As high school seniors navigate the college admissions process, many may feel overwhelmed with the multitude of documents and essays that need to be completed. For first-generation college students, the process can feel even more challenging because of little knowledge from family members for support.

Vice Principal Tony Lam explained that grades are not the most important part of college applications, but rather the qualities and highlights from a student’s life that take more significance.

“It’s not always academics, but it’s the story of who you are that can determine whether or not you get that spot or not in college,” Lam said.

After understanding the application requirements, counselor Daniela Azuela highlighted the challenge of opening up through written words.

“It can be an overwhelming process to not only put yourself out there in terms of asking people for help, but also putting yourself out there on paper,” Azuela said.

First-generation college students are students whose parents have not completed a college degree in the United States. Being a first-generation college student himself, Lam understands the feeling of confusion and uncertainty that comes with college applications.

“I had no idea what I was getting myself into. There weren’t any college reps to come for me to listen to and to understand the programs. It was like I was in the dark because I don’t know what I don’t know,” Lam said. “I’m hoping that someone can give me guidance on what I need to do.”

While some students rely on families for support, others such as senior Evonne Bergman found that her parents’ unfamiliarity with the college admission process made it harder for them to assist her fully.

“My parents couldn’t edit my essays just because they weren’t really there and they didn’t really know what a college essay looked like and what to compare it to,” Bergman said.

Moving from Vietnam in 2019, senior Minh Nguyen expressed difficulty in sharing his thoughts and experiences through essays. Being an English language learner, Nguyen had to balance learning English and using it effectively in his essays.

“When you write something, you think it’s not perfect enough or the grammar is not good,” Nguyen said. “The essays in Vietnam and then in the U.S. are completely different, so it’s pretty hard for me to explain what I’m feeling in an essay.”

To help him with his writing, Nguyen reached out to teachers and counselors. Even with this help, Nguyen felt that the lack of time caused him to have to research the process himself.

“I have to research because, honestly, we don’t have enough time in the school for the teacher to help me fully,” Nguyen said. “Also, my parents don’t have any idea about what you need or what you have to fill out.”

Azuela is also aware of the constraints because of a lack of time and feels it is important to prioritize helping students and sharing resources with them.

“I think that we can do a better job at really not telling students that this is where you can go but showing them, ‘Hey, let’s log in. Let’s do this activity,’” Azuela said. “I think that’s something we can improve on so that we can get that information out there.”

Toward the end of the college application process, senior Ilona Dawod reflected on her experience and expressed what she learned about herself.

“I learned that I ask a lot of questions, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing, and asking questions helps you grow in the process,” Dawod said.

Dawod also mentioned that utilizing one’s resources will provide sufficient help, especially from school teachers and counselors.

“Talk to your counselors and use your resources, especially your teachers, because teachers are here to help us for college,” Dawod said. “It’s okay if your parents don’t really understand
how it really works because that’s what our counselors are here for and our teachers, to help guide us.”

Besides help from counselors and teachers, Bergman highlighted the importance of self-motivation and dedication that she found particularly helpful.

“I gave 100% all the time. Even if it was truly my 60% I would always still attempt to give that 100,” Bergman said.

Along with the effort and commitment required, Lam believes that students must also recognize the importance of being ready and informed before the application process even begins.

“When the time comes, you have to be prepared. And to be prepared, you have to be knowledgeable,” Lam said.