It is time for seniors to apply colleges, but many still lack all the necessary information they need in order to decide what colleges they want to go to and to complete the application process. The YLHS counselors came into senior classes and talked to each senior individually to hear their plans as well as help them out. They talked about the whole application process and provided other important information about college. There are many options when it comes to where to go to college. There are either community colleges, California State Universities (Cal States), Universities of California (UCs), Out-of-State universities, and private universities. Not counting in other states, there are 112 community colleges, 23 CSUs, and 9 UCs just in the state of California. Applications start in the month of October 2018 and end in January 2019.

Yorba Linda High School provides help in order for students succeed in the application process and choose  a college. If more information about college is desired, the school’s counseling section on the YLHS website (ylhs.org) and the Remind app also provide more information. Additionally, to learn more information about financial aid, there is a Financial Aid Night at YLHS on November 14, 2018, at 6:30 pm in the library.

If interested in out-of-State Schools, there is a College fair with over 50 colleges visiting on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, in the Yorba Linda Community Center from 10:30 am – 11:30 am. Lastly, a District College Fair will take place on October 24, 2018, from 6:00 pm- 8:15 pm in the Yorba Linda Community Center, which will provide information on popular local colleges in the area, career technical education information, secrets of college admissions, financial aid, and SAT/ ACT Prep (which is necessary if applying to anything other than a community college).

With a senior class size of 452 students, many are nervous about getting into the schools they wish to attend. Seniors gave some insight about their college opinions and future plans. Several thought it was best to go straight to a four year and others thought it would be more beneficial to start at a community college so that they are more prepared when transferring to a four year. Alyssa Pepito (12) feels like after working so hard in high school, she is “ready and excited to aim for a 4 year school; whether it is a UC or a CSU.” At the same time, even though a four-year college was the initial plan, Rylie Palladino (12) “started considering a community college and saw its benefits…” She “like[s that] it’s less expensive and gives [her] more time to explore what [she] wants to do.” Clearly, it is difficult making the right choice, but after being given the opportunity for more information, the process should be much smoother.