Colin Schneider ’25
Major: Engineering Management
Hometown: Stockton, California
Extracurriculars: Pacific ASCE Chapter, Pacific Project Management 

As he walks around the construction site, Colin Schneider ’25 occasionally stops to snap a photo on his phone. He examines each storm drain to make sure it’s free of debris. Then, he continues his route.  

The engineering management graduate has a rare opportunity: He’s part of the team building the new Southwest Hall on University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus. It’s a complex that will soon house nearly 400 students.  

For Colin, it’s not just a project at his alma mater. It’s a continuation of his family legacy at Pacific. His story is also a great example of the opportunities available to Pacific students.  

Intergenerational Pacific Tigers

Colin’s story at Pacific began when his parents were Tigers in the 90s.  

“Back in the day, they were civil engineering students here. They met here and actually got married at the chapel on campus,” he says.  

Though his parents, Colin got acquainted with construction work early in life. His dad worked in engineering design, which really helped him understand what the field was. He turned that interest into field work in high school.  

“Over the summers, I worked on survey crews to go out and stake,” he says. “And I worked for a construction company in Elk Grove right before I came to Pacific. I really fell in love with the engineering management side of it.” 

When it came time for college, Colin was drawn to Pacific’s engineering management major and its small class sizes. What sealed the deal was the program’s focus on design alongside construction management. 

“Just get out there.”

Colin describes his ethos as, “Just get out there,” which he put into practice at Pacific. He stayed busy with summer internships, campus jobs and student clubs. His experience is a good example for other engineering students who are looking to build experience before they step into the working world full-time.  

He’s worked at the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace since it opened in 2024 and even helped design the layout for the woodshop. Student workers like him are the backbone of the center. They get to apply their knowledge in a hands-on setting and help other students understand and use the tools available to them. 

“I’ve enjoyed helping students fulfill their ideas, like getting them into 3D modeling and then 3D printing it for their senior project. They just come in and say, ‘Hey, I have this idea. I want to build this.’ We’re there to help them,” he says.  

Over the summers, Colin interned in Sacramento to help build a 16-story, $3.7 billion  health care building, the California Tower. He originally got the internship himself, but it later turned into his Cooperative Education experience, a required, paid internship for engineering students.  Four years in, he’s seen it go from a pile of dirt to an entire structure.  

Outside of paid work, Colin also got involved with Pacific’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Each year, the chapter takes part in the ASCE Mid-Pacific Student Symposium. The event challenges participants to tackle several challenges. Students put their creativity and problem-solving skills into action.  

“The past two years, I’ve been the captain of the steel bridge team. Actually getting to build and design a mini bridge to hold weight has been really interesting,” he said. 

With such a busy schedule, Colin gives a lot of credit to his advisors, Professors Abel Fernandez and Medhi Khazaeli. With small class sizes, professors like his are able to spend more quality time with students.  

“They both helped me through my journey. Whether it was picking classes or asking them, ‘Hey, I have this problem,’ or even going to them for personal things. I have a strong personal connection with them,” he says.  

A new Southwest Hall for the Stockton Campus

Southwest Hall stood on campus for just over a century before the current rebuild. The project strives to maintain Pacific’s distinctive, red brick feel, preserving architectural details from the original 1924 building. But students who live there will experience modern benefits in an energy-efficient residence hall.  

Among his other jobs, Colin also works for Stockton-based Siegfried Engineering. It’s responsible for the civil engineering and survey engineering at the site, which is why he visits the construction site every Friday.  

“My job is to do something called a SWPPP report, a Solid Waste Protection Prevention Plan. Basically, I do weekly inspections. I make sure no dust, dirt or anything gets in the storm drains. They don’t want anything going in there, because that directly feeds into the Delta. I’m here to monitor that, take photos and write reports,” he says. 

Colin himself never lived in the prior Southwest Hall, but he knows people who did.  

“So, hearing their stories and getting to see the new rendering, it makes me happy,” he says. 

A new chapter at Pacific

Although he just graduated, Colin’s not going anywhere just yet. He’s going directly into Pacific’s Master of Science in engineering. After that, he wants to work for a construction management company and, eventually, start his own.  

For other students who want to follow in his steps, Colin has a simple piece of advice. It’s the same one that led him to work so many different jobs on and off campus: “Get out there.” 

“If you’re interested in the work, be interested in the work. It’s not just about your grades. Be curious, ask a lot of questions. Go to career fairs and find internships. Talk to your professors. They have lots of advice and, possibly, connections in the field that you want to get into,” he says. 

What university is right for you? 

It’s OK if you don’t have an answer just yet; you don’t need to rush your decision. But if you’re about to start applications, you do need to narrow your choices into a manageable list.  

There are thousands of colleges in the U.S., so it’s not an easy decision. To help you figure out which is right for you, here’s a list of factors to help guide your search. You can find a lot of information online, but you can also schedule a campus tour to ask college staff directly. 

Stick around to the end, where you can find a college comparison worksheet with a suggested system to help narrow down your list. 

Academic offering and flexibility

The most important thing about a college is the quality and breadth of its academic programs. When you start your college search, consider the majors and minors you want to pursue. Assess those degree programs at each school, its reputation for that study, the professors in those departments and the classes you need to take.  

You may change your major during college. According to the National Center for Education Studies, most university students change theirs at least once, so you should look at how each school handles that.  

Here are a few other things to consider:

• Examine how the university integrates interdisciplinary practices into your education. That means you learn from more than one field of study, which prepares you to tackle real-world issues with a broad perspective and skill set. It may look like interdisciplinary majors, double majors or other options to customize your education.
• An education helps you launch a career, so you want your university to bridge the step between school and a job. Look for hands-on learning, whether that’s research or internship opportunities, senior projects or even on-campus clubs.
• When you apply to schools, you should include some you’re almost certain to get in to, some you’re likely to get into and some ideal stretch schools. Compare the requirements for admission to your situation.  

Financial considerations

The second big question is: how much does it cost to attend this university?  

All colleges and universities provide cost of attendance online, which is the estimated total cost to attend that institution for a year. Your financial aid offsets this cost. While you can compare financial aid offer letters from schools, you only get those after you’re accepted. 

Some other things to consider:  

• You don’t have to shoulder the sticker price of a school by yourself. There are outside scholarships but look at what the university itself offers. Examine the kinds of merit-based scholarships it offers and the kinds of grants you can apply for.
• You may want to get a job while you’re in school. Consider what on-campus jobs are available. You could also look at what’s available at businesses surrounding the school.  
• You need a place to live while you study. Look into on- and off-campus housing options, how much it costs and whether there’s a lot of competition for it.  
• Where will you eat in college? Compare how much you pay for the meal plan and what you get.

Location, campus culture and student life

You don’t spend all your time in the classroom. Investigate what day-to-day life is like on campus, the organizations you can join, the activities you can do and where you can go. You live on or near campus for years, so you want to go to a university that feels like home.  

The first big consideration is where the college is located, which has a big impact on your experience. You may want to visit home on the weekend, or you may be itching to live somewhere completely new. A campus tour can help you decide whether the locale is right for you.  

Keep in mind that your university is also your home for four years. Student life is created by the students who attend that university, so it can be hard to describe. But, when you research or go on a campus tour, here are some factors to consider:

• The size of the student body
• The student clubs, Greek life and other on-campus organizations
• The events that are held each quarter/semester or year
• How the university supports a diverse student population
• The kinds of hang-out or study spots are available

Support services and resources

Everyone needs help from time to time, whether it’s for class or your wellbeing. Take some time to investigate the services the university offers you. It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. 

Look up the university’s student support services office and what it offers you. Tutoring, resources for those with disabilities and the kinds of digital learning tools available.  

It’s important to have access to good health care when you’re at school, too. Look into the options you have for health care or mental health services on or near campus.  

Career preparation and outcomes

A university education is your first step toward a career. Look for schools that prepare you for the job market with robust career services, opportunities to connect with employers or internship programs. 

Most universities have career services centers, so you can compare the services you have access to. Look for resume reviews, ways to improve your interview skills and similar resources. Colleges may also organize networking opportunities or job fairs to help you get your foot in the door.  

If you’re interested in a career that requires specialized graduate studies, like medicine or law, see if the university helps you prepare for that pathway. If it has a graduate program in the field you’re interested in, find out how the university helps you take that next step. 

College comparison worksheet

When you start your search, you have a huge list of colleges to choose from. It can be time consuming to research each one, so here’s a method to narrow your list down to a manageable set of choices. 

You can either make a copy of this worksheet or download it as an excel file. It has several questions you can ask to quickly eliminate colleges that don’t meet important criteria for you. Once you have your shorter list, you can dive deeply into each one. 

Keep in mind, this is just a recommended method. If there’s a university that you really want to go to and it doesn’t make the cut, include it in your list. You know your priorities best. 

College is your home for years. While it’s most important to choose one that matches your education and career goals, you also want to enjoy student life and culture. The best way to learn that is to see campus for yourself.  

Campus tours are a great way to get a feel for a university. You can learn a lot from its website and brochures, but your tour guide can give you more in-depth information, talk about their experiences as a student and answer your questions.  

“It allows you to have an experience you wouldn’t get elsewhere. You get to see campus, meet the people and actually see what it would be like if you were a student,” says  University of the Pacific Director of Campus Tours Andrew Merenda.  

Whether you’ve just gotten started or are deep in applications, now is a good time to schedule a campus tour. To get you started, here are some of Merenda’s tour tips.  

When to start visiting colleges

The earlier you start, the better. You have more time to visit schools and learn about each one without the pressure of an impending college decision. But don’t fret if you’re already hard at work on your applications.  

“Whatever point you are in your college search, it’s never too early or too late to take a campus tour,” Merenda says.  

It’s always a good time to schedule a tour, but there are advantages to an early start. You have time to visit more campuses, which helps you understand the impact of a campus’ culture and location.  

For example, you might visit a rural college and find a strong student life but few off-campus activities. After that, you go to an urban college where students do a lot in the city but aren’t very involved on campus. If you prefer one or the other, you can narrow your list of schools to apply to.  

The other major benefit is that you have time for a repeat tour. Merenda recommends returning to campuses that you’re highly interested in. As you learn more about college, you’ll develop sharper questions to ask tour guides. 

“That’s the best way to get your questions answered,” Merenda says. “In the moment, you’re on campus and think, ‘OK, I feel confident.’ But when you’re further along in the application process, you may realize you need to know more. We’d love to have you back as many times as you want to come.” 

Questions to ask on a campus tour

A campus tour is your chance to see how a university stands out. They’re often designed to answer commonly asked questions, but you should still bring a list of your own. Think about things that are important to you, like on-campus jobs, internship opportunities or student life.  

Keep in mind that tours are typically led by students who can give you great insight into the day-to-day life at that university.  

“This is someone who is going to be your peer, someone who has the experience and who’s already done what you’re going through,” Merenda says. “Get their opinion on the food at the dining hall or what each dorm is like. You can’t really get that anywhere else.” 

If you’re not sure what to ask about, here are some ideas:  

• How did they find community on campus?
• What are some of their favorite things to eat in the dining hall?
  • You can also ask about whether they have allergen-free options.
• What kinds of on-campus jobs are available?
• What off-campus places do they recommend visiting to get something to eat, have fun or just hang out?
• What is their major and what classes are they taking this semester/quarter?
  • While your guide may not be an expert on all academic programs, they will know their own. Even if you aren’t interested in their field of study, you can learn about extracurricular classes and how they feel about their department.
• What do they do for fun on and off campus?

Open house vs. campus tour

A university open house is another great way to learn about a school. While campus tours give you a brief window into college life, these events dedicate the entire day to incoming or potential students like yourself.  

Each university does open houses its own way. But they typically include a campus and dorm tour, a financial aid information session and other highlights. You may get a chance to speak with students or professors from majors you’re interested in.  

“You get to do more in the same day,” Merenda says. “You get a little taste of Pacific. You get to try the food, the same food dining staff prepare for actual students. You get to meet other future Tigers, or at least people who are going through the same college search.” 

Open houses introduce you to a lot, but schools only host them once or twice each application season. You need to plan ahead to make sure you can attend. Campus tours, on the other hand, are available whenever it’s convenient for you.  

If you’re really interested in a school, there’s no reason that you can’t attend both! As you spend more time on college campuses, you develop a better sense of what’s important for your educational desires and goals.  

What to wear on a college tour

You do a lot of walking when you visit a campus. Tours typically last about an hour, and some students like to stay and explore on their own afterward. So, when it comes to clothing, Merenda has one big rule.  

“You’re going to get your steps in, so I do recommend comfortable walking shoes,” he says.  

Dress appropriately for the weather and a long walk. Other than that, you don’t need to worry too much! 

“Come as you are,” Merenda says. “You’re our guest.” 

Wherever you are on your journey, it’s always a good time to schedule a tour at Pacific.  

Student creativity is woven into everyday life at University of the Pacific. Many music ensembles are open to anyone, music major or not. Pacific’s gallery and stages host student work, and cultural festivals connect campus to the wider world.  

Here’s a look at how you’re immersed in arts in culture on campus. You may even find a way to show off your own work.  

Campus stages and galleries 

Whether you’re viewing a student exhibit at the Reynolds Gallery or watching a performance at Faye Spanos Concert Hall, Pacific has spaces where creativity thrives. All across campus, there is no shortage of ways to engage with art.  

Weekly films and speakers

Film lovers have lots of choices with weekly screenings of independent, classic and international films throughout the academic year, plus special guest lectures and premiere nights for student-made work.

Student musicals

Student musicals at Pacific’s Faye Spanos Theatre bring together performers, musicians, designers and crew from across campus to create vibrant productions that showcase both talent and collaboration. Recent productions include “Brigadoon,” “Camelot” and “Into the Woods.”

Student and faculty art exhibitions

The Reynolds Gallery is more than a place to view art—it’s a space where students expand their perspectives and sharpen their visual literacy. Changing exhibitions throughout the year immerse visitors in diverse media and ideas, while selections from Pacific’s permanent collection enrich everyday campus life. Always free and open to the public, the gallery connects students to art in ways that deepen their education and sense of place in the cultural landscape.

Culture around every corner 

Art lives in surprising corners of Pacific’s campus, from murals brightening walkways to impromptu performances that spark connection.

Campus murals

Student-created murals bring color and creativity to some of Pacific’s most recognizable spaces. On the Jeannette Powell Art Center, large-scale works turn blank walls into vibrant canvases that showcase the talent of Pacific artists. The DeRosa University Center, the heart of student life, also features a striking mural that welcomes visitors with bold design and student perspective. Each piece was envisioned, designed, and painted by students, making the murals not only artistic landmarks but also lasting contributions to the cultural identity of the campus.

Powell Art Collection

Robert and Jeannette Powell, Pacific’s largest donors, gifted over 20 works of art that can be found in spaces on all three of Pacific’s campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco. The collection is the centerpiece of Pacific’s permanent collection and features works from Ruth Rippon, Jasper Johns, Richard Diebenkorn, Frank Lobdel and more American artists.

Campus culture

Your turn on stage 

Not a music major? No problem. Pacific offers ensembles, choirs and jam sessions that welcome students from every background, proving you can make music no matter what your major is. 

Pacific Pep Band

Pacific Pep band is for anyone, even non music majors, no audition required! You can even get payed to play at campus events all year-round.  

Mariachi band

Your front-row seat to Pacific’s campus arts and culture

Mariachi is offered as both a class and ensemble through the conservatory, open to students of any major with prior experience on violin, trumpet, guitar vihuela or guitarrón.

Originating from the western Mexican state of Jalisco in the mid-1800s, mariachi blends indigenous and European sounds and stands as a vibrant symbol of Mexican culture.

Festivals and traditions 

Listen to drums shake the air at the Diwali festival, watch lanterns glow for Lunar New Year and see the campus come alive at the block party. From first gatherings to traditional festivals, these moments blend joy, culture and community.  

Diwali festival

Diwali, also known as The Festival of Lights, is a very important Indian religious holiday that symbolizes the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. 

Latinx Heritage Month

Your front-row seat to Pacific’s campus arts and culture

Pacific’s Latinx Heritage Month celebrates the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. 

The festivities feature events from students, faculty, staff and alumni groups that showcase Latinx history and culture.

Black History Month

Black History Month at Pacific offers students high-profile speakers and a diverse lineup of events. Through events, performances, and conversations, students see how the creativity, leadership, and achievements of Black changemakers continue to shape our communities and the world. In 2025 the university welcomed actor, Giancarlo Esposito who spoke about embracing the various aspects of his bi-racial and acting identities and discussed how loving what you do for a living can help launch a successful career.

Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation is a supplemental graduation ceremony intended to recognize the accomplishments of students who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or have been involved in the LGBTQ+ community during their time at Pacific.

Live events

Spotify playlist: Artists who have performed at Pacific

Check out all the artists who’ve performed on campus. 

Ready to jump in? 

You don’t just see art at Pacific, you live it. Whatever you love to do or see, there’s a place for it on campus. Check out Pacific’s events calendar to see the ways you can get involved.  

Name: Maja Dulic ’27 
Majors: Applied economics and finance 
Hometown: Kecskemét, Hungary 
Student-Athlete: Water polo 

Maja Dulic, an international student at Pacific, sharpened her business skills by tackling real-world challenges during her summer internship helping run a program and event center in her hometown in Hungary. A double major in applied economics and finance, Maja chose Pacific for its close-knit classes and rigorous academics that encourage critical thinking. 

With the goal of interning near her hometown, Maja worked with her faculty advisers to secure funding through Pacific’s Nathan Scholars program, which provides economics majors and minors the opportunity to earn academic credit and a stipend while gaining first-hand experience in professional settings. Thanks to the program, Maja worked in a financial and operational role at Tanyacsárda Ltd., a restaurant and program center nestled in the countryside just outside her hometown. 

“I wanted to find something close to home so I could stay near my family. I searched in my local neighborhood and came across Tanyacsárda Ltd,” Maja said. “They were really interested and excited about the opportunity to have someone studying in the U.S. intern with them.” 

An internship with range and responsibility 

Maja says the program center offered her a wide range of responsibilities across departments and gave her a holistic view of operations. She managed the company’s online presence and ensured that their website and social media platforms were running smoothly. Maja also supported the finance team, where she was able to apply the skills she gained as an economics and finance major. 

“I assisted with financial tasks and got a first-hand look at the company’s accounting systems,” Maja said. “It was really insightful to compare those processes to what I had learned in school, and I gained a much deeper understanding of financial operations in a real-world context.” 

Maja says working with the restaurant’s economic and financial director was one of her internship highlights. She collaborated with him to analyze data and apply it to strategic decisions that boosted revenue and efficiency. Drawing on her economics education, Maja applied data-driven thinking by analyzing situations, adapting in real time, and transforming theory into action.  

She gained a behind-the-scenes view of daily operations through handling phone calls, responding to customer questions, and drafting proposals for group bookings and events.  

In addition to gaining valuable business operations experience, Maja also welcomed the chance to meet customers and practice her English with visiting tourists. 

“Every day was a learning opportunity,” she said. “Having multiple roles at this job has helped me discover so much about patience and practice. It takes a lot of teamwork and communication.” 

From classroom theory to career-ready confidence 

Before exercising her skills in her internship, Maja gained the practical knowledge she needed for the internship through her coursework at Pacific. 

“The classes I took gave me practical knowledge I could apply during the internship, especially in understanding business operations, decision-making, and analyzing real-world situations,” Maja said. 

Pairing her applied economics major with a finance degree ended up being a powerful combination. Economics gave her the analytical tools to understand the ‘why’ behind market trends and policy decisions, while finance taught her how to apply that knowledge to make smart financial choices, manage risk, and create value in real-world business settings. 

“In economics, we’re always looking at real-world problems, understanding situations, analyzing causes, and searching for practical solutions. That mindset has taught me to think critically and make smarter decisions in everyday life,” Maja said. “By adding my finance studies to that foundation, I not only understand the bigger picture but also know how to apply it, whether it’s making sound investments, managing risk, or saving wisely for the future.” 

Advice for students 

“You learn how to act and to carry yourself in a workplace, which is so important before graduating and entering the real world,” Maja said. “Every connection you make and every challenge you face will help shape who you become.” 

Maja says the first step of finding a position towards your career goals can be the hardest, but it is one of the most important. She sees an internship not as a brief job but as a glimpse into your future career. 

It’s no small feat to apply to college. But your application doesn’t have to be time-consuming. The key is to break it down into small steps, which makes each task more manageable and gives you a better idea of your progress.  

If you’re about to start your applications, this is a step-by-step guide to the process. If you’re still narrowing down your college picks and deciding on application type, check out this article.  

You may have special circumstances, such as being an international student. This article will still be helpful, but there will be additional research for you.

Gather your materials

Your application will be easier if you have all your documents ready to go before you start. These sections are in recommended order but take them on however makes sense for your situation. Remember to keep an eye on your timelines and make sure you have plenty of time to accomplish each task!

Request transcripts

Your high school needs to send your official transcript to each college you’re applying to. Colleges need your transcript to prove that you’re going to graduate, plus your college-level courses and language classes may waive requirements or qualify for credit.   

Inform your high school which colleges you need your transcripts sent to. You can talk to your college counselor, front office or directly to the registrar’s office. Let them know at least two weeks before your application deadline, so they have enough time to submit the document.   

Can an unofficial transcript be used for college applications? You may also have access to your unofficial transcript, typically available online and not certified by your high school. You should not submit this as part of your college application.  

Request letters of recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a great way to help admissions counselors know you better. Your recommender can show how you excel and demonstrate who you are as a person, too.   

“I scour those for info or tidbits about a student, and I include that in my file,” Azarcon says. “It tells me more about what the student has overcome. Maybe they got a lower than normal grade this semester and this letter of recommendation says there was something going on in the family. We can connect the dots behind the scenes.” 

Colleges approach this step in different ways, so you’ll want to check admission guidelines for each school. If a college does not require a letter of recommendation, then you will not be penalized for not including one. A good letter of recommendation can make your application more competitive, though.   

High school teachers and counselors are common choices for recommenders, but you can think creatively about this, too. There may be others who can speak to your achievements, like a mentor, a coach, an employer or other non-family members. 

Ask your recommender well before your application deadline. A good rule of thumb is at least two weeks, but more time never hurts. Your recommender sends their letters directly to the schools you apply to. Pacific’s guide to getting a letter of recommendation can help if you don’t know where to start.

Write application essays

Your personal statement is another chance to set yourself apart, highlighting what you’ve accomplished or overcome. Your essay can tie together your experiences and show why you’re excited about this college and this major.  

“I look for genuine interest and curious students,” Azarcon says. “I like creativity. And I love to walk away feeling like the student was passionate about what they wrote.” 

Applications that require a personal statement include a prompt to give you an idea of what you should address in your writing. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, take a look at Pacific’s guide to crafting a great personal statement.   

If you’re applying to multiple colleges, they may have similar prompts. You should resist the urge to use the exact same statement for each application. You don’t need to start from scratch but retool your writing to be specific for each college. 

Are personal statements on college applications optional? Most colleges require a personal statement, but there are some applications where it is optional. Still, your personal statement is a chance to stand out among other applicants.  

Do colleges check for AI in application essays? College admissions counselors do often check for artificial intelligence in essays. You can certainly use AI for ideas or to double-check your personal statement, but your writing should be your own. The goal is to reflect your story in your own words.

Submit your application

After all your work filling out forms, submitting documents and asking for letters of recommendation, you can submit your application. Keep your deadlines in mind! Most Early Action/Early Decision applications close in November and most Regular Decisions applications close in December but check with your picks for the exact due dates.   

You don’t need to wait for all your materials before you submit your application. Your application will indicate anything that you can submit after sending in your application, like official transcripts, personal statements and letters of recommendation.   

If you realize you’ve made an error or want to change something later, regardless of whether you submitted an instructional or Common App application, contact the school’s admission office to notify them and ask for next steps.  

Pay the college application fee

Finally, there is the college application fee. You generally pay the fee when you submit your application, but some applications may allow you to pay later. Just like your documents, make sure you pay the fee before the deadline! Otherwise, schools may not consider your application complete and will not review it.   

If applicable, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver. Check with your college picks and high school counselors to see if you’re eligible for a waiver.   

Not everyone goes directly into higher education after high school. Some students take a year off to work, travel or just take a break before they start the next chapter. Gap years are a good time to experience new things, but they also come with challenges for college applications.  

You can still apply to college during a gap year, but there are some things you should know, plan for and prepare early on. If you’re in a gap year, here’s some advice from University of the Pacific Director of First-Year Admission Vivian Chan Rendon.  

Pros and cons of a gap year 

Pros 

The good news, if you’re in a gap year, is that your application process is exactly the same as a high school senior. Same requirements, same deadlines and the same review process. You aren’t penalized for gap years.  

You can also use a gap year to build your skills and your resume, through internships, jobs, gap year programs, volunteering and other opportunities. These experiences can help you develop practical and technical abilities that benefit your studies and later career. You may also refine your idea of what you want to study in college.  

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t avoid college just because you’re not entirely sure about a major. Some colleges actually design programs to help students decide and still graduate in four years, like Pacific’s exploratory pathway. 

Cons 

Even though you aren’t penalized for gap years when you apply, there are still some barriers. Some parts of your application, including your letters of recommendation from a teacher, may be harder to get a year after high school.   

Some students also find it difficult to return to a school routine after their gap year.  

“You are in momentum in high school,” Rendon says. “When you’re doing it, you keep that momentum going. But some people, after a gap year or more, lose that momentum and find school harder after they return.”  

In her experience, this loss of momentum can hit students in STEM especially hard. This is especially true if they don’t use that knowledge during their gap year.  

“We find students who take gap years are often rusty in their math and science foundations. So, if you do take that gap year, brush up and keep reading that material. Otherwise, you’ll get rusty and college classes will be harder,” Rendon says.  

Can you apply to college after a gap year? 

You can absolutely still apply to college in a gap year. The process itself is the same, although you should prepare for your applications ahead of time.  

“If we have a student apply to us as a first-year application, it’s basically the same thing,” Rendon says. “We look at them the same way, so there’s nothing special they need to do.” 

There are two ways you could take a gap year 

Deferred admission 

If you get accepted into college during high school, you may be able to defer your admission for a semester or a year. But there are limits. Each university has its own rules about deferral, so you should understand those first.  

A deferral keeps your admission offer and major choice in place. You won’t need to reapply or resend transcripts. However, you will need to submit a new FAFSA if you want financial aid. 

“The scholarship won’t change,” Rendon says, about Pacific. “It’s merit and based on your high school performance. But financial aid is different. That’s based on the FAFSA, so that’s the main change.” 

There is a limit to how long you can defer, usually up to one school year later. After that, you’ll need to reapply as a new student.  

Apply during a gap year

The other option is to apply during your gap year. Your application is treated no differently than someone who applies during high school, but you should still prepare beforehand.  

To better understand the application process, here’s a step-by-step guide. Get a record of your unofficial transcripts, any standardized test scores and all your activities. You need to provide that information when you apply.  

If you plan to submit a letter of recommendation—which is not required at all colleges—you should ask for it while you’re in high school or maintain that relationship during your gap year. Recommenders write better letters when they remember you and your work well.  

In your application, you may also want to explain your gap year in your personal statement or in a supporting document. It may not boost your application, but an explanation can help a college understand how the break fits into your goal.  

“That additional information lets us know when we evaluate them, but doesn’t necessarily make them stronger,” Rendon says. “We evaluate them in the same way.” 

You can still apply after a gap year 

A gap year changes your timeline, but it doesn’t close the door on college. You can still apply like any other student but remember to prepare ahead of time and keep up that momentum.

Evangelina Sanchez ’28, newly elected president of the Associated Students of University of the Pacific (ASUOP), is eager to launch a year filled with energy, connection, and community. Her top goal: ensure every student feels they belong at Pacific and show that getting involved is the best way to make it happen. 

With more than 150 student clubs and organizations on campus, there’s no shortage of ways to explore your interests, build leadership skills and make new friends. From cultural groups and academic societies to service clubs and performance ensembles, Pacific offers something for everyone. 

Sanchez and ASUOP are planning a packed calendar of events this year, including off-campus adventures such as hikes, amusement park trips and beach days. And if you don’t find a club that fits what you’re looking for, you’ll have the support to start one of your own. 

Getting involved at Pacific means more than just joining a group. It’s how you shape your community, discover your passions and make the most of your time here. It’s the students of Pacific who enrich the community here. 

Learn more about Student Life opportunities on the website’s Student Activities and Programs page. 

College students live pretty busy lives. When you’re not running to class or tackling assignments, you’ll want your room to be a comfortable place to recharge. To help you plan, here’s a guide on what’s already provided in your on-campus housing, what you should bring with you and what you should not bring.  

You can make your move easier by buying some of these items locally. Pacific’s Stockton Campus is just a few minutes’ drive away from Target and the Weberstown Mall.

Have more questions? Be sure to check Pacific’s Housing FAQ for details about campus living.  

What your dorm includes 

Rooms in Pacific’s residence halls, apartments and Greek housing come fully furnished. While room size vary, you can always count on these essentials:

• A twin XL mattress and bed frame
• Dressers
• A desk
• A desk chair
• A closet or armoire

Keep in mind: University-provided furniture cannot be removed or placed in storage, so plan your packing accordingly if you’re thinking about bringing additional furniture. 

What you should bring 

While your room comes with the basics, It’s up to you to make it feel like home. 

Along with the essentials listed below, you’re welcome to bring personal items like devices, chargers, books, small decorations and other entertainment, but try to keep it minimal. You’re sharing the space, so a little goes a long way.  

 Here are the must-haves for living in Pacific housing: 

• Twin XL bedding
  • Bed sheets
  • Pillows and pillowcases
  • Blanket(s)
  • Comforter
  • Mattress topper
• Bath towels
• Shower caddy and shower slippers
• Toiletries
  • Toothbruth and toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Brush/comb
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Your bathroom essentials
• Laundry bag or basket
• Laundry detergent
• Under-the-bed storage bags or bins
• Hangers
• Desk lamp
• Cleaning supplies
• Extension cord or power strip
• Clothing

You can also bring larger appliances, depending on where you’re living. If you’re in a residence hall, you’re allowed to bring a TV, microwave (900 watts or less) and a mini fridge (up to 3.2 cubic feet). Don’t feel like hauling your own? You can also rent a microwave or minifridge instead.  

If you’re living in an apartment, bring kitchen essentials like pots and pans, utensils, plates and other cooking supplies. Here’s a complete list of recommendations.  

Pro tip: Reach out to your roommate before Move-In Day. You can find their email in the housing portal when viewing your housing assignment. For bigger or more expensive items, coordinate with them so you don’t bring doubles.  

Not sure how to reach out to your roommate for the first time? Here are some tips and an email template you can follow.  

What you should not bring 

Some things just don’t belong in a dorm room, especially if they’re hazardous, disruptive or against housing policies. Some items that are strictly prohibited:  

• Illegal or controlled substances
• Large holiday or string lights
• Water-filled furniture
• Exterior antennas
• Outdoor clotheslines
• Dead plants or trees
• Fireworks
• Any form of weapon, including air or bb guns

Pets aren’t allowed in campus housing, unless they are approved emotional support or service animals. The only exception is fish, as long as their tank is 5 gallons or smaller.  

Any appliance with an open heating element is a fire hazard and not allowed in residence halls. This includes:  

• Hot plates
• Sun lamps, lava lamps and halogen lamps
• Incense
• Candles and candle warmers
• Space heaters

Toasters and coffee pots are only permitted in apartment kitchen areas. If you’re unsure about a particular item, please contact Residential Life and Housing at IAmHome@Pacific.edu or209.946.2331.  

Name: Ethan Fontes ’25 

Major: Graphic design 

Minor: Marketing 

Hometown: Tracy, California 

Extracurriculars: ASUOP 

When Ethan Fontes arrived at University of the Pacific, he had never used graphic design software. But with support from Pacific’s graphic design program and a lot of determination, he built a professional portfolio from the ground up. 

After applying to more than 100 internships, Ethan got the callback of a lifetime: DreamWorks. The animation studio saw potential in his work and was impressed by the way he talked through his creative decisions. Today, he’s putting those skills to use as a creative services marketing intern and helps promote some of the studio’s most popular animated shows. 

Working at DreamWorks

“I get to do both things I learned in college, graphic design and marketing, while getting to work on big name productions,” Fontes said. “Currently, I’m working on ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse,’ ‘Bad Guys 2’ and the ‘Jurassic World’ series.” 

At DreamWorks, Fontes wears a lot of hats. He mostly revises key art, which requires him to review posters, video thumbnails and other promotional graphics to ensure they are up to the company’s standards. He also works with trailer editors to ensure the right content has been chosen to convey the story. His other work includes writing internal emails and creating social media posts. Even with a full workload, Fontes says the experience has been pretty straightforward.  
 
“Working at ASUOP was a very fast-paced job. I thought working at DreamWorks was also going to be the same,” Fontes said. “I definitely feel like I pushed myself hard in and out of class. It prepared me well because I feel it’s actually little bit slower here.” 

Learning how to design at Pacific 

At Pacific, Fontes put his efforts into more than just his classwork. He attended networking events on and off campus to build connections and said yes to as many projects as he could. While he did a lot on his own, his mentors also provided crucial guidance. 

Fontes said his coursework with art Professor Marie Lee and Professor Brett Deboer, who has since retired, helped him hone his skills in graphic design. Studying the basics such as typography and layouts was integral to his professional development. He noted that Lee’s branding class in particular prepared him to work with companies on product designs.  

“I feel like those classes helped strengthen me in the areas I needed,” he said. “Graphic design was something I liked to do on the side before I started school. Now it’s something that I’m passionate about doing and want to do as a profession.” 

Fontes, a marketing minor, said learning to receive criticism at Pacific was vital for succeeding in the professional world and that he values the ability to give constructive feedback. This skill is especially important in his current position at DreamWorks, he said, where he reviews a wide range of marketing materials. 

Taking the next step 

Fontes said his favorite part of the DreamWorks internship has been working on unreleased projects. He gets to watch things that haven’t been announced to the public yet. He said it’s that exclusivity that makes him want to continue working in entertainment.  

“I know I want to work in TV, music or sports. It would be really cool to work for Disney, stay with DreamWorks or work for a big label,” Fontes said. “There’s a lot of possibilities in bringing that mixture of marketing and design to any entertainment role.” 

Advice for future designers 

Since the industry is built on connections and relationships, Fontes recommends that future graphic design students do more outside of class than perfecting technical skills. Getting off campus, attending industry conferences and meeting new people is just as important as understanding design software, he said. Starting small and being active on campus is important to him, as well.  

“Small things add up to big things, and you might be noticed for a career path that you want to be in just because of a little thing you did on campus,” he said. “Those activities that you’re a part of carry over to personality traits that you can bring into interviews and in the workforce.”