate. It’s best to submit the most accurate information rather than sending data that is simply done too quickly and with no prior planning. This information can be useful for future Seniors to learn about the application process and ensuring to have communicate with Universities. Make sure to check your emails constantly for updates and additional information about the campus.
On a final note, continue to stay on top of your grades. Your counselors are always there to support you and make sure that you graduate with 220 credits or more. Stay involved and make the most of your time, since this is your last year of high school.
We wish all our Seniors good luck when applying to the university of your choice. Have fun and apply for scholarships, either local or national scholarships.
