New Haven Unified seniors urge early planning, deep engagement and balanced AP loads to boost college prospects

High school seniors at a New Haven Unified School District panel shared practical steps they said helped them gain admission to a range of colleges, from community colleges to selective private universities.

The students told an audience of parents and peers that starting early, following real interests and balancing rigorous coursework with wellbeing mattered more than chasing resume items. "The people that you surround yourself with... stay on track of your work," said Avery, who will attend Ohlone College, urging younger students to choose supportive friends and avoid procrastination.

Why it matters: Panelists represented several district pathways — community college, state universities and selective private schools — and described different strategies that can help students find a good fit. The discussion underscored that there is no single formula for admission and that academic planning, extracurricular depth and test-taking all play roles depending on the school.

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