College Admissions Advice from Dublin High School Alumni

High school seniors across the country are in the middle of the high stress / high stakes college admissions process, and juniors are honing their resumes. OneDublin.org has had the privilege to publish articles profiling Dublin High School alumni as they completed their first semester in college. Below are highlights from those articles, focusing on college acceptance advice:

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Rebecca Beasley, now attending the U.S. Air Force Academy:

“Be a well-rounded student and look for opportunities to display leadership skills. One of the missions of the Air Force Academy is to build leaders of character. Athletics is important and, of course, test scores and grades. While many of the elements are similar to other competitive colleges, it’s important to understand that mentally the Air Force Academy will be different from a typical college experience, but the opportunities are awesome. The most important thing is to know what you are getting into if you want to attend a military college like the Air Force Academy.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Ina Deljkic, now attending Georgetown University:

Ina Deljkic (left)

“If I could share one piece of advice with any current Dublin High School student, it’s this: be limitless and don’t be afraid to go against the norm. The University of California school system is phenomenal, but remember— the popular route may not be the right fit for you. It wasn’t for me. Leaving my beloved small town of Dublin, CA to study on the East Coast has been the most rewarding experience of my entire life. Not only have I become an independent person, I have also been exposed to a completely different style of living.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Tristan Elias, now attending the University of Colorado – Boulder:

“I was a victim of senioritis to a degree; I wanted to establish study habits in my senior year that would prepare me for entering college but I also didn’t want to overwhelm myself with classes to the point where I couldn’t enjoy my last year of high school and all the senior events. My advice to Dublin High seniors is enjoy your senior year but be careful not to throw away the year academically because most college look at your final grades. Going into the fourth quarter of high school my GPA was slipping and it was a wake-up call to balance senior year events with academics, and keep up my study habits.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Emily Morehead, now attending the University of British Columbia:

“Many Americans do not consider Canada as an option for university, and some questioned why I chose not to go to a school in the United States. … Adventure is important to me, and I wanted to go to a university that put me in the center of it. When I walk to class, I get the enjoyment of walking past thick forests, beautiful architecture and a vista of Vancouver’s breath-taking bay and soaring snow-capped mountains. Going to a university with a beautiful campus is essential for me because in times of stress, the view from a beach only ten minutes from my dorm is all I need.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Camille Chabot, now attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo:

“My first piece of advice is to take AP classes – AP can be really helpful in getting college credit ahead of time. Know what you need to aim for to get into the colleges you like. Work to get good SAT / ACT scores. Look up the prompts for college essays and start brainstorming early, because things come really fast in your senior year of high school, it will be Thanksgiving before you know it!” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Ronil Bhatia, now attending UCLA:

Ronil Bhatia (R)

“The biggest advice I have for any high school student planning on attending college is to understand that what you learn in college goes far beyond what is taught in the classroom. Yes it’s important to pay attention in class and make an effort to get good grades, but that is not the ONLY thing that matters. The people you meet and the opportunities you come across during your 4 years are what will really shape you. When it comes to the real world and actually going out and creating a life yourself, the relationships you build and the things you do while in college are going to be much more valuable than your GPA. And understand that it’s not just WHAT you do but WHY you do it. When life gets rough (and it will at times), it’s your why, the reason you do something, which will push you through it. Really think about why you’re going to college and what your goals are.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Sarah Finn, now attending St. Mary’s College of California:

“My advice is don’t stress about your future plans. I was originally going to have stage management as a profession and teaching as a backup, and now teaching is coming into the forefront. I’m finding my priorities are shifting, because I’m really enjoying English. If you are looking at colleges of course, have a plan, have an idea of where you want to go, but don’t stress about the details because as you go through your first year your plans may change. It’s not worth stressing over those details now when you are trying to get ready for prom. Enjoy prom, enjoy your senior year. Your future is important, but don’t stress about the details. Focus on the community you want to be a part of, because it’s hard to know where life will take you.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Rebecca Bomfim, now attending California Lutheran University:

Rebecca Bomfim (R)

“During high school be as involved as possible. That really helps you get to know what you like doing and what you want to be involved in during college. During the college selection process be very open-minded because a lot of people don’t end up going to the college they thought they were going to. That happened to me – I didn’t think I was going to attend Cal Lutheran at first. Look at a variety of schools: public, private, small and large. I originally thought I wanted to go to a huge school and be in a sorority, but then I visited Cal Lutheran and ended up falling in love with the opposite.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Katelyn Haubert, now attending Chapman University:

“Get involved – when you start high school or college it can be scary because you don’t know everyone. If the college you choose has Greek life, consider it; I’m in Gamma Phi Beta and it’s a big part of my life. During Rush Week you visit the sororities and it’s a mutual decision, they pick you and you pick them. Once you get into a sorority or fraternity you have a group of built-in friends on campus, a lot of people you can depend on right away. You also have a network of people who might help you after college. Sororities and fraternities also provide leadership opportunities, volunteer opportunities and numerous events to participate in.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Clint Jackman, now attending College of the Holy Cross:

“The two most important tools you’ll need most in order to be successful in college are the ability to communicate effectively — with your teachers and through your writing – and being able to manage your time well. Also, look ahead to see if your AP credits will fulfill common requirements. I didn’t have to take an English or history class because of them. This will allow you to take other classes that you might not otherwise be able to take, or you might even find that you will be able to graduate early.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Chris Harral, now attending Pace University:

“Don’t be afraid to go for it. Don’t be afraid to put everything you possibly can give into a role or an audition. I didn’t know this was what I wanted to do until my junior year, after I’d had some experience. I remember my first play that I attempted to audition for at Dublin High was “Lend Me a Tenor”. I walked in, got the audition form, looked at it, put it back down and walked out. I know what it’s like to be afraid to do it, but you have to just go for it, and good things will come.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Lauren Koa, now attending University of California, San Diego:

Laurent Koa (R)

“I tried to think of the most important things I could advise anyone planning to go to UCSD or any college in general, and I’ve narrowed it down to these few. I really think it’s important to make the most out of every opportunity at Dublin High. I’m so confident that all the AP classes and activities I participated in at Dublin High have made all the difference at preparing me for college in one way or another. I would also really stress how important it is to have an open mind when it comes to choosing a school. Take it from someone who didn’t fall in love at first visit. Sometimes it just takes time. And now I really love UCSD and glad I made the decision to go here.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Tatum Wheeler, now attending University of California, Berkeley:

“You will be fine.  Thinking of college is scary and thrilling, you feel like you’re so ready to leave one moment and then another you just want to stay home and never grow up. Enjoy the fun that college offers. Go to the football games, make new friends everywhere you go and attend the club fairs at the beginning of the year. Remember you will stay friends with people from high school too, so long as you make an effort, which does not take much with Facebook, Skype, Twitter, e-mail, cell phones, and mail (everyone likes to receive mail in college). Take advantage of the college experience, but remember how blessed you are to have this opportunity. Make your family proud and strive your hardest in your classes. Check out your on campus learning center for tutoring and academic resources. There are so many resources available in college; it’s usually just a matter of navigating the system. Make an effort to go to class and ask for help, it will pay off in the end. Also, pack early. Waiting until 2 am the night before you are supposed to leave will only make you grumpy the next day. But overall remember that you will be fine.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Annie McDonald, now attending Santa Clara University:

“Dublin High School definitely prepared me well for the rigor of college. Taking AP and honors courses at DHS, plus participating in extracurricular activities like drama and being involved in things like Homecoming and school spirit events, have definitely prepared me to not only juggle my crazy college schedule but to work hard and excel in the things I do.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Chandler Bullock, now attending Syracuse University

“Dublin High School has definitely prepared me for all of the changes and challenges I’ve faced starting college. I’m not going to say that Dublin High School classes are harder than college courses, but the rigor of the AP programs at Dublin High definitely equipped me to take on college classes. Also, with 19 AP credits Syracuse accepted, I will be considered a sophomore by next semester and on track to graduate a semester early (but why would I want to do that?). Dublin High School prepared me for life outside of college academics as well. I joined my Executive Board for my dorm where we organize events and activities for everybody in the hall. My experience in Mr. Tim Sbranti’s Leadership class has been very helpful with this.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2011 graduate Michelle Lee, now attending Harvard University:

“I have found the AP track at Dublin High School prepared me for the challenges of Harvard’s coursework.  In my first semester, I took courses in calculus, life sciences, expository writing, and Korean. Classes often consist of lectures by professors together with smaller sections taught by graduate students, and supplemental student study groups. Collaboration in study groups is a huge part of surviving Harvard’s tough academic load. If I ever felt over-loaded, I only had to walk down the stairs to see my proctor, or set up a meeting with my academic adviser or PAF (Peer Advising Fellow).” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2011 graduate Emily Edlund, now attending the University of Arizona (and profiled for her participation in the Disney College Program):

“Dublin High also taught me how important it is to be involved. Because of that I have volunteered at a foster family clinic helping to organize and distribute food for a holiday dinner that they hosted. I will also be volunteering in San Diego during my spring break in March with the Residence Hall Association helping feed the homeless. I am currently on our dorm’s hall council where we coordinate and plan events for our dorm to give people a break from the stressful school life. These programs have opened my eyes to new ways to be a leader and I feel that I have grown in that aspect in the matter of just one semester.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2011 graduate Ben Young, now attending the United States Military Academy, West Point:

“Dublin High was a great place to get involved and that mindset translated over to West Point for me. I tried out for the club water polo team and was fortunate enough to make it. It has been a great release for me to get away from the strict regimen of military life, and meet new people.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2011 graduate Veronica Rubio, now attending Carroll College:

“Dublin High School really prepared me well for the rigor of college and what would be expected of me. Dublin’s teachers make sure that their students know their information and want them to do well in their classes. All of the AP classes at Dublin also helped me because I was able to experience college level courses in high school that would help me understand the information and rigor at the college level. Dublin High gave me the foundation and experience that I needed to be successful at Carroll College.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2011 graduate Aslan Brown, now attending UC Berkeley:

“AP courses are reflections of college courses and if a student wants to see if college is for them, because some people say ‘college is not for me’, AP courses give you an opportunity to try college while in high school. You’ll never know if you don’t try. If you try an AP class, do your best, stick it through to the end. You’ll feel more confident – you’re that much more prepared going into college – ‘I can do this’.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2011 graduate Summer Benavidez, now attending University of Nevada, Reno:

“I definitely advise that students research schools they are interested in over the summer and visit campuses if possible. For example, I was originally very interested in Monterey but when I visited the campus I didn’t like the feel at all. Whereas the University of Nevada, Reno was originally low on my list because of the stereotypes about Reno but when I visited the campus I fell in love. Visit campuses as soon as possible and as much as possible because it benefits you in the end.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2010 and UC San Diego class of 2014 graduate Jamie Somerville, now attending graduate school at the University of Oxford:

“With the many AP classes that I took while at Dublin High School I was able to be one of the first to sign-up and got all my classes at the times I wanted and with the professors that were recommended to me. That’s not the only benefit. By taking AP classes I was also able to get out of a lot of the entry level classes that everyone has to take like Calculus, Chemistry and Biology. This freed up my schedule so I could take classes that interested in me.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2010 and UCLA class of 2014 graduate Deanna Hong:

“A lot of people told us in high school to work hard so that when the time comes to apply to college you’ll have your options, and that is really true. What made a difference for me is doing a lot of things that I enjoyed – playing lacrosse, doing video editing – and doing those things kept me sane during high school while I was working hard academically. These days it is important to be well-rounded, to be doing a lot of things, so to make that more bearable make sure you love everything that you’re doing, and make sure you want to do the things you’re doing.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2010 and Syracuse University class of 2014 graduate Cynthia Moore:

“I honestly didn’t really consider pursuing a degree in theatre until I got to college. In high school, I wanted to pursue an English degree. However, my time with DHS Drama taught me how much of a creative outlet theatre can be and I wanted to stay involved once I went off to college. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I realized I wanted to pursue the Stage Management degree. Another way DHS Drama inspired me was by teaching me how much of a family you can create for yourself in a theatre production. My best friends in high school were all in theatre with me and it was amazing.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2010 and Stanford University class of 2014 graduate Ravali Reddy:

“There are days when I miss Dublin. I miss the familiarity. Being at Stanford is scary, but it’s new and exciting at the same time. I know that the friends I am making are going to be my friends for life, and I know that over the next four years, I’m going to have access to resources and opportunities that I couldn’t get elsewhere. So to those of you still at Dublin High, make sure you make the most of it, because you never want to look back with regrets.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2010 and Columbia University / Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS) class of 2014 graduate Sarah Wolfish:

“My advice for all the college bound Gaels is to make the most of Dublin High and what it has to offer. Start developing your time management skills and create that balance now. Explore as many activities as you can and figure out what you are passionate about. Not only will this help you get into the colleges you want, it also will prepare you a lot more for college and for life in general. At the end of the day, it comes down to creating your own experience and being satisfied with it and that’s all that matters.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2010 and UC Davis class of 2014 graduate Kevin Cappa:

“My professor told me that the difference between K-12 and university is that K-12 is all about fitting in. You learn to fit in socially, you learn to fit in academically, you learn to become part of society, you learn what is and what is not okay, you learn how to interact, you learn how to make friends, you learn how to fit in. In university, you learn how to stand out. You learn how to take control of your life, you learn how be academically individualistic, you take chances, you stand out. In the real world, you don’t get a job by fitting in, you get a job by standing out.” Read more…

Dublin High School Class of 2010 and Penn State class of 2014 graduate Melyssa Lloyd:

“The biggest piece of advice is to not stress out, and to be open to looking beyond California consider out-of-state schools because you’ll get more opportunities that way, based on the recent budget issues facing California public colleges. I didn’t have any issues with impacted classes or scheduling. Even if you don’t have a 4.5 GPA you can get into a good school; there are so many options if you open up your horizons.” Read more…