The time has arrived when childhood seems to be ending, major decisions are being made and everything seems to be a “last.” Years of effort, community service and late night study habits have been put to use as college application season came to an end.
The process may have started early for some seniors at Middle College High School, while others found themselves getting hit with deadlines. From August through December, seniors have spent their days filled with endless thoughts on their futures and the realization that it’s entirely in their hands. Writing essays, evaluating transcripts and meeting with counselors became an everyday thing. Some students may have felt relaxed and fully prepped for that time in the year while others may feel differently.
Some seniors like Oscar Hernández had underestimated the time and energy needed for the applications.
“Looking back, I would definitely start earlier, one of my biggest regrets was starting and completing my USC Film Supplement in like three days—that should have taken me a whole month,” Hernández said.
While some students may have faced the stress head on, others sought out extra guidance.
Senior Kimberly Tovar believed mentorship played a big role in her application process while involved in the Nicholas Academic Center [NAC].
“I believe that the person who helped me throughout the process would be Brian Vasquez, the College Access Assistant at NAC. He encouraged me a lot through all the inspirational things he would say, helped me brainstorm all my ideas and put them into writing when I needed help. He was always there when I needed assistance,” Tovar said.
Senior Emily Parra-Diaz felt similarly about NAC and how it changed her mindset about senior year.
“The people who helped me the most throughout my college process were mentors at NAC. Without my NAC mentors/coordinators such as Brittany, Eduardo, Ami or Lesley I would’ve not been well grounded during senior year in general,” Parra-Diaz said.
As the end has come, the journey of application season can be seen as worth it in the end by seniors.
“I think all the effort I put into my college applications was worth it in the end because I got into all the schools I wanted, giving me different options to choose from,” Tovar said.
“Even though I didn’t get into my top choices, I’m still grateful that I got into so many places and I think some of the effort was worth it,” Hernández said.
Now, college decisions are being made, dorm shopping has begun and graduation is near. The season of stress may have come to an end, but new chapters are just beginning for the Class of 2025.
