By Melody Palmerin and Amanda Arias
Staff Writers
As deadlines draw near, seniors rush to complete personal statements, financial aid forms, get teacher recommendations, and take their SATs.
That list does not even include applying to colleges, the long process of filling out your information and sending in your transcript. Or the most difficult part of getting accepted by multiple schools and choosing what school you’ll spend the next four years.
Preparing for college can seem hectic, however with the right preparation it doesn’t have to be, said Mr. Michael Scott, Bishop Amat’s college counselor.
College visits offered here at Amat have proven to be one of the most helpful tools for students. These college visits are offered to upper classmen, and even juniors and some sophomores.
Mr. Scott advises students to take full advantage of college visits.
“Students are able to better discern if the college is a good fit for them,” he said.
Sophomore Natalie Cuevas attended a Mount St. Mary’s visit.
“I learned that colleges are willing to help students out as much as possible and work with them on a personal basis,” she said.
Seniors are often unsure of what colleges to apply to. By going to the college visits they get more insight on what the school has to offer.
Senior Margarita Robles attended the UCLA college visit.
“I feel that UCLA is a perfect college for me because the college is still in the Los Angeles area where I grew up and since I don’t want to be too far from school and since the classes are good for my career it is a perfect choice,” Robles said.
After meeting with the recruiter, she said her feelings were reinforced.
“I am definitely going to apply after going to the meeting,” she said. “I feel strong about wanting to go there. It would be a great honor to be accepted there.”
The representative from Cal Poly Pomona said students get more insight by going to the recruitment sessions.
“They see how competitive it is to get in, all the majors and minors, honors programs, housing, campus life, and possible scholarships,” she said. “By coming they get the more realistic views of coming to college the whole reality of choosing your majors and paying tuition.”
At these sessions students are able to ask about possible scholarships and financial aid.
Senior Sara Bautista said she learned about these things at the Mount St. Mary’s visit.
“I really like that everyone can get scholarships and most schools are willing to help you out, especially private schools,” she said.
In addition, students who attend these visits can learn what’s required to apply.
“Students absolutely must attention to deadlines and e-mails from colleges,” Mr. Scott said.
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