Like most other teenagers in the 21st century, I'm an avid user of the Internet. So when it came to deciding which colleges to apply to, I based my choices on the websites of the universities that had my major (information that I had also found out through some online searches). When it came down to making my final decision on which college to attend, however, the websites that the Internet had to offer could not even compare to the experience that came from visiting the campuses themselves.
Are you willing to commit the next four years of your life to a school that you have never visited before? Pictures and statistics mean very little. What you do need to know before you make one of the biggest decisions of your life is how you feel on the campus. Can you see yourself walking around the campus? Do you like the atmosphere of the school? How about the location? Would you feel comfortable with the other students?
All these questions, along with about a million others, raced through mind as I began my college visits. In a single day I visited both UC Irvine and UC San Diego. I went on the trip thinking that visiting Irvine would be a waste of my time; from what I saw on their websites, UCSD had taken the cake. It was only after I was able to walk around both campuses and see everything for myself when I realized that I actually loved Irvine's open and friendly campus and that San Diego, although right by the beach, just wasn't the right place for me. If I had not personally visited the campuses, I would have never known this.
So I continued on my quest to find a school that impressed me even more than UC Irvine had. The moment I stepped onto the UC Los Angeles campus, I knew I loved it the most out of all the other schools I had visited. There was just something about its expansive size, gorgeous buildings, and social inhabitants. I could see myself walking around as a student in the fall. After this visit, I thought for sure that I would in fact be enrolling at UCLA for my freshman year of college.
That is, until I revisited the University of Southern California. I had been on campus a few times in the past, but I had gone with my mom and hadn't had much time to explore. In fact, all I remembered about the campus was the Admissions Office. So when I went this time, on my own, I was really able to ask questions about my specific major, talk to current students, and get a feel of the campus. And, let me tell you, UCLA completely slipped out of my mind as I walked around Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism (where my major is concentrated at USC), realizing that there was no more competition. This was it.
Although I had loved the neighborhood that UCLA was in, USC was the school for me. I have always been the kind of person who loves adventure. So although I didn't feel completely at home on campus, the feeling of wonder that I had was the perfect indicator for me that USC was for me; I didn't know every corner of the campus and I loved the fact that I could look forward to finding new things when I attended. Even though USC's website told me that Annenberg is one of the best schools for Communications in the country, it wasn't until I took a good look around campus that I knew for sure that I'd become a Trojan in the upcoming months. So go out there and interact with each campus! Trust me, visiting prospective schools is definitely not a waste of time. Go explore!

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good information you

write it very clean. I am very lucky to get this tips from you.

Great sharing this.

The world was created by a single thought! Go to theory.box.net/shared/medkshtyoa to read it for your own advantage to get an idea to everything based on the purpose of your existence!

I enjoy reading the report, too. It′s easy to understand that a journey like this is the biggest event in ones

life.

thanks for great informations It's a wonderful

I've been looking around www.latinosincollege.com and really am impressed by the exceptional content material here. I work the nightshift at my job and it is boring. I have been coming here for the previous couple nights and reading. I simply wanted to let you know that I have been enjoying what I have seen and I look forward to reading more.

Fabiola, it definitely can get a bit confusing but once you check out all the campuses you have thought of going to, you'll come upon one that will top all the others. In my case, there were two of them (UCLA and USC) so then it's about which one is the better fit for you: socially and academically. Then there's always that gut feeling that will help you choose!

Horacio, I'm glad to hear you had the courage to pursue your dreams even when you were not 100% sure! That is how I ultimately made my decision; USC had the best program for my major, Communications and after going to several on-campus events since my decision, it has only been reaffirmed. I'm glad to hear you also found your happy beginning!

Sonia, I initially made my decision for USC because of the strong program for my major. Soon after, I attended several on-campus events, such as a Latino sleepover, and I saw just how well I fit in and stood out at the same time. This just made me so happy for choosing the school that my gut feeling had told me to choose! At UCLA, I felt like just another number; at USC, I felt both right at home and as if I was in a crazy adventure story. That mix was just right for me.

Juan Antonio, thank you so much! Well my weighted GPA last year was a 4.67 and now, with the AP classes I'm taking, it's at the maximum 4.5. Hope this information helps you in some way!

You were lucky to be accepted at many of the schools you applied. What was your GPA if you don't mind sharing with us?

It sounds like you had lots of fun at USC and UCLA. I'd like to know more specifically what made you feel that USC was the one after you had decided that UCLA wsa the one.

I went to visit UCLA and it felt too large for me when I first visited. Yet, it offered the right programs so I ended up enrolling and now I'm very happy here.

Isn't it confusing when you visit so many campus and you actually like most of them??? I'm gonna start visiting colleges this summer and the way you describe the visits, it makes me feel like I don't know how I will know which one fits right.

I sat down at my laptop, nervously shifting in my seat as I waited for the chiming clock to tell me that 5:00 p.m. had arrived. As I waited, I moved my mouse around the screen, stalling, waiting until I could click "Enter." In just a few moments I would see if one of my top college choices had either made my day and accepted me or if I had to treat myself to some sympathy chocolate.
The nervousness bubbling in my stomach was topped only by the lead I felt pumping through my system. I had already been delayed when I had to put together a mental search party for an email with my Application ID on it, and finally, when the moment came, I feared my hands would be immobile-frozen by the anxiety that oozed from my every pore. But then I heard my annoying clock sound the hour and I was snapped back into reality. I focused nearly all of my attention on clicking down the left side of my mouse, crossing my fingers with my other hand.
"Congratulations! It is our great pleasure to offer you admission to UCLA for the Fall Quarter 2010." After my years of hard work, one of my top dream universities had accepted me. In addition, the University of Southern California, University of California Los Angeles, University of California San Diego, University of California Santa Barbara, California State University Los Angeles, California State University Fullerton, and University of California Irvine - all amazing universities - wanted me, Carol Ciriaco, to join their prestigious community of students. Although I had not yet heard back from Harvard or Stanford University, I had already made it into 7 out of the 9 schools I had applied to. Wow.
If you would have told me this a couple of years ago, I probably would not have believed you. It has always been one of my biggest wishes to make into the colleges of my dreams. And, let's face it, we live in a world where not everyone gets what they want. But look at me. My dreams came true. I worked hard (picture me studying on Friday nights instead of going to every single football game, highlighting AP test prep books like there's no tomorrow, and taking notes in class for my own use), I gave it my all, and I made my fantasy into a reality.
No, I'm not bragging. I'm writing all this because I want all the Latino students out there who don't think their dreams are realistic to see that they are! Every single one of you has the ability to make it as far as you want to in life. Let me be an example for anyone and everyone who has ever doubted themselves, for those who don't think they can. Latinos, follow your dreams; they're not as high up in the clouds as you may believe.

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Vicente, it was a very tough decision but I decided on the University of Southern California (USC). In the end, their stronger Communications program, which I plan to major in, was the last straw. Their connections with the media and print industry are also insane, so I feel that I would be able to excell at USC like at no other school. For anyone else who's trying to decide, choose the college that has the better program for your major. Afterall, it is about your future.

Thank you so much Jill! Wow, it's an amazing feeling to think that I could inspire such a driven student like yourself. Best of luck with the application process! You'll have plenty of time to prepare, just check out this website if you have any questions.

CONGRATULATIONS ANTONIO! It is an amazing feeling, right? USC was my dream school, and when I got the huge envelope in the mail my heart nearly dropped in pure joy. I hope you have an amazing time in college!

Sonia, thank you for your support! And yes, hopefully my blog will hold some helpful information for your niece. Well, unfortunately, both Stanford and Harvard did not accept me. My motto in life is "everything happens for a reason" though, and I believe that even if I had gotten into those schools, their Ivy league educations would not have prepared me as much for my intended field of work as much as USC will. It's about what school is right for you; although the University of Southern California is extremely prestigious, I chose it because of their Communications program.

Congratulations Carol! I'll have my niece read this exciting blog. What happened to Harvard and Stanford?????????

Got my acceptance letters too! Got into University of Chicago, my dream school! What a great feeling. I wish everyone could feel this!

Wow Carol, congratulations! You're an inspiration to me. I'm a sophomore in high school in Dallas and I would like to go to college. I hope I can make it so that I have some choices like you!

Wow Carol, congratulations! You're an inspiration to me. I'm a sophomore in high school in Dallas and I would like to go to college. I hope I can make it so that I have some choices like you!

Hey Carol, great story!! I hope you share your desision here. How will you decide now? How does anyone chose the final school if you have several good options? Good problem to have I guess.

As many seniors in my class prepare to graduate, there are those who are struggling to earn the last few credits they need in order to be a part of the group who will receive their diplomas in June. There are also those students who already know that they cannot walk with their own class because they are too behind in credits and their grades are too low to be considered “passing.” The problem is that too many high school students don’t know HOW to make up these credits before it’s too late. So if you’re an underclassman and you’re wondering how to get a jumpstart on making up those classes that you didn’t do so well in, here are some of the most common ways to do just that.

1. SUMMER SCHOOL- I know it doesn’t sound very appealing. Spending your break in a classroom is not exactly the ideal. But if you’re behind, it’s crucial that you get yourself right back in the race as soon as possible! The earlier you start either making up your failing grades or improving your “D” scores, the less you’ll have to rush later on in high school. So take advantage and talk to your school counselor about signing up!

2. ADULT SCHOOL- Adult, or night, school courses are usually available to students from 11th grade on up. So if you’re still working on getting those credits by the time your junior year rolls around, these afterschool classes can be just what you need in order to catch up. Make sure to talk to your school counselor to see where the nearest adult school classes are offered.

3. COMMUNITY COLLEGE- Many community colleges offer courses for high school students who are looking to either improve “D” grades or make up a class that they failed. These classes, like those taken at night school, run throughout the school year. School counselors will have more information about which junior colleges in your area offer these programs.

Again, although more school may not seem like fun, think of it this way: if you make up your credits now, you’ll be able to graduate and not have to take extra classes later on while all your friends are going off to college. So sign up now and give yourself the chance to get into the university of your dreams!

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Hi Carol, thanks for this suggestions. I'm not looking fowrard to taking summer classes but I may have to. My grades are not that great and I'm a junior. I don't want to delay graduation so...

Suni, many community colleges work with local high schools to help students make up missing or failing credits. Go talk to your school counselor to find the school nearest you that offers these programs! And yes, they're usually offered both during the school year, as in NOW, and in the summer. Best of luck!

Elizabeth, I'm so proud of you for doing what you need to do to graduate! Many kids give up hope and don't try to make up those credits or they wait until it's too late. So start now! I wish you the best of luck. Remember, I'm here if you have any more questions!

Nathalie, it is a shame! Please make sure to refer anyone you know who's going through this to our website so that they can see what kind of help they need to graduate, so they can learn from others who are going through the same thing and see that they can do it. Thanks for the support!

Sarita, thanks for the support and the input! And no, as long as you have the credits, it should not affect your chances of getting into a good school. In fact, making up any lower grades you have will show how dedicated you really are!

I saw someone from Latinos in College on CNN yesterday and heard some ideas on how to page for college. Could someone talk more about starting at community college and transfering? How does it work? Doesn't taht affect your chances to get admitted into a good school?

I know a bunch of kids in this sitauation and most just decide to quit even when they are short a few creits. What a shame!

Thanks Carol, I'm a little bit in that position and was getting desperate. I spoke to a few of my teachers and they suggested I take courses in the local CC. I have no choice. I HAVE TO GRADUATE!!!!!!!

I didn't know I can improve my grades at a community college. Where can I find more and how does it work? Do I do it during the school year, like now?

As my senior year winds down, I find myself going up against a whirlwind of distractions. With college applications in, it’s sometimes easy to think that all the hard work is over and that the vacation has begun. But that’s not how it works.

What most teenagers do not realize is that acceptance into a university is not guaranteed. If your grades slip or you get into trouble either at school or with the law, a college can easily revoke your acceptance and give it to someone who they feel is more responsible. What I’m saying is that you have to read the fine print; sometimes even dropping a class during second semester can equate to problems with admittance into a university.

So instead of thinking as this period of time between application deadlines and acceptance letters as a time to live it up, think of it as a time to apply for scholarships and other forms of financial aid (see my previous blog on how to apply since the FAFSA is due very soon). Relax, but never ever stop trying in your classes just because you feel secure.

You’ve worked too hard to let it all go to waste. So keep your head up and keep reaching for your dreams!

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Mario, like most universities, Harvard will not let me know of my acceptance or rejection until March or April. Some other schools that have already sccepted me include Cal State LA, Cal State Fullerton, and UC Irvine. There are a few other UC's and private schools, such as USC and Stanford, that I applied to; I'm eager to hear back from all of them. Choosing the right college is tough, but it should be based on your major as well as many other things. Check out Bianca's blog on choosing the right school!

Lili, if you do not fulfill all of the requirements you said you would, such as when you drop a core class or main activity, or if your grades suddenly drop, a college has every right to accept someone who did do everything they promised. So be careful!

Shawn, ignoring your schoolwork for partying is always irresponsible, especially during senior year when your grades are so crucial. So don't let senioritis get to you! You don't want all of your hard work to be for nothing in the end, so keep on working hard even after you receive your letters of acceptance!

Susanne, thank you for you imput! I hope everything works out for you. Just keep on working hard because everyone deserves a second chance!

Hi Carla, hope I can jump in with a comment. The issue here is completing the specific commitments that you have listed in your application. This includes:

(1) completing your classes in good standing (basically, As and Bs)

(2) finishing volunteer hours or club membership commitments

If you do not have any specific requirements to fulfill, I would suggest talking to your volunteer supervisor or host organization about scaling back your hours a bit. This is understandable, and would be a lot better then stopping completely.

Also, the people who have helped you coordinate your volunteering should be the first place you start looking for scholarships. These people are well connected and work with students often. The next one should be the websites of the schools you applied to (and of course, LatinosInCollege.com!)

I really thought everythign was already set when you sent your application in. Should I contineu with all my volunteer activities too>? I need time to find scholarshipsQ!!! Any help there would be great!

Yes, I'm one of them and I regretted it when I got some offers revoked! EVERYONE Should heed Carol's advice on this one

Hi, you got a point, i know a lot of kids that partied their whole senior year and then they got dropped from the college they applied to because their grades dropped. How's stupid is that?

I didn't know colleges could do that,if you already sent your application isn't that it?

Did you hear back from Harvard? Where else did you apply to? How did you choose your schools? I'm tyring to decidewhere to go and have no idea how to start makig decisions. Any suggestions will be welcome, thanks.Mario

I walked into the crowded Starbucks, dressed as nicely as I could so as not to look ridiculous among the coffee and tea drinkers in weathered jeans and printed tees (I opted for a plain, well-fitted, and neutral-toned blazer, scarf, pants, and boots), and looked around nervously. I felt my heart thump its irregular rhythm as I searched for a young Asian man wearing a tie. This is it, I thought. Years and years of envisioning my college interview had finally come to an end. In a matter of minutes, I would meet my alumni interviewer and the moment I had stressed over since I first set my heart on attending college would no longer be a mere figment of my imagination.

As it turned out, I had nothing to be anxious about. I had been so worried that the interview would be scary or awkwardly formal that I forgot that my interviewer would be a human being— someone like myself who knew how to laugh, smile, and give advice. I had forgotten that they had gone through the same process and that they were there to get to know me and to vouch for me as I applied for acceptance into one of my dream universities: Harvard.

Since I had prepared for my interview by making charts that included all of my extracurricular activities, awards, and community service (with descriptions of my roles and an estimated count of hours per week dedicated to the activities), I made it easier for my interviewer to get a sense of who I am. Another thing that helped me with my interview, which was really a conversation regarding my hobbies, ethics, and reasons for wanting to attend the school, was being myself; I left the nervousness behind as soon as I met my interviewer and let my bubbly and driven personality show through. I was confident as I explained my passion for helping Latinos graduate from high school and college, as I talked about my strong connection with friends and family, and as I stressed my commitment to my educational career; my mind was clear, my thoughts were collected, and my integrity was obvious.

So for all of you out there who are worried about taking that next step towards going to college, don’t be! The whole college interview process is not as scary as everyone makes it seem, I promise. Just make sure to discuss the qualities you have that make you a unique student, including the fact that you’re a Latino who’s trying to beat the stereotype and make a name for yourself in this country, dress for success, and really let the interviewer see you for the amazing and intelligent person that you are. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your upcoming interviews, feel free to ask; I’d love to help you guys out in any way possible!

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Eladio, there are a number of things that schools look for in possible students. Everything from inteligence to well-roundedness to the ability to communicate will be tested in your interview and application. But it's not that scary! As long as you are yourself, the best you you can be, then you have nothing to be afraid of. Rejection always hurts, but knowing that you did your best means that you will get accepted somewhere that is right for you. Oh, and it was only at Starbucks because it was an alumni interviewer (Harvard is to far from California for me to go there just foor the interview) so it was less formal.

Interviewing for schools like Harvard would be terrifiyng for me. What determines where they interview you? Starbucks doens' t sound like the best palce for me

Thank you very much Susan! I hope that students and adults everywhere can take your advice and make it work for them.

Carol, I'm an adult who works in recruiting, so I interview people all the time. You're absolutely right that there is nothing to be anxious about. Especially if you're prepared, which it sounds like you definitely were. The interviewer really just wants to get to know you as a person. And if you're so tense that you clam up and can't say much, that's going to be a problem. Letting your personality show through is the perfect approach. Good luck with getting into Harvard!

Adriana, you should be very proud that you went through the interview process and allowed yourself to explore new frontiers! I'm sorry to hear that you realized the school was not for you. I'm sure you will find one that is very soon if you have not already!

Eduardo, although the interview was mandatory for Harvard University, it is not required for all colleges. Some universities make interviews optional, and you can choose to take one no matter what your grades are. Make sure to check on the websites of the colleges you apply to in order to sign up for one if needed, either online or over the phone. My interviewer was an alumni from Harvard and we met at a Starbucks because I live in California and there is no way I could travel all the way to the campus just for the interview. Best of luck with your college applications!

Natalia, thank you for your support! The questions were fairly general. My interviewer asked about my extracurriculars, my hobbies, and my passions. They also asked me to describe a few of my favorite books and their impact on my life, my stance on immigration, and what made me want to go to the school. But before you use these questions to make flash cards for your interview, let me tell you this: the best thing for you to do is research the school, programs you want to go into, and your own life. Most importantly, don't stress; this interview is all about you, which is something you should know quite a bit about!

Lina, I typed two pages or so worth of tables, one for each of the following: extracurricular and school activities, awards, conferences or special events, volunteer work, and travel experience. I included a brief description of each along with the hours of dedication and the date earned. I then printed out a copy of these charts and gave them to my interviewer when they asked me about my involvement in my school and community. Make these charts; they'll help your interviewer see how organized you are and they'll also save time for more discussion, letting your interviewer really get to know you more!

And how about the info you gave him? did you hand him the info about your extra curricular activities or just used your notes to jot your memory?

Wow, I'm so impressed Carol! You inspire me and many others. It would be great to hear some of hte questions he actually asked you.

Congrats Carol! My question is how did you arragne for the interview? Is it mandatory to have one when you apply? How come you did it in a Starbucks instead of in the college itsefl? and Will they interview anyoene or just you because you have good grades or soemthing?

I had an interview a couple of weeks ago and i was soooooo nervous. It turne dout it was the wrong school for me but I'm glad i did it.

With the American government hovering on the brink of making some rather large changes, it seems as though a couple of well-known groups are banding together in support of a pressing matter—immigration. While many important figures have been open about their anti-immigrant tendencies (think Lou Dobbs), support for this movement has continued to grow, becoming stronger and stronger as more ‘radical’ changes have been proposed to Congress this year. Along with the health care reform bill, Obama has been pushing for a new immigration policy. Many say that if the health reform bill is passed, the chances for a new immigration policy to pass in Congress, one that would work in the favor of supporting activists, will greatly increase. One of these groups of supporters is the Catholic Church, whose 2010 postcard campaign stresses the importance of pushing the issue of immigration to the top of Congress’ list.

As Antonio Cube, a national manager for the U.S. bishops’ Justice for Immigrants project said in a recent interview, the Church “want[s] to increase Catholic grass-roots support for immigration reform, but [it also wants] to show members of Congress a strong Catholic voice and strong Catholic numbers in support of immigration reform.” Seeing as how over 70% of Latinos in America are Catholic, this assistance seems rather fitting. But Catholics aren’t the only supporting group; other religious groups, such as those of the Jewish faith, have joined in on this pro-immigration movement.

Although the issue is ultimately in the hands of the government, we as Latinos and as Americans have a voice. We have the power to let our voices be heard on one of the most powerful and emotional issues that this country has ever faced. If different groups from all over America can band together to support a common cause, then so can we. Let me know what you guys have to say about this issue!

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Did you see last night's episode of Desperate Housewives?????? Gaby and Carlos tried to use their "Mexican" card at a private school to get their daughter in and the kid didn't even know she was "Mexican"! They had a whole thing talking about people denying their roots, latinos living in mostly white areas, like they should only live amongst other latinos so they are amongst their people and they don't forget where they come from. What a simplistic point of view! Wonder who else watched it?

Ursula, I have to agree with you. Not all immigrants feel that way, and many say that they shouldn't. America is a country of equal opportunity and everyone should have a chance to achieve their dreams.

Luis Maria, they say that passing the health reform bill will increase support for the pro-immigration reform and open new doors. So let's keep our fingers crossed!

The transition from high school to college is a scary one indeed. But there are plenty of things that you can do to make it smoother and less intimidating. You can start now and take some courses at a junior college to get the hang of things. AP classes also help you get into the college rhythm because they're college-level courses. Also remember to talk to your school counselor and check out our links!

Carol, can you talk a little bit about transitioning from high school to college? How can I prepare so that I am not so nervous?????????? Thanks!

Nobody's paying attention to immigration right now, it's all about healthcare reform. Who knows when they will pick it back up? Politicians only remember Latinos when they need our vote!

Why is it that Mexicans who get legalized are against legalizing other mexicans? Kinda 'close the border behind me' thing? I don't get it. We shoudl all support each other

Mark, thank you for your words of wisdom! I agree with you; I believe that as Latinos, we need to show some strong examples of high powered Hispanics in the march to fight stereotypes. Keep on reading and showing your support!

Juan, thank you for your comment! Yes, the Catholic Church and Jewish community seem to be in support of immigration, basing their beliefs on the idea that immigrants have family in the U.S. and that their ancestors were also once immigrants. I believe that their support is important to the pro-immigration cause since they have far-reaching power and influence. What do you think?

Wow, this is a great topic. I didn't realize the Catholic Church was supporting immigration or that hte Jewish contingency was either. Do you know what they would support? Do they want all the undocumented immigrants to leave? Or are they supporting legalizing everyone? Just curious. I agree with you on the fact that we should join our voices to help this reform pass.

This is a difficult topic that is dividing the nation. Most Hispanics are not recent immigrants and the public thinks we are all illegal. The media only covers bad stories about illegal immigrants and doesn't give a chance to all the others out there doing great work and succeeding in this country and contributing to the economy! I say we show them more examples of professional Hispanics by sharing more of our personal stories.

Let’s face it; no matter what grade you’re in, time is always a rare, precious gem that seems to disappear just when you need it the most. Between essays, projects, exams, extracurriculars, sleeping, and eating, the hours seem to go by in mere minutes, the days in a couple of hours. But in order to get everything done, you need to learn how to maximize the time you do have. So here are a few of my favorite tips on how to stretch your time to fit your schedule and minimize stress.

1. PRIORITIZE. Playing video games until two in the morning should not come before that essay that’s due in two days. If you want to succeed, you have to give the things in your life that matter the most some priority, whether you want to or not. Don’t take on more than you can chew either; you want to be well-rounded in your activities, but you don’t want to be drowning in dozens of activities. You can be the judge of what you can handle. Be realistic and commit yourself to the things you do choose to pledge yourself to, including your education!

2. MAKE A DAILY TO-DO LIST. I know this may sound like a bit too much, but writing down what you have to do will clear your mind and help you create a schedule. By planning out your responsibilities, and prioritizing them at the same time by marking the most important items, you will have the chance to make the most out of the time that you have. Make sure to cross out items as you complete them. Trust me; these lists will make a huge difference, as long as you stick to them!

3. USE A CALENDAR. This goes hand in hand with the to-do list. Mark important dates on a calendar that you have easy access to 24/7 so that you’ll never forget special events or due dates. Use this calendar to allot yourself enough time to complete all the necessary requirements before a project’s due or before your next job interview. Keep it up-to-date and always nearby.

4. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Don’t leave things for later if you can do them now. As soon as you get a big project, start it. Dive right in, even if it means just working on smaller aspects of it. This way, when you come back later (and by later I mean soon), you won’t feel overwhelmed by the total project; you’ll feel as if you’re just picking it up again. If you start something right away and do a little bit every day, you’ll have more time to do other things and you will be less stressed. Think about it, no more having to pull an all-nighter to finish a big essay! Start early, finish early, get ahead. That’s my motto.

5. CREATE A STUDY SPACE. We all know how hard it is to work on homework and watch television at the same time. This is why I find that creating a study space is helpful. You’ll probably need a desk, good lighting, a quiet atmosphere, and any supplies you’ll need in order to complete your work. Sometimes it’s hard to find a quiet place to think and work; that’s where libraries come in handy. Do what you need to do to focus on your work; only then will you make the most out of the time you have available.

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Clara, that is very true. I know how it is when you have a pile of homework in front of you and you get the call to go to the movies or the mall... That's why it's important to manage your time so that most of the time, you have all of your work done so that you can go out. Thanks for your comments!

Jenny, thank YOU for your support. I hope that these tips really do help you. Let me know how it goes!

Thanks for these useful tips. Will try to apply them.

And you also have to learn to say no to peer pressure. That's one of the things I find most distracting. When my friends text me and want me to answer right away or they are hanging out somewhere and expect me to join them when I know I have homework to do or practice. We all need to stay our ground a bit more.

Becky, as long as your mom is Latina and your are half, then you can qualify for most Latino scholarships. Just make sure to indicate your situation when asked.

John, I'm in soccer and track at my school and trust me, I know how hectic it can get. Try to do as much work as you can in class or during lunch if you have to. That way when you get home late from practice or games, you won't have to do as much work since you're tired. With the right attitude, you can easily fit sports into your schedule without hurting your grades.

Lizzy, if time still slips by even with a checklist, then try working on your concentration. Create a secure study space so that you can focus on getting your work done without being surrounded by distractions like texting, music, and television. You can do it if you believe you can!

this is one of the hardest things for me. Figuring out how to get everything done. It seems like my time slips away from me even when I write a check list. Maybe there's just something wrong with me and no easy way of fixing it.

These are all good tips. Any suggestions on how to fit sports with academics? I'm really good at basketball and I don't want my grades to suffer as I'm a junior...

My mom is from Panama so I am half Latina. Does this qualify me to get scholarships as a Latina?

As I was filling out my college applications, I began to realize that although I was very qualified for the schools I was applying to, there were so many more things that I could have done to better my chances of getting accepted into my dream school. Back when I was a freshman in high school, I didn’t know what it took to get into college, and therefore I didn’t prepare as much as those who did. That’s why I’m giving you guys a checklist to follow in order to maximize your college opportunities. Here’s a general guideline of what colleges look for in an applicant:

1. GOOD GRADES- This is probably the most important part of your high school career. Getting the highest grades possible means that you are a hard worker and that you have what it takes to go on to a university. Good grades also keep your GPA up. Since most schools have a minimum GPA, this is a very important factor of your acceptance. Try to take harder classes too, such as Honors or AP courses. Not only do these raise your GPA even more, but they also boost your chances of getting accepted into a school (as long as you get good grades in them). Continue improving your grades throughout high school and never give up. Reach for those A’s!

2. GOOD SAT/ACT SCORES- I wrote a blog about this not too long ago, but I will stress this again: PREPARE for those tests! They play a large role in a school’s student choices. These scores are used to reflect how well you will do in college and how prepared you are to move on to a university. Look for prep classes in your area and study as much as you can in order to get high scores.

3. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES- Colleges want well-rounded students! This means that you have to help out and be involved in your community. Take on a few extracurriculars that interest you and stick to them; don’t hop around and leave some behind. This commitment will show your dedication, and this is what schools are looking for in prospective students. Sean Diaz, a blogger on this site, wrote a great blog on this, so make sure to check it out also!

4. COLLEGE APPLICATIONS- This is where writing an amazing personal statement comes in handy! Take your time to write, revise, and perfect your college entrance essays. Also, follow my advice on how to receive solid letters of recommendation in order to help you get into that college of your dreams (see previous blogs). Sign up for a college interview if your school offers it! This will give you the chance to show the school exactly who you are, letting you bring yourself from the page to real life. The whole idea of the application process is to show schools why they should accept you, so do the best you can possibly do to show them how great you are!
Remember that your Latino ethnicity will also help you, as schools look for diversity for their student populations. Use this and everything above to your advantage. You are amazing, you are unique, so don’t ever give up in your pursuit of education. Let me know if these tips help

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It's good to talk about what's important to you, what you are passionate about, a specific cause you believe in. As Carol says, you want your personality to come through that essay so you are not just a number for those reading the application.

i'm writing my personal statement and i'm not sure how to make it differnet from what everyone else is probably writing

Ernesto, with personal statements, the trick is to let your own voice shine through. Colleges don't want to read a cliche story over and over again. They want YOUR detailed description and analysis of something unique that really changed your life or made you who you are today. Don't use big words if you don't usually use them in your vocabulary. Be professional, use proper grammar and spelling, but most importantly be yourself! If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to help; since I'm writing my essays as well, I know what you're going through. I wish you the best of luck!

For most senior students, this part of October is infamously known as “decision time.” You have a list of schools that you’re thinking of applying to, but you don’t have the time or money to go visit the campus. Applications themselves don’t come cheap, so you can’t send all of them in; you need to somehow narrow down your list of choices. You search the internet for pictures, student testimonies, and as much information on the schools that you can possibly find. I had this same problem… I wanted to apply to all of these schools but I didn’t know which ones were right for me.

Stressful, right? That’s when www.collegeprowler.com came in handy. This website is unique because it gives colleges grades for 20 different aspects of their campus life topics. Everything from academics and campus strictness to girls and nightlife fall prey to the truthful red mark of the website’s grading system. What I love about this website is that it brings the whole process of applying to college to a more personal level by making you feel as though you were on the campus itself; it goes as far as listing a school’s popular hang-out spots and providing quizzes that show you at which schools you will fit in the most.
College Prowler also provides a $2,000 no-essay scholarship that is awarded to a random student each month. So, basically, this website has it all! It really helped me single out a couple of schools to apply to and I’m sure it will do you some good to go and check it out. Go ahead, search up the schools you’re planning on applying to and see if they’re the right ones for you!

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Ismael, there are definitely many books on how to choose. I recommend that you check out our RESOURCES tab; you'll find links to websites that can help you with college selections. Community college is a good place to start, but the ultimate goal is a four-year university, so the choice is really up to you. Don't ever let anything stand in your way though, find a school that offers classes in the subject you're interested in!

Juan Luis, if you don't have that much money, then apply for need-based financial aid! Keep your GPA up as high as you can; remember, you can change your grades if you put in the extra effort. You definitely have many options, so don't give up. Check out our RESOURCES tab for links to financial aid help.

Larissa, thank you for your insightful comments. I'm glad that you recognize the hope and the hard work that Latinos everywhere are putting into breaking the stereotypes and making their dreams come true. Thanks and I wish you the best of luck in your educational career!

Did you guys see the CNN documentary about Hispanics? It showed very negative images of ourselves. It showed us as dropouts and losers. I wish they could see there are lots of us working our way to higher education and this site is a perfect example of young people who are involved.

I need to know how I will pay for school because right now i have a 2.4 GPA and not much money so i don't know if I have many options

I don't knwo how to start looking for colleges, if I should stay local or go away, try a community college or a four year school... Are there books about this topic and with the choices you can make?

If you’re applying to private universities like I am, you’re probably scrambling to find which teachers to ask for letters of recommendation. These letters are important because they’re one of the few portals into your lives that universities will get to base your acceptance off of. So here are a few tips on how to get some amazing letters of recommendation.

Make sure you choose your teachers wisely. Try to ask those teachers who knew you on a more personal level; don’t choose them just because you aced their class. Also, you should get letters from teachers who you had for a subject that pertains to your particular major, especially if it is a core class (i.e. English, History, Math, Science.) Create “brag sheets” for your teachers—this means that you write down all of your awards, classes, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work (along with the hours per week) in a simple format. That way, your teachers will get a look into your lives and have a better idea of what to write about. If you want your teachers to write about anything in particular, write a couple of paragraphs describing what you want them to include. Give these to your teachers AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE you need your letters for college applications. Also, try to sit down with them for a few minutes to generally discuss your letters. Remember that no matter how well they know you, the more information you give your teachers, the better your letter will be. SEND THANK YOU NOTES! It takes teachers a long time to write your letters of recommendation. They work hard to prove to colleges that you are an outstanding student and that you would be a wonderful addition to their institution. Take a few minutes out of your day to sit down and let them know how thankful you really are!

Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to receiving the best letters of recommendation that you can possibly get. Make sure to leave me comments and let me know if you have any further questions. Best of luck!

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Jackie, get to know your counselor. Set up a meeting with them and make the brag sheets for them also. They will be sure to write you a great letter of recommendation!

Alejandro, that is why your teacher selection is so important! Most of the time, your teachers send the letters in a sealed envelope and you waive your rights to see them before they go to the schools you're applying to; you can waive your rights to see them on the college's teacher recommendation paper. It is usually better to waive your rights because this shows that you don't have anything to hide. Pick teachers that know you well and hope for the best!

I need letters but I don't know any teachers well. Help! What should I do?????

What do you do when you see the letters and they suck? A couple of my teachers showed me what they wrote before they were sending them in and they were very stadnard letters. i ddin't know what to say but they are not going to help me in my admissions.

October. According to my senior calendar, it’s time to sit down and fill out college applications. Applying to universities definitely takes a lot of time. You have to report your grades, submit personal statements, and send in letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors (for private institutions). With so many students applying to colleges, the more information that you provide about yourself, the better chance you have of pulling ahead of the multitude of students.

Selling yourself in a couple of sheets of paper isn’t easy—especially if you’re like me and are planning to apply to more than one university. Thankfully, there are helpful websites that let you fill out your applications online, saving precious time and paper. Many state-run university systems, such as the University of California (www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/apply_to_uc.html), have online applications in which you can choose which campuses you would like to apply to.

There’s also www.commonapp.org, in which you create an account and then can mark which private universities you would like to apply to and fill out the application online. What I like about this service is that instead of filling out the same personal information over and over again, all you have to do is fill it out once and it will use it for each of your applications. The only section that you have to re-type for each specific application is the one in which you declare your major, which may change from school to school. For those schools that are not public and that do not accept the Common Application, like the University of Southern California (USC), make sure to check out their websites and see if they provide a similar system of online application.

With so many things to do and so little time to do it, these websites will surely help cut down on the amount of time it takes you to apply to the universities of your choice. Stop worrying about the amount of paperwork you have to fill out and make your dreams of going to college come true. Fill out your applications today!

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Fee waivers are available for students whose incomes cannot support the expense of college applications themselves; they waive the fee that comes with submitting your college applications. Fee waivers can be applied for where a university's application is found, online at the college's admissions page for example.

Question: you mention that there are fee waivers, how does that work? Who do I ask for them?

Armando, you have to choose the schools you want to apply to and fill out a few sections specifically for that school. Once you submit the application to a school, it will be sent to that specific institution.

Johanna, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Always have multiple back-up options available in case you do not get into your top choice school(s). You should apply for public institutions as well as private ones just to broaden your chances and choices. Just make sure that you would actually attend the schools that you apply to should they be the ones you get accepted to; you never know how admissions will be for your graduating class. Don't apply to too many though! Remember, although some fee waivers and online applications are available, each application does take some time to fill out and money to send in. Thank you for your support. Best of luck!

I'm not sure I undestand how the common application works. Does the school send it to all the schools you want to apply to? I'm not due to do this til next year but I'd like to know.

How many schools is it better to apply to? Just in case you don't get into the ones you want? I appreciate you sharing yor knoweldge with us.

Fall is here, and so are college applications. High school seniors everywhere are sitting down and filling out the packets that will determine whether or not they get into the school of their dreams. One of the most important things to consider when applying to colleges is the price tag. So let’s talk about financial aid: everyone wants it, everyone needs it. Here are a few simple steps on how to get it.

1. Before you start, make sure you have a social security number (www.ssa.gov), as well as personal data like your parents’ incomes, etc. Also, both you and your parents should have a FAFSA PIN number—make one at www.pin.ed.gov.
2. Go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov and fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Send this in as soon as possible after January 1, 2010. You will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), which will show you what financial aid is available to you, four weeks after you apply for your FAFSA if you sent in a paper copy or 72 hours if you complete it online.
3. Create a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, which you will need in order to receive financpial aid. It will cost $25 to set up, but will definitely help you in the long run. Go to https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp and sign up now!
4. Keep researching for scholarships! Check out our Resources tab to find out more information.
5. Go online to http://www.finaid.org/fafsa/ to see what kind of financial assistance your state offers.
6. When you apply to schools, make sure you ask about the financial aid programs they have for their students. Many private universities offer extra, non-state funded student aid just for incoming students like you!

Once you have completed the steps above, you will be well on your way to finding that financial aid that you have been looking for. Make sure to constantly check your CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and to always be on the lookout for new scholarship opportunities that may apply to you. The earlier you begin this process, the better chances you have of getting the financial aid you need, so start now. Best of luck!

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Marcos, if you do not have papers, then I would recommend applying for private scholarships because the FAFSA is federal aid and will not be given out without a valid social security number.

Can you apply for FAFSA if you don't have a valid social security? I want to go to college but I don't have my papers yet

You make it sound easy Carol and it is soooooooooo much work!!! this will help get me organzied though, so thanks.

what happens if you don't fil out the fafsa?

Maria, it is EXTREMELY important that you fill out the FAFSA. Without this form completed, you won't be able to receive most of the financial aid that you qualify for. No matter how scary the form seems, it really is not. Fill out your FAFSA and follow the steps from the blog and get your financial aid.

Jorge, I know it is a very long and tedious process. But the reason that it seems so easy is because it really is simple. The steps above outline what you need to do to receive financial aid. Follow them and stop worrying about the amount of work. If you start now, then it won't pile up on you and it won't seem like so much. Take your time, get it done, and get all the financial aid you can receive!

This week was busier than ever. Finding time between journalism, college applications, and my packed schedule, I again sat down to zero in on one of the topics that troubles college-bound teenagers and young adults the most. While looking through old National Public Radio (NPR) recordings, I stumbled across a topic that I feel frustrates not only this targeted age group, but also every Latino living in America.

Titled “At School, Lower Expectations of Dominican Kids,” this report shines light upon the racism that is used against Latinos in schools versus the discrimination that is not displayed towards Chinese immigrants. One mother claims that her son, an American-born Latino who speaks fluent English was labeled as “learning disabled” because of his race. She also says that one of her son’s teachers went as far as to tell him that “he was never going to amount to anything in life.” When the mother tried to fight for her cause, the teacher blamed her for her son’s label, saying that she was a “bad parent.”

Here’s my question: why are so many Latino parents automatically labeled as “bad parents?” Sure, some stereotypes are there for a reason—they’re there because they hold some truth. Like the fact that many Latino parents don’t have the money for extra tutoring, test prep classes, or learning programs. But neither do many other parents that come from non-Latino backgrounds. Many Latino parents weren’t able to go through the American school system, and therefore do not know how to coach their children through it. Should they be blamed for what they lack when other parents of different races are not? No, they should be given credit for what they do provide: warm hearts, a caring nature, and endless support. It’s not their fault if they cannot provide everything their child needs for success—that is why teachers are there to help students.

Has this, or anything similar, ever happened to you? Have you ever felt discouraged because someone judged you for being Latino? Let your story be heard. It’s time that Latino students and their parents alike stop being judged on their appearances. Instead of putting students down, teachers and the society at large should do their best to encourage and help them to succeed. Maybe then the stereotypes would start to fade away; maybe then Latinos would have a better chance of succeeding in their educational careers. After all, the constant bullying and demoralizing of Latinos only makes it harder to persevere. Be strong and show the world that Latinos are just as capable as anyone else; don’t ever let these harsh words and labels hold you down because in the end, it is up to each and every one of us to strive to change the labels. Keep on dreaming, believing, and persevering!

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I see this all the time and I want to be able to help break these stereotypes. What kind of activities can a school organize to send the message that parents care about their kids?

Yalitza, I'm glad that you have perservered and that you are pursuing your education. Thank you for being an example to Latinos everywhere!

Elena, this is true. That is why Latinos in College is here. It promotes education as well as parental support for education. It's important for Latino parents to realize that there are also ways to make a living once you have a degree in your hand. Make sure you tell them to check out this wesite as well as Mariela Dabbah's books!

Etelvina, gracias por tu apoyo. Si necesitas mas informacion por tus hijos en relacion al educacion, puedes buscar en este sitio por todo que necesitas. Gracias otra vez!

Edgar, I am really excited that you are supporting this cause! What you could do to spread the message is see if your school can hold parent meetings for Latino parents (and for others if they want the help too), kind of like a club, where all the parents can come together and discuss what their children need to get ahead in their educations and what they can do to help them. Parents who went through the American collegiate system can come and speak and give them tips. Try it out!

Yo soy una madre que se preocupa por sus hijos y quiero apoyarlos en todo pero a veces no se que hacer porque no he ido a la escuela aqui. Fui a la escuela en Colombia. No entiendo porque aqui no nos apoyan mas a los padres latinos para que aprendamos mas. Gracias Carol por tus palabras.

It's true that some parents don't have the money to pay for programs and such but others just don't thikn school is important. I have friends whose paretsn want them to work and help around the house and they don't see any value in going to college.

There are many stereotypes that affect us and the more we fight them to prove people wrong, the faster we'll be free of them. I'm a black Latina and because my mother worked (she is a single mom) she couldn't come to school meetings. So my teachers always asked things like: "your mother doesn't care about your education?" How do you exlain to them that she does but she can't make it to the meetings?I'm now in my second year of college and all thanks to her support!

As I sit here, thinking of what to write about, my mind keeps wandering back to the one thing about the college admittance process that stresses me out the most: testing. I’m talking about the infamous SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), the SAT II (subject tests), and the ACT (American College Testing). Taking these tests is not only a requirement for most colleges, but it’s also a form of competition among fellow classmates.

I started off on the right track. I signed up to take the PSAT, the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, my freshman year. I took it once and thought I was done with testing forever. That was a mistake. My junior year came with a mountain of stress as I awaited my March SAT testing date. Unlike many others in my class who enrolled themselves in SAT tutor since the beginning of freshman year, I didn’t go to tutoring of any kind.
Instead, I collected all of my old notes from my English and math classes and took a few practice SAT tests. In addition, I waited until one of the last testing dates of the year while most of my friends had begun their testing the fall before. As nerve-wracking as it was, it all worked out in the end. At this point, I’ve reached my target score for the SAT and am set to take my subject tests next month.

As great as this is, I know that if I had prepared more earlier on in high school, I would not have been as stressed. I believe that one of the reasons that Latinos don’t go to college is because they are intimidated by the tests that they have to take. I know that these tests are a bit daunting, but if you prepare yourself beforehand, the tests will be easier for you. So here’s my advice: sign up now. If you’re a freshman or a sophomore, start studying! Take the PSAT, enroll in SAT and ACT classes, and study as much as you can. Most colleges accept either the ACT or the SAT, so if you feel that both of them would be too much for you, choose the one that you feel you can do the best on and study for it before you take it. The same goes for juniors and seniors. Most colleges only accept test scores up to the November testing date of your senior year, so check out www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org to sign up now. Don’t let the fear of testing get in the way of your dreams of going to college; take your SATs, ACTs, and subject tests as soon as you can.

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Not all institutions of higher learning accept ACT scores. However, more and more schools are seeing the advantages of accepting both. The educational philosophy behind SATs is that schools use these scores to assess and judge what they PREDICT you will achieve in their school based on your past performance and what they can expect from you moving forward. ACTs are based on what you have learned and achieved. My suggestion is obviously to research both, find out which format is accepted at the schools you have chosen to apply to and then to practice, practice, practice. Unfortunately, our society has a created an environment where it becomes a pattern for educators across the board to teach to test well instead of teaching their students to learn. They receive a great deal of pressure to ensure that you test well since it all boils down to the flow of dollars into the school. This is why it is critical for you to take advantage of any supplemental help that you can access in preparing yourself.

My school doesn't offer prep classes for SAT and the guides don't seem to be enough. Any ideas of where I can take a class that doesn't cost like 2000 dollars? I'm in Harford, CT

Thank you for the support, Marsha! Enrique, you only have to take one of the two tests to get into college. So I recommend that you pick one, focus on studying for that particular exam, and do the best you can on it. Susan, here's the breakdown of the tests. The SAT tests on 3 subjects: Critical Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. This test lasts a little over 4 hours and includes 10 different timed sections. The maximum score for the SAT is 2400 points. The ACT focuses on English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional, but recommended, Writing section. With this extra section added, the test takes about 3.5 hours to complete. The maximum score for the ACT is 36 points. They are both challenging tests, but I recommend that you look up sample questions online and see which ones appear to be easier for you.

Liliana, sign up for the PSAT! Take it to find out where your weaknesses lie so that you can work on them before you actually have to take the college admission tests. Start off as early as you can to get the help you need to do your best on your SAT or ACT!

Sharon, I still recommend that you buy a test prep book to study from. Tutoring of any kind does not come cheap, but some are less expensive than others. Check out www.kaptest.com and www.princetonreview.com. Not only do these test prep companies have well-known and certified tutoring, but they also tend to have sales or rebates every once in a while. Right now, they are both offering special deals for SAT tutoring. Check it out and let me know if you need any more help.

oh i'm terrified of tests too!!! I'm a sophomore and I should take the PSAT but i don't want too. I don't test well so I know i will fail. And at the same time I want to go to college. HEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!

Can you just take one of these two tests instead of both? I rather concentrate on acing one.

Can you tell me the difference between the ACT and the SAT? Are they similar tests?

Congratulations Carol for not giving up. Testing is fearful for so many. Students are not alone. Adults are fearful of the thought of testing as well. But, you are motivated to achieve. Apathy and complacency are the true enemies to academic success. Whenever you think you have finished learning in your lifetime, you truly are finished. Stay positive, keep focused and success will be sure to follow. So often, parents don't realize that the time to consider higher education for their children is in elementary school. The ethics and values that parents instill and demonstrate truly make an impact. Remember that testing is merely one of the obstacles in your path. You sound excited about getting your driver's license. Think about driving as an analogy to testing. When you get to a stop sign, you stop and then proceed with caution. You don't stay there. Life is the same. Good luck.

A family friend, Stephanie Ainza, talks about her experience in attending college and in transferring from UCSC to UCB.

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself. What are your hobbies, your passions? How would you describe your personality?
I’m pretty outgoing, I love to meet new people, and experience new cultures. In my free time I love to read, write, and I enjoy a deep conversation over a good cup of coffee. I’m really passionate about learning and education as well as my faith, and of course, the environment.

2. How did you prepare for college? How did you feel when applying?
I was pretty involved in my High School, not for the sake of getting into colleges, but because I really loved everything I was involved in i.e., Volleyball, Basketball, ASB, etc. I was fortunate to go to a High School that I feel really prepared me for college, but I also worked really hard on my own and put a lot of time and effort into my studies. When I applied for colleges I was extremely anxious and desperately nervous—it was a very emotional process for me!

3. What did you take into consideration when applying to University of California Santa Cruz for your transfer to University of California Berkeley? What steps did you have to take to transfer?

To be honest, I didn’t take much into consideration when I applied to Santa Cruz because it was the same general UC application that you fill out. I had not given much thought to going there and was really hoping to go somewhere else. However, I loved my experience there and would not change it for anything. When I applied to Berkeley there was definitely more to consider. Academically, Berkeley is much more demanding, but that was the atmosphere I wanted to be in: one where I was constantly being challenged, growing, and stimulated. In order to transfer there were many steps that needed to take place. I had to do a lot of research to make sure I took all the appropriate classes that would transfer to UC Berkeley. I also had to do the application, which entailed 3 essays and the input of grades, etc. Berkeley also requires that you follow up in the winter with your fall quarter grades, making it necessary to maintain a high GPA. It’s actually extremely difficult to transfer from one school in UC to another one.

4. How different is college from high school? How did you deal with the changes? Did you feel prepared?
College life is different for me in many ways, but mainly because I went away to school. The social aspect of it probably brought the most drastic changes as I was now living 6 hours away from home, in a new city, with new people (I went to UC Santa Cruz knowing one person there). However, I made sure to get involved through clubs such as Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship. I joined Intramural Volleyball, and just met people who sat right next to me in class! Academically though, I felt very prepared. If I ever was uncertain about a certain assignment or paper, I made sure to ask my professor in their office hours. The most important thing is to not doubt your abilities; you were admitted to the university for a reason.

5. What’s your major? Why did you choose it?
I’m an Interdisciplinary Studies Major (in which you design your major and write a thesis your senior year) with my concentration being International Relations and Environmentalism. Choosing my major was perhaps the most difficult decision I’ve had to make yet. I struggle with wanting to study too many things! It really came down to choosing something that I loved and am interested in, and something that is also practical for me and for what I aspire to be. It’s true that if you major or take classes in things that are of interest to you, you will naturally do better; because you enjoy what you are learning.

6. How do you feel about being a Latina in college? Have you ever felt pressure from stereotypes? How has being Hispanic affected your choices and your experiences?
I have never focused heavily on my ethnicity in college because I feel people of all ethnicities are at the University for the same purpose. However, I have also learned how valuable individual cultures are, and how they truly are important to each individual including myself. I have learned more about my culture in college than I had the previous 17 years of my life.

7. Did you receive any scholarships, grants, or loans? How do you pay for college?
In order to attend UC Berkeley my parents and I have taken out loans. I am very fortunate and blessed to have parents who are supportive, and thus, they are generously helping me financially.

8. What advice would you give to other Latinos who want to go to college?
Go!! Please don’t let the fear of a big university, being far from home, or finances deter you from going to college. There are plenty of resources out there that will help you in any way, and there is definitely ample support for Latinos at every university. I have yet to meet one person who regrets going to college.

9. Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?
I am having the time of my life, and I only wish that every other person could experience what I am experiencing. It has been difficult many times, and was not always easy when the homesickness kicks in or when midterms and finals come around, but in the end, it has always been worth it.

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Dear Juana, If you're ready for Harvard now, I don't think you should let money stop you. Check out this web page showing how committed Harvard is to making sure affordability is not an issue. Feel free to email me or post again if you have questions.

I want to go to Harvard University but it's too expensive. Is it a good idea to start at a local community college and then transfer or will that be bad for my opportunities to apply to Harvard?

thanks for your response. I want to do soooo many things that maybe I should consider creating my own mayor, not sure my school will go for it.

No problem Laura. Creating your own major would be a good choice if you really want to do broaden your focus. If you want me to help you research for more information, email me at carol@latinosincollege.com and we can talk about your major more.

How do you transfer from a junior college to a four year school? I am starting at a local college but would like to go on ot a state school next. Not sure how it works. Thanks

Hi Carol, great interview. I learned a lot from Stephanie. Do you have info about schools int he East Coast? Is is hard to trasnfer from one State University of NY to another one? I´m in Ny and that´s where I´d like to go to shcool if I can

Can you tell me more about what the major that Stephanie did is about. What is she studying under Innterdiscipliarny Studies

Laura, Stephanie's major is International Relations and Environmentalism. This is a form of study that focuses on helping the environment all around the world. Is it something you're interested in, or are you thinking of also creating your own major through the Interdisciplinary Studies Major program?

Ines, thank you for your support! I'm very excited to know that this is reaching you all the way in New York. I'm sure that it is not difficult to transfer from one NY state university to another. Just like here in California, it consists of a process of application and meeting tranfer requirements, which vary from school to school. Are there any specific schools that you are interested in?

Pablo, there is an application that State colleges offer for tranfer students, just like they have one for regular freshman admittance. You should look online for the application to the specific school that you would like to attend and make sure that you meet the requirements so that you can have a clean transfer. Are there any schools in particular you would like me to help you find information on?

I sat down in the bleachers, ready to cheer on Wilson’s 2009-2010 graduating class as they received their diplomas. Names were called, people walked down the aisle—just like any other high school graduation. But it wasn’t. Even in my neighborhood, which is made up mostly of diverse middle-class families, I saw something that upset me: there weren’t enough Latinas receiving their diplomas. Some of the girls that I had spent time with in the years before were not graduating. Why? Sorry for the cliché, but why must Latinas always follow the stereotype? Why must the percentage of Latinas who do not graduate on time from high school with a diploma be 41%, according to MALDEF, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund?

MALDEF’s website says that a “new report highlights [that] Latina students face greater challenges than their counterparts.” I know that this is one of the major reasons that so many Latinas and Latinos don’t graduate. But I’m afraid that this very statement is also a reason why they don’t graduate. I myself have given up hope when people have told me how hard it would be for me to fulfill my dream because of the color of my skin and the birthplace of my ancestors. By now, I am sick of the stereotype and saddened by the high numbers of Latinos who don’t go on to receive a higher education. What I want more than anything is for Latina women and Latino men everywhere to prove the stereotype wrong. But we can’t if those who are struggling don’t get the help that they want or that they deserve. That’s why I want to hear your story; I want you to let your voice be heard. Share with me and let me know if there are any questions you have about school that I can help you with. Don’t ever be brought down by the statistics or the stereotypes. As Latinos, we have every right to fulfill our dreams in America by going to school—we have every right to break the mold. Don’t set your dream aside because you doubt yourself. I believe that there is always a way, as long as you keep on believing. We are strong, we are mighty, and if we can face all these hardships in our lives, then we can definitely complete the education of our dreams.

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Maria Marta, thank you for helping us expand our audience. Yes, I am 17, and many people tell me that when I am passionate about something, I write like an adult. So, you see, I am passionate about the advancement of Latinos! Thank you so much for your comment and I hope that both you and your children reap many benefits from this website.

Yesenia, you should check out www.thenationalcampaign.org for more information on how to prevent teen pregnancy. Susan, I believe that not enough emphasis is placed on education in the Latino community because the idea of working to support the family is placed on a higher podium than education. For example, my grandmother stopped going to school in the sixth grade; my grandfather barely finished high school. Sure, times are different now, but this age-old idea that education is not as important as earning a living still pervades parts of our society. The thing is that earning a living is much harder these days. If you don’t have a college degree, you most likely will earn less money. In these changing times, it is important for the Latino culture to embrace the change. It’s our job to get ahead, to persevere, and to use education to fulfill or dreams. Thank you for your comments! I hope I helped answer your questions.

Maria, that is an unfortunate incident that occurred. I’m sure that the woman did not mean to be harsh, but this just shows that the stereotypes placed on us as Latinos still exist. That’s why I work so hard to help you guys and to answer your questions. I want all of you to go to college, to graduate, to make a name for yourselves and take the world by storm. We are all equal in this country, yet the rates of Latinos that go to college and that graduate from a university are substantially low. I can’t stress this enough: education is the key to success. It’s the key to success for us as individuals, as Latinos, and as the Latino culture as a whole. Thank you for your wonderful insight. And great job receiving the award, I hope you continue in your success.

You talk like you are such an old person. But you're 17 or 18 right? It's very unusual for young people to have such a good head. You are going places. Congratulations. I've turned my kids to this site so they can read the things you and the others write here.

When I was in 10th grade I got an award in my school. I went to a friend's house later that day and one of his mother's friends, a white woman, asked if I was grateful to this country for the opportunities it has given me. I didn't know what to say... I was born in this country and shouldn't we all be tahnkful for the opportunities? She was singling me because I look Mexican (my parents are both from Mexico) and I hated that.

It seems as though not enough value is placed on education in the Latino community. Why do you think that is?

I'm trying to write a paper for school on helping to curve teen pregnancy. Anyone has any great ideas I should include? I'm checking out the Maldef site you mentioned but i wnated to include something more creative taht we could do

Hector, it is true that there is a high number of teen pregnancies for Latinas. This is one of the reasons why many do not gradaute from high school or from college. It is important for us as Latinos to try to break free from the mold and to continue on in our education. That is why I agree with Alonso and Rosa- the hardships we go through definitely make us stronger. At the same time, we have to prove the stereotypes wrong and pursue our futures with everything we have. Thank you guys for all of your support! I hope to hear your stories about school. Keep on leaving comments. Thanks!

I wanted to make a correction: it was Wilson's 2008-2009 graduating class that I wrote about in this blog. Thank you for all of your support! Continue adding your questions and opinions.

I hear these comments all the time, about not being college material or not being good enough to do this or that. I hate that people try to discourage me all the time. But you know what? That only makes me stronger!

People have always stereotyped me because I look what they think is a typical Latino. They don't see beyond my appearance and I think they don't give me (or people who look like me) all the chances we deserve, just based on what I look like. But I also think we have to make sure we work hard and we prove them wrong. If we continue to go by those same stereotypes we will prove them right.

I know a lot of friends of mine who don't use condoms. I think girls should not have sex with guys who don't want to use condoms. that's just my opinion

When applying for college, many students are so focused on getting into a well-known school right after graduation that they tend to lose focus on other options. One of the most convenient choices for college that some students tend to throw out the window is the choice of starting their postsecondary education at a community college, also called a junior college.

Community colleges tend to be stereotyped and even looked down upon as a place to start off at. Why should they be? These colleges give you a comparable education to what you can receive at a four-year university. Not only are community and junior colleges less expensive than larger universities, but they are also more local and convenient. In addition, they have open registration, meaning that they accept students without taking grades or test scores into consideration. You want to go to college but you don’t think you have the money for it? If you really want to go to a four-year university, you can shave thousands of dollars off of your education’s price tag by completing your general education requirements at the community college closest to you and maybe even living at home. Once you complete the classes that you need for your general education, you can apply for a transfer to the four-year university of your choice. What I personally like about this option is that you can use the years you spend at the community college to raise your GPA to the level that it needs to be to go on to a four-year university.

So, when you’re thinking about which colleges you’re going to apply for, don’t rule out the idea of beginning somewhere other than your dream school. A community college can help you get a feel for college while you get some of your coursework completed for less money. As Latinos, we need to use every resource we can to get ahead. Community colleges are one of the shining jewels in the bag of college resources. If you’ve had any doubts about your chances to get into college, stop worrying. A community college can be just what you need to become prepared for a four-year university. Don’t toss the underdog out the window, find out how a community college can help you get the education of your dreams!

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@ Maria
CC have a bad rap because they don't have requirements to get in so they are not competitive, many times they don't have the best professors and they are not that demanding. And let's not forget that fewer people graduate from them than from 4-year colleges

Alicia, that is why many people look down upon community colleges. But I say that we can change that. If more Latinos tranfer to a university after attending a community college, then their reputation will get beter as will the rates of Latinos everywhere geting ahead. Make sure to read my next blog- I'll be going more in depth about Latinos graduating from high school and going on to receive a higher education. Thank you all for your comments and support!

Yes, there are scholarships to study at community colleges. Lots of them! Check them out under the Resources section on this webpage and then click on Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Why do community colleges have a bad reputation? I'm at Westchester community college and is a good school. I don't understand it, they are giving students access to classes they can not afford otherwise right?

Maria, you are so right! Community colleges offer college classes for less money than well-known universities. That is one of the reasons why they are such a great place to start off at. How is Westchester community college working for you?

Are there scholarships to study in community colelges? i know you said they are cheaper but I still can't afford school and my parents can't pay for me to go. Thanks. I really like your blog :-)

I went to Miami Dade College and it has a good honors program so I encourage everyone to find out what their school offers.

Thank you for your input, Luis. I'm glad to hear that the college worked for you. Carla, there are definitely scholarships for community colleges! Check out the Hispanic Scholarship Fund- it's one of many organizations that offer aid for students. I'm really happy to hear that you are so dedicated to going to college. Keep reading for more helpful information. Thanks for the support!

We are all in the same boat; all of us are Latinos in school, on the path to a higher education.
The one thing that we do not all have in common may in fact be one of the most important: preparation.
I grew up in East Los Angeles. Where I lived, school was not that important. Many kids dropped out of high school, joined gangs, got jobs, and lived their life putting food on the table. When I moved to Hacienda Heights, everything changed. I entered a school full of Asian students- students who had been brought up living and breathing education. I was surrounded by hundreds of people my own age who had taken college prep classes since sixth grade, who had tutors for almost every subject, and who were prepared for the SAT from the first day of high school. I had never had any tutoring or college prep classes. When I walked into school the first day of freshman year, I did not even know what the SAT was! No wonder there is such a huge stereotype in our society. It is not that Asians are naturally smart and Latinos are born stupid. No, it is most definitely not.
The fact is that more Latinos grow up in poor neighborhoods where education is not stressed. That is why many of us freak out when we start thinking about applying to college. I know I did. I was stressing about applying to college too – I had good grades, but I just did not know what else I needed for college. Then I started talking to my counselors, taking college prep classes, and looking at latinosincollege.com. All these helped me to realize just how easy it is to apply to college. Just because you are not prepared right now does not mean that you cannot become prepared.
Do what I did: if you are stressing about applying, then ask questions. There really is not such a thing as a stupid question! Do some research on your own; websites like this one are here to help you prepare for college. Also, know that you are not alone. I am here with you, as are Latino students all over America. We can get through this together. Just start exploring your options and let me know how your preparation goes.
Are you ready to become prepared?

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Luisa, of course there are still options! There are Cal State Universities and community colleges. If you read my latest blog, you'll see that community colleges are a great place to begin your education because you can use your time there to raise your GPA in order to transfer to a four-year university of your choice.

What happens if you want to go to college but you have a 2.5 GPA. Do you still have good options? I'm a junior and I'm not sure I have a lot of options with my grades but i still like to go to college

Carol, thank you for sharing your own worries in preparing yourself for college and how you overcame them. It is encouraging to others to confirm that there are resources such as this website to help with any questions they might have. I agree with you 100% latino students are just as capable as any others and deserve the right to find that road to success. I hope that many more students can find inspiration in your words.

The reason I stress out is that my family needs me to work and they can't afford for me to go to college. They need my income so I have to postpone getting into school for a couple of years.

Linda Michelle, I see where you're coming from. I don't know exactly what you're going through, but I have seen it where I grew up. I just want you to know that you have options. Of course you can wait a couple of years, until your family can afford for you to go college. But you can also go to school part time while working. There's online courses and night school- you can start off slowly, maybe take one or two courses at an inexpensive community college. Whatever you do, don't give up on your dream. Support your family, but at the same time know that you can also go to school, even if it's only one class per semester at a junior college or online. If you want any help, I'll be here.

Thank you for your support, Marilu. It is important for Latino students to know that there are resources available to help them and that they are just as capable as anyone else to make it into college. I hope to be a good example for them, and with support like the one you gave me, I'm sure it is possible.

Summer´s winding down, and it´s finally time to begin planning, if you haven´t already, for the new school year.
Whether you´re entering your senior year of high school and working hard to get into that college you´ve dreamt of attending since you were a kid, like me, or already in college and preparing to transfer into the college that best suits your needs, like Bianca, one thing is certain: the time is now.
How prepared do you feel for the new school year?
Some of you may have taken summer school courses to get ahead while others of you might have spent your summer relaxing and mentally preparing for the new school year. You might have even done both, like I have.
Whichever road you have taken, all of you will end up in the same place- standing in front of the school gates and walking into that first class of the semester with a million questions racing through your mind. Getting ready for school is the same every year—get books, schedules, clothes, and supplies.
So here´s my best advice on how to mentally prepare for that moment of change: relax. Enjoy your last few weeks of vacation and go to the beach. Clear out your mind with a walk around your neighborhood or a day spent at a theme park with your friends.
Loosen up with these tips and wind down before heading back to school. Do whatever makes you feel free and rested. Find time to let me know what you´re doing to prepare for school and how you´ll be spending your last weeks.
Best of luck!

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Linda Marie, that's a good way to wind down before going back to school. So you like reading too? I have always found it relaxing. Oh and today I got my schedule and I am super excited for my senior year of high school too!

i´m chilling, reading things not relating to school, going to the movies seeing freinds and getting psyched about my senior year of high schoool

Thank you very much Mr. Britton. Oh wow, I have been reading a lot this summer. I do reccommend a play that I have just finished reading, The House of Bernarda Alba. It describes the life of unmarried women in a Spanish pueblo, and I found it to be both very truthful and enlightening. Hope you enjoy it and that you continue visiting latinosincollege.com.

Heather, thank you so much for your contribution! I have been taking summer classes too, and you are so right, they really do help. They keep your mind focused on learning. Summer classes not only help you get ahead, but they also help you retain the knowledge from the past school year. And, of course, they let you be at school during the summer when everything is more relaxed. It is truly a very exciting experience. Thanks again for the insight. I hope to see many more of your comments in the future! Keep me posted on how school is going for you.

I´ve been taking summer credits. I find that it helps to keep me in "college zone" and it speeds up my graduation :-) And it´s kind of nice to hang out in your school in the summer

Dear Ms. Ciriaco, I have followed your writings over the last few years with great pleasure; imagine my excitement when I found you here as well. Your perceptive stories have always left a smile on my face. I look forward to your future entries and wish you well at Stanford [though, of course, Harvard could use your talents as well --do give us a go, too, please]. Any good summer reading recommendations not involving vampires or wizards? [though I admit having a weakness for both, I was thinking more in the line of a poetry anthology or short stories]. Thank you and much success!

I´m a junior in hs and i need to do some voluntere work to graduate. I read you are with the girls scouts. I never did that but do you think i can get involved with them now? or is it too late?

Yes, you can still join Girl Scouts. Another way that you can become involved is through your high school. I reccommend joining a community service club such as Kiwins or Red Cross. Either way, you will have fun, meet new people, and earn community service hours. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Breaking Free of Peer Pressure
Peer pressure. It’s everywhere— whether you’re in high school, college, or out of school completely. Teenagers and young adults everywhere have come to the conclusion that in order to be liked, they have to fit in, and fitting in means giving in. It means turning your back on what you want to do in order to please those around you and to seem “cool.” Living so close to Hollywood, I see the media’s grip on society everywhere I turn. Teenage girls obsessed over the tiniest ounce of fat on their bodies, young adults turning to drugs to solve their problems, people lying and cheating their way towards the “glamorous” life portrayed in shiny magazines and idealistic motion pictures.
Why does it have to be this way? Why can’t people accept themselves for who they are? Why must people sacrifice their morals and ideals in order to fit into society’s mold? I truly believe that everyone has the chance to make their lives go in the direction that they want them to; no dream is too far from reach, no ambition too high. I also believe that the best way to achieve these goals is to follow your own compass and break free of the restrictive ties that hold so many young adults down. That is why I, Carol Ciriaco, challenge you to live your life and go after your dreams the way you want to. I challenge you to stop giving in to peer pressure. I challenge you to the ultimate test; I dare you to be yourself.

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