By Arabella Balderama

Last August 23 and September 8, the grade 12 students of Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) attended their Ateneo de Manila University Educational Exploration (ADMU EdEx) to guide them in the completion of their college applications.

The seminar’s main purpose was to give the ASHS seniors a walkthrough of the ongoing college application process of ADMU.

Revolving around the university’s systems, the ADMU EdEx allowed the grade 12 students to get a glimpse of what is in store for them when they apply to Ateneo.

“Before attending the ADMU EdEx, I was actually confused on different scholarships offered in college. But now, I came to know about their differences, the requirements to apply, and the processes as well,” said Anika Anzano, a grade 12 scholar.

The program kicked off with opening remarks from guidance counselors and Ms. Josephine Sacluti, one of the strand coordinators.

On the other hand, Dr. Jose Maria Edito K. Tirol, the Office of Admission and Aid Director, introduced the general guidelines for admissions while enticing the students with the numerous opportunities bound for Ateneans in the Loyola Schools.

“Ateneo de Manila University is a place of self-discovery,” Dr. Tirol stated, citing the different leadership initiatives, organizations, scholarships, and degree programs offered by ADMU.

Afterward, the School of Humanities, John Gokongwei School of Management, School of Science and Engineering, School of Social Sciences, and Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design presented their respective courses through promotional videos and talks.

A question and answer portion was then led by the ADMU EdEx speakers, providing an avenue for the seniors to clarify the necessary information they need to know.

“As a student, it was actually a good experience for me. Considering that it is hard to find the right course or program you will choose; ADMU EdEx helped me to discern well by providing me with a brief description of each programs in different schools in college,” Anzano narrated.

“As a scholar, it was comforting knowing that we are welcomed by the community and that there are numerous opportunities waiting for us in college. When they discussed about the scholarships, I have realized that Ateneo is indeed compassionate towards the unfortunate but gifted individuals in our society,” she further explained.

Aside from the enlightening discussions about application processes, the ADMU EdEx also served as an avenue to better prepare for the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET).

“It also helped me to prepare [for the] ACET because in a way, it feels like they are encouraging us to study and prepare well for ACET to be able to experience how it feels like to be in college in Ateneo,” Anzano concluded.

Mrs. Maria Jennifer A. Conception, the Assistant Principal of Formation, ended the seminar with inspiring closing remarks.

The August 23 session was held in the Leong Hall of ADMU, while the September 8 schedule was broadcasted in the ASHS classrooms via Zoom.

Thumbnail from ASHS Guidance Office