Image courtesy of Segerstrom Counseling

As early as freshman year, students can receive an understanding and step by step guide to college readiness.

As of August, the college application season has begun. Week by week, student conferences roll around while students gather college information to eventually make a final decision in their senior year. Since college admissions have already opened and October deadlines are coming up,  Segerstrom seniors should start their applications as soon as possible. As the rest of Segerstrom students, do not feel left out. There are a couple of things to know before your senior year even begins so this way, you will be more prepared as a senior. As a courtesy to Segerstrom Staff, let’s kickstart your understanding and provide early measures for college.

Before you begin your application, there are crucial things you need to know, especially if you want to begin your senior year as efficiently as possible. You should understand what is happening, know what is expected of you, and when it all takes place. First and foremost, it is important to prepare yourself mentally and realize that whatever happens is meant to happen. There are no bad questions and there is no shame in asking for help. Most, if not all students don’t know what to expect, so here’s a breakdown.

1.  Research

The college you choose to attend has to be researched first. You should begin this as soon as possible. Don’t let that discourage you because you can do research in a matter of days yet it can take months. It depends on how thorough it is because it’s all a matter of exposure. You can use the internet to begin your research and even attend visits/talks with college representatives. With your remaining time in high school, you should identify your values and qualities. These values could help you determine your future school and major, such as liberal arts, trade, and academics. Not only should schools be analyzed for what they can offer, but you should also consider where you fit in, specifically in terms of grades, test scores, and social aspects. Another factor to be considered is the academic rigor, as the culture change may be vastly distant from high school. A major consideration is the affordability, and if you are in a situation to handle it. If not, there are scholarships available to pay for it, among other opportunities.

“Before I had done any research I thought I was interested in something else. I thought that work instead of school was the plan, but looking more into it I realized automobile work at Santa Ana College sounded interesting and would give me [a] fun new experience with what I like to do,” said Abraham Rojas (12).

2. Organize

The key to great research is organization, whether it’s written or typed, having them for reference is vital. Create a list of schools you’re interested in, then look into the admissions and statistics of the school. Does this school require standardized testing? Is it a private, public, or community college? Is the school extracurricular-focused or academically focused? By organizing ahead of time, you will cut down your college stress in half.

3.  Timeline 

Once your list of schools has been made, create a timeline for each school, regardless of how determined you are on them. Luckily, UCs and Cal State have the same deadline of November 30th for regular admissions. You could consider early admissions if attending a certain school is your top priority. Early admission could mean a variety of different things. For many schools, it could mean Early Action, which means applying early with no obligation to attend the school if accepted. On the other hand, an  Early Decision is applying early with a binding (obligated) attendance contract if admitted. Note that various schools might have even more binding and non-binding alternatives. Look into what works for you.

“My list has changed since my freshman year but I’ve always had an idea and the [number] of schools went from like over twenty to like nine, so I think knowing which schools are a priority and by when to focus on each is going to come in handy these next few weeks,” said Valerie Santiago (12).

4.  Get a move on

After you have the list and the information, continue to be proactive. If you haven’t done so, create a professional email that is primarily for college. Remember that first impressions matter, so keep it appropriate. Next, open accounts for the appropriate platforms with that email. These platforms include; the Common App for Private schools, The University of California website for UCs, and The Cal State website for the Cal States. Opening these accounts and working on the initial framework such as your personal information is key. Completing your broad information on the application will allow more time for your essays and personal statements. It will take time to write your essays and your statements. You should allow yourself to brainstorm what is worth writing. Until the writer in you takes over, and have some fun with it. In the meantime, get to know some of your peers and staff better.

Make sure to take some initiative during your college preparation. Always try to get good marks, and make yourself worth recommending to colleges.