By Megan Soto, Staff Reporter
After a long and difficult year, Kennedy seniors have finally made it past the stress of college applications, decisions, and commitment day. Now that the school year is quickly coming to an end, seniors are facing the realities of the next chapter in their life: college.
Senior Natasha Davis committed to Slippery Rock University (SRU) as a biomedical major. Only interested in out of state schools, Davis shared her experience on the application process.
“Their requirements were much different than in-state. They all didn’t require essays or personal statements except for one private university,” Davis said. “ I applied with a weighted GPA of 4.4667 and a 1320 SAT.”
Davis was also very involved in high school, participating in marching band, concert band, varsity soccer, and varsity track & field all four years (including three years serving as track & field captain). She was also an NHS member for three years. With her outstanding academics and extracurriculars, Davis decided that Slippery Rock University was the best choice for her. She was not interested in going to a “popular” school because she felt her education would be great anywhere she went.
“I picked SRU because of the atmosphere, campus, and location. I was looking for a whole different experience in comparison to my prior education,” Davis said. ‘Also, I wanted to compete in track & field.”
Ian Bell committed to California Baptist University (CBU) as a Theology major. Bell was only interested in private Christian universities, so the overall application process was much simpler than other school systems.
“All I had to do was fill out their simple application of general information about you, answer a few short questions about myself and my faith, and write a few one-page essays,” Bell said. “That might sound like a lot of writing, but it isn’t.”
Bell had a 3.9 weighted GPA and 1380 SAT score, placing him well above average for any private Christian university applicant. When deciding on a school, Bell considered tuition, campus life, and spiritual growth. After all, Bell chose Cal Baptist because of its Theology program: one of the top in the nation. CBU gives Bell dorming experience, freedom, great education, and more opportunities to learn more about his religion.
Zenaira Cursetji committed to University of California, San Diego (UCSD) to study neuroscience. Her college application process went smoothly, as she started everything during the beginning of her senior year instead of procrastinating. With having several of her teachers to look over her personal essays and give input, Cursetji was confident in her applications.
“My SAT was 1350 and my ACT was 30.” Cursetji said. “ My weighted GPA was 4.65.”
With stellar academic statistics and active extracurriculars in clubs, three leadership positions, and eight years of taekwondo, Cursetji was able to present an impressive and well rounded application.
Originally committed to University of California, Santa Barbara, Cursetji decided to transfer to UCSD when she got off the wait list. She decided that UCSD had more to offer in terms of their psychology programs and opportunities, and that it was just better suited for her and her field.
Samyam Pyakurel committed to California Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly) as a computer information systems major. His application process for the Cal State schools was said to be a great learning process. Through research and advice, Pyrakurel learned the basic requirements needed to attend each university.
Pyrakurel got into Cal Poly by maintaining a good GPA and engaging in multiple extracurriculars, such as soccer and volunteer organizations. He picked Poly over the other universities because it had an amazing program for his major, great student satisfaction, environment, and educational opportunities.
“I am looking forward to achieving my goals, experiencing college life, and making new friends,” Pyakurel said.
Despite what road they chose to travel, the Class of 2020 is poised for success. Congratulations to the graduates on all of their universities commitments!
Comments