What was your experience in this process?
My experience during this process was that of self-reflection and success. Before SOAR, I never spent much time thinking about who I really was and who I wanted to become. I wish I had been more intuitive to myself before the program, it would have made answering the essay question easier. The questions and essays assigned required me to deeply think about my passions and future goals. Having this experience has given me the tips and tools necessary to effectively apply for scholarships.

What did you like about the SOAR program?
The SOAR program taught me how to construct an essay that I could be proud of and send to a scholarship program without a second thought. I also became much more aware of my time management skills.  This program was very informative and well organized. 

Would you refer anyone to these services and why?
I would absolutely refer someone to these services because there are no risks and plenty of benefits. Giving someone who wants to better themselves through college the tools and tricks necessary to receive financial aid seems like a human responsibility. (This student won over  150,000 to the University of Southern California. 


Breyona W.  

What was your experience in this process?
My overall experience was good. I understood what my expectations were and my coach was flexible when deciding upon meeting places and keeping constant contact with me.

Was the process informative? If so how?
Yes - I got to see what scholarships were available for me. Also, the college application process was much easier. She also helped me throughout Posse as well.

Was the time frame efficient to complete the task?
Some timelines seemed faster than they appeared especially with the rigor of my high school courses. But SOAR taught me how to better manage my time.​

What did you like about the SOAR program?
​I liked the assignments, especially those that were narratives because it got me familiar with my writing style.

​What did you dislike about the SOAR program? Nothing

Is there anything you wish you had done differently or went over that your coach did not cover?
I wish I had been more focused on the variety of tasks that were assigned to me.

Would you refer anyone to these services and why?​
Yes. If the person was serious about applying for scholarships and wanted some assistance in the tough process, then I would say yes. Also, I would recommend the individual start the process during their sophomore or junior years. It is a great experience to learn more about yourself: your likes and dislikes in an academic forum.


Kelsey 

What was your experience in this process?
This experience was very helpful with getting me where I need to be scholarships. This helps me become more organized when applying for scholarships.​

Was the process informative? If so how?
This process was informative. This process taught me about what essays I needed to have prepared when applying for a scholarship. This program informed me as to what scholarships are better suited for me.

Was the time frame efficient to complete the task?
​Yes, the time frame for me was very efficient. I am able to quickly write scholarship easy and have them prepared
​
What did you like about the SOAR program?
I liked the information I was given while in the program because that information proved to be very beneficial.​

​What did you dislike about the SOAR program?
I do not have anything I did not like

Is there anything you wish you had done differently or went over that your coach did not cover?
No
Would you refer anyone to these services and why?
Yes, because this program really helped me prepare to write essays and personal statements and it allows for you to apply for scholarships faster.

Adrienne

What was your experience in this process?
​I had a good experience with the process because it pushed me to do more

Was the process informative? If so how?
​Yes, it got me prepared for senior year and college

Was the time frame efficient to complete the task?
​No, because the senior year was challenging, so multitasking was hard at times. 

What did you like about the SOAR program?
I like the one on one sessions and being able to map out a game plan

What did you dislike about the SOAR program? Nothing

Did you understand the concepts of the assignments throughout the sessions?
Most of the time

​Do you think you are better prepared for the college experience? 
maybe

Would you refer anyone to these services and why?
​Yes, it's a great Kickstarter for applying for scholarships and college in general

What is the one thing that helped you the most through this process?
​I felt very motivated to finish my work and it was a lot easier applying for scholarships once I had my essays drafted.

I graduated from Pebblebrook high school with a 3.6 Gpa and received over 200,000 thousand dollars of scholarship money I was awarded the Posse scholarship and I will attend Bard College as a first-year student majoring in vocal performance

Sklyar

What was your experience in this process?

​College season is the ultimate unknown.
As the gateway to my future, it was critical for me to ensure that I worked my hardest and left no stone unturned. Working through college apps under this premise, I knew what I had to do, and SOAR to College helped me do it. I was able to have my essays critically reviewed in a way that transformed my essays while still keeping my voice. And because of they great work they did, SOAR helped me get into the college of my dreams. I am so glad that I was able to work with SOAR, and urge all others during college season to do the same."
      Once again, I greatly appreciate all that you have done for me and my future opportunities, and I hope that this statement can express my gratitude to other prospective students.
Thanks Heaps,
     Graham

​
​​I graduated from North Carolina School of Science and Math, Durham NC. with a 4.95 GPA. I will be attending Stanford University Honors Program.

Graham 

What was your experience in this process?
I had a great experience through SOAR. My coach really helped me through my interviews and applications by giving meaningful and honest advice. SOAR opened up new opportunities for me that I probably never would have come across if I had been by myself.

 Was the process informative? If so how?
Yes, I learned a lot about the proper way to present oneself on paper through essays. It really helped with learning how to state exactly what I mean without beating around the bush. It also helped with resume building, learning how to build one's resume as well as cutting off the unimportant activities.

Was the time frame efficient to complete the task?
Yes, I was given enough time to complete each task.

What did you like about the SOAR program?
I really liked knowing that there was someone who supported and believed in me other than my parents. It was nice to know that my coach would be honest with me as well as want what was best for me throughout the process.

What did you dislike about the SOAR program?
In the beginning, I was not a huge fan of having to write mini-essays about each of my activities, but I realized that those were very helpful in the future.

Did you understand the concepts of the assignments throughout the sessions?
I honestly feel as if everything I needed was covered.

Do you think you are better prepared for the college experience? Yes,

Would you refer anyone to these services and why?
Yes, I would refer people to this service because it helps people understand how to properly present themselves either in an interview or on paper.

 What is the one thing that helped you the most through this process?
The one thing that helped me the most throughout this process is the support that my coach--Ms. Elisa--gave me. She reminded me to stay calm and not stress too much, but she also motivated me to do my work. I greatly appreciate everything she has done for me.

​​I graduated from Woodward Academy with a 4.35 GPA. I will be attending Northeastern University Honors Program.

Erica