Widening My Horizons: How DGCA Transformed My College Outlook

Justin Dorce, MOT Charter High School, Class of 2025

When I first heard about the Delaware Goes to College Academy (DGCA) earlier this year, I signed up thinking that it couldn’t hurt to learn more about the college admissions process. I was halfway through my junior year and starting to think more about what I would be doing after high school. Looking back on the weeklong session, it was an invaluable experience that changed my outlook on college.

Going into it, I believed many of the common misconceptions about college: that top schools are unaffordable, in-state college is always cheaper, or that you should avoid liberal arts schools. DGCA showed me that getting an education at an elite school with little to no student debt is achievable with the proper effort and guidance. This program inspired me to widen my horizons and chase after dreams that I thought were unreachable.

Throughout the week, we had the opportunity to chat with various admissions officers from schools like UPenn, Vanderbilt, Georgetown, and Reed. They gave us pointers on standing out by focusing on our transcripts and challenging ourselves academically. We also talked with other high-achieving students who had gone through the college admissions process themselves. They offered a wealth of helpful information, such as how to position yourself as a leader, how to build a comprehensive schedule, and the importance of being open-minded when choosing your major in college.

It was nice to connect with people who were in my position just a few years ago; I felt I could relate to them and what they were saying. The knowledge I gained from this program will be a huge help as the college admissions process ramps up for me, and I look forward to having the support of the TeenSHARP community as I go through it. DGCA changed my entire outlook on college, and I am excited to navigate the college admissions process with this newfound knowledge.

For more information about TeenSHARP and the STRIVER program, visit TeenSHARP.org.

About TeenSHARP:
TeenSHARP is a national nonprofit that prepares Black, Latino, and low-income students to attend and thrive at America’s top colleges with little or no debt. Founded in 2009 by Atnre Alleyne and Tatiana Poladko, TeenSHARP has evolved into a leading provider of innovative, at-scale college access and leadership development. Year after year, 100 percent of TeenSHARP scholars successfully pursue a 4-year college education, with 95 percent admitted to the most selective colleges; and the majority graduating with $15,000 or less in college debt. TeenSHARP’s mission is in service of a bold vision that, one day, the diversity of our country’s top jobs and most influential leadership positions will reflect the country’s rich diversity.