During college application season, many juniors and seniors found themselves stressing over the difficult college application process. After considering scholarships, costs, moving away and SATs, students are expected to do a lot of hard work throughout the fall semester. Once she realized this apparent issue, sophomore Sophie Bi introduced her solution to Oak Park High School: College Connect.
“I wanted to start the club because I knew many graduated seniors [who could] give high schoolers a clearer and personal perspective on college and college applications. There is a lot of advice online, but hearing from alumni provides a more relatable experience,” Bi wrote to the Talon.
Bi’s goal is to connect current OPHS students with graduated students in college so that alumni can provide guidance, answering any questions or problems they are currently facing. They use many different types of media platforms for alumni to talk with students and the club works with participation from club members.
“My club aims to bridge the gap between high schoolers and college students by hosting informative meetings with OPHS alumni. We use both Zoom and in-person meetings to create question-guided discussions. Students can also ask questions throughout the interview, and of course, we provide food,” wrote Bi.
Before creating the club, Bi already had a lot of personal experience with college even though she has yet to go herself.
“Since I have an older sister who has gone through this process, I find learning from personal experiences is more real and less intimidating. The College Connect club allows me to share that support with others,” Bi wrote.
As students start to apply for colleges, Bi hopes to expand her club and include a more diverse selection of alumni across different majors. College Connect meets on the last Thursday of every month during lunch in Mrs. Taousakis’s room, E-05. Be ready with questions.