From Students For Students
Hear from students just like you!
Interested in attending in attending a specific university but don't know much about its atmosphere or students?
Well, on F.S.F.S hear from scholars from underrepresented communities who managed to break the status quo and are now attending amazing universities. We hope that hearing these stories will be a catalyst in helping high school students reach their goals and fulfill their potential despite their socioeconomic status.
Raymiro Gomez-Galiano
University of California, Class of '24
Major: Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change
During high school, Raymiro became College Club President at his school with the goal to bridge the educational gap. He facilitated and created field trips to universities for students at his school. As he was visiting these universities none of them seemed to click. However, his junior year he wanted to do something outside of his comfort zone and that was participating in a higher learning program. He states, "At first I kept hitting walls, every summer program was expensive! But fortunately I came across the Bovard Scholars program". The Bovard Scholars program is a residential free three-week program that helps high-achieving low income rising seniors "gain admission to and succeed at the nation's top universities". Raymiro was reluctant to apply but because of his hard work he was accepted. At Bovard he came to love USC, he loved the campus, the people, everything.
After the summer of Bovard Scholars came college application season. Of course application season is not all sunshine and rainbows. Raymiro applied to 30 colleges and was rejected by half. He was of course disappointed but still awaiting his response from USC and he got in! He was also accepted by the University of Berkeley but he chose USC because he felt at home there. Raymiro states, "They believed in me when no one else did".
Email: gomezgal@usc.edu
Alena Jarretto
University of Arts London Class of 24'
BA in Contemporary Media Cultures
Elena spent her childhood in England and her desire to study abroad made her venture colleges in other countries. While researching she found the abroad college experience was very unique and found that the University of Arts London was perfect for her interest in media studies.
UAL comprises 6 colleges spread around London. Though there is no one campus, sports team, or greek life, the city itself makes up for it. With many places to visit and explore, UAL is a great college! As an art school, students are all very open-minded and accepting. “Collaboration is preferred to competition" at UAL.
Her advise: Figure out the three most important things to you in a school (major, school size, social life, resources, location) ---Don't over-write your essays. Pour out as much as you can in one go, leave it, then edit it later ---- Don't apply if you can't see yourself there! --- Sleep on it. If you are struggling to decide between 2/3 colleges, go to sleep and commit to one school, see how it feels…
Email: alenajarretto@gmail.com
Anthony Delgado
Duke Class of 24'
Major: Possibly Pre-Med!
While in high school, Anthony applied and was accepted to the college prep program “USC Bovard Scholars”, to which he attributes much of his pre-college journey. His interest to study pre-med made him choose Duke above all other schools (primarily for weather, school life, and proximity to home). He believes Duke is a “hidden gem of top tier admissions” for its top rank in biology and policy majors. He was matched with Duke when he took part in the Questbridge National College Match!
Anthony believes Duke's social life is great! A senior at Duke once told him "of course as a top school everyone wants to be the best, but nobody will tear each other down to get there". With events and celebrations like tenting, sports, and food, he has always loved it. There is also a great amount of Greek life he'd like to explore further!
Lastly, he suggests using the optional writing prompts in the admissions application as a way to express yourself even further. These will help admissions officers see the most of who you are and the community you bring to their school.
Eric Loza-Corona
Northwestern University, Class of 24'
Major:Industrial Engineering/Economics
Initially, Eric was applying to Northwestern merely because it was a partner of a program he was in called Posse. Posse is a foundation that recruits and trains young leaders from 10 cities to eventually get matched with one of the schools they partner with and receive a full scholarship.
Through the process, Eric came to love the school. According to Eric, the reasons he was attracted to Northwestern were because it has a great economics program, it is a Division I school so it has amazing school spirit, it is in the Big Ten, and in a beautiful location right along Lake Michigan. Eric describes the atmosphere of Northwestern as academically competitive though not as cutthroat as other top-tier institutions.
Eric's advice: "DO NOT start your essays last minute. This will cause so much unnecessary stress (or tears). Do not be discouraged to apply to out-of-state schools and reach schools; it’s not all about stats. In the beginning, I was afraid to move out of state, but I now believe that it was best that I could do. Also if you’re planning to apply to NU, make sure you are prepared for the cold weather in Illinois".
Martin Moreno II
Georgetown University, Class of 22'
Major: Government
During his summer before his senior year in high school, Martin joined LEDA, a program that helps close the opportunity gap to students from under represented backgrounds. This program prepared him to apply to top-tier universities and wiill now be starting his junior year in Georgetown.
Martin chose Georgetown because of three reasons: offers 100% financial need-based coverage, specialized resources for first-generation students, and an urban setting. Georgetown has both a pre-orientation program (Community Scholars Program) and an active office on campus (Georgetown Scholars Program) to support first-gen students. Also, since it is located in a city there are numerous opportunities available such as internships to get real world experience. In Martin's words, "What better place to be than in the nation's capital!"
He describes Georgetown's atmosphere as fun and friendly! As a first-year, the school can seem pretty competitive, especially because of the exclusive clubs on campus, but as time goes on Martin says you soon realize you can be friends with anyone by having a class together, attending an event on campus, etc.
Martin's advice: "Advice to incoming first-years or others who are thinking of applying is that you need to reach out to current students. Current Hoyas (as we call ourselves) will be able to share their experiences with you! Don't feel intimidated to reach out as you can contact me and based on your interests, I can connect you to another Hoya who may share a similar identity, career aspirations, hobbies, etc. Also, another resource is to watch videos on Georgetown Stories (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC56ylmPGjs9hDfUZvhOA_Qw) which provides videos of current Hoyas and their experiences at Georgetown".
Destin Fernandes
Stanford, Class of 24'
Major: Sociology on a Pre-Law track
Destin was matched with Stanford through QuestBridge National College Match. He came to love Stanford because of its location, research opportunities, and its strong humanities and social sciences curriculum. Since not many students at Stanford major in the humanities or social science Destin believes it'll be more personalized to him.
Despite popular beliefs, Destin describes Stanford not as cutthroat as portrayed. Since it is a big school, there are opportunities available for everyone.
Destin's advice is to anyone applying to Stanford, "do not write your essays about what you think they want to hear but about your genuine interests and who you really are because the supplements really give you room to showcase that".
Natalie Rivera
Arizona State University Class of 24'
Major: Social Justice and Human Rights
Natalie graduated high school with her International Baccalaureate Diploma and was ready to take on a new journey. She applied to ASU because she felt that out of the instate schools in Arizona she felt most welcomed. She points out that the school covered all her tuition costs and that was one of the reasons why she chose ASU. It is a very friendly school and she states the culture there among students was very welcoming.
Her main advice for students in the application process is to not be afraid or go out of their comfort zones! She was initially scared to make this school her final decision as it was far from home. She then realized many students feel that same way and found that you can make many friends sharing those experiences.
Joselin Falcon
University of Arizona Class of 24'
Major: Law
Joselin graduated highschool with her IB Diploma and is now a rising freshman at the University of Arizona. She believes their care for education, their care for students, as well as their preparation for Law majors was the deciding factor for her applying.
U of A offers many opportunities for students to feel at home, build their own communities, and feel safe. The dorm system is composed of themed groups, both cultural and academic, and the school offers many clubs, intramural sports, and a recreation center for all its students. The school is very diverse!
Her advice for any student going into the college application process is to apply to FAFSA as soon as it opens. Not knowing where to commit is completely okay but suggests showing interest so that they keep you on record. “Don't be afraid to reach out to the school!” Admissions officers are always able to help.
Anna Whitley
Northern Arizona University, Class of 22'
Major: Psychology and Fitness Wellness
Anna Whitley is a rising senior at Northern Arizona University. Living in Flagstaff Arizona, she was able to move from home, have independence but still be close enough to visit family. She also chose the university for its amazing scenery and beautiful weather!
NAU has been a mix of activities for her. She usually spends her time focusing on school on the weekdays and hangs out with friends or goes hiking on weekends. She states that school is what you make of it. If you focus on academics, it'll be competitive, but if you focus on socializing then you'll have a busy social life. She suggests finding that balance between both.
Her advice is to relax. College can be overwhelming so it is important to find time for yourself. Instead of doing school work on Sundays she relaxes with friends. She wants others to remember that you will make lots of mistakes but try and learn from them!. “It's not the end of the world if you forget to do an assignment or fail a test. It happens. Just work a little harder next time and communicate with your professors.”
Rosario Peralta
University of Arizona, Class of 22'
Major: Veterinary Science
Rosario is a rising senior at U of A. While looking for schools, she wasn't all interested in attending U of A until she visited the campus. “The campus is so beautiful and really felt like home.” The school had a major specific to the career path she wanted, low cost of attendance, and it was close to home. All these together sealed the deal for her!
She says the social life on campus is very active. Living on campus the first year, there were always activities going on like movie nights on the mall, mini fairs, etc. They also have really active clubs both cultural and just things that you’re interested in. Though Tucson is smaller than Phoenix, it's a great city with lots of culture and art.
“College is really what you make it.” If you are having trouble adjusting, she suggests asking for help. All you have to do is ask! She believes meeting with your advisor and creating a plan to keep you on track to graduate is a great place to start. If you find you want to add a minor or change your major later don’t be afraid to do so.
