COLLEGE: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) hosts a workshop for college applications.
By Timothy Chen, Staff Writer
AVID, a college preparation program, has been on Poly’s campus since 1991. Its goal is to help students prepare for college by teaching study skills and time management. AVID, without doubt, is an invaluable tool in helping Poly’s students attend college. Despite the recent low college acceptance rates, AVID remains strong. “I totally think we are ready [for college],” said Carly Soto, an AVID advisor. However, applying to college nowadays can be a daunting task, even for experienced students. Luckily, AVID has a workshop to facilitate the process.
The application workshop is tailored specifically for senior AVID students who have spent four years or more in the class. Well-rounded and prepared seniors attend the workshop to straighten out any issues they might have with college applications. During the session, attendees are helped and guided through every step of the application process by AVID advisors. “We’re here to help answer questions,” Soto said. A firm supporter of higher education, Soto believes that all students should be eligible to attend a California State University, University of California or private college. “College gives students more options in life,” Soto said. Coming out of the workshop with newfound knowledge and confidence, the attendees are prepared to take the next steps in their education.
An example of AVID’s level of college preparation is Horatio Morales, a former Poly student. Morales had a 3.2 GPA, was a four-year AVID student and played varsity soccer. Morales wanted to attend a college where he could continue to play his sport. Like other students, Morales had to fill out applications to the colleges he wished to attend. AVID’s college application program helped him throughout the entire process. “They walked me step by step through applications. It was entirely worth it,” Morales said. While his friends struggled with their college applications, Morales breezed straight through his. AVID’s helpful support really did pay off and Morales was accepted to the University of Southern California (USC). Morales recommends others to follow his path and have AVID assist them in the college application process.
“I would love to grow the AVID program,” said Soto. With an expanded program, AVID would lead Poly to an even higher level of education. Through this college application workshop, Soto hopes to increase the number of students applying to college.
With college acceptance declining, the application process remains a vital part to get into a student’s college of choice. Poly’s students have long prepared for college, but the workshop added the final push needed to elevate their education. True, the application process can be intimidating, but with the assistance of AVID, nothing is impossible.