Los Amigos Student Thrilled at News He’s Accepted to Harvard University

• Monday, January 4, 2021

Los Amigos High School senior Sebastian Lozano was thrilled when he received the news on December 17 that he was accepted to Harvard University.  According to the university website, only 747 students were accepted to the Class of 2025 under the early action program from a pool of more than 10,000. Last year, more than 40,000 students applied and only 2,015 were admitted.   

A resident of Santa Ana of Mexican-American descent, Lozano is a first-generation college student who applied to Harvard with an impressive 4.56 10-11 grade point average. A straight A student for his entire life, Sebastian is also a student leader and member of the Water Polo team. Thanks to enrolling in Algebra I in 7^th grade, he is currently taking Advanced Placement Calculus BC and Advanced Placement Statistics, in addition to four other AP courses. He plans to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate in mathematics in order to pursue a career as a math professor

In addition to the outstanding education received since preschool at Russell Elementary, Fitz Intermediate and Los Amigos High School, Lozano received support as a member of a mentorship program launched by Superintendent Gabriela Mafi when Lozano was in sixth grade at Russell Elementary. For the past seven years, Dr. Mafi has met with Lozano and her group of mentees monthly equipping students with scholarly habits, a growth mindset, motivation and college readiness skills.

“Receiving the news that Sebastian was accepted into Harvard was the best Christmas gift,” said Dr. Mafi. “Sebastian is a shining example of the grit and determination reflected in our wonderful students. Here in Garden Grove Unified School District, from preschool to high school we believe in and support our students, while maintaining challenging academic expectations and providing mentoring and support throughout the years.”

Lozano was selected as a Simon Scholar his sophomore year, receiving additional coaching and leadership training from the program.  He also received support from the USC Bovard Scholars program, which provided extensive coaching for three weeks during the summer as well as support with the college application process.

"Always set goals, and focus your mind on those specific goals. With this in mind, I learned my potential and put it into action, with the ability to go beyond what I thought possible," Lozano said about the determination and growth mindset he maintained during high school.  

Lozano credits much of his academic success, outside of his parents’ continual support and guidance,  to the teachers, staff and administrators he has worked with in GGUSD. His success will be highlighted in the fall as part of the district’s annual light pole banner program which features the college plans of graduating seniors with the highest GPA on light pole banners throughout the community.  

Latest News