“I am currently a senior at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and will graduate in May 2021. I study Sociology and Applied Philosophy with a minor in Women & Gender Studies. I'd say that my goals from freshman year to senior in high school did not shift as I wanted to go to school for pre-med (that, of course, changed while in college) but the plan that I had for getting into college had certainly changed between my first and last year of high school. At first, I believed that just getting good grades and test scores was enough to get into school, but I learned throughout my high school years that colleges (specifically prestigious and/or small liberal arts schools) want their students to have personalities and hobbies.

My clubs and activities were a big part of my college applications and helped set me apart from other candidates. I would suggest the program to others as it helped me to make lifelong friends as well as become academically prepared for my college coursework. My brother is a senior in high school and I would have recommended he go through the same process I did so that he would be better equipped for his future college as well. The biggest thing that I learned from going through the college admissions process as well as working in the office as a recruiter was that the most important thing is to be personable. The admissions counselor that recruited me to Simpson still talks about how he knew I would be a good fit for Simpson, because he saw my personality not only through my personal statement but also through our conversations. Showing your personality while also being able to carry a conversation was vital to my admissions process.” — Karrecia C

“The single most important influence on me was the wonderful set of teachers I had at Cesar Chavez High School. Rather than be content with my mediocre work, my teachers saw more in me. These teachers took time out of their day to push me to be more than passive in school and seize every available opportunity; in turn, these opportunities translated into real-world qualities and skills. Involvement in ARCH, honors/AP courses, and extracurricular activities, highlighted my desire to want more and aptitude to go after things. Colleges look for well-rounded students who go beyond merely pressing graphite on paper. I went from being a student who could ace an exam to a student who could communicate with people who are active outside of class, and who could take a fall and get back up. That’s the college game - marketing yourself.

As a result, I had many attractive college offers (for my grades, which is saying something) and decided to attend St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. I’m currently a senior on track to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science. I’m also the President of the Environment, Conservation, and Outreach Club as well as the Lifestyle Editor of the on-campus student news publication: The Rattler Newspaper. Though ARCH was officially created after I graduated, I imagine it’s a program that is in the same avenue as what my teachers at Cesar Chavez did for me, cultivating their students’ success. It’s absolutely something I recommend for future students at Cesar Chavez. If it weren’t for key teachers constantly haranguing (for lack of a better term) me to do better, I might’ve never gone to college.”