With the fall semester comes the ritual of college applications, but for Burroughs seniors, the path forward is not one-size-fits-all. Seniors are navigating distinct journeys, whether tackling the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) applications or looking toward opportunities out of state.
For many others, the intense pressure of application season does not apply, as they strategically plan their future through community college.
“I’m applying to UCI, UCM, UCSB, UCSD, UCB, UCSC, UCD, SFSU, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly SLO, and CSU Long Beach,” senior Duke Leon-Wegner said. “Not only are the locations of these schools great, but they allow me a good opportunity to get a degree and connections with other successful students in an attempt to line up a job.”
Wegner, who plans to major in mechanical engineering, is taking a proactive approach to manage the extensive list of applications, seeking advice from successful Burroughs alumni.
“I’m trying to get everything in as soon as possible,” he said. “Starting them early allows me to connect with other people who have found success throughout their applications and take their advice and use it in my own applications.”
The biggest hurdle so far has been the personal essays, a critical component that can be a deciding factor in admissions.
“It’s been hard to draft the outline of my essays,” Wegner said. “I’ve never written about personal successes and struggles in recent times.”
While Wegner focuses in-state, senior Joseph Wolfe is setting his sights beyond California’s borders.
“The reason I would prefer Utah is that my mother lives in Provo, which is very close to the college,” Wolfe said.
This path requires him to navigate different requirements, including preparing for standardized tests like the SAT, which are no longer considered by the UC and CSU systems.
“I’ve just been making my a-g requirements and preparing to take the SAT to look good for college,” Wolfe said.
For many students, the immediate goal is not a four-year university application but a path through community college at Cerro Coso Community College.
According to Counselor Dave Vigneault, the community college pathway is a popular and practical choice.
“A lot of our students will stay local and complete their first two years of college here,” he said. “Students take the same classes as four-year university students, and they save a huge amount of money.”
Among those choosing this path is senior Ian Patin, who sees community college as the best first step toward his long-term goals.
“Community college is my plan,” said Patin. “For financial and educational reasons, I believe going to a community college first is the best option for me.”
Patin is confident this route will help him achieve his goal of transferring to a university later.
“I have nothing but respect for my peers applying to four-year colleges out of high school,” he said. “For me I was tempted, but I believe community college is better suited to my needs.”
He is already preparing for the transition by taking dual enrollment and in-person classes at the local college, with guidance from his counselor.
“I feel prepared for my next stage,” Patin said.
For students applying to the UC and CSU systems, the application submission period is from October 1 to December 1. Many out-of-state colleges using the Common Application have Early Action and Early Decision deadlines around November 1 or November 15, with Regular Decision deadlines typically in early January. For students planning to attend a California Community College, enrollment is open year-round, though students are still encouraged to apply early before their first semester to get the best choice of classes.
