By: Donya Akhavon
Senior year means college applications. And with college applications comes complications. Having a proper application is so important. But it can be tricky to craft one.
Luckily, the students planning their way out of high school and into college have resources they can use. The XL Program, or the RHS Expanded Learning Program (in partnership with VUSD), is offering college application help to students.
Students can work on their College Applications, FAFSA, or the CA Dream ACT.
One of the COS advisers explained that “workshops are here to help students with their FAFSA applications and to either enroll in COS or another 4-year college.” When asked what FAFSA is good for, she said, “because they can be eligible for money for school. Any student can do it.”
Dani Vasquez ’20 has found the whole college thing a lot to handle and quite overwhelming. But, “the help did make it easier.”
Why are applications important anyway? What does one need to make a complete one?
Application forms, application fees, high school transcript, final transcript, admission test scores, letter of recommendation, essays, auditions, portfolios, interviews, extracurricular activities, leadership focus, and accuracy are all components of a well-rounded application.
And the essay is what helps you become three-dimensional. A way to transcend from your educational accomplishments and humanize yourself.
How have other seniors gone about their applications?
Praise Subejano ’20 says FAFSA took forever to do, and applications were something the school definitely helps a lot with. She says without that help, “I probably would’ve forgotten.”
She continues, “you don’t expect the day to come [for submitting], so you always have to be on top of everything.
The application allows colleges to see what you offer to the table. How eager you are to continue to grow, what you’ve accomplished during high school.
If you need help, the program meets every Wednesday and Thursday from October 23rd to November 21st to the RHS Library from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Tags: redwood high school, visalia ca