Abstract
This action research explored college application experiences of 12 graduating senior high school students for AY 2020-2021. The purpose of the study is to increase students’ information about college preparation and to eventually have a framework which can be integrated in the career guidance program. This research answered the central question: What does college preparedness mean to DLSZ grade 12 students? With sub-questions: 1. How do grade 12 students prepare for college applications? 2. In what ways do grade 12 students prepare themselves from high school to college transition? 3. What have the grade 12 students discovered about themselves during college preparation? Data collection was done through individual interviews, focus group discussions, and written questionnaire. Thematic coding was used to analyze the data using qualitative design. Trustworthiness was established though member checking and triangulation. Result revealed the following 5 categories on college preparedness: Academic Skills, Goal-Setting, New Beginnings, Self-Efficacy and Self-Care.
