It is that time of the year again for seniors to go through the long and grueling process of filling out college applications with academic achievements, volunteering hours, and extracurricular activities. 

Filling out college applications is a terrifying and daunting task, especially this year with distance learning. Distance learning has prevented students from receiving direct help from teachers and counselors. 

Senior Jordan Tovar said, “One struggle that I’m having is not having the one-on-one time with my teacher/instructor that I would in an actual class because I could have my teacher look it over real quick to see if everything’s in order or if I can better my application.”

Nonetheless, seniors of Los Altos High School are finding solutions to ease the exhausting application process. The AVID class at Los Altos is providing great help to seniors. 

“I honestly couldn’t ask for a better teacher. Mrs. Crowther has helped me as well as so many other students both this year and last year. She’s been giving instructions on how to fill out our applications and giving us resources for EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), Cal State applications and Common App,” said Tovar. 

From conducting college research to providing multiple resources, AVID is thoroughly helping its senior students craft the best college applications that truly reflect who the students are. This help is greatly essential during distance learning and a pandemic which has made it difficult for such help to reach students. 

However, if students are not in AVID, there are other ways to ease the college application process. 

Tovar said, “If you need any help, try asking your parents if they’ve gone through the application process or an older sibling who is/has gone to college because they can help you with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Attend as many college workshops as possible as you’ll be able to get help straight from the representatives.” 

Although learning has been moved online, there are still so much resources students can take advantage of. From asking your family members to attending virtual workshops, the college application process can become easier and less stressful.