Application season is just around the corner for universities in Colombia, and the high school seniors at The Columbus School are filled with both excitement and anxiety since they have to navigate entrance exams, interviews, and application requirements for their future careers.
For many students, this application to higher education is something of a turning point, indeed a challenging one, which starts with meeting academic requirements to prepare for various entrance exams while attending interviews. Yet, this year, seniors of The Columbus School, forge ahead into a new future toward the next bigger step in higher education.
“I’m pretty excited for this new phase. I really want to join the university, and I have been preparing for this moment for a long time. I’m looking forward to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and this is the path to get there,” Cristobal Palacio, senior, said.
From submitting academic transcripts to taking entrance exams, this is an important process when it comes to applying to recognized universities in the city, like EAFIT and CES. Each university has different requirements and expectations from students applying for admission, so preparation is important.
“I’m going twice a week with some friends to the learning center to study and prepare for the test, and Dina, the college counselor, has provided us with interview preparation documents as well,” Emilia Velez, senior, said.
The seniors of The Columbus School are deeply committed to securing admission to their dream universities, showing the will to make huge sacrifices in the process. From investing countless hours in rigorous academic preparation and extracurricular activities to making personal sacrifices for college applications, they always strive to go beyond their limits.
“I’m planning to study in Eafit because I love the campus and the university as a whole. I want to meet new people and have a very cool university experience, and I feel like this is the university which will allow me to reach my goals and become a successful businessman,” Palacio said.
For students like Emilia Vélez, who wants to enter the Medicine program at CES University, an unexpected challenge in the admission process came with the inclusion of an entrance exam for this year, however, they are embracing this change.
“The news about the new test came a bit late, but I think it’s a good way for the university to evaluate where we stand academically, ensuring that only the best of us get admitted. Therefore, creating a great learning environment composed of students dedicated and committed to their success as doctors,” Velez said.
Despite the challenges and unexpected turn of events, students are actively preparing by reviewing coursework and seeking additional academic support both in and outside the school to help strengthen their applications and ensure their success.
“Since last year, I had a physics teacher we didn’t learn much from, so now I go to the learning center twice a week with friends to catch up and ensure my preparation for the entrance exam,” Velez said.
As the seniors inch closer to graduation, they are excited but also aware of the changes that university life will bring, particularly the faster academic pace, increased independence, and increased workload.
“The biggest challenge will be adjusting to a fast-paced learning environment, and huge academic requirements, but I know it will be worth it in the end,” Velez said confidently.