Seniors offer advice on college application process

A panel of 11 seniors from LSMSA offered advice on the college application process to members of the Class of 2019 during a session held Thursday, Feb. 22, in Treen Auditorium.

“This is a rare opportunity to gather information and hear first-hand advice from graduating seniors,” said Leah Lentz, counselor and co-director of the College Counseling Center.

The event was sponsored by the College Counseling Center, which offers a comprehensive college counseling program at LSMSA. Counselors provide information about colleges and scholarships through the college planning seminars, the college fair, individual college visits, financial aid workshops and individual appointments upon request. Counselors individually advise and collaborate with students on issues of college admission and scholarships in the spring of junior year. During the senior year, counselors write individual letters of recommendation for each of their students and support students in the decision-making process. Students are encouraged to work closely with their counselor at this time to assure that applications and supporting documents, including transcripts, are sent in a timely fashion.

“I liked how the seniors used their real life struggles as a junior as examples instead of just telling us what they think would be good for us,” said Myles Fabre, a junior from Baton Rouge. “I learned that the college essays would be the hardest part for me and to prepare and do everything early.

“The most helpful advice that I heard was to do everything early and to just write about yourself over and over again until you have your golden personal statement. I am still nervous, but I am definitely ready to start everything.”

Senior panelists included Niko Perez of Monroe, Hayden Fanning of Haynesville, Sofia Rivera of Covington, Hannah Rice of Mandeville, Emma Simpson of Shreveport, Lily Barnett of Alexandria, Kaitlynn Randall of Vidalia, Jessenia Ortiz of Oberlin, Marcus Shallow of Elton, Lyrren Mwaghore of Luling and Ruby Kharod of Opelousas.