Going to College

The reality and anticipation of the “College-Ready” mission of Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools has moved into high gear for juniors at Gertz-Ressler High School.  These students – nearly 160 of them – are members of the Class of 2008, slated to be the first graduating class from an Alliance school. They are making sure that they will be ‘ready.’

“This is real. In September, they will be seniors, their motivation is high, and so is their college preparation activity,” says Veronica Gonzalez, GRHS’s college counselor.  She is working one on one with the eleventh graders, making certain that everybody is on task. More than 90% of this class have already passed the California High School Exit Exam. As required of Alliance students, they have all taken at least one college entrance exam such as the SATs or ACT tests.  They have examined their transcripts and grades to be sure they will meet the University of California A-G admission requirements. Many have taken college tours and attended workshops on important topics like obtaining financial aid for college.

Summer vacation will not be down time for the Class of 2008. Ms. Gonzalez says that 100% of the class must have a college application completed when they return to campus on September 4th.  “It won’t be perfect, but we want a rough draft, essay and all,” she adds. As college application deadlines loom in the fall, the goal is that every student will fine-tune his or her college application.  “As it’s been since the day they began ninth grade, being ready is the important Alliance concept,” concludes Principal Howard Lappin.  “Our kids will be.”