This phenomenological research aimed to explore the collective experiences and perceptions on their preparedness for college of selected Senior High School students under the Academic Strands HUMSS, GAS, STEM, and ABM of Leyte National High School, Tacloban City, Philippines. This study seeks to explore students? perceptions on: whether or not the blended learning helped them to prepare for higher education, the activities in SHS that they engaged themselves with, and their perceptions of their preparedness for college. A criterion sampling method was used for the selection of participants, an interview guide was used in a one-on-one online interview, and the data gathered was carefully analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that the common factors that negatively affect the learning experiences of the students in blended learning are: home conditions, internet connectivity, and inadequate teacher intervention. The findings also illustrate that the advantages that students get in this learning modality are: developing technical life skills, boosting self-reliance, and improving students? ability to use technological devices and educational software for their successful learning. Subsequently, students use different coping mechanisms to survive their SHS year, among the coping mechanisms employed by the students, the most effective were: embracing independent learning, using the internet, and seeking assistance from their teachers, family, and friends. Keywords: blended learning, preparedness, perception, learning experiences, coping mechanisms

perception

blended learning

Coping mechanisms

Learning Experiences

preparedness