High school juniors should use summer for college preparation

While students are celebrating high school graduation in the Borderland, it may be a crucial time for those who still have one more year of high school to begin preparing for college.

At Del Valle High School, the Go Center is a place for resources to help students navigate the college application process.

Go Center specialist, Julie Rodriguez said if students are serious about attending a college or university, the summer before senior year is critical.

“In the summer months they should be working on their essays,” Rodriguez said.

Often the application process asks students to write a personal essay describing themselves.

Rodriguez said it is not about listing accomplishments or accolades, but more about telling a university what the prospective student has to offer.

“I want to advertise myself to colleges. I want to make myself look as good as possible to get their attention,” said Eduardo Garcia, a junior at Del Valle.

Garcia has his eyes set on the University of Texas at Austin after high school in 2019. He was accepted into a summer program at the university and is set to leave later this month.

Rodriguez also recommends that students should start researching the colleges or universities they want to attend.

“General college application deadlines are as early as December first,” she said.

Students should have a list of at least five college they want to apply to so they can keep their options open.

Rodriguez said soon-to-be seniors should track all deadlines for college applications, scholarships and financial aid.

“The pressure is starting to turn up,” Garcia said.

He said the Go Center has been a major factor in preparing for college.

“I really love this place. It guides you in the right direction,” he said.

Other tips students should take into consideration; deciding which teachers students want to request recommendation letters from, scheduling campus visits and reassuring class schedules meet requirements for enrollement.