More advice for answering those college questions over the holidays

We've already talked about how tiresome those college questions can be over the holidays.  Most high school seniors are simply tired of talking about it and would like to give the topic a rest.  If you still need some advice on how to handle those well-meaning questions from relatives and friends, check out this blog from the University of Southern California: http://bit.ly/1bWZcht

Scholarships for Students with ADHD

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you can compete for one of 51 one-time scholarships of $2,000 and a year of prepaid coaching services from the Edge Foundation.  The deadline to apply is March 19, 2014.  For more details, visit www.ShireADHDscholarship.com.

Ronald McDonal House Charities Scholarships

RMHC scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance to eligible graduating high school seniors and are awarded based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement activities.  There are four individual scholarships under the RMHC umbrella: RMHC/Asia (Asian students Increasing Achievement), RMHC/African American Future Achievers, RMHC/HACER (Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources, and RMHC Scholars.

To learn more about these scholarships, visit www.rmhchattanooga.com.  The deadline for submission is January 20, 2014.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

For Parents in the Process

I've been thinking about parents recently.  The college process is hard on them too; I know, I was there once, and the news wasn't always good.  As parents, most likely our first response is to get mad at the admissions office.  After all, don't they know how wonderful, creative, and interesting our children are?  How could they not see it??

This article, written by a parent and regional admission director at Lawrence University, provides a perspective for parents everywhere.  And my advice? Stop obsessing about "name" schools and lucrative majors and early decision and all those other things.  Celebrate your daughter's successes and mourn with her if the mail brings disappointment.  But more important, help her move on from there.  She WILL find a college that is the right place for her, and years from now that disappointment will be a thing of the past.

What really upsets me however, is when parents criticize their daughter for what she didn't do, and yes, every year there are some of those.  She didn't write the perfect essay; she shouldn't have wasted her time in the choir all those years.  Her activities should have been more important!  In reality, what is important is that she chose the activities that were important to her, the ones that gave her fulfillment and joy. Her essay topic was personal and meaningful to her, and trust me, she wrote multiple drafts and conferenced with her English teacher until they were both exhausted!  She has worked incredibly hard for the last six years to get to this point, and it's not her fault that she didn't get in.  It is actually no one's fault.

Colleges are funny, as the article implies, but they also care about your children.  It's just that they have their own institutional goals; they have their own priorities. They need athletes and philosophy or French majors, musicians and perhaps students from Maine or Alaska. They're looking for students that fit the culture of their campus, and in the end, it's a bit of a guessing game. And no matter how hard you try, you cannot predict what they will be looking for the year your daughter applies.

The only answer, I think, is to help your daughter be the best person she can be.  If she loves to dance, then let her dance! If she loves science, then encourage her to participate in every science-related activity she can find. And if she doesn't know what she loves? Then support her while she's trying the myriad of activities we offer at GPS.  She'll land on one eventually, and if she doesn't, that's okay too.  Many of us don't figure out our strengths until much late in life.  And sometimes we develop new ones we never knew we had! That's the beauty of it.

I have a button in my office that says "You are more than a test score."  I would add that you are more than the name of the college you eventually attend. I promise you that in the end, it's all good.  You were right, after all.  Your daughter is wonderful and creative and interesting and many more things.  She will be just fine. It's just the parents I worry about.

A No-Essay Scholarship Contest

Like many random scholarships, this one may be a long shot, but since all you have to do is enter, why not go for it?  No essay or recommendations required!

Summer Opportunity in Journalism/Writing

The New England Center for Investigative Reporting, based at Boston University's College of Communication, is offering a unique Investigative Journalism Workshop this summer.  The three, two-week workshops will begin on June 30.  During each session, students participate in seminars and work alongside BU faculty and award-winning local and national journalists on investigative stories that could be published on the center's website or in regional and national publications.  Students will live on the BU campus and gain hands-on experience in investigative reporting while developing critical thinking and writing skills.

For more information, visit their website:http://necir-bu.org/training/hs-journalism-workshop/ . If you apply before January 31, 2014, will receive a $100 discount on tuition. the program is open to students in grades 9-12.  For more information, we have provided a link to their flyer. 

Must we document everything with a picture (selfie)?

Yes, I know this post from The New York Times has nothing to do with college (except that the author is a professor at MIT), but I was so struck by it, that I wanted to share it anyway.  I cannot help but wonder if my students would agree with any of her ideas.  I know I do, but then again, you could accuse me of being too old school. 

Years ago I remember my sister, a former teacher, telling me how one of her seventh graders said she never talked to her mother in the car.  Her mother was always on the phone talking to someone else.  There was no catching up at the end of a day; no time to share her ups and downs because her mom was busy with someone else.  It's not really any different now.  We're so busy documenting our lives, as the author of the article says, that we're hardly really living it.  Pictures are wonderful, but if you can't actually remember the experience, you don't really have much, do you?

Scholarhip News for Seniors

1.  The Better Business Bureau will award $1,000 scholarships to current seniors based on overall personal integrity and character, personal achievements, contributions to their community and school, and academic accomplishments. 

Students must also submit an essay of approximately 500 words on "The Importance of Ethics in Business in our Community."

See Ms. Carlin for the application.  The deadline is Friday, April 4, 2014.

2.  The Signal Mountain Lions Club announces the continuation of the "Signal Mountain Lions Charity Scholarship."  Two awards in the amount of $800 per year (that's book money!) will be awarded to students based on financial need and academic achievement.  You must live in the 37377 zip code.

Again, see Ms. Carlin for the application.  The deadline is April 15, 2014.

As decisions come in...

I saw a tweet from the Common Application this morning that reminded me once again how difficult and how exciting this time of year can be for some students.  If they applied early decision or early action, the next few days can be very nerve-wracking as they wait for decisions.  So I wanted to remind everyone to give students their space if they need it.  If necessary, read my earlier blog post "Let's Stop Talking About College."

But students, you also need to heed the Common App's advice: "Before you view admissions decisions in public, think about how you'll react if the news you get is not the news you hoped for."  It's tricky though - if the news is good, you'll want to celebrate (and we hope you will!), but at the same time you need to think about your friends who might not be in such a celebratory mood.  It's a hard line to walk.

Good or bad, this is not life or death, and life goes on.  We'll keep saying that until you get it.

The Rise of the Video Essay

As more and more students are applying to multiple colleges and universities (our record is 23), colleges are looking for additional ways to separate the serious applicants from the not-so serious ones, and they're looking for ways to distinguish one student from another.  Enter the video essay.

I'm sure there were others before, but Tufts University is one of the first schools I know of that started offering students the opportunity to submit a video as part of their application.  Perhaps it is the natural extension of the "blank box" topic - that is when colleges give you a blank square box and tell you to do with it what you will.  Sigh...as if there isn't enough pressure on a high school senior.

Face it, how can students really convey who they are and what makes them tick on a paper application?  Girls can briefly describe their extracurricular life, and the essay might offer a brief glimpse into their dreams, values, and abilities, but is it possible for a college admissions rep to really know an applicant this way?  Recommendations will help, but I've often wondered how they do it? How do they tell one aspiring college student from another? 

I'm not convinced a video essay is the answer. Yes, these days just about everyone can make a video, but the wealthier among us can hire an entire production team if they want - complete with special effects, etc.  You might argue that almost everyone these days has access to all those effects, and even a less wealthy student can produce a pretty cool video.  And for some admissions people, perhaps simplicity will be more appealing. But that's the point.  What will appeal to one person reading you're application is no different than one essay being more interesting than another.  At some point, it's always subjective.

The video might have the "cool" factor for today's high school students, but is it any fair? The cynic in me thinks it just makes it more interesting for the person reading hundreds of applications, and if that's all it takes to stand out, than that's not fair.  But then the playing field has never been level, has it?

Great Summer Opportunities

Even though you're not through with the first semester, you might want to be thinking about what you're going to do during the summer.  While I think a real vacation - perhaps some pool time is in order - is essential to your well-being, you also have time to do something more meaningful.  Three ideas recently crossed my desk, and I want to share them with you.

1.  The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University offers a free summer program for rising juniors who have an interest in business.  there are two week-long sessions to choose from : June 8-13, 2014 and June 22-27, 2014.  You are responsible for transportation, but that's the only expense.

The admissions process is selective (of course!), and applicants must have a 3.5 GPA.  We can only nominate two students, so if you are considering a business career, this is an outstanding opportunity.  Please see me for more details.

2.  Vanderbilt University's pre-college PAVE program for rising seniors is a great opportunity for students interested in engineering, pre-medical/healthcare, science, or technology. However, this five week program is also a good opportunity for people interested in the humanities as well.  For more information about PAVE, visit their website: http://bit.ly/1bx91Hc.  If you would like us to nominate you (you can still apply on your own), please let us know ASAP (this week).

3.  If you are a little more adventurous and want to get away from home, check out the summer programs at the University of Southern California.  You can find two or four week experiences in architecture, business, global studies, performing arts, writing, pre-law or pre-health, engineering, and journalism.  This program, I believe, is open to all high school students, but you can find more information at http://summer.usc.edu.

We have already posted a few summer possibilities, but there will be more to come!  Whatever you decide to do this summer, take some time to consider your options and plan what makes the most sense for you.

Are you the star of the show?

Happy Monday, everyone!  College classes for juniors will begin when we get back to school in January, and this post by Meredith Lepore at Levo League (one of my favorite sites) emphasizes one of the first lessons we cover.  If you don't promote yourself, take the lead, be the star - who will?

In my experience, girls have a harder time talking about their strengths and talents.  I've often thought it's a southern thing, but I don't think that's all there is to it.  Girls just seem to have more difficulty talking about themselves, especially in a positive light.  We often joke in class that a boy with average athletic skills has no problem telling anyone who will listen how good he is at basketball while a girl who is the star of her team simply says, "Yeah, I play basketball." 

In the college admissions process, students must be able to talk, almost boast, about themselves.  They have to admit that they are a talented writer, an inquisitive scientist, a gifted linguist.  They should be able to acknowledge their athletic and artistic skills.  They should own up to their creativity, their curiosity, their talent.  After all, as Walt Whitman or Bear Bryant or Dizzy Dean once said  (it's been attributed to all of them), "It ain't bragging if you done it."

If it makes you uncomfortable to talk about yourself, try thinking about more palatable ways to discuss your gifts until you get the hang of it.  For example, rather than saying you are the best creative writer at your school, you can say something like "I've been writing my own short stories since the second grade, and last year I started my first novel.  Who knows whether it will published, but I'm excited about the possibilities, and I might even try to self-publish it!  In the meantime, I've found a home in the GPS creative writing club, and I'm even trying my hand at editorial writing through the school newspaper."  That idea works for something like softball too.  You can talk about how long you've played (since you were five?), how many teams you're on (the GPS varsity, a summer team, the region all-star team?), or even how many positions you've played (left field, first base, even pitching).

Do you see what you've done?  By the very fact that you've been doing something since you were a small child, you've implied you're probably pretty good at it by now.  You've also demonstrated your commitment to your work, and best of all, you have most likely started a conversation (with a college admissions representative) and that will give you the opportunity to keep talking about your other interests.

But back to the Levo League article.  To quote the author, "you have to be the star of your own film and step into the spotlight."  You need to tell your own story, and now is as good a time as any to decide what role you want to play.  Are you going to be the star, the leader, the go-getter?  Or are you going to watch from the sidelines?  It's up to you.

On a side note: over the weekend, I came across this article about "selfies."  While I don't agree with her 100%, she does have a point, and I wanted to share it with you.

Let's Stop Talking About College

Just about everyone I know loves the holidays, if for no other reason than we have a nice long break from school.  It's so much fun to catch up with alums who are home on break, and for my current seniors, the application part of the college process is pretty much behind them.  However, there can still be a lot of pressure on students.

Well-meaning relatives and friends love to ask high school seniors questions like "Where have you applied to college?" "Where are you going to college next year?" "What is your major going to be?" "Have you been accepted yet?"  Even those college students are not immune to inquisitive minds.  "Have you found a job yet?" "Do you know where you're going to live?"  Or perhaps even the dreaded "Do you have a special someone in your life yet?" 

This year let's vow to stop the craziness!

The majority of GPS seniors (and other students) do not know where they're going to college right now.  They've just completed their applications and are trying to catch their breath.  They know that somewhere, someone is about to read that application and decide their fate (okay, it's not that drastic, but it can feel like that to the girls).  They've talked about almost nothing else but college for months, they written countless drafts of their essays, and they've had their applications proofed and tweaked and buffed: it would be nice if they could just think about something else - like presents, parties, and some time with their friends.  And they deserve the time off.

College students have their own issues.  If they are nearing the end of their collegiate career, they are most likely trying to decide their next steps.  Graduate school?  A career?  A move to another city?  Even if they are in the middle of their college life, the questions are endless, and chances are they don't need the rest of us to remind them how much there is left to accomplish. 

So, I have an idea.  Why don't we let them be?  Instead of asking them about their plans, why don't we just congratulate them on being where there are.  Perhaps we could tell them how proud we are that they've made it this far, and that we know whatever they decide to do or wherever they decide to go, we believe they will make the most of it.  Just say "Congratulations. You've worked really hard to get to this point, and we can't wait to see what you do next."  Encourage visiting family members to do the same.  Run interference for them at church or other gatherings.  Let them know it's okay to kindly defer the question with a simple "I'm going to wait and review all my options, and then I'll be ready to talk about it." 

Let's stop talking about college for a while.  Enjoy the holidays with your daughter and revel in the time you have left with her at home.  College will be here soon enough.

A December Checklist for Seniors

Although I could have told you all of this myself, I know David Burke, and his December checklist for seniors is as good as anything I would have offered.  So rather than repeat his advice, you should read it for yourself. 

I would however, call special attention to one item: practice celebration etiquette.  It's difficult not to celebrate when you have finished all of your applications but keep in mind that a few of your classmates are still putting the finishing touches on theirs. So, be happy that you're through, but don't forget to cheer your classmates on to the finish line.

Are you thinking about a career in the fine arts?

Music, theater, visual arts, dance - GPS students are incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding fine arts department.  But there are some challenges for students who are considering majoring in one of these areas once they get to college.

To start with, the application requirements may be very different (auditions, portfolios, etc.) and may be different from college to college.  It's important to make sure you know exactly what is expected of you and when your deadlines are.  Second, students need to decide what type of degree (BA, BFA) or what type of college (conservatories, art schools, "regular" colleges or universities) they are interested in attending.

There are other factors you should also consider, and for an excellent summary of those considerations, you might want to read over this article from the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, of which GPS is a member.  And I would add one more thing: just like any other college you are considering, spend some time talking about the future.  What do their graduates go on to do?  What types of jobs do they secure?  You (and your parents) will want to make sure you have options when you graduate.

The College Interview

If you have an upcoming interview scheduled, many of the comments and suggestions in this article, "How to Nail Your College Interview," could help alleviate pre-interview jitters. 

Loving Your College, No Matter Where You Go

By now I hope our college freshmen have settled into their environment, but sometimes it can take at least a full semester or even longer before it begins to feel like home. Perhaps it's not the school you wanted to attend in the first place.  Maybe it seems like your high school friends are having more fun somewhere else.  It might be you just haven't found your niche yet. 

Regardless of the reason, there are a few things you can do to ease the transition.  First, realize that you're not the only student who feels this way.  Even this late in the semester, adjusting to college life can be difficult.  But second, you're going to have to help yourself.  If you're not sure how to do that, this advice is a good place to start.  Make sure you pay attention to #3: coming home every weekend is not the answer and sitting  in your room every weekend isn't going to work either.  You have to give your college a real honest chance, and that means you have to get out and make a life for yourself on campus.  You did it at GPS (you've just forgotten that), and you can do it in college too.

Actually that's a good life skill to have.  After all, you don't know where you will end up after college.  You might find yourself in a new city far from home, and you'll have to start all over again.  You can do it; we know you can.

Update: Since my post was published this morning, I ran across an article that talks about starting over after college.  In it, the author discusses having to start all over again once she moved to Boston and how she used her alumni network to meet new people and get involved.  I have another idea: you can also use your sorority network if you were in one.  These are two easy ways to get involved and start that new life!

Giving Thanks

As a counselor at GPS, I have much to be thankful for: my boss, my co-workers (a special shout-out to Claudia and Caroline), and most of all, my wonderful students.  And that doesn't even include my daughter who lets me write about her from time to time and the rest of my family.

But if I needed to be reminded why it's so important to give thanks, the Harvard Business Review offers some well-researched reasons.  So if you haven't thanked that teacher who wrote your college recommendation or the one who stayed after school with you to review your college essay, this is as good a time as any to say thank you.  Of course, you don't have to limit your gratitude to just this one time of year.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We'll see you in December.

Do young women leave college with less self-confidence?

Though the research is from February 2013, at least one school, Boston College, found that their female graduates were leaving with less self-confidence than when they started.  Body image issues and the hook-up culture were a few of the reasons cited for this, but there is obviously more to it than that.  But this response on the Huffington Post Education Blog is equally fascinating and worth reading. 

It is more important than ever to help girls find their voice - and keep it!

Global Youth Summit on the Future of Medicine at Brandeis

"The next generation of doctors will practice in an environment hard to even imagine just a few years ago. Cutting-edge science is rapidly changing the very nature of health care and medicine. Soon it will be routine to order the complete map of each patient’s genome, and the staggering potential of truly personalized medical treatments for even routine illnesses will be in our hands."  — Steve A. n. Goldstein, M.A., M.D., Ph.D., FAAP, Chairman, Global Youth Summit on Medicine Advisory Board; Provost, Brandeis University; Former Chair of Pediatrics and Physician-in-Chief at Comer Children's Hospital, University of Chicago.

Brandeis University's intensive 7-day summer Global Youth Summit on the Future of Medicine will introduce high school students to the rapidly changing world of health care through experiential learning, guest lectures and networking opportunities with leaders in the global health field.  The admission and scholarship applications are both due January 15, 2014.  For additional information visit: http://www.brandeis.edu/youthsummit/index.html

When you don't get in...

"They are waiting for acceptance. Or for rejection. Somewhere in an unfamiliar room in a distant town, a committee of strangers is passing judgment on these high-school seniors.  Yes or no. In or out. Acceptable or unacceptable."

Those lines are from a column by Ellen Goodman I read many years ago, and it still reflects the anxiety that many seniors are feeling as they wait to hear about their college decisions.  For some of them, this is the first time the answer is "no."  It may be the first time someone will not let them have the one thing they so desperately wanted.  There is very little we can say to make a rejection not hurt so much.  No matter what I say, I'm not going to be able to explain it to a girl's (or her parents) satisfaction. 

This is the only part of my job I don't like.  I understand how hard these girls have worked.  I know the sacrifices they and their parents have made; after all, I watched my own daughter work her way through GPS, and with her, I experienced a rejection letter first-hand.  Like every parent, I wanted the best for my daughter (and still do), and I was almost incredulous that a college wouldn't find her as smart and creative and interesting as I did. 

Although students, including my daughter, don't want to hear it, rejection is a part of life.  As a parent, you cannot shield them from every disappointing life experience, and if they haven't already, at some point, they will have to hear the word "no." And it will be okay. 

That's the real lesson here: it will be okay.

My daughter went on to another college, and she loved it. In fact, she loved college so much, she just keeps going back.  She promises that this is her last go-around, but I doubt it.  Even when she finishes this final degree, I suspect she will return from time to time, if only to take a class in something that has always fascinated her. I haven't asked her, but I think she has forgotten all about that rejection letter. I believe she has found her calling, at least for now.  She just got there by another route.  More important, she is happy, and in the end, that is all that matters to me.

Giving Thanks in the College Season

Whether you are waiting on a college decision, or you are still putting the finishing touches on your application, you have much to be thankful for this year.  You know, for example, that because you attend GPS, you will be well-prepared for whatever college or university you decide to attend.  You have also been fortunate to have so many people - parents, teachers, counselors, friends - help you through this process.  Although you may not always realize it, they've all "had your back."

Wouldn't this be a wonderful time to thank them for their contributions?  In "Six Ways for the College Bound to Give Thanks Before Thanksgiving," the author offers some different ideas on how to that. 

LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES FOR TEENS - Summer Programs at Brandeis University

The summer months are an excellent time to explore potential career paths, gain valuable work experience and stretch yourself to develop your potential.  Many colleges offer camps and summer programs for this exact purpose. Brandies University High School Programs is now accepting applications for the Summer of 2014! 

Take a look at the links below to see what they are offering this summer. 

3D GAME DESIGN :: Participants will create their own 3D world including but not limited to racing games, questioning games and multiplayer games. 

MOCK TRIAL BOOTCAMP :: An opportunity to work with the best lawyers, judges and law faculty to gain skills in the trial of law. 

BIMA :: An opportunity to explore your Jewish identity while also growing as an artist. 

GENESIS :: An opportunity to study with talented educators who aim to integrate academic and Jewish studies who aim to become active participants in their own global Jewish community. 

For more questions 

Call :: (781) 736-8416     

Email :: highschool@brandeis.edu 

What does it take to get into one of the most competitive colleges?

That's always a tough question to answer.  I could give you the obvious answer: stellar grades and test scores, AP or similarly challenging classes, at least one or two major activities that show some real depth and commitment, perhaps a special or unique talent, or a specific talent the college is looking for in any given year (athlete, musician, philosophy major).  But if you stop and think about it, you know that there are thousands of great high school seniors out there that have all those qualities and then some.

My colleague says it's like playing the lottery.  You have just as good a chance as anyone else, but the odds really aren't in your favor, no matter how many A's or amazing extracurriculars you have.

Perhaps this article from the Stanford University Alumni magazine will help shed some light on the process colleges go through to shape their incoming class.  There are many institutional goals that schools have to consider during the admissions process, so yes, ultimately they end up turning down many very qualified applicants. 

Sometimes you win the lottery, and sometimes you don't.  That is not a reflection on you as a person; you're just playing the odds.  , there are so many other outstanding colleges and universities out there.  Why do we get hung up on just a few of them?

Do you have to drink in college?

I hope this subject isn't off limits; after all, it is one of the realities you will have to face when you go to college.

During a student/parent meeting many years ago, a mother looked at me and stated, "I want her to go somewhere where there is no drinking."  I wasn't sure how to respond, but on the inside I was thinking, "Well, you might as well keep her home then. I don't think I can find a college like that."  But that's not to say you have to drink when you get there.

I'm not going to get on a soapbox and tell anyone what they should or shouldn't do.  However, when I came across this article - "The Sober Person's Guide to Having Fun in College" - I thought it was worth sharing.  Believe it or not, not everyone drinks in college.  Sometimes it just takes a little longer to find the people who think like you do.

The Elevator Pitch

Current seniors have heard all about the "elevator pitch."  In business terms, it is the personal sales pitch you would give to a perspective client or employer, and it is a way to build relationships or network with other professionals.

You can also develop an elevator speech for the college admissions process.  Similar to the description in this article, it is a thirty second introduction that tells a college admissions representative who you are, what your talents are, and perhaps why you would be a good fit for the university.  You can also add a question at the end - something that might keep the conversation going.

It will take some practice in order for it not to sound too canned, but you can do it.  Start by brainstorming some things you might want to say and then prioritize them.  You only have about thirty seconds, so you cannot say everything.  What is the most important quality you want someone to know about you? What is the most important question you have about the college?  Try your speech out on your parents, your friends (the ones who won't think you're crazy).  We'll be working on these during second semester college classes, so get a head start and begin working on your elevator speech now.

Why can't new grads get hired?

To some I'm sure I will sound old-fashioned by agreeing with this article, but it has some valid points.  I often see students who show up to college information sessions, interviews, or campus tours in clothing that looks more like it was meant for the beach.  I'm not advocating dressing up for a campus tour, but I do think students have to think about the image they portray by their dress.

The author of this article, of course, isn't talking about college, but she does (briefly) mention the way potential job applicants dress for an interview.  It jumped out at me and reminded me of a recent trip to the mall when I saw a young woman completing an application for employment at one of the retail stores.  She had on shorts and a tank top - not what I would consider retail smart.

But let's get to the good stuff! What are employers looking for?  According to the survey mentioned in the article, they are looking for communication and interpersonal skills, team players and problem solvers.  They want people who can write well and prioritize and organize their work.  Do you have these skills, or are you working on developing them?  I hope so.

Happy Friday, and happy November 15th to everyone.  Another college deadline down. We're nearing the application finish line, so hang in there and have a good and safe weekend.

When does the college process begin?

For years I have resisted talking about college with freshmen and sophomores, not to mention middle-school students.  I thought - and still do - that ninth and tenth graders should simply concentrate on being the best fifteen or sixteen year old they can be.  I have given in a little over the years, meeting with freshmen to discuss the importance of getting involved in the extracurricular life of the school and having lunch with sophomores to do an abbreviated college case study; otherwise, our contact is limited, and I've wanted to keep it that way.  Lately, though, I've been wondering if I'm giving my students short shrift, because the reality is, the college process really begins on their first day of high school.

Even as freshmen, the decisions they make during their first year of high school will make a difference.  The courses they choose, the depth of their involvement in activities, whether in or out of school, will have a bearing on where they can apply to college (or rather where they can expect to get in). Academically, they need to get off to a strong start, and if they run into trouble, they need to learn to seek help, ask questions, and/or improve their study skills.  I have to be honest; by the end of a student's sophomore year, her GPA will tell me a lot about where she should apply to college.  Of course, schools will always look for upward trends, but it is unlikely that a student with a 3.0 after two years of high school will be admitted to the more selective colleges, even if her grades do improve.  Yes, there are always exceptions, and certain students may fit a college's targeted population (athletes, minorities, first generation students, legacies).  So don't I have an obligation to make sure students know all of this early in their high school careers?  I think the answer is yes.

My problem, however, is that I also don't want to add to any worries about college that they already have.  Many of our freshmen and sophomores have ideas about which university they want to attend, but I have seen the glazed look in their eyes when I gently let them know that a 3.59, 1300 SAT, and being captain of the soccer tam, not to mention their amazing service work still may not be enough to get them into the school of their dreams.  Do I like it?  Absolutely not.  I do not like what college admissions has become.  I know that there are many other schools out there for our students - schools where they can be wildly successful and happy.  But sometimes that name recognition gets in the way, and they don't want to consider those schools.

So what do I do?  I want my girls to know that it's okay to be who they are.  I want them to be their best selves.  I want them to know that they are good enough...no, even better than that.  I want them to understand that they are more than their GPA or test scores.  They are amazing young women who are in the process of discovering who they are , what they love to do, what they might want to be ten or twenty years from now.  And if they are happy, then I am happy.  Yes, I will make sure they know that even as freshmen, they are building a résumé for college.  But that résumé should be about who they are, not what (they think) a college wants them to be.  

It's kind of like the quote from the movie Field of Dreams:  "If you build it, they will come."  Be who you are, and the right colleges will find you.

If I've said it once.....

This isn't the first time I have posted an article about the use of Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites in the college admissions process.  But if you didn't get it the first time, you might want to read this article from last week's New York Times.

While you might want to argue about whether colleges should track college applicants on-line or not, it is clear that at least occasionally some of them do.  You can complain about the fairness of this tactic, or you too might want to create a second account or change your name to protect yourself (that seems a little silly to me), but your on-line presence is something everyone should consider.

Preparing for the FAFSA

Attention parents of seniors!  Beginning January 1, 2014, you may begin completing the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  Most, if not all, colleges require this form for students who are applying for financial aid.  In addition, any Tennessee resident who wants to receive the lottery scholarship must complete this form, regardless of income.

To save time, you might want to register for your PIN number before January rolls around.  Students and parents may register for a PIN, but please put that number in a safe place, because you will need to reapply for aid every year using that same PIN.

For more information about the PIN and to apply for yours, visit the US Department of Education website: http://1.usa.gov/1geCLvO. 

We will continue to post information/instructions for completing the FAFSA as we approach the new year.

The Financial Aid Debate

Check out the "Room for Debate" section of The New York Times.  It's all about financial aid - who should get aid, better ways to calculate aid, and creative ways to pay for college are just some of the topics discussed.

How many is too many?

At our recent college program for juniors and their parents, I was asked "how many colleges should a student apply to?"  It was a difficult question to answer that night, because like so many other questions relating to college, that answer is "it depends."

There is not a 'one size fits all' answer for this question; it really does depend on each individual student.  However, I will offer some suggestions.

1.  Begin by creating a balanced list. Start with a few foundation schools (sometimes called safe or likely schools) that you really do like.  One counselor I know calls these your 'star schools,' the ones where you will likely be a star.  Then start layering.  Add some 'possible' colleges - schools where you have a good chance of being accepted, but they're necessarily safe bets.  Then you can add a few reach or more competitive schools.  The odds might be long, but you are at least in the ballpark.  You never know; sometimes those reach schools work out.

Try to avoid 'double-reach' schools however. I think you know what I mean by that, but those are the colleges where your academic profile really doesn't come close to what the college's profile is (think GPA, course rigor, etc.).  Filling out applications for those colleges really will be a waste of your time and energy, not to mention money.

One more consideration: I always recommend that students have one or two safe financial schools as well.  Those may be the same as your foundation schools, but you need to know that you can afford at least one of the colleges on your list if nothing else works out.  So while there is no magic number, start with a list of 8 to 10 (maybe 12) colleges. But also know that if, after consulting with your parents and your college counselor, you determine that two or three schools are enough for you, that is perfectly okay too!

2.  Use Naviance and talk to your college counselor when creating your list.  We have a wealth of statistical history that can help you figure out how you compare to other students who have applied to specific schools.  Plus your counselor has some great anecdotal information as well.

3.  You should be able to explain why all of the colleges on your list are right for you.  No superficial answers allowed - things like they have a good football team or my mother went to school there.  Colleges may ask why the school is a good fit for you, and you should be able to answer that with specifics.  Stop and ask yourself, "does this school fit my academic, social/emotional, physical, spiritual needs?"  There are other characteristics you might be considering, but in the end, your college should have what it takes for you to be both happy and successful, and you should be able to articulate your reasons for applying.

4.  I have had seniors apply to twenty or more colleges, and I would argue that not only could they not  answer "why is this a good fit for me" question for every school on their list, but at some point, they ran out of steam when completing all those applications.  Ask yourself if you have the time and energy to fill out applications for all the schools on your list.  Even if you are using the Common Application, there is still a lot of work to do.  By the time you get to #10 or #15, will you still care enough to do your very best?

5.  Avoid panic applying.  I wrote about this recently, but panic applying is when you let your anxiety over the process get the best of you, and you start randomly adding colleges to your list.  If you have done your homework, you will be okay.

These are all reasons why we stress that the college search should be a thoughtful and purposeful one.  It takes a great deal of time and introspection to get it right.  The good news, however, is that your decision is not irreversible.  If you end up at the wrong place, you will have other options.  Remember what we said at our junior program: this is not a life and death decision.  Be realistic. Be calm. And be thoughtful.

Early Decision Remorse

It may be a little late to regret your early decision application to college (it is October 31, after all), but for future college applicants, this is worth reading.  You will also find a link to another article - Early Decision: Better for Colleges Than for Students.

Students who apply ED should be 100% sure that this is the right school both academically and socially and not apply early just because they think they have a better chance of getting in.  Yes, your odds of acceptance are greater at some schools, but if's really not a good fit for you, what's the point?  I have seen many students who, after getting accepted early, start to have doubts, especially when their friends have several options to choose from. 

There are also financial considerations.  Although you can still apply for merit and need-based scholarships, you are basically telling an institution that you want to go to that school, no matter what.  Your parents have to sign off on this decision, as do your college counselors.  We don't take that lightly.

So before you take the early decision plunge, think through your decision very, very carefully.  And then think through it again. And then maybe one more time. 

Too Many Articles, Not Enough Time

It's almost November 1, and if you're a student applying early decision or a college counselor trying to finish all those recommendations, there's not much time left to read and write about the articles that are just asking for comments.

So, since I'm still writing, I want to offer these recent articles for your consideration.

Using FAFSA Against Students (this isn't fair!):http://bit.ly/1aU0lGS

What's Trust Got to Do With It (a very good article that does deserve some attention; perhaps I will get back to it next week):  http://bit.ly/17tn5lW 

How to Navigate the Burnout Zone: This one's for all my stressed out (November 1, anyone?) students...it's written more for professionals, but there's some very good advice in it that you should adopt.  Moms and dads: you might want to read it too!   http://bit.ly/HqxSkP

The Growing Popularity of Lists That Rank Colleges: I'll just you read this one, but read carefully.  Rankings really aren't what they're cracked up to be.

We'll be blogging up to speed next week!

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program

Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants are pleased to be able to continue with their scholarship program for the 7^th year.

They  will be awarding up to $1,000 to the winner(s)! 

Scholarship Deadline   -  June 14, 2014.

Application Process

Students will submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of their web site:  http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm

Full details are available on the site.

Common App Problems...continued

If you are using the Common Application this year, you already know that it has been plagued with problems.  We have been fortunate, however, because we submit most of our materials via Naviance, and while there have been a few problems with that system, they are nothing compared to what people have experienced on the Common App site.

Our students, on the other hand, are submitting their application through Common App, so we have a few suggestions for them.

1.  If you have a November 1 deadline, DO NOT wait until Friday, November 1 to submit your
     application.  The earlier in the week you can take of this, the better.  Even if you're college has
     extended their deadline, do no wait until the last minute to submit.

2.  You might want to avoid submitting your application during the peak hours of the day.  It may be
     9:00pm in Chattanooga, but it's 6:00pm on the west coast, and traffic is still heavy.  A better
     alternative might be first thing in the morning when the rest of the country is still asleep.  It's a
     small step, but it might work.

3.  Follow the Common Application on Facebook.  They are posting daily updates on problems and
     solutions.  Reading about all the problems others are having might make you nervous, but it is
     better to be aware of what is going on than to be in the dark.

4.  Before you panic, come see your college counselor.  There is always a solution, and we'll help
     you figure it out.

Lastly, I know it's easy for me to say, but take a deep breath and try to relax.  Everything is going to work out.  Your part of the college application process will be over soon.

Panic Applying to College

It's happening here a little earlier than it normally does, but it's not uncommon at all.  I call it "panic applying," and it's simply this: a student thoughtfully makes out her application list but then suddenly, without rhyme or reason, starts adding colleges to that list.  From what I can tell it happens for a couple of reasons. 

First, students start to worry that they're not going to get in anywhere, and consequently they think they need to add more schools to their list.  But more often than not, they don't give as much thought to the schools they are adding, and their list becomes quite random.  They forget about what they were looking for in the first place. Second, some students start adding schools after listening to their friends.  It's the "grass is always greener" effect.  Their best friend(s) is applying to seven colleges, and their list looks better to you than yours does. So they start changing their list or adding to it.

Sometimes panic applying doesn't happen until second semester.  By then the student starts second-guessing her college list.  Maybe she doesn't really like "that college" after all.  Maybe it's too big, too small.  Maybe it's too far away, too close.  Fortunately, an additional visit to campus usually reminds her why it was a good fit to begin with, and she can relax.  But not always, and then she feels the urge to apply to just one or two more schools.

No matter the reason, it happens every year.  So if you feel the need to add more colleges to your list, talk to your counselor and your parents.  Carefully review your criteria and see if it makes sense to add an additional school.  Sometimes it might, but more often than not, you might just be "panic applying." 

Common App Woes

The most frustrating things about the college application are the things you cannot control.  The Common Application is a good example.  You may have seen a few stories about the Common App this year: it's a new version, and it has experienced a lot of problems.  For some it's been difficult to submit a payment. For others, there have been essay formatting issues.  Both students and counselors have had trouble submitting documents.  And I'm not even counting the day that no one could log into the site.

The good news is that the Common App people are well aware of the problems people are having, and they are now sending daily updates on the resolution of those problems.  Colleges are responding, and in many cases, they are extending their early decision/early action deadlines.  Anyone can follow the Common App on Facebook and Twitter and follow their progress.  Most important, if you experience any problems with your application, please go see your college counselor. 

One more word of caution, however.  Don't wait until the last minute to submit your application.  Let's be honest. If you wait until the last minute, you're probably not putting as much thought into your applications/essays as you should have.  You're more likely to make careless mistakes (and I can't proofread your application at 11:30pm).  And you're more likely to encounter some of the problems mentioned above.  Just because the deadline is 11:59pm on November 1 doesn't mean that you should wait until 11:58pm to submit your application.  There's a lot we can do to help you on the front end, but there's not much I can do on the back end.

Do the rankings mean anything?

Before you decide that you have to go to a "name" college, whatever that means to you, take a minute to read this article.  It's about Forbes' "30 for 30," the annual list of people under thirty who are the movers and shakers of their generation - the new "it" people, if you will.  What this article points out however, is how many of them did not attend one of those brand name colleges, and I suspect you know which colleges I mean.

In fact, they attended schools such as the University of Iowa, Drexel University, Arizona State, the College of Charleston, Indiana University.  One other school they mention is the University of Maryland Baltimore, one of the best places to go if you're interested in STEM. Obviously the point I'm trying to make is that the rankings really mean nothing. Smart, creative, inventive, interesting people go to all sorts of colleges and universities, and you can too. 

Common Application Problems

In case you haven't heard, there have been numerous complications with the new Common Application, also known as CA4.  As of this afternoon, it is impossible to log in to the site.  They are working on it however, and hopefully will have things restored as soon as possible (for those of you who have an October 15 deadline). 

Just don't panic.  If there is a continuing problem, we will contact schools on your behalf, and I don't believe you will be held accountable.

Split Decision

This is the second in a series of blog posts by Megan R. It's mid-October, and she's hanging in there!

    I never thought I would have to make this choice.  I had played my cards right since the 9^th grade, joining Model UN that year and Spectrum and Science Olympiad in the year following.  I set myself up to have a leadership role in all three clubs by senior year, dedicating time and effort to each club and even missing school for some of them.  That’s when I read the newsletter with the activity schedule for the 2013-2014 school year – all three clubs meet on Thursday. 

    What were the odds of that happening? The only three clubs I’m in, and they all meet at the same time.  I’ve done Model UN since freshmen year, one of only four people in my grade to have joined that year.  I’ve been to six conferences and missed school multiple times.  I’ve also been writing for the school paper since 10^th grade, and I was fortunate enough to be a section editor last year as well.  Science Olympiad has been another one of my passions, and I’ve spent many a Saturday morning in the 6^th grade science hall preparing for our next competition, even getting up at 5 am to drive from school to Knoxville to compete against my fellow science lovers.  All this is to say, I love all of these clubs, and I had always hoped to lead them all instead of being forced to choose between them because of something as mundane as a scheduling conflict.  
     Nevertheless, I couldn’t change the schedule, so I was forced to make a choice, to prioritize these things that were all very important to me.  In the end, I became co-president of Science Olympiad and a section editor of Spectrum, which allows me to be at Olympiad in person and do Spectrum online.  Unfortunately, I had to sacrifice a role as delegation leader in Model UN because I simply couldn’t be in three three places at once. 
     While I’m sure you can relate to my dilemma, as we have all seen the advantages and disadvantages of this new schedule, I worry about whether colleges and universities can understand where I’m coming from.  It seems like these days, you have to be captain and president of every club in school to get in to college, and even that might not be good enough.  Don’t take this the wrong way – I wanted to lead these clubs because I care about them, not to build my resume.  
     That's another issue - colleges often convince kids to lead clubs just so they can fill another space on their application, not because they are truly passionate about an organization.  Well, I am passionate about all three of these clubs, even if I'm not president of all of them.  I just hope that the schools I apply to will understand that I tried, and that I was forced to make a choice because as of 2013, it is not humanly possible to be in three places at once. Whether I like it or not, the laws of science still take precedence over college admissions requirements.    

Looking for scholarships?

Students and families are always looking for scholarships, and who can blame them.  College is expensive, and any financial help you receive will be much appreciated by your parents.  But where do you start?

First, start with the college's website.  Don't just skim; carefully read the scholarship/financial aid pages, from the general scholarships, which may include merit, leadership, or service based awards to the departmental opportunities.  Some scholarships require separate applications, and some have different deadlines than your application for admission, so be sure you are aware of the requirements. If you need recommendations, we have those on file, so there is no need to ask a new teacher to write for you.  Talk to your counselor about what is needed.

Then there are the outside or independent scholarships.  These may include local possibilities like Blood Assurance or the Better Business Bureau scholarships, or they may be state or national awards.  We post all of these on this college blog, so it's a good idea to check back here from time to time.  If you see something you're interested in, it is your responsibility to follow through with the application, but we are always happy to provide recommendations and transcripts if necessary.  A parent's place of employment, your church, and civic organizations (Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, etc.) are also resources. 

Finally, there are several websites you might want to consider.  These will provide you with hundreds of opportunities, but it will require a great deal of research on your part.  One word of caution: do not ever pay anyone to search for scholarships for you.  The following sites are free, but you will have to register in order to begin.

        www.fastweb.com
        www.studentscholarships.org

For information on the Tennessee lottery and other state scholarships, visit http://www.tn.gov/collegepays/.  There is no separate application for the Tennessee lottery scholarship, however, parents must complete the FAFSA regardless of financial need.

Georgia residents can find lottery scholarship information at http://bit.ly/1bLELL4.  Students who live in Georgia but attend GPS will qualify for the Georgia Hope Scholarship as long as they meet the academic criteria.  There is no application, but GPS does have to send your final transcript to the Georgia Finance Commission office, and we will do that following graduation.

One final note.  To qualify for need-based aid, your parents will have to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal student Aid).  This cannot be submitted until January, 2014, but if you want to bookmark the site now, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.  Some colleges also require the CSS Profile (http://bit.ly/1af7AJa) for need-based aid, and every college will have it's own deadline for submission.  Make sure you check with each school you are applying to for their specific requirements.

As nice as it would be if scholarships would just fall into your lap, the bottom line is finding scholarships takes time and effort. I often say it's like one giant research project, and perhaps this is one place where your parents can help.  While you're busy putting the finishing touches on your admissions application, let them do some of this research for you.  Then you can sit down together and formulate a plan of attack. 
       
      

What Counselors Want to Say to Students

This post may be a little self-serving, but with our first deadline approaching (October 15), students and adults start to get a little crazy.  That's why I think this note from Patrick O'Connor, Director of College Counseling at The Roeper School in Detroit, Michigan, is a valuable one to read. 

There are many people who are supporting you, the student, through the process - your parents, your teachers, and your college counselor.  Writing a recommendation takes time, and due to the different deadlines students have, your letter may not get written first.  You can be sure of one thing, however. We've never missed a deadline, and we won't miss yours. 

You also need to realize that just because you submitted your application at 9:05pm, that doesn't mean it will show up in the college's data base at 9:06.  Likewise, they may have the transcript that we sent on a Monday, but it may not show up in their system until Thursday.  Your test scores are not usually submitted overnight either.  It can take several weeks for your ACT scores to make their way to their college destination. These things take time, and in a world that is accustomed to immediate gratification, the college process doesn't necessarily follow your timeline.

So take a deep breath. If you really are concerned that something is missing, first check Naviance to see if your transcript has indeed been submitted.  It will tell you.  If it has been sent, then trust us. The school has it, and we have a confirmation number to prove it.  If something is missing from your college file (you know, when you check your application status on-line), come see your counselor before you assume the worst.  If necessary, we will call and confirm that your file is complete.

And finally, at some point this semester, thank your teacher for writing such a beautiful recommendation about you.  They care very much about your college search and want to do right by you.   So stop and say thanks!

Essay Tips

We've posted essay advice before, but it never hurts to be reminded of a few things, and these tips are as good as any.  Sometimes I think students try so hard to write the perfect essay (or the perfect angel essay, as the author describes it), that it is not very authentic.  It's more about who they want to be - or what they think the college wants to hear - rather then who they really are. 

To get started, the writer suggests you interview other people who know you well - parents, grandparents, friends, even teachers - and ask them what they know about you.  They may remember experiences that you have forgotten all about, or they may be able to recall events that help you illustrate your ideas.  They just can't write the essay for you!

You could also try an exercise we did at application boot camp this year.  Using lots of colored markers and crayons, we asked each student to draw a big picture of herself and then begin listing adjectives, holidays, people, vacations, memories...anything they could think of off the picture. They also talked to the people next to them to get ideas, but the end result was some possible essay topics.  Come to think about it, it was kind of like interviewing yourself, and for some students, it worked. 

Just remember girls, you're not trying to write the next great American novel. It's only an essay, and as long as you stay true to yourself, it will be good.

Time Management Tips

Most of us complain that there is simply not enough time in the day to do everything we need to do.  Sometimes we don't know how to prioritize, and sometimes we don't know how to say "no."  We think we have to do it all, but in reality, we don't.  Whether you are in high school, college or the working world, these five tips for managing your time might help you become more organized and more efficient.

The one I like best is "plan time to relax."  Maybe you just need to take a short break, get up from your desk, and move around. Likewise, perhaps you need to put the books down and think about nothing at all for a few minutes, and I don't mean spend that free time staring at an iPad, your phone or television.  Get up,  drink a glass of water, eat some fruit or go outside.  Give your eyes and your brain some rest!

One other thought that particularly applies to high school students.  You know you don't have to join every club in high school.  If you don't have enough time to attend the meetings, then no matter how interested you may be, those clubs become resume fillers.  College knows when you've overextended yourself, so instead, choose the activities you really care about and contribute to those in a meaningful way.  Not only will that be more impressive, but it will be more rewarding for you.

 

The value of being on your own

One of our alums recently emailed us with this advice for seniors:

     "The thing I was most nervous about coming to college was meeting people. I've met most of my friends from classes, and from just hanging out on campus. Do not sit in your dorm room. If you a re bored, go walk around campus, hang out in the student center, or go to the rec center and play volleyball. The thing I've loved about being on such a big campus is that there is always something going on. There are tons of clubs, churches, and volunteer opportunities that I would encourage you to check out as well."

I admit that I too urge students to put themselves out there when they get to college.  "Leave your door open," I say. "Having music blaring is a good way to get people to stop by."  But some people really do like to be alone sometimes, and there's nothing wrong with that.  I happen to be one of those people, and this college freshman reminded of how important that time can be. Yes, you should look for some extracurricular activity when you get to college, and you should go out to eat with other students occasionally.  And sometimes you have to initiate the interaction!  But if you are one of those people who also need to be alone sometimes (and that's the operative word), that's okay too.

How to Match Your Common Application with Naviance

Seniors: Before we can electronically send your transcripts and recommendations to colleges, you must first match your Common Application with your Naviance account.  For a quick how-to video, check out  http://vimeo.com/73384070. It will only take you a minute to watch it!

 

Are relationships difficult for ambitious young women?

According to this article in USA Today, "women earn about 60% of all bachelor's degrees, get better grades than their male peers and have even regained all the jobs they lost during the Great Recession." So perhaps it is no wonder than relationships can be strained - even disintegrate - as a result.  There are many interesting questions to ponder here: Is there a direct correlation between a person's professional goals and their relationships, as one student suggests?  Is it really more difficult for men to see their partners succeed at a higher rate? How closely linked are ambition and romance?

I don't believe this is exactly new news, but as women become more and more successful, perhaps it is more and more of a problem.  Many books and articles I've read over the last few years seem to suggest that is true.  So what, if anything, can be done about it?  It's good food for thought.

SunTrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes

Here's another scholarship opportunity for seniors that shouldn't be missed! It too may be a long shot, but it won't hurt to try.

It's free to enter, and eligibility is not based on GPA or financial need.  There are fifteen chances to win with one winner chosen every two weeks from October to May.  You can only enter once for each drawing, but you can register after each completed drawing for the next one.  Certain state and school restrictions may apply, but check it out.

For complete details and to enter, visit :

https://www.suntrusteducation.com/ScholarshipSweepstakes/index.html

Good luck!!!

From don't be afraid to be smart to nothing is worth lying about, comedian and actress Tina Fey offers some good advice for teenagers on this Monday morning.  Happy last day of September everyone!

Scholarships Anyone Can Win

Sure, it may be a long shot, but when there's no essay to write or resume to submit, why wouldn't you at least try.  Check out USAToday's "4 Easy Scholarships Anyone Can Win." http://usat.ly/1fqE9vP

What will future careers look like?

While attending a conference in Toronto last week, I had the opportunity to hear The New York Times columnist Tom Friedman discuss the future of education.  As part of his speech, he also discussed what the world of work might look like five or ten years from now, and he got me thinking: when we send girls out to shadow a lawyer, an engineer, or a insurance agent, will the job they see be the same job by the time they graduate from college?  I think the answer is no, but some things may always be the same.

A recent Northeastern University study reported that six of ten business leaders survey said that soft skills like written and oral communication and problem-solving skills are still the most important for college graduates to have. The report also said that 84% of business leaders believed the ability to think creatively was just as important as the ability to think critically.  So Mr. Friedman's comment makes sense: when companies are downsizing, the people who will be kept are the ones who can do old things in better ways or new things in better ways. 

Fundamentals are also always going to be important, and whether or not you pursue a degree in engineering or English, if you have a solid foundation, you can move on to just about anything. (And by the way, there is evidence that you can earn a living with a liberal arts degree.)  To quote from a recent blog by Michael Lindsay, President of Gordon College, "...a student's chosen major will not, in most cases, determine the financial viability of his or her long-term career. Students from any major can use their time at college to explore practical ways to turn their academic passion into a good investment."  Being able to turn your interests into a career is what Tom Friedman meant when he said, in the future "you won't be able to find a job; you will have to invent a job."

The jobs of the future may look nothing like the ones of today, but no matter what career a student pursues, she will need the following: strong fundamentals, the ability to think both critically and creatively, the ability to collaborate with others, and a solid background in technology.  In other words, all of the skills a GPS graduate will have.

Engineering Scholarship

Time is short, but here's a new scholarship opportunity ($500) for those interested in engineering.  Students will need to submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of the AES website http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm. The deadline is October 4, 2013. 

If you have any questions, please come see us.

How much do you love us?

At times it seems that is the question some colleges are asking.  Have you visited the campus? Have you talked to the admissions representative when they visited your school?  Did you attend a college fair? Have you filled out the information card?  Why are you applying to this school?  It's called "demonstrated interest," and some colleges are really tracking it. 

So how do you demonstrate your interest? 

There are some obvious places to begin.  You should, in fact, stop by to speak to the college rep when he or she is at GPS.  They may be here during the day, or they may be visiting during one of our four evening GPS/McCallie programs.  Yes, you have classes and homework and Candlelight and other activities, but taking fifteen minutes out of your day/evening to introduce yourself and ask a few questions is a first step.  Many colleges will also be at the Coast to Coast College Fair in April, 2014.  If you are a sophomore or a junior, you should be there too, and you should fill out and return the inquiry (information) cards.  Touring the campus is a valuable part of the college search process, but if the college you're interested in is on the other side of the country, what else can you do?

Ask to be put on the school's mailing list if you're not already.  If the college has a blog, read it. If there are on-line chats for prospective students, participate. If the school emails you, answer it.  If you have questions, email your representative. If you met with a representative, went to an information session, took a tour, send a thank you note.  A real hand-written thank you note. If there is a local reception, attend it.  If you do have the opportunity to visit, make sure you register and let them know you're there.

Many schools will ask you "why this college?"  They want to know you've done your homework, so be specific. Refer to something you saw while you were on campus, something you learned from the admission officer, something you read on the website. Make a connection between what you want to do - your goals - and what the college has to offer.  If you can't explain "why," then do you really like and understand the school?

Everyone likes to be wanted, and I think colleges are no different.  It will take work, and sometimes you will wonder why you're going to all the trouble.  But, how you interact with a college can and will affect your college process.

Random Friday Thoughts

I thought seniors might appreciate this Pennsylvania student's post on the things she wants to remember about her senior year.  There are a few I like more than others - like sign out of facebook, twitter, etc. - but I wonder if there are other things my students would like to remember about this year?  Let me know if you think of something.

And since seniors are in the midst of college applications right now, you might be interested in this advice from college students who have been where you are right now.

Finally, maybe it's the former English teacher in me, but I particularly enjoyed this list "Ten Books Every College Freshman Should Read."  I'm going to have to think about it, but I might want to add some books to this list.

Narrowing Down the College List

Megan recently wrote about the process she's going through as she whittles down her college list. You can, as she did, go through all the mail and sort into three categories - yes, maybe, and no.  But looking at brochures will only get you so far.  What other questions should you be asking yourself?
Zinch, a college/scholarship search web site, recently offered five good questions you should think about as you create your own college list. 

Any time you visit a college campus, talk to a representative or even read The Fiske Guide, you should ask seriously ask yourself: "Can I see myself at this school? What academic and extracurricular opportunities would I take advantage of?" 

Many times when Mrs. Goldbach and I visit colleges, we can almost immediately think of a student who would not only benefit from the college community, but would also add something to it.  Now, not everyone is hit by a thunderbolt, but you should spend some time thinking about how you would fit into the college community. And of course, if you want some suggestions, your college counselor is always willing to assist you.

And just as an aside, I like Zinch's motto "I am more than a test score." That is absolutely true. You are.

29 Colleges...Where do I begin?

If you're coming to tonight's GPS/McCallie college program, you will have the opportunity to visit with twenty-nine different colleges and universities from all over the US.  There will be large, state schools, along side smaller liberal arts colleges, each one with something to offer you.

So where do you begin?  If you're a junior and just beginning this process, make sure to talk to a few schools that you know nothing about.  Sometimes those are the ones that end up being most appealing.  If time is limited, maybe you skip the college that is close by and you can visit easily.  Concentrate on the ones that are a bit further away.

Always introduce yourself.  And try not to just say "tell me about your college."  Instead, tell the rep something about yourself, what you're interested in, what your strengths are, and then he or she will take it from there.  Find out what their basic requirements are.  Ask about what a typical freshman year might look like?  If the rep also went to school there, find out why she chose the college?  More than likely you can get a list of majors and things to look over later, so spend your time trying to figure out what kind of campus culture there is.

And have fun.  Right now, you're just exploring.  You don't have to make a decision yet.

Oh, and make plans to attend next week's fair on Sept. 17 at McCallie.

The Process of Elimination

This is the first in a series of posts about the college process by current GPS seniors.  Megan R. does indeed currently have quite a few colleges on her list.
 
      I walked down the stairs this weekend with a heaping pile of mail from colleges around the country, determined to finally eliminate some of it.  As I set it down on the table with a thud, Dad looked up at me in exasperation, saying, “We have to go through all of that?  Well, we better get started.” “Dad,” I told him apologetically, “this is only about a third of the mail.”
      His jaw dropped.  It looked like we had a pretty monstrous task ahead of us.  Thankfully, as we sat at the coffee table and sorted the mail into “Apply,” “Maybe,” and “Don’t Apply” piles, we picked up speed and actually threw away nearly a third of the letters.  That’s the good news.  The bad news is, the other two thirds is still sitting on my bedroom floor awaiting my decision. 
     It’s already September, and if I include the mail plus the schools on my Naviance page, that’s over 40 institutions in total.  Even if I wanted to apply to that many places, there’s no way I physically have time to complete all of those supplements by December 1^st.  How am I supposed to narrow down that list?  Some kids only apply to the Ivies and a safety school or two.  Some kids only apply to a few schools because their parents are forcing them, or because one of them is the home of their favorite football team, or because there’s something extremely specific about one of those schools that the kid absolutely wants to be part of their education.
     My problem is I’m only 17 years old – I don’t know what I want out of my life, much less my education.  Sure, an Ivy League diploma would open a lot of doors for me, but can I get in?  Are there some less competitive schools out there that would appreciate me more, maybe even offer me a merit scholarship? Do I want a core curriculum or an open one?  How important are small classes, or being in the city, or what the dorms and food and students are like?
      To me, this is the most daunting part of the application because I have to figure out what I want out of not just my education, but out of a place where I will be living and hopefully working for the next four years.  These are some of the biggest questions I have ever been faced with, and I still don’t have the answers to many of them.  All I know is that I want to go to a “good” school and get a “good” education so that I can find a “good” job and provide for my family.  Isn’t that what everyone wants?  That’s the American dream right?  Work hard, be successful, happy ending.  Apparently, it’s not that simple. 
      Unfortunately, the list of schools I’m applying to will probably end up being long, but hopefully that means I’ll have more options of where to take the first step on the journey of the rest of my life.  My grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities are what they are already.  All that’s left is to write a few million supplemental essays and see what happens.  Hopefully the next pile of mail that lands on the coffee table with a thump will be a mound of acceptance letters from a bunch of “good” schools. 

 

How to answer the "why this college" question

"Why do you want to attend this college?"  That's an often asked question on many college applications or Common Application supplements.  Sometimes it's an optional essay question, but either way, you should answer it.  But what are you supposed to say?

Our friend at Tulane University, Jeff Schiffman, recently wrote a wonderful post on how to answer the "why this college" essay, and we think every senior should read it. 

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

JACK KENT COOKE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation rewards excellence by supporting high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation's best four-year colleges and universities.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

At a minimum, applicants must:

·         Plan to graduate from a US high school in spring 2014

·         Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2014

·         Earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above

·         Receive standardized test scores in the top 15%: SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1200 or above (must test by October 5, 2013) and/or ACT composite score of 26 or above (must test by September 21, 2013)

·         Demonstrate significant unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000. However, we anticipate that a majority of scholarship recipients will be eligible to receive a Pell grant

For More information and to Apply :: http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/college-scholarship-program/

MARY ELLEN LOCHER FOUNDATION 

 MaryEllen Locher Foundation scholarships are given to the children of breast cancer patients, either survivors or deceased. Beginning with the 2014-15 academic year, scholarships are limited to students residing within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

ELIGIBILITY

• Students applying for scholarships from the MaryEllen Locher Foundation must meet the following criteria:
• Student must have lost a parent to breast cancer or complications relating from the disease or have a parent who has survived breast cancer. 
• Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

NOTE :: Due to the high volume of applicants, we cannot notify each individual student of our decisions. Winners will be posted on our website (melfoundation.org) by mid-May of each year and notified by phone. Checks are paid directly to the college or university, not to the winners themselves.

MORE INFO :: http://melfoundation.org/#/scholarships