As the final year of high school approaches for 2025-2026 seniors, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty for your future. While what’s coming up next may seem completely overwhelming, there’s plenty of support and resources available for students around campus. Whether you are considering college, a vocational school, or entering the workforce directly after graduation, it’s important to remember that the choices you make now are not necessarily set in stone, and everyone’s path will be unique to them. There is time, and there is support; students just need to take the first steps to find out what feels right for them.
I was fortunate enough to be able to interview one of our students’ most important resources, our guidance counselors, Jameelah Cordano and Norma Teague. They were kind enough to answer some questions regarding the college application process. According to Cordano, “Some common mistakes students make when applying for college are: Procrastinating, making careless mistakes, missing priority deadlines, and submitting incomplete applications.” These mistakes are critical and easy to avoid! Make sure that you are creating routines and schedules for yourself to stay up to date on important events, and checking your applications more than once before you submit them.
Your application needs to be strong to improve your chances of being chosen by the college you are looking to apply to. When asked what makes a strong college application, Teague gave a strong answer. “CSU applications only require you to list your academic history, so a strong GPA and rigorous courses are highly recommended. UC applications consider your academic history as well as personal insight questions that you should use as a way to highlight your personal strengths. Common applications for out-of-state colleges and private universities may ask you to write an essay about yourself, as well as including letters of recommendation to highlight your character.” A great college application will look different depending on the type of college you are applying to and what that college is looking for in their applicants.
However, before beginning applications, students need to know what colleges they are interested in. It’s natural to want to find the “perfect” school, but the truth is that many schools could be a great fit for you. So, how does a student go about finding the college or university that is right for them? According to Cordano, “They need to look at the schools’ websites to check out what the schools have to offer; they should research the cities where the schools are located to make sure that it’s somewhere they’d want to live. Other things to consider are campus size, student-to-teacher ratio, and majors available at each school.” Instead of stressing about one dream school, students need to consider what environment they believe they will thrive in. Remember – college is what you make of it.
Finally, know that you are not alone. Whether it’s proofreading essays or talking through your options, don’t be afraid to ask for help. As stated by Teague, “Start early to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Take breaks–applications are not intended to be completed in one sitting. Upperclassmen can make sure they are breaking down the application process into manageable parts. And don’t forget to check in with your counselor when you feel stressed or need help with your applications.” Wise words from our wise counselors.
Preparing for college is a journey filled with choices, discoveries, and personal growth. It’s okay to feel nervous, but try to remember that you have been more prepared for this over your years in school than you might think. It’s important to take it one step at a time, and remember that college is about more than where you decide to go, it’s about what you do with your time there.
