It’s one of our favorite times of the year: early admission season!
Our Class of 2023 STEP scholars worked hard these past two years. They’ve taken writing workshops, standardized test prep courses, and Honors and AP classes. They’ve volunteered throughout the community and held leadership roles inside their schools and in extracurricular activities. They’ve supported their families. And they’ve worked relentlessly to achieve their college dreams.
Now? They get to see all the hard work and long hours pay off.
Early admission decisions have started to roll in. So, without further ado, here is the fantastic news (so far):
“It was such a surreal experience and it was insane to think that, after all my hard work, I really did it!””
Yeshua Ayala
Accepted to Washington University in St. Louis
“I was in a state of shock when I found out I got accepted to WashU. The shock then turned into an overwhelming amount of joy. I was so excited to tell my family the good news! My parents were extremely proud. I was also proud of myself for the hard work I’ve put in over the last four years. I accomplished a goal that I once only thought was a dream.
STEP's support showed me that I am capable of attending a top college like WashU. Two years ago I would have never imagined myself in this position. I felt discouraged in applying to out-of-state colleges as a first-generation student. However, STEP showed me the importance of self-advocacy and helped me gain the confidence I needed to achieve higher education.”
Yoalli Chavez Lopez
Accepted to Boston College
“I was in huge disbelief when I first saw the acceptance page. I didn't have high hopes going into the National College Match but I'm glad I was able to be accepted and matched.
STEP gave me the confidence to apply to colleges that I thought were out of reach and made me feel a lot more informed in the college process than I was before.”
Maria Lopez
Accepted to Washington University in St. Louis
“I felt very relieved [when I received my acceptance letter]. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I felt all the hard work and dedication that I put into my high school career had paid off. I also felt very excited. I mean, who am I kidding? WashU! I got accepted into WashU. That's so surreal.
STEP played a huge role in my college acceptance. I had resources offered to me that not many people have access to. They provided guidance when looking for schools with the best financial aid. They taught me how to fill out forms like the FAFSA and the CSS profile. STEP introduced me to WashU in the first place! If it wasn't for STEP, I don't think I would have known about this great school.”
Ariza Meza
Accepted to Colgate University
“I felt over the moon! The realization comes in waves and it’s just something I have always dreamed of. I am just completely happy and overjoyed with the outcome.
I can completely and fully say that if it wasn’t for STEP, I would’ve never ever got into Colgate. They truly helped me so much with everything and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Juan Irigoyen Castillo
Accepted to Stanford University
“As a Hispanic 17-year-old boy whose parents have had to conquer many obstacles, I felt proud, accomplished, and happy upon learning of my acceptance into Stanford. It was something I [had always] dreamed of…
If it wasn't for STEP, I don’t believe I would've even applied to Stanford. It was never easy getting up in the morning — and staying up late — to try to accomplish something that may never be achieved. STEP helped guide me, a [low-income, first-generation student] who had potential but didn't know what to do with it... They taught me to never give up. From essay writing to navigating the FAFSA to improving my mental health, STEP provided it all.
Despite the obstacles, I trusted STEP to have my back — and they did just that. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I've been granted and I thank everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Yuliana Martinez
Accepted to Washington University in St. Louis
“[Receiving my acceptance letter] was a memorable moment. My family and friends gathered for the news. I was nervous but anxious to open my admission letter. Seeing as I am a first-generation student, several of my family members didn’t understand the concept of early decision. Once I explained it, they realized how eager I was about attending WashU. I was joyfully overwhelmed by the amount of people who were congratulating me for such a huge accomplishment. Soon after, I felt a sense of relief knowing that — because of STEP — I will be able to attend and afford a college. That’s something I once thought was out of reach because of my background.
STEP has played a tremendous role in my life, helping me get accepted to college and evolve as an individual. Without STEP, I would’ve been clueless about the college application process, applying for financial aid, attending fly-in and summer programs, and exploring the Alaskan wilderness!
As a low-income, first-generation student, I believed that in-state universities were my only option. STEP altered every one of my thoughts towards college, and presented me with countless and unimaginable opportunities. I appreciate everything STEP has done for me — as a person, and now, a Washington University in St. Louis student!”
Marely Ramirez Cortes
Accepted to Carleton College
“I was sure I was going to be rejected, so when I got the acceptance letter I was beyond surprised! STEP helped me every step of the way. From giving me tips on classes I should take to contacting financial aid offices, STEP helped me see that it was possible for me to go to college. I will forever be thankful for their help.”
Sarah Ramos-Gonzalez
Accepted to Yale University
“I was absolutely in tears [when I received my admissions letter]. College has been a lifelong dream of mine. Using my dedication and love for school to attain a spot at Yale was completely worth it. On top of that, I got to commit early!
STEP is like no other college-prep program. Not only is the information at the workshops concise, but everyone assures you that you can make your academic dreams come true. Going to Alaska on the NOLS expedition was also something I could’ve never experienced without STEP (shout-out to STEP 3 🐻!). STEP is the kind of program that any student navigating the college process needs.”
Ariel Chavez
Accepted to Washington University in St. Louis
“Truly, it’s crazy, but when I first got the news, I didn’t feel anything at all. It wasn’t until I had talked to family and really sat and stared at the screen that I felt so accomplished. It was such a surreal experience and it was insane to think that — after all my hard work — I really did it!
STEP played almost every role imaginable for me. I’m a first-generation student who had no clue what I was doing. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to go to college.
STEP showed me so many opportunities, such as taking classes over the summer with prestigious colleges. [There], I uncovered passions that I never even thought were possible to have. STEP provided support, not only to me, but to my parents who were embarking down this new path with me. I will always be grateful for STEP. They showed me just how capable I am.”