College Advice from Former iPrepians

By Natalie Balladares, Senior

In the U.S. post-secondary education system, student loans and making final college decisions are considered especially heinous. At iPrep Academy, the dedicated students who graduated from our high school are members of an elite squad known as the iPrep Alumni. These are theirs stories. DUN DUN!!

Yislen Felipes, a graduate of iPrep Academy Class of 2016, attends the University of Florida  where she majors in Psychology with 2 minors in Disabilities in Society and Women's Studies.

​What factors influenced your final college decision?
Yislen: Honestly, it all came down to who offered me the most financial aid.  After looking at all my acceptances, I knew that whichever school I picked, I would be okay with staying there for four years.  It was extremely difficult turning down my dream school, NYU, but they did not offer me nearly as much aid as UF. With NYU, I received a scholarship that covered all my tuition, but housing was not included (and we all know how ridiculously expensive it is to live in NY).  I do not think it is worth it to get into so much debt just for undergrad.  And if you know for a fact you want to go to grad school at some point, definitely find a way to spend the least amount of money in undergrad because grad school is way more expensive.  Elite schools are cool, but if they're not paying, it's not worth it. I chose the school that practically paid me to attend, and I have never been happier I chose UF. It has become home.  And I will be graduating debt-free come May 2020! It is nearly impossible to be ready for all the challenges and new experiences you will face your first year of college, but things will slowly fall into place, and you will figure it out.  Also, don't fret so much over "what if?" Wherever you think you will be happiest, in the least amount of debt, and studying what you want, then all will be okay. Muller's words have resonated the most with me, as I am finishing my second year of college: wherever you end up is where you're meant to be.
 
What advice would you give to those who have yet to make that decision?
Yislen: Be realistic about your goal. If you have any doubts about college in general, don’t go to a super expensive school because you think it’s going to convince you to pursue a career. You’re just going to end up dropping out half way and owe money (I’ve seen it happen to a couple of my friends already and it’s very sad). Also, accept change. Accept that your friends are going to change and you’re going to change, and that’s perfectly okay.

Final advice for the graduating seniors before they leave for college.
Yislen: Cliché, but true -- enjoy your senior year.  In my opinion, it was the best year of high school.  So participate in all the activities, take millions of pictures, and try to make the year the most memorable year of high school.  It goes by quicker than you think, so cherish it. Enjoy how easy life is before colleges gives you a quick reality check! This is the last time you and your friends will be seeing each other and hanging out every single day.  When you get to college, it becomes increasingly difficult making plans to see each other. Also, take advantage of the real 1-1 time with the teachers. You won't get that type of special connection in college. Instead of hanging out in the classroom grading papers or talking about life or having them sit next to you to explain a concept you didn't understand, you have to either send an email or go out of your way to attend office hours (and sometimes wait in line) to ask the professor a question.  Most of your professors will probably never know your name -- especially if it is a large lecture. Anonymity was something I had never experienced before (kind of impossible when you go to iPrep), so that was an adjustment at first.
I cannot stress enough the importance of the internship program at iPrep. LISTEN TO HERNANDEZ.  Internship is important.  It is real experience that adds to your resume (because guess what, all the stuff you did in high school becomes irrelevant after your first year of college and it comes off your resume -- except, you guessed it, your internship).  So, find a real internship where you can develop transferable skills, and you will be good to go. Also, it is never a bad thing to have a good working relationship with your mentors. You never know if one day you'll need a job, and because they already know you did such a great job, they will hire you. Even if you hated every second of it, don't ever burn bridges!!  At the very least, fake it till you make it.
Side note: gosh, can you tell I work at the Career Center on campus? Lol
Also, if iPrep taught me anything, it was definitely time management skills.  I will forever procrastinate on every assignment in existence, but it'll get done on time all while juggling a job and being involved in different student organizations.  Here's to finishing homework assignments in the 10 minutes between classes at iPrep... Seriously though, I am so grateful I can manage my time wisely. I can work 20-30 hours a week, attend lectures every day, be on the executive board of a student organization, finish my assignments, and still have time to go out and not feel guilty/stressed about it.  It is amazing how many college students have no idea how to only handle class and assignments, let alone having a job or being involved! And iPrep's high expectations of its students truly helps with this! You don't realize how much you did in high school and how prepared you are for college until you get here and you meet people who have never done nearly as many things as you juggled at one point.  You start thinking, "how did I do it?"
​___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kevin Gutierrez, a graduate of iPrep Academy Class of 2016, attends Davidson College as a Posse Scholar where he majors in Physics. When asked about which factors influenced his final college decision, Kevin credits the Posse Foundation as his main reason for going out-of-state because he was awarded a full tuition scholarship from Davidson College. However, Kevin bluntly states that if it were not for Posse, “money would have been one of the strongest factors in my decision making.”

What advice would you give to those who have yet to make that decision?
Kevin: You should reflect and speak with your family about your options. Choosing what college you will attend is not a simple decision and should be taken into deep consideration.

Final advice for the graduating seniors before they leave for college
Kevin: First, you should humble yourself. You may believe you are a math wiz or a writing genius because you did excellent in your English and Calculus classes, but it is important to realize that many classes you will take in college are different and harder by many magnitudes. College can be difficult if you fail to manage your time properly. Do not join every club your school offers (1-2 is perfectly fine for your first year). Office hours will be your friend. Ultimately, college is a time for growth, and you should try different things out. It is ok to fail as long as you can grow from it.
​___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stephanie Oliveros, a graduate of iPrep Academy Class of 2016, attends the University of Florida where she is majoring in Public Relations with minor in Sociology. Like many college students, she acknowledges that finances were a major obstacle when she was selecting her college. She did not want “the burden of debt” when she graduated, so she easily decided on the University of Florida where she was awarded scholarships and grants.  ​

What advice would you give to those who have yet to make that decision?
Stephanie: Be realistic about your goal. If you have any doubts about college in general, don’t go to a super expensive school because you think it’s going to convince you to pursue a career. You’re just going to end up dropping out half way and owe money (I’ve seen it happen to a couple of my friends already and it’s very sad). Also, accept change. Accept that your friends are going to change and you’re going to change, and that’s perfectly okay.

Final advice for the graduating seniors before they leave for college.
Stephanie: Attend every school event and take pictures! Don’t think it’s lame, don’t think nobody has spirit, and don’t follow the crowd. This is truly the only time you won’t have to worry about bills or any make-or-break exams. Enjoy it! And take pictures for evidence of those moments with your friends txt you’ll end up laughing about later. As cliché as it sounds, you really do end up laughing about it because you think about everything that was going on in your life at that moment and you find it hilarious!
​___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Anything else you would like to impart to your fellow iPreppians?
 
“Work hard, listen to your teachers (They do know best). I promise it will pay off when you’re the one person in a classroom in college who knows how to write a good argumentative paper (Thank you Queen K), or when you get employed tutoring upperclassmen in Calculus 1, 2, & 3 (Gracias Señorita Hauser). Work hard guys, it pays off.” - Evelyn Villarreal
 
“If you really paid attention during your time at iPrep, you will be a PRO at working under pressure and deadlines won’t even phase you. And do not forget analysis because every thing you do in college is analysis (even if it’s blog posts).” - Stephanie Oliveros

“Less is more: You don't have to be in a million clubs to appear attractive to colleges and scholarship programs.  Find one thing you love and become as involved as possible in the one thing.  Have a significant impact, develop a new idea... Just commit to something and give it all you've got. College is the worst and best all at once, but don't be in a rush to get here!” - Yislen Felipes

“I am confident that iPrep has prepared you for the many that await you in the future. I am certain you all will attend amazing institutions and have incredible experiences. Don't stick to one field/major. Try to venture out and explore classes.” - Kevin Gutierrez