Theme

Humanities, Arts and Education

Choices, Challenges, and Considerations: Exploring College Application Experiences of De La Salle University Manila Senior High School Students to the Big Four Universities

Title in Filipino [Pamagat ng Pananaliksik]

Choices, Challenges, and Considerations: Pagsusuri sa mga Karanasan sa College Application ng mga mag-aaral ng De La Salle University Manila Senior High School sa Big Four Universities

Authors

• Samantha Elise F. Bago, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Argie Joseph F. Geronimo, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Zenaida Victoria Alejandra M. Ilao, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Kimberly Cassandra G. Jose, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• April Rose C. Gonzales, De La Salle UniversityFollow

Research Advisor

April Rose C. Gonzales

Abstract

Most Filipino students strive to secure successful applications to universities such as the University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Known as the Big Four Universities, they are recognized for their high rankings, strong academic programs, scholarship opportunities, campus resources, strategic locations, alumni networks, and overall prestige. However, applying to these institutions is not without challenges, especially as senior high school (SHS) students balance their academic demands with application requirements. These narratives are often overlooked, overshadowed by the success or failure of the applications. Thus, this study explores this facet through an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how DLSU Manila senior high school alumni comprehend their lived experiences of applying to the Big Four Universities. Twelve (12) participants were recruited through purposive sampling and participated in online semi-structured interviews that encouraged in-depth, reflective accounts of their application journeys. The interview data were analyzed inductively, with themes developed through an interpretative engagement with participants’ narratives, acknowledging the researchers’ role in co-constructing meaning from these accounts. Findings revealed themes of positivity, perseverance, and acceptance, describing how student applicants dealt with remaining academic pressure, entrance exam stress, and considered familial and peer recommendations. Results also highlight the influence of self-doubt on navigating the process, as well as the dilemma of “practicality over passion.” The creation of a framework that best maps how different factors influence student applicants was discussed, with the Self taking the final role in decision-making.

Abstract in Filipino [Abstrak]

Karamihan sa mga mag-aaral na Pilipino ay nagsisikap na makapasa sa mga unibersidad tulad ng University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), at University of Santo Tomas (UST), na kilala bilang Big Four Universities dahil sa mataas na pagkilala sa mga ito, mga akademikong programa, oportunidad sa scholarship, pasilidad, lokasyon, alumni networks, at prestihiyo. Gayunpaman, hindi madali ang aplikasyon sa mga institusyong ito, lalo na habang pinagsasabay ng mga senior high school na mag-aaral ang kanilang akademikong gawain at mga dokumento sa aplikasyon. Madalas na hindi napapansin ang mga karanasang ito dahil natatabunan ng resulta ng pagkapasa o hindi pagkapasa. Dahil dito, sinuri sa pag-aaral ang aspektong ito gamit ang Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) upang maunawaan kung paano inuunawa ng mga alumni ng DLSU Manila senior high school ang kanilang karanasan sa aplikasyon sa Big Four Universities. Labindalawang (12) kalahok ang napili sa pamamagitan ng purposive sampling at lumahok sa online semi-structured na panayam tungkol sa paglalahad ng kanilang karanasan sa aplikasyon. Sa mga datos, nabuo ang mga tema sa pamamagitan ng interpretatibong pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga naratibo ng mga kalahok, habang kinikilala ang papel ng mga mananaliksik sa pagbuo ng kahulugan mula sa mga ito. Makikita sa mga resulta ang mga temang positivity, perseverance, at acceptance, na naglalarawan kung paano hinarap ng mga mag-aaral ang patuloy na academic pressure, stress sa entrance exam, at ang pagsasaalang-alang sa rekomendasyon ng pamilya at kakilala. Batay pa rin sa resulta, nakakaimpluwensya ang self-doubt sa pagharap sa proseso, gayundin ang dilema ng “practicality over passion.” Tinalakay rin ang pagbuo ng isang balangkas na nagpapakita kung paano nakaaapekto ang iba’t ibang salik sa mga mag-aaral, kung saan ang kanilang sarili ang may huling papel sa pagdedesisyon.

Recommended Citation

Bago, S. E. F., Geronimo, A. J. F., Ilao, Z. V. A. M., Jose, K. C. G., & Gonzales, A. R. C. (2025). Choices, challenges, and considerations: Exploring college application experiences of De La Salle University Manila senior high school students to the Big Four Universities. Sinaya, (3)3, 153–188. https://doi.org/10.59588/3027-9283.1257