Seniors submitted their UC college applications in the library from November 20 through November 22. Each student had their own designated time frame, from 9-3, to meet with advisory teachers: Ms. Noorzay, Mr. Arias, Dr. Ensberg, and Ms. Garcia. They also received help from Dr. Bandy, college coordinator, and from their counselors too.

The UC submissions were very straightforward, but had many sections that seniors needed to fill out. With the college applications past, seniors look forward to the admissions process and see how their applications turn out.

“It is more of nervous excitement,” stated Ms. Noorzay, a senior advisory teacher. “And they want to make sure their PIQ (personal response questions) are on point and will hook the readers!” 

The application process was lengthy; therefore it required seniors to showcase their effort to colleges for their hard work, dedication and achievements that they have accumulated during their four years of high school.  

“Dr. Bandy not only created a ‘to do’ calendar counting down from September until this submission week, but also a sheet of areas where errors commonly occur to help catch any mistakes,” states Ms. Noorzay.

Prior to the submission days, Dr. Bandy created a presentation showing the seniors how to fill out the application for the UCs and the CSUs. Students worked on their essays during advisory where they would have counselors and teachers around to help them when needed. The week before Thanksgiving break was the busiest with the week filled with appointments.

Dr. Bandy conveys, “When students submit the CSU applications, they make an appointment with their counselor or me to review their application.”

Dr. Bandy and the 12th grade advisory teachers worked closely together to make sure students and parents are up to date with everything that is going on from scholarships to college applications.

“I did presentations in each of the senior classes and we presented to parents on a Saturday event,” said Dr. Bandy.

To help with students choosing their majors and schools they want to attend they are given many exploration opportunities to help them figure it out. There is also an undecided major option for students to put because it is very common for them to figure later. This also helps them take off some of the stress.

“We specifically design the schedule to not overwhelm the students. August and September are for refining your writing, October is for filling out CSU applications and November is for filling out the UC application,” said Dr. Bandy.

The applications for the UC colleges were due on December 2nd, and for students who could not get in during the two days had to turn it in with Dr. Bandy after Thanksgiving break.

“The deadline as far as I know is very strict. At Preuss we have the UC submit day the week before it’s due so we can make sure every student is able to complete and receive all the necessary help for this process,” said Mr. Arias, senior advisory teacher.

The anticipation of turning in submissions while being excited for the responses was a feeling felt by many. However, the seniors were in good spirits and good hands for the applications with support and guidance from all the adults around them.

“Because Dr. Bandy is such a rock star, her tireless effort in keeping us organized has allowed us to complete these applications pretty seamlessly,” says Ms. Noorzay.

Students not only received help for finding out their majors or what colleges they want to attend, they also got support in applying for FAFSA, which is Free Application for Federal Student Aid that students can apply for any college in the US.

Dr. Bandy said, “Students apply online with their parents — there is a lot of financial information to fill out. We go over it in class, and students can work on it at home. We will also have a Saturday event to support students and parents in person.”

After months of preparing to submit UC applications, many seniors tended to feel a wave of emotions.

“I was really scared, but once I submitted I felt super relieved it was over. Like this is what we’ve been working towards for years, and it is over you know,” states Amy Cruz-Zapata (‘25).