“Hey, have you guys started on college applications?”
“Yeah, I am just missing my letters of recommendation.”
“I haven’t even started applying!”

Senior year means getting ready for what may come after high school. For many students, that means going to college. Here in Sting Town, the Class of 2017 is in the middle of the college application process.

Most seniors have applied to at least one college. At the beginning of the school year, all seniors filled out the Miami Dade College application with their English classes.

Ms. Leal, the assistant principal for curriculum, said, “We have students apply to Miami Dade to give them different options. Plus, when they apply to other colleges and universities, they already have an idea what the application process is like.”

The Application Process

Applications aren’t as easy as just putting your name, address, and major. Many require recommendation letters, community service hours, essays, ACT/SAT scores, and transcripts. For Anthony Rattigan, the most difficult aspect of the application process are the tests. “I haven’t taken the ACT, but I know that to score good, I must prepare for it,” he said.

Senior Noelia Garcia says, “The essay portion has been difficult because a lot of the essay questions are very personal, and I find it hard to open up about myself.”

Another difficulty for students has been meeting application deadlines. Senior Franco Hernandez says that this has been difficult because he is actively involved around the school, which doesn’t give him that much time to focus on his college applications.

“Trying to find extra time to fill out applications and write my essays has been hard with the amount of homework I receive,” said senior Maria Maldonado.

Miami High Resources

Miami High has some resources to help students with their college applications. Ms. Leal, who is in charge of passing out ACT/SAT waivers, said that students who need any help with applications or letters of recommendation are more than welcome to stop by the counselors’ offices.

The biggest advice Ms. Leal can give to students is to start early. Beginning freshman year, students should keep their GPA’s up, and every year students should challenge themselves. Juniors should begin taking the ACT or SAT. “This way when senior year comes around, students are not struggling to meet college requirements,” she said.

Where are Seniors Applying?

Many seniors are applying to schools all over the state and nation. Senior Vanessa Jaime said, “NYU is my dream school because of how amazing New York is and I would love to go to college out of state.”

Senior Michael Acosta’s dream school is FSU because he grew up in Tallahassee and he has fond memories from living there.

Some seniors already know what they want to study at these schools. Dany Franco said, “I want to major in software engineering at FIU because it’s my passion and it’s something I’m good at. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the salary is big.”

Felipe Martinez wants to major in business at UF because he believes it’s a versatile degree.
On the other hand, Brenda Sanchez is undecided because she is interested in the medical field, but also wants to join the Navy.

At the end of the day, anything can happen, which is why some seniors have backup plans. Senior Kayce Reyes says she will go into cosmetology if medical school doesn’t work out. Senior Linda Walters says that if UF doesn’t work out, MDC is a great and cheap option.

Other seniors don’t have back up plans. SGA 1st VP Anthony Rattigan said, “I don’t need a backup plan because I know what I want and I am ready to go all the way.”