As high school seniors begin the college application process both in school and in their homes, they face a lot of challenges, making the application process a stressful moment in their lives. On Oct. 23 at McKinley High School, the first period of the class W124 went to T1 building to apply to their desired college. According to Ms Colleen Inaba, the College and Career Counselor, the most recent available percentage of students going to college was 63%. College going rate for the Class of 2023 was 63%. For some students, applying during school hours can be a daunting task.
My Nguyen (c/o 2025), applied during her English period. “I was surprised because I hadn’t prepared anything,” she said. “But the people there helped me with my application. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do it myself.”
Aaron Viloria (c/o 2025) attempted to apply during his own time. Previous preparations have allowed him to feel more confident during the process. “I had already signed up before the application was brought up in English class,” he said. However, he said, “The staff provided valuable assistance with specific questions.”
Shirly Yang (c/o 2025) has been applying on her own time. “It’s very stressful,” she said. “It feels like you never have enough time. There are so many things to sign and you’re just trying to keep up with everything. The application process can be overwhelming, with endless deadlines and mountains of paperwork.”
Joven Lapitan (c/o 2025), who also feels overwhelmed, said, “It’s all very confusing. There are so many steps. It’s hard to know what to do.”
For those who prioritize organization and efficiency, starting the application process early can provide significant benefits. Shanna Nguyen (c/o 2025) said that she had proudly applied to thirteen colleges already. Nguyen said, “If I hadn’t, I don’t think I could have been as productive or efficient.”
College campus tours offer students an immersive glimpse into potential schools. Philip Bunda (c/o 2025) said that a campus tour won him over. “I went on a tour to Kapiolani Community College,” Bunda said. “The campus was beautiful with an amazing view. I knew right then and there that I wanted to go there.”
However, for some students, campus visits did not significantly alter their decision-making. One of those students is Jian Xin Yu (c/o 2025). He said that although he went on a tour, it still did not change his decisions and opinions on which college he wishes to attend.
“I went on a campus tour at UH Manoa, but my choices remained the same,” he said. “I already planned on going there, so it didn’t really matter. I already know where I want to go.”
With countless college options available, students must carefully consider their preferences to narrow down their choices.
Sheenda Hauk (c/o 2025) said, “I checked whether they offered the academic programs,” Hauk said. “then, I ranked them accordingly.”
As students contemplate their college options, they often reflect on past choices. John Huang (c/o 2025) briefly expressed, “I wish I had done better throughout my high school classes,” Huang said.
Ana Lampon (c/o 2025) said, “I am content with where I am now and what I have done,” Lampon said. “I think that things would have been very different if I had changed the way I approached this. I think I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
Personal essays play a crucial role in the application process, but many students find writing them challenging.
Toan Tran (c/o 2025) said, “I haven’t written any yet. I don’t know how to start.”
Afton Kajitani (c/o 2025) shares Tran’s sentiment: “I haven’t written anything either,” Kajitani said. “I don’t know how to get started.”
Erin Britos, an English Language Arts teacher at McKinley High School, shared her insights on college application. She was one of the teachers assisting when students were in T1 building being supported by KCC and UH Manoa staff during the application process. Britos has said that it is very easy to apply with so many different online resources and tools.
“Having a college and career counselor who helps you is the best way to get a start.” Britos said, “there are online resources that provide samples of college admission essays which are easily found and researched to watch and learn from.” Additionally, she stressed that students must read more in order to excel academically.
“We are lucky enough to have a college and career counselor who helps the students to begin this process as juniors,” Britos said. “However, it is up to the student to do their own due diligence and research, to stay on top of their own goals to succeed.” Moreover, Britos gave some valuable advice.
Recommended First Step In Hawaii College Apps
Apply online through colleges or portals like UC/UH. “At the current time, applications are all processed online directly through the individual college or university,“ said Britos, before suggesting researching and preparing with the use of online resources and talking to the college and career counselor. In addition, practice interviews online as some colleges require one.
Getting Letters Of Recommendation For College Apps
Students should ask the teachers they have a good relationship with and give them plenty of time to write the letters of recommendation. “Students need to be blatant and organized and must communicate deadlines well in advance. This way the recommendation will be received on time,” she said
Things Colleges Consider When Choosing Among Applicants
“They look for students who are well-rounded,” she said. They mostly consider good grades in core classes, “B” as the average minimum, the student’s position and how well they do in extracurriculars and community involvement.
Britos suggested joining student journalism, government or council, or excelling in sports and academics will make a student a great candidate for college admissions.
