This page features a collection of testimonials from students who are currently in university about all things college. Each alumni was interviewed to share one thing they believed they did well, one thing they regret, and any words of wisdom that they have to offer about diving into the application process. All views expressed on this page are based on each student’s individual experiences, so it is important to do your own research and ensure that any advice taken from this page is applicable to the college(s) and career path that you choose to pursue!
Who's speaking: Kaia Yager, UC
Los Angeles
What’s one thing you did well?
“I spent a lot of time and effort perfecting my essays.”
What's one thing you regret?
“I wish I knew research universities aren’t for everyone."
Any final words of advice?
“Look past prestigious schools! Do research and see which colleges match your best interests.”
Who’s speaking: Kyoung Jae Shin, USC
Marshall
What’s one thing you did well?
“Calling myself the God of Economics.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Calling myself the God of Economics."
Any final words of advice?
“Don't call yourself the God of Economics.”
Who's speaking: Courtney-An Le, UC
Berkeley
What’s one thing you did well?
“Adding that sprinkle of pathos to my essays.”
What's one thing you regret?
“I wish I had more cohesive ties within my essays."
Any final words of advice?
“Read prompts as soon as they come out regardless of when you plan on actually writing.”
Who’s speaking: Fiona Huang, UC
Riverside
What's one thing you regret?
“I wish I did more research on all the available schools apart from the ones with big names."
Any final words of advice?
“Entering your grades for each year takes super long -
don’t put it off.”
Who's speaking: Jana, UC
San Diego
What's one thing you regret?
“Not applying for colleges I didn’t feel like going to because of my major."
Any final words of advice?
“Cool your head, be as authentic and honest as you can be. Hard work is rewarded.”
Who’s speaking: Brian Park, UC
Los Angeles
Who's speaking: Xiomara Alejandre, San
Diego State University
What’s one thing you did well?
“I remained honest on my application process and logically thought things out.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Applying to almost every school which was very expensive."
Any final words of advice?
“College admissions do not define you. You may not get into the college you wanted but make it your home.”
Who’s speaking: Carlos Garcia, UC San
Diego
What’s one thing you did well?
“Talk in detail about major events in my life and extracurriculars.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Not being part of more extracurriculars."
Any final words of advice?
“Don’t stress - just stay organized and study a little bit every day.”
Who's speaking: Taewon Kim,
UC Berkeley
What’s one thing you did well?
“Maintain good stats. Also made sure to show rather than say that I am eager to learn.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Not doing more research and putting more effort into my applications."
Any final words of advice?
“Start. Early”
Who’s speaking: Elaine Llacuna, UC
Berkeley
What’s one thing you did well?
“I wrote my essays like a narrative and I tried my best to stay humble and authentic while highlighting my accomplishments and passions.”
What's one thing you regret?
“I wish I started writing my essays sooner."
Any final words of advice?
“Be you :) and write consistently even if it’s just a little. I recommend setting up a timer for 10 minutes and free writing.”
Who's speaking: Karla Padilla Leon, USC
Keck School of Medicine
What’s one thing you did well?
“Creating a story with my essays and extracurriculars that showcased my passions.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Not prioritizing standardized testing because although it is not the only important factor for college admissions, it would’ve saved me a lot of stress when I didn’t think my scores were good enough."
Any final words of advice?
“College admissions are unpredictable, but you can present the best version of yourself and staying true to your interests. Show them how you align to the values of their school and why you would be a great asset!”
Who’s speaking: Jose Ortiz,
University of Conneticut
What’s one thing you did well?
“Being able to create good connections with teachers, which led me to have good and detailed letters of recommendation for colleges.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Not beginning my essays sooner and researching for colleges in and out of state."
Any final words of advice?
“Begin your essays as soon as possible, and try to ask teachers and friends to proofread them. They may give great advice and feedback! Also, try to apply to as many scholarships as possible.”
Who's speaking: Lya Puente,
UC Irvine
What’s one thing you did well?
“Explained issues I’ve overcome to succeed in great detail.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Not seeing how loans work, or going over finances with my parents"
Any final words of advice?
“Communicate with your parents; they are your supporters. Also, there are a lot of scholarships available for seniors.”
Who’s speaking: Carl Michael Garcia, San
Diego State University
What’s one thing you did well?
“Putting myself out there in clubs, activities, competitions.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Not asking my peers to review my applications."
Any final words of advice?
“It doesn’t matter where you go, it’s what you make of it.”
Who’s speaking: Joshua Dumaua,
San Diego State University
What’s one thing you did well?
“Checked to make sure I included all the necessary information.”
What's one thing you regret?
“Not applying for many scholarships. I also wish I had some level of work experience."
Any final words of advice?
“Really sell yourself on the extracurriculars (awards, level of experience, etc.”