No papers? No problem! Okay, not saying it’s easy, but YES you can go to college, and even earn a PhD if you really set your mind to it. Take it from me, a 2016 college graduate who grew up undocumented, on the south side of Milwaukee, and with very little  resources. Although I cannot speak for all undocumented students and their journeys through college, I can share tips, tools, and other things that allowed me to pursue higher education. PLEASE READ EVERYTHING.

• The administration will not accept new applications after September 5th.
• Anyone who has DACA expiring between now and March 5th, 2018, can apply for their last two-year renewal. This must be submitted by October 5th, 2017.
• No renewals will be accepted for those whose DACA expires after March 5th, 2018
• No one’s DACA status will be revoked before it expires.
• Advance Parole is no longer available, if you have a pending application, USCIS will reimburse you.
• Although DACA recipients will not be targeted after their DACA expires, know that under Trump’s enforcement priorities they are at risk for deportation should they have an encounter with ICE.
• Organize and join “Youth Empowered in the Struggle” (YES), our student arm. Undocumented and unafraid, you are not alone!

Good grades

I cannot stress enough the importance of earning good grades. Academic scholarships are often, if not always, the biggest scholarships in terms of $. Private colleges award different types of scholarships based on your GPA and ACT score.

Test Scores

No one is a fan of the ACT or SAT test, but unfortunately your score matters, and it can determine whether you’re accepted into a college and granted more $. So, study and take prep classes as much as possible.

Community involvement

There isn’t a single scholarship application that I filled out without having to list and talk about the volunteer work I’ve done in my community. Good grades are NOT everything. Foundations and wealthy individuals also want to give money to students who are contributing to society.

Extracurricular activities

Soccer? Cheerleading? Debate team? Join it! Students who keep themselves preoccupied are more likely to receive scholarships than students who just attend school. No, you don’t have to be good either. Simply join and do your best!

Ask for help

For someone who claims to be I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T, I sure asked for a lot of help! Raise your hand when you don’t understand something in class. Stay after class or school until you understand that math problem or science theory. At the end of the day, that homework assignment, test, and college application will only have your name.

Support system

Surround yourself with people who love you, support you, and are always willing to listen to you. Whether it’s coming from a partner, friend, parent, educator, or mentor, emotional support is crucial to your well-being. Stay away from people who discourage you or don’t believe in you.