College Application season is one of the most stressful periods in a high school student’s life. It becomes difficult for students to juggle college applications, school, extracurriculars and life in general. Pressure is also increased if students have to do multiple applications. With this demanding time one may wonder if the students of HP receive enough support in terms of getting college applications done and reviews.
For the most part, HP’s seniors are satisfied with the support they are being provided and their progress on their applications.
12th grader Ashley Pineda shares “Especially this year I feel there was a lot of support because not only do we have the counselors in the college center but we have GEAR UP which is supporting our class…and we also have other programs like UCLA EAOP, ETS, TELACU”.
Most complaints rather come from the fact that the applications themselves have a lot of components and the sheer time consuming nature that comes with them.
Senior Maria Alvarez when asked about any improvements that could be made to the college application process expressed her thoughts stating, “Starting earlier, having workshops in 11th grade and help during summer”.
12th graders have expressed their frustration with not being more prepared prior to senior year. However in spite of this they still express gratitude towards the many resources they have in the school such as advisory teachers emphasizing college prep, the college center, Gear up, etc.
One of the resources seniors have in our school is the GEAR UP 4 LA team. GEAR UP provides an abundance of support in terms of college applications such as logistical support, reviewing Piq’s, as well as emotional support and encouraging students. GEAR UP has followed the class 2024 up until their senior year until the program ends after their first year in college.
Ms. Martinez, academic advisor for GEAR UP 4 LA when asked regarding students taking advantage of the support the school, GEAR UP, and the college center provide in terms of college applications shared,
‘“I don’t, that is where I feel the students need to pick up their own weight. I think a lot of resources are provided and students wait until the last minute to sign up”.
The issue comes with students as a whole being more proactive in getting their applications done. We see this in the various support students are being provided through various college advisors and workshop opportunities to get assistance with what they need. Therefore it does seem many resources are being provided; it is just a matter of students reaching out for help.
Written by: Janelle Herrera, Opinions Editor