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pplying to college can be an overwhelming and daunting process, but the guidance and support I received from St. Luke's Episcopal School made all the difference. Applying to college is the main card to the future for students to advance their education and careers and the beginning of my college application process was not my senior year. It began with good grades, participation in school clubs, and leading a healthy lifestyle back when I was at St. Luke’s Lower School. I have been putting everything together all through my life to create a well-rounded person to impress the admissions committee. From the very first steps of researching potential schools and programs that best suit my interests and career goals to devising a personal essay with a strong feature on my unique abilities and viewpoints, each stage of my application process was highly elaborate as it required not only a lot of time and effort but also thorough planning.

Start the Journey Early

I started working on applying to college in the 2nd semester of my sophomore year, and learned every single piece so far such as: getting my school’s college counselor to write me a recommendation letter, sending my transcripts to the colleges I was applying to, and while attempting to have a better academic record I would meet all the tight deadlines despite the pressure to rush the course. While the college application may have been a long and slightly difficult process, with the help of my counselors and the preparation I conducted over the summer and past years, I was able to drive myself to apply to 8 colleges in the same month that college applications were first released. The college application was a process of significant growth that required my peers and me to deeply reflect upon our dreams and showcase the best of ourselves outside of high school.

Take a Literal Journey

An aspect that solidified my college list and where I was going to apply was all of the different college tours that I went on as they helped me get a feel of different college campuses’ atmospheres and get a feel of what I would get myself into when I graduate high school. My top 3 favorite tours were from the University of Notre Dame, Auburn University, and The University of Alabama in Birmingham.

My Top 3

Taking a college tour through the campus of Notre Dame was a magical experience that lets incoming students take part in the history and rich essence of this well-known institution. As I set my feet on the scenic field, my attention was immediately taken up by the reaching spires of the white Basilica of the Heart of Jesus. While walking the quads, I felt the friendship and spirit of the students who were dressed in the university's gold and blue. From the state-of-the-art research labs of the Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering to the patriotic atmosphere of the glamourous football stadium, the Notre Dame tour was a good mix of academic excellence, extracurricular passions, and community pride that has been a characteristic of the university for many years. At every corner, I was awed by the university's combination of honor for the past and joy for the future. When the tour was over, it was clear to me why Notre Dame is so venerated as one of the most prestigious and transformative college experiences in the U.S.

The tour of Auburn University was very interactive. The student ambassadors gave a tour with enthusiasm while presenting insight into several of the newest facilities, from cutting-edge engineering labs to the huge performing arts center that hosted world-famous musicians and speakers. While school is in session, tours are allowed to sit in on a sample lecture to get a taste of how the teaching methods fostered dynamic discussions and active learning. Unfortunately, I did not get this experience because I toured during Thanksgiving Break. Between the dining halls, modern fitness center, and student clubs and organizations, I realized that Auburn nurtures a dynamic, engaged, and diverse community that gives students endless opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

As I toured the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the whole experience was fun and enlightening. The tall academic buildings lend an impressive backdrop that hints at the vast facilities that are available for the education of students. My tour guides carried me throughout their research labs, inventive learning spaces, and medical amenities that give UAB a strong position as a leading research educator of healthcare, engineering, and sciences. Yet, the campus experience extended far beyond the campus. During my visit, I also learned what's available in terms of student life. The dynamic in the latest recreational centers is tied to multiple types of organizations and clubs, therefore catering to all interests and passions. All along, I was entertained and accompanied by student ambassadors who were enthusiastic about taking me on the tour. They were able to share personal stories that helped me visualize many of the UAB experiences.

Seek Wisdom on the Journey

I reached out to a former St. Luke’s alumni, Kevin Ori, about his college experience and how St. Luke’s helped him get to where he is today. “I won’t lie, applying to college was a very long, stressful, and annoying process. Between rewriting my personal statement repeatedly, completing the supplemental essays of various colleges, and waiting for decisions to be released, I was constantly stressed throughout my senior year. With that being said, I am not a great writer in the slightest. I also made the entire process harder on myself than it needed to be. When I got my results back, I was accepted by 3 schools: Alabama, Auburn, and UAB. I was waitlisted at a few other schools; however, I didn’t feel like going through the hassle of waiting and chose to attend UAB. My end goal is to become a dentist, and so I believed UAB provided the best options to explore the field of science further as well as the opportunity to connect directly with people at the UAB School of Dentistry. Even though everything felt like a mess at the moment, I can confidently say that everything worked itself out, and I am where I needed to be.”

Concluding Advice:

Start early, take the ACT early - ask how the college is different.