Kendell, Accelerated 3-year Public Health Scholar Program
What were your goals for college admission? Did you accomplish them?
I was very blessed to have a support team who never pushed for a school, but rather encouraged me to go somewhere as interested in having me as a student as I was in being a student. So my college admission goals were never a school but rather somewhere with my major (public health), a smaller community I could be a part of, and a place I felt comfortable both on and off campus.
What was most helpful about working with Hughes College Prep?
The unwavering support. I could bring my stresses and successes to Chenoa and she would always meet me right where I was in that moment. A more tangible support Hughes offered was accountability throughout the process; to have someone who was keeping you on track during such a busy time was huge!
What was the biggest surprise, good or bad, about the admissions process in general?
There is not one place for everyone, contrary to what we think in high school. There are lots of campuses that offer different things where a student would be happy. At the end of the day, it’s only one decision and it isn’t the end all.
Were you accepted to one of your top three school choices (undergrad or grad school)?
AU was a top school for me and so was my program (the Public Health 3-Year Scholars).
What difference did your scholarships make when attending college?
My merit scholarship was a big factor in deciding on my college — to me, it showed that my university was excited to have me!
Did you feel supported by Hughes College Prep during the admission process? If so, how?
Hughes supported me through rejections, waitlists, and confusing admissions. They always listened to where I was at and asked me the important questions; then, they offered to help me talk to nervous parents. Chenoa was one of the first people to know my college decision because she was the one who helped me the most in making it.
What surprised you most about working with Hughes College Prep?
It was fun! I didn’t mind my meetings at all because of the mentorship and friendship that developed throughout our time together! I am actually looking forward to starting GRE-prep with Hughes again this summer.
Are there any aspects of your time with Hughes that stick out as having carried through to other elements of your life, beyond college admissions, such as college, jobs, etc.?
Definitely essay editing. I am now sought after as a killer editor because Hughes showed me the way! I also feel more confident in interviewing and applying for internships/jobs because of the Hughes process; I can better anticipate what employers might be looking for and am more comfortable talking about my strengths.
Will you continue your education beyond undergrad?
I plan to get my Masters.
What is one bit of advice you would give to parents of college-bound students?
Trust your kids in the process! They have put in countless hours thinking about this and working towards their goals— this is really one of their first independent decisions.
What is one bit of advice you would give to the students themselves?
Take a deep breath and know that it isn’t just about if you “deserve” to be at a school. It’s as much about the school deserving you as a student.