Do you plan on attending a four year University, or even a Community college? Senior year has either gone really well for you or has stressed you out to the point where you want to pull your hair out, but either way there’s no avoiding the college process. The issue not only derives from the many things you have to balance on your plate, but it comes from the fact that several of you don’t even have a clue of where to start.

Perhaps some tips on it will ease the weight off your shoulders. While speaking to some of the former seniors that attended Lincoln High, they provided some useful advice on how to effectively get by on these irksome months.

Bahaar Muhar, a current student at UC Irvine, shared some advice on the personal statement process. “Never ever ever procrastinate” she said. “The essays you write will be determine where you’ll be spending your next four years, so you want them to be well thought out and nicely put together.” And for juniors, she advised that they, “PLEASE START OVER THE SUMMER!” She stressed the fact that all Lincoln students should “spend a little time everyday writing stuff instead of doing it all the day before.” It also never hurts to have a little help, “have your English teachers read them over,” she said, “and make corrections to make sure they are perfect!”  

“I personally,” she continued, “read my brother’s and cousin’s [personal statements] and they really helped because it gave me a base of how I should format my essay.” Also, “counselors are there for a reason, they’re always available at the career center and they are super easy to talk to so get help from them.” A very crucial part, she said, everyone should keep in mind is to “avoid clichés!!!”

 Kenya Sanchez, also a former Lincoln student, talked about some of the regrets she had. One regret was “underestimating myself when it came to applying to private universities, I didn’t think I’d get accepted so I didn’t even bother trying to apply.” One thing all Lincoln students will have to remember is even though you do not think you will make it, try anyways because it never hurts to try!

 Start contacting your counselors now, so that you won’t be lost halfway in the process. Remember to log into your Naviance account for further help too. If you guys plan to apply to a private school, then remember to sign up on Common App. if you plan to apply to a UC, CSU, or Community College then make sure you go to UC Admissions , CSU Admissions , and CC Apply.

 If you don’t think that you can afford college then make sure you Contact Counselors, so that they can help you make a plan for that. There are many options out there like scholarships, financial aid, student loans or even NCAA for sports scholarships.

Nallely Nava, a Lincoln senior, said that “I cannot stress how important it is to study for these tests. The earlier the better!! Don’t put it off, because your score will show it!”

The ACT, and SAT are two very important tests that is recommended you submit when applying to almost all colleges. The SAT is a test that will test you on your math, reading, english, and writing abilities. While the ACT will have 4 sections: math, reading, english, and science (as well as an optional writing portion).