Coral Gables Senior High has an annual tradition of taking its junior students on an out-of-state college trip. The Class of 2026 has impatiently watched throughout their underclassmen years, as the juniors travel to different regions around the country to visit colleges. When the time came for the Class of ‘26, many were excited after seeing that they would be taking a trip to the Midwest, where they would visit Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Notre Dame, Purdue University, University of Miami Ohio and the University of Michigan. All of the universities have varying qualities like acceptance rates, campus traditions and school atmospheres that provided students with a huge step into foreseeing their futures. Fulfilling this trip ultimately gave students an insight into the college admission process, the ability to experience “college life” and provided for unforgettable experience.
Yet, unbeknownst to most, extensive amounts of research and planning was required to execute this trip. Planning started one full year before the trip and was organized by the student activities director, Ms. Ana Suarez, along with the junior class board, comprised of four 11th-grade students. The preparation began by deciding between two regions that were tailored to the specific colleges within them, the South and the Midwest. Additionally, price quotes were organized from airlines, bus charters and restaurants from both regions. With these quotes, the Midwest template was chosen and the itineraries were created. At last, the final task was to get the juniors notified and receive the payments from those attending.
“I definitely want the students to get the most out of this trip, whatever that may be for them. I really want them to see the environment, not only the colleges but the season too. I want them to enjoy time with their friends, create relationships with their chaperones, gain independence away from parents and much more. Overall, I planned this trip in order for students to have more insight when applying to colleges and investing in their future,” class president junior Lucia Rodenberg said.
Another goal the board had when choosing colleges was to provide students with a different environment, such as a season they do not experience at home: autumn. Many students were in awe when seeing bright red and orange leaves surrounding them and were thrilled to finally put their thick jackets to use as temperatures dropped. Ultimately, the combination of new schools and the new season led the students to make new memories and experience different environments.
“It was my first time seeing the leaves and being in a fall atmosphere, it was so pretty, especially when we were driving around in the bus. This new environment also made me notice how much I want to go to college in a place where I experience all seasons yet, it also made me realize how I have to be conscious about the winters when applying to college,” junior Adelaide Schoeni said.
All the colleges attended through the trip were specifically chosen because of their location but also because of the contribution and generosity to Gables students, seen through financial aid. From Northwestern University to the University of Michigan, all tours were either led by or accompanied by Gables alumi, who attended the college and gained some form of financial aid. These alumni acted as a great help to Cavaliers by providing a Gables-like point-of-view, where they highlighted the significant help that the International Baccalaureate program provided. The experiences described included completing college assignments, the transition from high school to college and the change from a tropical climate to a continental climate. These insights allowed Cavaliers to envision their future transitions after graduation.
“The alumni tour guides were really relatable because they were literally in our shoes, not only because they have gone through the college application process but also because they went to our school, our program and learned from our current curriculum,” junior Linus Boettcher said.
All of the students who attended Gables’ out-of-state college tour, can attest that the trip delivered all that was promised. Due to the meticulous planning by Ms. Suarez and the junior class board, with Cavalier’s needs and desires in mind, the trip was able to provide important information, new experiences and preparation for a seamless transition after graduation.
