The Road to Dream Colleges: Seniors’ Hard Work and Dedication Pays Off

Redwood Rangers class of 2025 faces the beginning of application season, starting the conversation of dream schools and how to be prepared.

By: Isabella Guijarro

As seniors begin their final year, many look toward their dream colleges. For some, this means attending a prestigious university. For others, it may mean finding the perfect fit for their unique interests and goals.

The prospect of attending a dream college holds immense significance for many seniors. It’s not just about furthering their education; it symbolizes their hopes, ambitions, and the beginning of a new phase in their lives.

As the due date approaches, many students find themselves thinking about which college best suits their dreams. California State University (CSU) applications are due November 30th, 2024, and University of California (UC) applications are due December 2nd, 2024. Personal insight essays for UC have also been posted and seniors can now review them and get to writing.

Isaiah Williams, ‘25, says, “I’d say my dream college is Fresno State, because I visited there when I was around 13, and the campus is really big and they have a lot of interesting programs.”

Amirah Najem, ‘25, said “I’d like to go somewhere like UCLA because it’s a really good school with a really good rep, and I like the idea of being in a city. It has good academic programs but the city itself is a good place to be.”

In the hunt for a dream college, seniors spend many hours perfecting their applications, writing compelling essays, and preparing for standardized tests.

Many seek extracurricular activities and leadership roles that show their well-rounded personalities and dedication to their passions.

Redwood senior counselor Maria Cabrera says, “[Students should] get involved. The sooner the better. And if possible challenge [themselves] to take the advanced or rigorous courses because they will give the experience of how to manage the workload, but also [their] time which is essential when transitioning to college.”

Redwood senior counselor Aubrey Buchanan says, “[Students should] apply themselves. Turn in their homework and go to class because if a 4-year college is a goal for them then their grades matter throughout high school. As a counselor, I am a firm believer that college is not for everyone and they don’t have to go to college after high school, but they have to have a plan.”

Wesley Ball, ‘25, wants to go to Harvard University. He says students should “Get involved with school activities because they’re really fun, don’t overthink it, and don’t procrastinate that much.”

CAL Poly dreamer Rylee Solis, ‘25, says “My advice to lower classmen is keep your head down and keep working. Work as hard as you can, get involved in all the school activities because time flies by super fast.”

As students prepare for college, they must also confront the prospect of leaving behind family and friends as they embark on a journey of independence and responsibility.

Najem says, “I’m not too torn up about it because I can always reconnect and I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life.”

Williams says, “Fresno State isn’t that far so I’m not really worried about my family, but I’m not too worried about my friends, because everybody eventually goes off and does their own thing, so might as well be ready for it.”

As the college application season begins, they eagerly expect acceptance letters and weigh their options. Ultimately, the journey toward the dream college is a completion of hard work, perseverance, and relentless determination.

The achievement of being accepted into their desired college is a reflection of the hard work and commitment that seniors have put in throughout their academic journey. It signifies the start of a thrilling and promising new phase in their lives.

Ms. Buchanan says, “It’s going to be a good year and the seniors will have a ton of help between Ms. Cabrera, me, CSU, and UC representatives, exciting times.”