As the college decision season unfolds, Mater Dei seniors are navigating the excitement and uncertainty of receiving acceptance letters and awaiting decisions from their chosen schools. Seniors Ivan Larios, Quinn Conklin, and Derek Virgen are some of the many students who have heard back from various colleges. They share their insight on navigating the application process and college decision letters.

Senior Ivan Larioshas already received acceptance letters from both Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Orange Coast College (OCC). Although OCC was not unexpected because it is a community college, Larios was surprised by his acceptance to GCU, a university he hadn’t anticipated.

“I wasn’t too surprised to get accepted to OCC because it is generally an easy college to get into. I had a bit more of a reaction for GCU because it is an actual university, and I was surprised to be accepted,” Larios said.

As Larios waits to hear back from other schools, he reflects on the process and shares a piece of advice for those preparing to apply. 

“Definitely do the early application because colleges look at applications more in depth and you have a higher chance of getting accepted,” Larios said..

While dealing with the stress of waiting for decisions, Larios finds comfort in trusting that everything will work out. 

“One of my friends has a saying, ‘If you can’t do anything about it, don’t worry about it.’ I managed my stress well and trusted God,” Larios said.

Senior Quinn Conklin was recently accepted to the University of Alabama. Although it’s his safety school, receiving the letter was still a positive step in his college journey.

“It was pretty cool,” Conklin said. “It is my safety school, but it is still nice to know I got in somewhere.” 

Conklin recognizes that the waiting game can be stressful, but he emphasizes the importance of keeping a calm mindset during the process. 

“I’ve been doing fine waiting,: Conklin said. “It’s best to not think about it and when you get to the date, whatever happens, happens.” 

Looking forward to college, Conklin is particularly excited about the opportunity to live independently. 

“I want to get out of my house and live some good college life on my own,” Conklin said.

Senior Derek Virgen has received acceptances from both the University of Portland and Seattle Pacific University, along with scholarships for both. While he continues to await responses from Chapman University and the University of Oregon, Virgen weighs the attributes that influence his final decision.

“Some factors include the area the school is in, if I can actually get into the school, and if I actually like the school,” Virgen said.

Virgen offers advice to future applicants, emphasizing the importance of starting early in the application process in order to avoid having to balance stress from academics and college apps.

“Start early creating your applications as they take longer than expected,” Virgen said. “Take a tour or look at a virtual tour of where you’ll stay for the next four years of your life.” 

Looking ahead, Virgen is excited about the opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. 

“I’m excited to get away from a place I’ve lived in for almost all my life, getting to meet new people and getting to see new places,” Virgen said.

As these seniors prepare to take the next step in their academic journeys, their unique perspectives reflect the excitement and challenges that come with the college application process. 

Whether it’s Larios’ reminder to apply early for a better chance of acceptance, Conklin’s emphasis on managing stress and embracing whatever outcome arises, or Virgen’s excitement for new experiences, each student offers a different outlook that is sure to inspire those embarking on the same journey.