It’s really easy to be intimidated by the prospect of applying to college. It’s an ego and a pride thing. We don’t want to feel “rejected.” Laying it all out and hitting that submit button can make one feel so vulnerable. It’s very relatable. But applying to college isn’t like that in reality—everything we just described is perceived. Some of you grew up knowing where you see yourselves, and some of you have no clue. Both are okay. You know what’s also okay? When life takes you in a completely different direction. Once you release yourself from the fear of rejection, let go of that perceived vulnerability, and reframe it with a come what may attitude, you’ve empowered yourself. Now you’re in the driver’s seat.
We talked to six students who were once in your shoes to find out what was going through their minds before deciding to apply to the University of Miami, and what’s come of it since they did. Here’s what they had to say.
What made you decide to apply to UM?
I decided to apply to UM when I heard from a friend of mine that she got accepted and decided to enroll. At this time, I was only 14. With my passion being in meteorology, what better place to be than the tropical area of South Florida? I saw the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science facilities and location, the high standing of the Communication School, and the fantastic extracurriculars, and I knew this was the place for me.
Tell us how things are now.
As of right now at the University, I am currently an executive producer of the UMTV weather show, CanesCast, a member of the American Meteorological Society, and participate in many UMTV news shows. This is so full circle for me as it is truly everything I’ve ever wanted to do in my career. Everything I’ve looked forward to about the University has exceeded my expectations. I have met the best people in my life and experienced more than I had ever thought I would. This place has been just perfect for me.
What advice would you give to your high school senior self?
I would say relax, breathe, and remember to be authentic to yourself. By being yourself, you can and will meet your people and follow the path at the university you are meant to attend. Hang in there! You’ll be thriving in no time!
What made you decide to apply to UM?
I decided to apply to UM because it offered a very high-level music therapy program in one of the best music schools in the country. The UM curriculum would allow me to study with some of the best professional music therapists, while also having a chance to perform in several different ensembles. The Frost School of Music also allows students to be involved in several different organizations, while still keeping academics first. UM was the only university that I applied to that has a 100 percent job placement rate for my major upon graduation.
Tell us how things are going now.
Now, as a senior music therapy student, I have accomplished so much here at UM. I have been incredibly successful academically. I have had tons of field experience for my major, including working in hospice care, at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, at Unique Learning Center, and at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. I am also the Drumline Captain in the Frost Band of the Hour Marching Band, a drum set player in the Pep Band, Co-Principal Percussionist in the Frost Symphonic Winds Ensemble, president of Tau Beta Sigma, VP of Sigma Alpha Iota, a member of Alpha Mu, a member of Alpha Lamba Delta, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I have been incredibly fortunate enough to be involved in so many different parts of college life, all while receiving an incredibly high-level curriculum. I am currently in the process of finishing up my undergraduate degree and applying for my music therapy internship.
What advice would you give to your high school senior self?
If you are waiting for things to get easier, they won’t. But you will get stronger and more resilient, which will help you to overcome the hard times.
What made you decide to apply to UM?
Growing up, I was very privileged to live in an international community where I was surrounded by people from different countries. However, I didn’t get to experience that same cultural diversity once I got to high school. When applying to college, I made sure to apply to cities that welcomed different cultures and had a high population of international students and people of color. I am also not a fan of snow, so I was mostly looking at sunny states, haha!
Tell us how things are going now.
I try to explore different parts of the city and try new cuisines when I can. I enjoy going to the Wynwood Walls in the art district and have recently visited a salsa club on Calle Ocho. I wasn’t a fan of plantains before I came to Miami, but after trying different Cuban and Caribbean restaurants, I can gladly say my perception has changed! Soon, I want to walk around Little Haiti and try more restaurants in Coconut Grove. Every day is a multicultural experience.
What advice would you give to your high school senior self?
You don’t always have to try new things with someone else. If you really want to try something or travel to a new place, you don’t have to delay your decision because you can’t find someone to join you. Sometimes trying things by yourself can be very freeing.
What made you decide to apply to UM?
Initially it was the fact that UM offered a little bit of everything. It’s located near a large city, but still has a “small campus feel” to it. I also liked that there’s a big school spirit presence, but it’s a medium-sized school. When I toured UM in 2021 (during COVID-19), students still looked happy and joyful, which really stood out to me because I was struggling with online school and seasonal depression. Seeing the smiling students really spoke to me.
Tell us how things are going now.
Now having been at UM for 2 years, I’ve realized that I feel very taken care of and feel very at home here. My professors are helpful and knowledgeable, health (both mental and physical) resources are very accessible, and my eers are friendly and caring. I don’t really have to worry about anything besides my academics and my overall well-being. Everything else is taken care of by UM.
What advice would you give to your high school senior self?
I would definitely tell myself to take time to enjoy life. Coming from an ultra-competitive high school, I was constantly stressed about my academics to the point where it took a toll on my mental health. I wish I had taken the time to enjoy high school more.
What made you decide to apply to UM?
During the summer before my senior year of high school, I discovered UM from a random Google search of schools on the East Coast. As I read about the program offerings, the scholarship opportunities, the school spirit, and the involvement opportunities that exist both on campus and in the greater Miami area, I saw myself being able to thrive here—so I applied.
Tell us how things are going now.
Looking back, I have grown academically and personally and experienced so many full circle moments. I started with The Miami Hurricane newspaper as an A&E writer and now lead that section. The research lab I joined as a first-year student is the same lab I am now completing a senior honors thesis with. During my time as a President’s 100 Student Ambassador, I got to impact high school students the same way my tour guide impacted me, so much that I committed to UM soon after I visited.
What advice would you give to your high school senior self?
See the scary thing and do it anyway! Apply for all the scholarships, even if they’re competitive and there’s only a small chance you’ll receive it. Apply to the schools you think are out of reach. Befriend the people you want to connect with on a deeper level, even if it takes time to get past that awkward phase. My time at UM has shown me that the best opportunities arise when you take a leap of faith, feel the fear, and do it anyway.
What made you decide to apply to UM?
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, but I moved to Miami in 2011 with my family, so I’ve been lucky enough to call Miami my home since then! I had always heard about UM, not just from living in Miami but also from my teachers in high school, who were alumni and spoke highly of UM being a private research university. Given that I wanted to pursue biomedical engineering, I knew opportunities like these would help me in my career journey. After researching the College of Engineering’s Biomedical Engineering department, I knew I wanted to apply!
Tell us how things are going now.
I work alongside biomedical engineering faculty Dr. Patrick Ganzer in his research on vagus nerve stimulation in spinal cord injury patients. When I took his class in the spring semester of my first year, he announced his research and offered students the opportunity to join, which led to me joining his lab that summer! With this opportunity, I have gained immense hands-on experience that I have been able to showcase when applying to industry internships, resulting in me working at Medtronic, a medical device leader in Minneapolis, as a research and technology intern just one summer after I started at the lab!
What advice would you give to your high school senior self?
I would tell her that everything you have worked for will pay off immensely in more ways than you can ever think of! I would advise her to continue to ask others for help in terms of gaining opportunities and mentorship from individuals in places she would like to see herself. Gaining these connections has helped me immensely in growing my personal and professional self and has allowed me to participate in various opportunities I may not have heard of otherwise.
Take your first step towards becoming a 'Cane – apply through the Common Application today! Need more information? Review our deadlines and familiarize yourself with our application process.
