CAP and CARS The College Admissions Readiness Symposium preps soon-to-be seniors

BY ALYSSA DOPICO, STAFF WRITER

AS THE END OF THE YEAR approaches, juniors at Gables prepare for the formidable process of college applications. Fortunately, students have the opportunity to join the College Admissions Readiness Symposium. The CARS program, run by Gables’ new College Assistance Program Advisor Sofa Sanz de Acedo, provides participants with the knowledge and preparation they need to hit the ground running when college applications start.

CARS is essentially a bootcamp that helps students get a head start on multiple components of the college and fnancial aid application process. The program is available only to current juniors and occurs May 31 through June 2. Participants will write their personal statements, which tell colleges about them as an individual, build a college list, learn about fnancial aid and more through various workshops.

CARS builds the foundation of applications, facilitating a head start on the process so that incoming seniors will only have

by the numbers

supplements left to work on the following year. Since the process can be daunting for students, taking advantage of this early start is extremely helpful.

“I did CARS last year because I was worried that I would fall behind in the college application process. I hoped to get a better understanding of the application process, and I did,” senior Kysa Mesa said.

Starting this year as the new CAP Advisor, Sanz de Acedo has made a large impact on students, guiding them as they take the next step towards their future. The opportunity to come back to her alma mater to offer this guidance to students drew Sanz de Acedo to the position of CAP advisor, one that she has enjoyed occupying this past school year.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with students and guiding them through the college process. This position was completely new to me, but I have learned a lot and hope I can continue to share my expertise with students and parents,” Sanz de Acedo said.

Through her work with students undergoing the application process, Sanz de Acedo has learned that while there is no exact formula to get into the perfect school, there is still much more that goes into the decision process than people may think, primarily the fact that each student has a unique case. Working with each applicant, Sanz de Acedo has learned how to take family life and fnancial situation into account.

As the CAP Advisor, Sanz de Acedo has taken on the organization of the CARS program. By creating a detailed schedule, curriculum and assignments for participants in collaboration with teachers and volunteers, she has made sure that it will run smoothly.

“Being prepared, thinking about colleges and taking time to work on your applications can ease the stress that comes along with applying to colleges,” Sanz de Acedo said.

h h features highlights surveyed 225 students in May 2023 regarding CARS at Gables and its effcacy.

96% of students believe that CARS will help students prepare for the college application process.

66% of students have attended or plan to attend CARS during their time at Gables.

98% of students believe that having CARS at Gables is benefcial to students.

35% of students expect the most helpful component of CARS to be writing the personal statement.