Welcome back class of 2024! For seniors, this is the beginning of the end. Before it is
socially acceptable to miss school every other week, students have to get through the hardest part of the year: college application season. Between September and December, students take their first steps in the new chapters of their lives by applying to universities. It can be stressful, especially when you do not know where to start. Last week, seniors voiced questions & concerns they have for the upcoming year, and Luisa Suarez, the school’s CAP/college counselor answered them.

The questions asked were:
● What are some important things students need to know for college applications?

● How can students make up for some areas they struggle in? For example, if students have a low GPA or have low test scores.

● What are good strategies for students to use when deciding for schools? What schools should students apply to and how many?

● What is the single most important piece of advice you have for the class of 2024?

The hardest part of college applications is knowing what to do and how to do it. Ms. Suarez gives the key to beating procrastination, and avoiding unnecessary stresses that come with college application season. “College applications seem really daunting, and it can seem really overwhelming, but like everything there’s a way to start and you just have to start at the
beginning, and break it down.”

When students don’t excel in some areas, like GPA or test scores, they can become discouraged and lose confidence. Ms. Suarez explains alternative ways to achieve your goals, even if it is not what you had in mind. “The pathway might be starting at a two year college and transferring. The one big problem is that students feel that two year college is beneath them, and they need to get out of that mindset, because two year college is the same thing as starting at a four year university.” Students tend to not see the two year college as a viable option, and that only decreases their chances of succeeding long term.

Furthermore, good strategies for picking schools depend on multiple factors, but overall it is a personal preference. You have to enjoy the school, while also considering the financial cost.Ms. Suarez explains, “If you didn’t get the scholarships, you have to think smart: where can you get an education where you won’t end up with so many loans?” In Florida, there are many many kinds of financial aid & scholarships you can receive, for example Bright Futures. Overall, like Ms. Suarez says, “it’s very personal to the student, it’s not a one size fits all kind of situation.”

To conclude the interview, Ms. Suarez gave the class of 2024 key pieces of advice. “Always be inquisitive and ask questions. Don’t rely on what other people tell you. If you want something and you don’t know, you need to ask. Also, if you wait until the last minute, that’s what causes the stress, and the anxiety. If you chunk it, and do a little bit at a time and not procrastinate, the process will not be so difficult. Lastly, do not stress it. Usually, students do not know what it is they want to do at 17!”

To the graduating class of 2024, enjoy the little moments, and take in everything while
you can. These next months will be stressful and make you want to wish you were already gone,
but one day times and moments like these will be just a memory. All you will be left with is
feelings of nostalgia.

By: Catalina Fernandez De Cueto