LFHS Seniors Offer Advice on College Application Process

by Audrey Urbis/Los Fresnos High School

Los Fresnos High School has been vibrant with a plethora of college-focused activities since the start of the school year.

Only months ago, the bulletin boards outside the Go Center next to the Counselors’ Office were filled with résumé pointers. As the end of the college application process draws near and students begin to receive acceptance letters, those bulletin boards are now visibly covered with an array of yellow notices showing acceptance from universities representing future homes of many Falcon seniors.

Top-ranked high school seniors Brenden McDonough and Maria Jose De Leon, upon receiving various acceptance letters and scholarships, analyzed the application process and subsequently offered valuable advice to aspiring underclassmen.

McDonough recommends that high school freshman begin studying for standardized tests, including the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. “Performing well on these tests is really essential especially for scholarship,” said McDonough, who attained the National Hispanic Scholar award, one which has provided him with endless opportunities.

McDonough and De Leon agree that the rigorous Advanced Placement courses at Los Fresnos High School leave them confident in their future scholastic aspirations. “Taking AP courses has taught me to utilize time-management skills and showed me the importance of hard work,” De Leon said.

Both seniors also emphasize the significance of leadership development and serving the community. Their participation in a variety of academic, service and recreational clubs and sports at LFHS has allowed them to be well-rounded students. “Colleges want to see a multi-dimensional student who’s invested in both their school and community,” McDonough said.
Even with their qualifications, the seniors feel that colleges ultimately want a genuine representation of their applicants. “Colleges want to know who you really are,” De Leon said. “They want to know what matters most to you and where you’ve invested your time throughout your high school career.”

De Leon and McDonough attribute much of their success to the impressive college-bound culture they have been part of. Between the numerous college fairs and presentations, afterschool SAT tutorials, and the support of LFHS staff, De Leon and McDonough recognize the abundance of resources and aid they have received during their high school years.

“I’m so grateful for my high school and every person who’s encouraged me along the way,” McDonough said.

An on-campus college advisor at the Go Center has clearly been conducive to creating such a thriving college-bound culture. Marimar Miguel, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, is an advocate for students.

“I’m here to encourage students and help them register for standardized tests, create résumés, and review college preparation materials,” Miguel said. Her influence has been extensive, having advised 85 percent of the 700 seniors.

De Leon and McDonough convey their exhilaration as they anticipate their college experiences. “Meeting new people with different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs in college is what excites me most,” De Leon said.

Both Falcon scholars with a combination of a solid high school education and impressive determination will certainly be successful in their college endeavors.

De Leon’s advice to students at all grade levels: “It’s never too early to start thinking about college.”