With the admission acceptance deadline closely approaching on May 1, many seniors have made their decisions.
A big part of senior year is choosing a college. Senior students begin to think about what major, career, and job that they’d like to pursue to continue their education. This process of planning for their future begins at the beginning of senior year or even during the summer.
Seniors do a lot of research when it comes down to picking schools to apply to. They must check if the college has their major, program, and more opportunities to advance in their selected major. After that research is done, applications are submitted to all of their schools of interest.
“I committed to San Jose State University because of the city, the job opportunities and also because it’s not too far from home but not too close,” stated Jocelyn Gonzalez (12).
Gonzalez will be commuting daily to San Jose State rather than living on campus to remain close with her family. This choice not only reflects her choices on family, but academic and career plans.
“I committed to that school because of the city, the job opportunities and also because it’s not too far from home but not too close,” said Gonzalez.
Now, picking schools to apply to is a major step to the process but so is applying for financial aid. All seniors filled out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid on Oct 1 for the upcoming school year of 2026-27. In this application seniors also added the school codes of all the colleges they applied to in order to be able to receive their financial aid package from each school.
To further aid seniors on their upcoming journey, seniors were able to apply for local scholarships which are scheduled to be distributed May 20. The Scholarship Ceremony Night will begin at 6:00 pm in the MPB to award students who were chosen for scholarships.
Many have recently accepted their admissions and are planning housing accommodations. Most will be living on campus, while others will continue school living off campus.
Kayla Celestine (12) said, “I committed to Xavier University of Louisiana and I will be living on campus.”
Celestine was offered a full ride scholarship as she recently attended Fresno’s Black Student College Expo. She committed to that school for its diversity, culture and location.
“I want to live in New Orleans when I’m older and this was the perfect opportunity to take that chance. My major is also well provided there.”
Students moving away from home will experience a new world surrounded by new people and opportunities. Through this, they will also be marking a step towards adulthood in which they will be in charge of themselves and managing their finances.
Celestine said, “I am trying not to freak out honestly. I’m ready for this process, but I know that it’ll be hard at first. What’s pushing me through it so far is knowing I have support from everyone around me and that I’m making my family proud.”
As seniors continue with the commitment process, they have shared advice for others who will begin applying soon. Specifically class of 2027, who will become seniors this upcoming year.
Celestine advised, “I would tell juniors to definitely start early and do not procrastinate, it’ll just make it harder on yourselves and you don’t want that you’re in your last year of high school when you should be enjoying it. I would also say it’s ok to go into college undecided. You’ll barely be starting your “adult” life and it’s ok to not know everything at the moment.”
For seniors who haven’t decided or committed yet, make sure to make your decision before May 1. If you need any further assistance or information, contact or stop by Mrs. Vasquez at the College and Career Readiness Center in room 703.
