Anastassia Bobokalonova
SAS is for everyone who feels limited by a traditional education. At SAS, instead of feeling negative peer pressure, the students experience positive peer motivation toward common goals. As I write this on the student balcony at our campus, the fresh air reminds me of the open nature of SAS, the facilitative faces of our faculty, the independent study time we have in between our college classes, and the fertile environment for learning. It’s a sheer joy to be part of such a passionate student body! I’m excited to see how this proactive experience shapes our future endeavors.
Anastassia Bobokalonova
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Class of 2016
Andrew Davis
On paper, the School for Advanced Studies offers an excellent and challenging curriculum, and with its dual-enrollment program, a massive variety of classes to choose from. I can’t explain how exhilarating it is to be able to actually take classes that interest me. Suddenly, I was this student that would wake up looking forward to go to school, and that just doesn’t happen to high school students. I checked with other students. But it was what SAS taught outside of the classroom, what was not written in the curriculum, that made it stand far above any other program: common sense and practicality. At my old school, we were assigned classes, and we were soldiered between them as quickly as possible. School functions were the brain-children of the faculty and never the students, and we were simply told what the decision on a matter was, not how to go about making one. At SAS, decision-making is practically part of the lesson plan. For the college, students are allowed to choose their classes, and it is their responsibility to attend them, their responsibility to learn the information, and their responsibility to remember when the deadlines for papers or projects are. On the other hand, the high school teachers at SAS are very warm and friendly, do as much as they can to help students learn the material, and are always available for tutoring, or simply for a chat. I hate to sound clichéd, but SAS really does have a “best of both worlds” approach to academics, easing its students into the rigors of college life. In short, any magnet school can provide a challenging curriculum to its students, but it is SAS that encourages growth as a responsible and pragmatic individual.
I had my doubts, before coming to SAS, as to whether it was the right choice for me. I feared that the workload would be too much, that I wouldn’t have a social life outside of school walls. My anxieties weren’t exactly quelled by the 10 p.m. Facebook posts by SAS students that read “Only 4 more research papers to go.” I made the decision to go, though, and I can say truthfully that I have never looked back.
Andrew Davis
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
University of Alabama, Class of 2016
Christian Gonzalez
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without SAS. Here, everyone knows you by name, and you aren’t constricted by the same overbearing rules as normal high schools. In the time between classes (and there is plenty) you are free to go anywhere on campus you’d like: the library, the gym, one of the two cafeterias, or even just the soccer field to kick back and enjoy a game on a Friday morning.
Christian Gonzalez
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Class of 2016
Emily Polanco
Without a doubt, School for Advanced Studies was the driving force that both integrated and acted as a transition from secondary school to university life. From taking the varied courses available in an extensive curriculum, to the more thorough relationships with teachers, these two years have developed my expectations to the point that ultimately led me to choose where I could possibly spend the next few years of my life. Looking at the prospects and experience as a graduate of this school is highlighting the advantages gained in a demanding career market, where I am confident my skills will excel.
Emily Polanco
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
University of Rochester (N.Y.), Class of 2016
Hazel Guardado
Coming to SAS has been one of the best decisions of my life so far. I love the feeling of a tight knit community, the variety of classes I was offered as a college student, and the support I received from my teachers. The teachers and staff truly care about your progress and will do whatever it takes to help you succeed. Most importantly, I learned how to challenge myself and how to manage my time wisely. Being treated as an adult and given independent time to study made me more responsible than ever. I feel that my transition from high school to college will be much easier now that I have had a taste of college life, and I know that I am prepared for whatever the next four years bring thanks to the unique and rewarding experiences I’ve had at SAS.
Hazel Guardado
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
Cornell University, Class of 2016
Jennifer Cernada
I believe my time at the School for Advanced Studies to be analogous to training for a marathon. Once the registration has been filled out, one finds that the hardest part is getting out of his or her sedentary lifestyle. Much like most of our previous high schools; in which the astounding students so often go unrecognized due to the preoccupation with the troublesome, less studious ones; the couch life feels comfortable and easy. For those brave enough to start, the initial experiences are usually difficult and discouraging. However, therein lies the significance. One finds his or herself possessing experience necessary to answer the question, “Am I the kind of person who will give up at the first sign of a challenge, or am I willing to rise up and meet this head-on?”
During my time here, I have been pleasantly surprised to find that I am in the latter category. Just as muscles grow when put under stress, the breadth of my knowledge has expanded exponentially due to my willingness to “run that extra mile,” as it were. Apart from acquiring the time management and study skills required for success at a major university, I was given the opportunity to show myself what I’m made of. With every drop of sweat shed, I strengthened both mind and character in a controlled environment. I gave myself the gift of knowing that when race day comes, I’ll have that much more advantage over those who chose not to train.
Jennifer Cernada
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
Rice University, Class of 2016
Rayshri Sewnarainsukul
School for Advanced Studies represents a once in a life time opportunity. To be a part of SAS is to be given a chance to achieve something grander and more elaborate than just a mere high school experience. It is the time to contemplate and pave the way for your future. The rigorous curriculum of both high school and college classes serve to prepare students for the future. That is what SAS does; it guides and shapes individuals to reach their absolute potential. To me, being a part of the SAS program is both an honor and privilege.
Rayshri Sewnarainsukul
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
University of Miami, Class of 2016
Rosario Vidales
My experience at School for Advanced Studies (SAS) has been excellent. These two years have been very challenging, but with this commitment to my studies, have come commensurate benefits. I believe I can speak for everyone when I say that the teachers are accessible for any questions, and that they treat everyone as a person, not a number. Even while balancing college and high school courses, I have passed all of my advanced placement examinations, and I strongly believe this can be attributed to SAS teachers’ commitment to what they do, and experience with the subjects they teach. Thanks to SAS, I have gotten a paid head start on university core curriculum. With Advanced Placement and this great dual enrollment opportunity, I will graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College at the end of my senior year.
To those worried about missing the “high school experience,” I would honestly say that you don’t miss a single thing! Contrary to popular belief, SAS does have clubs and allows students to make new club suggestions. There are fancy school dances, and many in school activities, yearbooks, an elaborate prom, and more. The only thing you’ll have to miss about high school is having to make an appointment to see your teachers and counselors, since at SAS they don’t have to oversee thousands of students as would be the case in any other high school—they are available at all times.
But, back to what is most important, if you are willing to take a challenge, and take a step toward success, this is the place to be. It is up to you to make the best choice for your future, and I am confident when I say that I have made the best choice possible by attending School for Advanced Studies.
Rosario Vidales
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
Florida International University, Class of 2016
Sara Roldan
During my junior year of high school, I began a journey that set me apart academically by undertaking college studies through the School for Advanced Studies (SAS) dual enrollment program at Miami Dade College.
My college coursework and anticipated graduation with an Associate’s Degree has prepared me for the academic rigor I will soon encounter at the University level, but also created a drive in me to go further, and test my limits. My time at SAS developed my maturity level to where I am not only organized, but am capable of multi-tasking. I am able to handle taking eight classes in one semester, while still embracing my new found friends at the Homestead Campus.
One of the greatest benefits of having participated in the SAS program is that I was able to have such great professors and high school teachers. Learning at a college level with my professors opened my mind to the field of human biology, its intricacies, and the possibility of research within the field. In addition, the high school teachers are all so caring, as they are always willing to assist. Building great relationships with both my professors made me stand out as a student in class and a face to remember.
Sara Roldan
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
University of Miami, Class of 2016
Sofia Lund
I came here in need of rigorous academics and freedom to explore them. In college classes, time management is key; SAS has given me a chance to begin developing my burgeoning sense of using time responsibly. I have also been given the courage to speak with professors and understand what needs to be done when under the pressure of a class with only a few exam grades. The advantages of SAS can be used by any kind of hardworking, independent student. For those who know what they want from dual enrollment, they may take a series of classes that prepare them from what is to come––others may simply explore. I myself know I wish to study astrophysics, and I so took classes like Microbiology and Music theory; thus I am able to grow cultures of bacteria and write musical compositions, things I may not be able to do in college due to my focus. It has engendered the truly well rounded student in me. The fact that I have been so successful in applying and being accepted into universities is also easily attributed to SAS. Due to the intimate environment, SAS has always been personally concerned with ensuring I am informed about all scholarship opportunities available (this is why I have become a Posse Scholar attending the University of Pennsylvania). The school has prepared me for applications and living life after high school. Each student matters to the teachers, and they are always willing to help. In these two years I have grown and matured intellectually more than I could have imagined. It would be difficult to ask much more of high school.
Sofia Lund
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
University of Pennsylvania (U Penn), Class of 2016
SriGita Madiraju
SAS has been the most influential academic step I have taken in my life. As a sophomore when I first received the letter inviting me to hear about this program, I wondered if I would be able to pursue this rigorous academic path while enjoying “the high school experience”. I decided to take a leap and joined SAS. I made a great group of friends, a small close knit group that I could always count on for advice and company. I still had time to do other things like hang out or go out on the weekends. I still play for club, state, region and Junior Olympic water polo, NHS, community service as well as dance.
Even the IB program at my former magnet school was no match to the academic course load I encountered at SAS. Starting from summer term before my junior year, I piled on classes geared towards my future major with pre-medical requirements. I would like to go to medical school one day and become a doctor. I had evening classes and lots of homework but I moved so far ahead of where I would have been by staying at my former high school IB magnet.
I was reaching my potential and earning so many credits for free. I will graduate from high school as a mature independent person with over 90 college credits. It has amped up my university applications beyond my expectations and has opened so many doors for me for college admissions after high school. SAS has allowed me to get accepted into all my universities with scholarships, some even full scholarships and yes, I still have a life. SAS comes with its sacrifices of time but with the right goal and determination, you’ll come out of it as an impeccable and extremely strong student beyond what a regular high school can even begin to provide you. I have had no regrets.
SriGita Madiraju
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
Florida Atlantic University (Medical School Program), Class of 2017
Vanesa Chaparro
In the past six years living in the United States, I have attended five different educational institutions and have always strived to excel academically, while looking for a school that allows me to do so. School for Advanced Studies (SAS) has been that place. In contrast to any other Miami Dade County Public School, SAS provides me with independence, self- assurance and it has increased my ambition to become a recognized professional that can make a difference in the community. By coming here, I’ve been placed in a more open environment where I’ve been able to explore the different facets of myself with a less militant schedule than that of a regular Miami Dade County Public School, which at the same time allows us to mature as students. There is a variety of classes that can be taken through this dual-enrollment program, ranging from Abnormal Psychology to Survey of World Religions. It is this exposure that has helped me discover my field of interest. The staff is also a great contribution to the facilitation of success. Through the information that is constantly provided to students, colleges are more approachable and scholarships more attainable. Coming to this wonderful school has been an opportunity I will always be thankful for.
Vanesa Chaparro
School for Advanced Studies, Class of 2012
Florida International University, Class of 2016