More Scholarship Opportunities

Calling all seniors!  We received two more scholarship opportunities today, so please read over the criteria and see if you qualify.

1.  The Signal Mountain Lions Charity Student Scholarship Program - First, you must reside in the 37377 zip code area.  Now, if you're still reading, this scholarship is worth up to $3,200 for four years of college ($800 a year).  The award is based on the applicant's financial need and academic achievement.

Please see Mrs. Haley in the college office for an application.  Important Note: You will need a copy of the the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA, so you cannot submit the scholarship application until that has been completed.  The final deadline for applications is April 15, 2015.

2.  The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (Alpha Xi Chapter) is sponsoring an essay contest for all Tennessee high school students (grades 9-12).  First prizes is $300 with a possible extra $100 from the local chapter.  There are also 2nd and 3rd place monetary prizes.

Here's the essay topic:
     Poetry can often be referred to as the window to one's soul. Read and respond to "The Road Not Taken'" by Robert Frost and explain the central idea or theme of the poem.  You will also need to include a personal connection to the poem, perhaps focusing on making decisions, the abundance of choices one may encounter in life, or the impact of change as one grows older (these are just ideas).

You must turn in your essay to the college office by Friday, February 27, 2015. For more information, see Mrs. Haley.

Post-Application Blues

The stockings are hung, the menorahs and trees have been put up, and the applications have, for the most part, been submitted.  Now seniors are (hopefully) turning their attentions to upcoming exams and the holidays.  But what should be a time of rest from all the college application madness can often just be more stressful for the girls.

Home for the holidays, well-meaning family and friends often pepper seniors with questions: "Where did you apply?" "When will you hear?" Where do you think you'll go?"  It's understandable that people are curious, but for many of the girls, college is the last thing they want to discuss right now.

So here's a gift that every senior would appreciate.  Stop talking about essays and test scores and college applications. Step in and deflect the questions. Help the girls come up with a pat response, something like "It's out of my hands now, so I'm not going to make any decisions until I have all the information," or "I'm just going to remain open to whatever happens."  And then move the conversation in a different direction.

Make the next few weeks a holiday college free zone!  Your whole family will probably appreciate it.

The Ned McWherter Scholarship Program

The Ned McWherter Scholarship (named after a former Governor) is for Tennessee high school seniors who plan on attending school in the state of Tennessee, and the award is $6,000 per academic year.

To be eligible, seniors must:

• be a Tennessee resident and attend an eligible Tennessee college or university
• have at least an unweighted 3.5 cumulative GPA
• have a minimum composite scores of 29 on the ACT or 1280 on the SAT math and critical reading sections

The application must be accompanied by an official high school transcript and an official ACT/SAT score.  Applicants may receive "extra credit" for honors/AP courses as well as leadership activities.

To access the application, go to http://www.tn.gov/collegepays/mon_college/ned_mc_shcolar.htm
and click on the on-line application button at the top of the page.

Funds are limited, so complete your application as soon as possible. All applications are due by February 15.

Drunk on Camera

Thursday's installment from The Chronicle of Higher Education includes two items: a commentary titled "If students have time to get drunk, colleges aren't doing their job", and a video of, well, of college students drinking.

Truth be told, I debated posting the video because it is disturbing, and full of content and language that many people will find offensive.  But I learned some things watching it, mainly that people make money off of videoing college students funneling beer, chugging vodka, what have you.  And once you start drinking, it is easier to do things for the camera that you might not do otherwise.

You have been forewarned.

For the commentary: http://bit.ly/1yX922s
For the video: http://bit.ly/1FR8ICK

Friends helping friends when drinking

As today's Chronicle reports, some colleges are focusing on intervention rather than stopping drinking when it comes to alcohol use.  The students are the ones who are looking out for each other, monitoring their friends and intervening when necessary. For example, a young man at a frat party might see an inebriated young woman about to go upstairs with a brother, but rather than watch them, he steps in to make sure that both parties are well aware what they are doing (but quite honestly, if she's that drunk, I don't think she really can make a well-informed decision).

The story focuses on Union College in upstate New York, but the "bystander intervention" approach is being used on many campuses.  Even President Obama has launched the "It's On Us" initiative, a program that asks bystanders to intervene if they see someone in a risky situation.  It's certainly a good start, and it seems to be working on Union's campus.

To read the entire story, go to http://bit.ly/1FMwwro, and to see how four other colleges are handling risky behaviors, you can check it out at http://bit.ly/1HZvV9K

Why Colleges Haven't Stopped Binge Drinking

Today's installment of the special report by The Chronicle of Higher Education takes a look at how colleges have tried to rein in binge drinking.  Over the years there have been multiple studies, years of research, and a variety of programs, but nothing seems to really make a difference.

Some of the numbers are eye-opening:

• The binge drinking rate among college students has hovered at over 40% for the last two decades.
• 46.8% of high school seniors drank alcohol in the last thirty days
• only 25% of college students don't drink
• 599,000 college students injured while under the influence of alcohol
• 97,000 college student report being sexually assaulted or date-raped due to alcohol

As parents, I wonder what you expect a college to do, or are you like the UGA parent in yesterday's article who got mad when their son was arrested for underage drinking/public intoxication?  Perhaps you agree that a college's primary responsibility is to simply keep your child safe but not monitor his or her behavior.  Maybe you agree that drinking is simply part of college life, and you don't really believe there is a problem.  

Whatever your views on drinking in college/binge drinking, the article http://bit.ly/1yehQ3Z is well worth reading.

A river of booze...

The Chronicle of Higher Education has begun a special report about the use of alcohol on college campuses.  Today's first article is titled "A River of Booze, Inside one college town's uneasy embrace of drinking."  That town is Athens, Georgia, home to the University of Georgia.

Like my recent post about the problems at UVA, it is important to understand that this isn't about one college or one town.  The types of people discussed and the growing problem of overconsumption is a very real one, but it could happen at any college or university, not just Georgia.

Every parent should read the series, and I will post the articles as I get them.  Undoubtedly some parents will be sure that this could never happen to their daughter (or son), but if experience has taught me anything, it is that it will in fact happen to some of my students.  The odds are just not in their favor.

My intent is not to scare people or overdramatize the problems of alcohol and sexual assault, but they are most definitely issues that parents should discuss at length with their daughter and not just the day before she leaves home.  What you say is your business, but if this special report makes anyone stop and think, then it will be worth it.

You can find the first article here: http://bit.ly/1zITHAM

An Update

Yesterday I wrote about how most parents believe their children are worthy of admission to every college to which they apply.  Nine times out of ten, we know they can do the work, and in fact, I have so much faith in the quality of education GPS girls are getting, I think my students can be successful anywhere!  That said, most of them will not be admitted to "Selective U."

That doesn't stop colleges from soliciting those applications however, so before you get too excited about all the college mail you receive, take a few minutes to read as this article in yesterday's Washington Post.

My daughter is the best.

I think by daughter is just about the best - well, the best daughter ever.  She's smart, talented, creative, thoughtful, funny...who wouldn't love her?

I'm also pretty sure that all parents feel the same way about their kid, and why shouldn't they? We're parents; that's what we do.  But when it comes to college admissions, our expectations can get a little out of hand.  Assuming that every parent feels that way about their son or daughter, but there's not enough space for all of those wonderful children at highly selective institutions, then someone's kid is going to be left out, and the odds are it will yours...and mine.

That's why this blog post resonated with me.  A parent sent me the link, and having gone through the admissions wars herself, she understood its relevance.  You might think the blogger a little harsh (and sassy), but she makes several good points.  If a school's acceptance rate is less than 5% - or even 10% - then the chances of being admitted are already stacked against you.  Will one more AP class or one more amazing summer experience really improve the odds? Probably not, and at some point, it's just not healthy.  By no means am I suggesting that your daughter shouldn't apply to that dream school; in fact, chances are I will tell you that she absolutely should.  I just want everyone to keep a level head and stay sane. Truth be told, I think GPS parents are pretty good about this.  They certainly don't encourage thirty or forty applications to college like some of the students in this New York Times article. I believe our parents want healthy, well-balanced children, and they know when to say "enough is enough." Then again, hope does spring eternal, doesn't it?

For the record, my daughter has already been through the college process, and no, she wasn't accepted at every school to which she applied.  Back then, I couldn't imagine why not, and it still baffles me. But I also learned a valuable lesson along the way.  My daughter found a balance that works for her, and although she will probably never be a multi-millionaire, she is very happy with the choices she's made.  And that is good enough for me.  I still believe she is the best daughter ever, and she didn't need a certain college acceptance to prove it.

The end is near!

No, not the end of the world. The end of the college application season.  With only a few exceptions, my students will have all of their college applications completed by December 1, and then a new kind of waiting game will begin.  What will they think of me? Will they like me? Will I get in?  For some girls, it feels like a judgment of sorts, and that is one of the things I dislike most about this process.

Yesterday I tweeted (@gpscollge) a link to an article titled "4 ways to deal with college admissions competition."  I've seen that tension that often develops between friends. I've seen them compare themselves with each other, and more than once I've heard a girl say  "I'll never get in, because she's applying too." One senior even recently admitted that she felt like this decision will define her worth as a person.  That comment broke my heart.

One of my favorite columnists, Ellen Goodman, once wrote a column titled "Rite of Passage to Adulthood," and her comments have stuck with me for many years. "Getting into college," she wrote, "bears all the markings of a tribal rite of passage. There are the required number of tests, ritual markings, grueling tasks for the young to perform. They must go through the interviews and applications, the SAT's and achievement tests, the endless questions from adults: Where do you want to go?"

She continues, "These acceptances that come by mail are not some final, or even critical, judgment. Those of use who have been through other seasons know that.  But they come at a vulnerable moment, at the edge of adulthood, when the young are just about to become full-fledged owners of their own lives. For the first time, inseparable friends opening those envelopes may feel the chill of distance. For the first time, a class of mates may really understand how our world tries to subdivide their future. So this rite of passage also tests friendship against competition in the raw form of the adult world. It's one way we come of age, a hard way."

Some admissions decisions are already trickling in, and the next few months will be filled with great joy and real disappointment.  No matter what I say, the bad news will still sting, and it will feel oh so personal. I hope my girls will one day understand that it really isn't a rejection of them as a person, but I also know that for now, it will still hurt.

Years from now, I believe it will all make sense.  Where you go to college, as I also tweeted recently, is not a life or death decision. What is important is what you make of your experience when you get there.  And that will be totally up to you.

What is "academic rigor?"

Academic rigor.  That's a term that you will often hear when you visit colleges, as in, "we look to see that you've taken the most challenging classes."  But what does that mean, and does it mean the same thing at every high school?

The answer to the last part is no, because every high school doesn't offer the same curriculum.  GPS has 16 honors and 18 advanced placement classes from which to choose; some other schools might not have any.  Some high schools limit the number of AP classes a student can take each year, so comparing high schools is like comparing apples and oranges. Colleges won't penalize a student who is only allowed to take two AP courses a year or a student whose school has elected not to offer any.  Ultimately all a college can do is look at a student in the context of what her high school offers.

So in the context of GPS, consider what your transcript says about you. A student once asked an admission counselor "Is it better to take an AP class and make a B or take a regular class and make an A?"  His answer was, "It's better to take the AP class and make an A."  Okay, point taken. But what if you're not ready for an Advanced Placement class? (Trust me, not every college expects them!) There are still ways to make your transcript more rigorous.

Instead of taking three years of a foreign language, have you taken a fourth year? Have you gone beyond the required science curriculum and taken an extra year, perhaps environmental science, or anatomy and physiology? Did you take physics, or have you been trying to avoid it?  (And while you're looking at your transcript, look for any trends in your grades.  Perhaps your English grade has steadily risen each year. That a plus in your favor.)

I think most of my students will tell you that every class here is rigorous, even the electives.  Regular English with Mr. Wells is tough, as is World Religions with Dr. Becksvoort or US history with Mrs. Hamilton.  Your college counselor will do her best to explain that these are all challenging, and yes, that a B- or a C+ in these classes can be a triumph. In other words, we will put you and your curriculum in context.

Like almost everything in college admissions, the answer to "What makes a transcript academically rigorous?" is "It depends."  It depends on what type of college or university you are considering.  Even then, it depends on just how competitive a particular college is.  So before you sign up for classes in a few months, talk to your parents, your teachers, and your counselor about what courses will work best for you.  Don't be afraid to challenge yourself, but don't get in over your head either.  The good news is that no matter where you go to college, your GPS education will prepare you for whatever lies ahead.

National Scholarship Month

November is National Scholarship Month, so if you're looking for a scholarship, here are a couple of sites you might want to investigate.

1.  Fastweb is one of the most often used scholarship search sites. Like any of the reputable websites, it's free too.  You can access a huge data base of scholarships on Fastweb, some of which will require some work, but some are quick and easy to enter.  When I last checked, there was a no-essay, $2,000 scholarship available.  It's a random drawing, but all you have to do is enter to win. Why not?

2.  You can also use bigfuture, sponsored by The College Board.  Like Fastweb, it's free, and the more information you enter, the more possibilities you will discover.

3.  If you want something easy, creative, and fun, try Zinch.  Here are only a few of the scholarships they currently have listed: a "smoke is a second hand killer scholarship," a "can recycling scholarship," and a "poetry slam scholarship.There are weekly scholarship drawings as well.  With scholarships this easy to apply for, the competition might be daunting, but it doesn't hurt to try. You might be a winner too.

And here's a bonus scholarship site:  Scholarships.com.  Similar to Fastweb, it is a free search engine that matches you to scholarships in your area of interest or background.

Remember, your college or university is probably still the best source of money, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort in outside searches, the results can be rewarding.

Looking for something to do next summer?

I know it's only November, but it's never too early to start thinking about summer vacation!  I've always said that I hope my students will actually take some time to relax during summer vacation, and I sincerely mean that.  We all need some time to decompress, slow down, and turn off.  However, knowing that many students want to do something with their time off, here are just a few suggestions.

Some students use June, July, and August to find a part-time job.  If that is something you are considering, think about finding a job that will get you out of your comfort zone. Paraphrasing a former admissions dean, if you have a choice between a trip abroad, working at your mother's law firm, or pumping gas (not that we have full-service gas stations any more), then pump gas.  You get the idea. However if you're thinking about a career in education, working with young children at GPS summer camp might be a good option.  Likewise, if you're thinking about a career in veterinary medicine, think about working or volunteering at an animal hospital.

Many of my students will use their time off to volunteer (the Erlanger VolunTeen program is one such activity), while others might take classes in an area of interest.  For example, Duke University has a number of academic options, and if you're interested in seeing what they have to offer, visit their website.  The University of Notre Dame also offers a "pre-college" summer program, as do many other schools like Auburn and Boston University.

You don't have to go that far away from home, however.  The UTC College of Business offers a summer business experience where students can interact with professors and successful business professionals in workshops, field trips, and seminars, or perhaps you have another specific college in mind. Just go to their website and search for summer programs for high school students.  We've had GPS students attend some amazing engineering programs at Smith College and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.  Another option is the Yale Young Global Scholars Program. Yes, some of these programs can be expensive, but many also offer financial assistance, so it doesn't hurt to look, You can also check the Summer Opportunity link on this blog for summer programs we have posted in the past.

Of course all summer classes don't have to be academic.  We've had students take sewing and cooking classes, and some girls take dance, music, or art classes.  You might also want to consider starting a new foreign language or learn about home-repair at Home Depot.  Think about what you've always wanted to learn and see if you can find a program in the area. We will continue to post summer opportunities as we receive them, so check back regularly.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you do take some time off just for yourself.  Recharging your batteries will make you a better and happier student when classes start again next fall.

The Road to College

The good news is that the first big deadline, November 1, is behind us, and all applications, recommendations, and transcripts have been submitted!  Wahoo!

And now we need to get back to business.  As I've been preparing for our big junior program this week, I've been thinking about ownership, as in who really owns this college search.  I know what the answer should be - the student - but I also know that it's hard for parents to relinquish control sometimes.  A wise admissions dean once told me that it's like driving a bus: the student should be in the driver's seat, the counselor should be in the passenger seat, and the parents should be in the back seat.  I wonder what parents think about that!

His point, of course, was that the student needs to be in control, and I agree.  Yes, it's a lot of work on top of everything else they have to do, but students need to understand that in order to have a good outcome, they will have to invest something into their search. That means doing research, listening to others but making up their own minds, being open to the myriad of possibilities.  Of course parents are involved; they are, after all, most likely footing the bill.  But on Tuesday, I will tell our parents that they too shouldn't close the door to all the opportunities until they know what's behind each door. That means considering a college is a little farther away from home might just offer their daughter an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurship or leadership. That means waiting to see what kind of scholarship/financial aid options there are. That often means tuning out the noise that is coming from other parties, and that means listening to their daughters.

At the College Board conference I recently attended, someone questioned why we call this a college "process."  It's much more than a mere process we go through, because if done with thought and purpose, it really can be an amazing journey of self-discovery.  If parents take over the search, then it can become more about them and less about their daughter.  It can also say to the daughter, "We don't think you can do it." And when they lose their cool over a rejection, wondering "What was wrong with my daughter?" as one parent once did, then what message are they sending?

Actually the best college searches are a team effort.  The student, parents, and counselor all work together to develop a college list that considers a variety of criteria: the student's strengths and weaknesses, a parent's financial concerns, and the counselor's knowledge of admissibility are just a few examples.  But once again, the student should be driving the bus.

I'll leave you with another comment I overheard at the conference.  "What kind of relationship do you want with your daughter once the college decision has been made?"  I believe that is a question that every parent should answer, because when this journey is complete, there will be cause to celebrate no matter what happens.

Creating a Better College Tour

When students visit a college, they typically sit through an information session provided by an admissions counselor (a good resource), and then they tour the campus with a student tour guide.  Not a bad place to start, but it may not provide an in-depth look at the college and what it offers.  I don't blame the college; there's only so much they can say or do in a short period of time.  But there is more that a student can do, and if thoughtfully planned, students can get an experience that is more like what I get when I go on a college tour.

By all means start with the info session and tour.  More important however, are the types of questions you ask.  You can probably find the basics on their website, so before you go, think about what you really want to know about a school.  Counselors typically ask questions like "What are the characterisitics of a successful student here," or "What are the trends you see in your applicant pool?"  We don't necessarily ask about admissions requirements, because we can find those on line in or in books.  We don't ask what their best departments are (how are they supposed to answer that?). Be more specific. Ask what type of courses you will have to take. Do they sound interesting to you? Ask what their graduates go on to do or ask what types of research/internship possibilities are available in that discipline.

When counselors talk to students, we want to know what their favorite courses were and why? Was it the professor? The content? The opportunity to explore new ideas?  Did it push a student out of his/her comfort zone? Did it require them to think outside-the-box?  From a student perspective, what  are the hot button issues on campus? What do students are about at this school?  Do they care about anything?  Why did they choose this school over all the others?  Are they still happy they made this choice, or what if anything has disappointed them a little? It's okay to get personal (okay, not that personal); you know what I mean.

I get to attend classes sometimes when I visit a campus; you can ask to visit one too.  Perhaps you want to experience a big class, or maybe you'd rather see what life will be like once you hit the classes in your major.  Ask! All they can say is no.  If you know you're leaning toward theater or engineering or English, call the department and make an appointment to talk to someone.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Scholarships

Applications for the RMHC scholarships are now available online.  The application deadline is January 20, 2015.

These awards are designed to provide financial assistance to eligible graduation high school seniors, and they are awarded based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement activities. You must also be a US citizen and plan to enroll in a two or four year post-secondary institution next year.

The RMHC scholarship program is comprised of four individual scholarships, including:

• RMHC/ASIA (Asian students Increasing Achievement)
• RMHC/African American Future Achievers
• RMHC/HACER (applicants must have at least one parent of Hispanic heritage)
• RMHC Scholars - ("open to all students regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability or national origin")

Again, all materials, including the essay, must be completed by January 20, 2105, but you are encouraged not to wait that long to submit your application.

You can find additional information and the application at www.rmhc.org

Burger King Scholarship

Here's another national scholarship program that might be of interest.  The requirements are pretty simple:

• You must be a high school senior.
• You must have a cumulative GPA os 2.5 or higher
• You must plan to enroll full-time for the 2015-2016 school year at a 2-year or 4-year college or university

For more information and the scholarship application, visit http://bit.ly/1FD3vRC

Weird Scholarships and others

Someone recently reminded me that there are a lot of strange scholarships out there, and while they may be too weird for some, you never know if one of them will match an interest of yours.  So with that said, I give you 45 of the Weirdest Scholarships.

There is one for females who are 5'10" and over, one for the most creative prom dress made out of Duct Tape, and one for left-handed students who are interested in Juniata College, who by the way, is visiting GPS tomorrow.  There's an essay scholarship based on the novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand and one for fans of bowling.

Yes, some of them are very random and are almost like a lottery (The American Fire Sprinkler Association), but you never know!  It doesn't hurt to look.

On a more serious note, you can also apply for the 2015 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program.  In honor of the legacy and character of President Reagan, this program awards up to 20 students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships.  Applications will be accepted online until January 8, 2015.  For more information, go to http://bit.ly/1DxanhF.

The 6 toughest interview questions and their connection to college

This article - The 6 Toughest Job Interview Questions  Ever -  has popped up several times on my Twitter feed in the last few days, so I thought I'd give it a quick glance.  I'm not interviewing for anything, but I thought it might be helpful to some of my alums.  I only got through number one and two before I realized that those questions could also apply to the college application process.

#1 - Why do you want to work (or go to college) here?  As the article states, this is one of the scariest questions because it is so straightforward.  Why do you want to go to this particular college?  Surely it's not just for their football team (school spirit) or their proximity to home?  What does this college offer that particularly fits you?  Schools want to know that you've done your homework, and that doesn't mean spending one afternoon on a campus tour?

For example, I find that many students never research the courses they will have to take, or they can't quite explain what a communications major might actually do for a living?  One of my new favorite questions to ask students is something like "What does that major look like to you in the next ten to twenty years?" Do you really know where you're headed?   I was recently on a campus that at first glance, I  loved! It is a beautiful school, green and lush, and the academics, I believe, are outstanding. But would all of my students fit in there? Absolutely not.  It is what I call a more liberal campus, and it's not for everyone.  Unless a student is willing to dig deep, they might not understand that however. So doing your due diligence is very, very important, and students should be able to articulate why a school is a good fit for them.

#2 - What are you most proud of in your (high school) career?  Most of the girls I know hate to brag.  They've just been taught that it's not polite.  But remember that old adage "It's not bragging if you've done it."  My students do amazing things, but they don't necessarily see them that way. So try brainstorming with someone else. They might help you see that some of your accomplishments are in fact a very big deal.  As the article suggests, talking about the process you went through is a good way to describe your accomplishment without seeming overly boastful, and it is always a good idea to give a shout out to those who helped you along the way.  I really do believe that all of us have a story; we just have to learn to tell it.

Although I've only mentioned two of the questions, the other four are also thought-provoking.  Take the time to read through them, so that whether you are in a college interview or a job search, you will be prepared with thoughtful, meaningful answers..

We love our parents, but...

More than one senior has recently remarked that her parents are driving her crazy!  They, of course, are referring to how their parents are reacting to the crazy college application season.  Comments have ranged from "Everyone else has finished applying!" to "All of your friends have already been accepted. Why haven't you?" And of course, parents are (understandably) concerned about scholarships and financial aid.

So let's address these issues. Mom and Dad, everyone has not finished their applications.  In fact, as of today, only 40% of the senior class has completed at least one application, and many of those are apps to state universities.  Consequently, although several girls have received a college acceptance, most of them have not.  Yes, a few of them have also received some sort of merit scholarship, but that is a very, very small number (about three).

Your daughter is not behind in this process.  We have either met with or have scheduled a  meeting with the girls to review their deadlines and discuss what else they need to do. (If your daughter has not scheduled her meeting, she does need to do that soon!).  While your daughter may not be sharing her applications with you, they have written essays in English class and are also sharing those essays with their counselor for proofreading.  Additionally, on Wednesday, October 22, we will have our annual Milk & Cookies application workshop.  While the girls enjoy some homemade cookies and milk, Mrs. Goldbach and I will be available all day long to work with the girls on their applications, and we are available other times as well.  

If parents are looking for something to do, they might consider being in charge of the scholarship/financial aid search.  It takes time to research all of the possible college specific scholarships and to keep up with the deadlines.  Your daughter's college planner has some of that information, but this is a good piece of the puzzle for parents to manage.

Just remember that under no circumstances should parents fill out the application or write essays. As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of the application, but the application must be completed by your daughter.  This is your daughter's college application. Trust her; we do.

Have a happy and safe fall break everyone!

Looking for money?

Frequently parents and students will ask "Is it true that there's millions of dollars in scholarship money that goes unused every year?"  I suppose the answer to that question is yes, but searching for outside scholarships, that is, money that comes from some entity other than the college itself, takes a lot of time and energy.  It can be well worth it, but quite honestly, I've never seen that many students who want to put that much effort into it.  After all, it can almost seem like a full time job.

I still content that the biggest merit and need-based awards come from the college itself, but students often don't want to consider the colleges that might give them the most money. They tend to start with the same old schools as their classmates - not that there's anything wrong with that - but those are the most popular schools (at least in our area), and the competition will probably be fierce.  During a recent conference I attended, a colleague lamented that if only students would look in the State of Ohio,  they might find more scholarship money!

So perhaps this article is correct; maybe college is now a buyer's market.  Are you willing to look at colleges that are a little further from home?  Are you willing to look at colleges that you are less familiar with?  Are you willing to be different?  That's a question only you can answer.

Tips for Tomorrow's SAT

Here are some excellent last minute tips for Saturday's SAT.

Tonight:

• Gather up everything you're going to need tomorrow morning: your admission ticket, a photo ID, several sharpened #2 pencils, and your calculator with fresh batteries
• Make sure you know where your test center is
• Get a good night's sleep.  If you're going to the football game, go home afterward.  
• Set multiple alarms! You will not be admitted if you're late.
• If you qualify for extended time, there is a slight chance your name will not be on the approved list. Bring a copy of the letter you received from the College Board granting you the extra time and make sure you show it to the person in charge.

Saturday morning:

• Eat breakfast. You'll be at the test center for hours, and you're likely to get hungry.
• Bring a snack. During one of the breaks, you can eat or drink any snacks you've brought with you.
• Arrive at the test center no later than 7:45am. Give yourself plenty of time to get there and find a parking place.
• Leave your cell phone at home or in your car. DO NOT bring it into the test center with you.

During the Test::

• Do the easier question first (remember they're divided into thirds. The first third are the easiest and they get progressively harder.
• Use all of your time. Some students close their books and rest, but you know better. Go back to review problems you weren't sure of the first time. Or if you skipped a few, use the time to try and work them out.
• It doesn't help to guess wildly on the SAT, but if you can narrow your answer choices down to three (preferably two), then it's okay to guess.
• Try to stay positive and relax (easy for me to say!).  You are much more than a test score...just do the best you can and then let it go.

• 
  

Lehigh and Lafayette

In late September I had the chance to visit two wonderful colleges in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, and it was easy to picture GPS girls on both campuses. In fact, we have two students currently attending Lehigh, and it has been an exceptional experience for both of them.

But let's start with Lafayette College in Easton, and perhaps there's no better place to begin than with engineering.  Most prospective students don't get the opportunity to spend an hour with the dean of the college, but he was almost able to convince me of a career in the field, and I am not a math person at all!  I was particularly struck by one particularly question he posed: "Since almost every engineering school teaches the same content, what makes one stand out over the other?"  At Lafayette, I feel like students will get both the technical content and the opportunity for innovation, broad thinking, and interdisciplinary studies.  This is one school where everything is about the undergraduate, and upon graduation, students can think "non-technically."  Students at Lafayette do not graduate as the stereotypical engineer, and they do exceptionally well in the job market.

It's not all about engineering however.  Global education is an important part of Lafayette's mission, and they are in the midst of building a new Center for Global Education.  The EXCEL program provides funding for student research opportunities with professors.  Another thing I liked about this school was their career services program.  Starting freshmen year, there is also a full Saturday event just for sophomores.  Oh, and then there's the January and summer interim.  And finally, I got the chance to sit in on an Introduction to Political Science class.  While on the day I was there it was mostly a lecture, it was easy to tell that the students were engaged (and by the way, not on laptops) an curious.  You can tell so much by sitting in a class, so I encourage all students to try to make that arrangement when visiting colleges.

Even with traffic, it's only about a 20-25 minute up the road to Lehigh University. Another top engineering school, they also offer an Integrated Degree in Egineering and Arts and Sciences (IDEAS).  For example, you might combine engineering with Chinese and political science, or you could combine environmental engineering with economics or religion and philosophy.  It is a rigorous program, one that asks students to take risks and explore their creativity.  There is also a Computer Science and Business degree, one that merges business and technology.  One of my favorite programs at Lehigh was the Mountaintop Experience, a summer program that allows students from any discipline the chance to take their ideas and do something with it.  They could be entrepreneurial in spirit or a chance to solve real-world problems, but regardless of their nature, the Mountaintop Experience offers students an enriching and enngaging learning experience.  And on a side note, Lehigh has changed the name of their career placement report to the First Destination Report. After all, students these days will change jobs twelve times on average in their lifetime.

I don't know if every student who tours Lehigh and Lafayette is able to enjoy student and faculty panels, learn all of the unique degree programs, and talk to a variety of professors and staff members, but you can make your college visit come closer to the tours that I take.  Tomorrow I will give you some tips to do just that.

When I go on a college tour...

I wish that students had the opportunity to see colleges like I do.  As a college counselor, I am fortunate to be invited to visit many colleges across the United States, and I almost always come back with a different perspective than I had before the trip.

For example, as I write, I am on my way home from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.  There's no denying the Pacific Northwest is beautiful, and personally I loved the small town feel of Walla Walla.  It's a wonderful mix of agriculture and wineries that result in both a somewhat upscale and down to earth atmosphere.  Whitman students frequently interact with the townspeople, through community service and other projects, and if you're looking for some culture, there is the Walla Walla Symphony as well as plenty of plays put on by the school's theater department.  Majors and non-majors are welcome to participate.

Able to have dinner with several faculty members, I got a look at the student body from their angle.  Phrases like "highly engaged and inquisitive, open minded, caring, healthy risk takers" came up over and over again, words the student also used to describe their faculty.  Successful students, said one person, are students who ask for help or take advantage of help when offered. They are students who can manage their own lives.

The visiting college counselors also participated in a student panel.  When asked if there is enough to do in this town of around 30,000, a student from Boston replied, "There's plenty to do, but it presents itself in a very different way.  In fact, three of our four panelists were from big cities (Boston, LA, and Chicago), and none of them complained about a lack of things to do.

As a visitor, I got to hear from the Athletic Director, as well as the head of the Student Engagement Center, Residence Life, and the Academic Resource Center. I heard about Whitman being a "high touch" sort of school, a place where students frequently have lunch or dinner with professors, a place where students combine academic intensity with a friendly, collaborative atmosphere.  Students support each other in all areas, and student athletes are most definitely students first.  And no, you don't have to be an outdoorsy kind of person to attend Whitman.

As I left this morning, I have a much better understanding of the type of student who will thrive and succeed here, and I have a few students in mind. Before I left, someone said it was a little like Sewanee, only in the Northwest. I can see that, but Whitman also has a personality all its own.  I loved my visit and can't wait to share more of my insights with my girls when I return.

Tomorrow I will share my recent visits to Lafayette College and Lehigh University, two more schools I have no problem recommending to students.  Plus, I'll give you some hints about how you can have a more informative college visit too.

Interested in architecture?

If you are considering a career in architecture, interior design, or landscape architecture, you might consider attending the University of Tennessee Knoxille's open house on November 1.  Even if you are looking beyond Knoxville, it is a good opportunity to learn more about these professions and their requirements.

Check it out at http://bit.ly/1t1hKMO

The Personal Touch and the Senior Bucket List

I tweeted these two articles @gpscollege yesterday, but because both of them discuss issues that I think are valuable, I wanted to briefly mention them on the blog as well.

First, the power of the personal.  Research shows that even the slightest personal touch can make a difference in a student's college success, and to me, it stands to reason that the same can be said for their high school career.  I also believe it goes both ways.  Colleges and high schools need to find ways to engage students both in and out of the classrooms, but students also need to make the effort to find ways to connect with their school.  Many times I've told students that they cannot sit in their dorm room and wait for someone to "ask them to come out and play."  College is the perfect time to try some activities that you've never tried before and joining a club is an ideal way to meet new people outside your normal friend zone. The bottom line is that being involved in even one activity can make a student happier and more successful.

For those parents who are already dreading the day their daughter leaves for college, the second article, "A Parent's Last Call List for Senior Year" also offers some terrific advice.  Taking your daughter to college is a privileged moment in time and should be celebrated! This is, after all, what it is all about.

Have a safe weekend everyone!

STEM, or is it STEAM?

One of the most interesting things I heard while I was at NACAC was that you don't have to be an A student to be an engineer.  That may not surprise some of you, but since I'm not a math person, I just assumed you had to be really, really strong in math to go down that path.

Now, it would be disingenuious to suggest that you don't have to like math or have at least somewhat a head for it, but there's so much more to the STEM fields than that.  Engineers, computer scientists, etc. don't just sit in a cubicle all day by themselves.  They collaborate with many groups of people, and they are some of the most creative people in the workplace (this is where the arts - STEAM- comes into play).  One engineer I spoke with said she was looking for students who could create and organize a project, one who could harness the support of her classmates to accomplish the project.  So you can be a really good mathmetician but perhaps not such a good engineer.

STEM fields go far beyond the math-science paradigm.  These days there are so many more paths to follow: computational math, packaging science, media arts and technology, game design, computing security, ceramics engineering - and that is only the tip of the iceberg.  Science, technology, engineering and math are much more interdisiplinary that some people think (frankly many careers are).  Having a good grasp of history and the arts and music and psychology and political science, and many other subjects can actually make you a better engineer or doctor or teacher or businesswoman or college counselor...even if you're not a straight A math girl.

Demonstrated Interest...One More Time

I promise I will stop writing about this topic at some point (well, maybe) but having participated in a session on this topic at the NACAC (National Association of College Admission Counselors) Conference today, I thought it important to mention one more time.

Whether you think it fair or not, there are quite a few colleges and universities that track a student's interest and they use it in some way when making an admissions decision.  The good news is that it's really not that hard to do.  Here are a few tips that might help.

1.  If an admissions representative is visiting your high school, make a point of speaking with him or her.  Many of you did this last Tuesday night at our first GPS/McCallie college night program, and a few more of you demonstrated your interest by stopping by the college office to speak with Lehigh and Baylor during the day.

2.  When you visit a college campus, make sure the admissions office knows you're there.  Don't just go spend the night with your sister or an alum, do the official tour.

3.  You might be surprised what a simple hand-written thank you note will do.

So far, so good, right?  This isn't so hard.  Now keep reading.

4.  Do the optional statement on the application if there is one.  This is a chance for you to explain to the school why you are a fabulous fit for them.  You have the opportunity to talk about your campus visit.  Tell them about something you saw, something you read, or something you heard while on your tour...something that appealed to you or piqued your interest even further.  Even if you haven't visited, you can write about something special the admission counselor told you or a special program you read about on the school's website.  Read the courses you will have to take.  Yes, you read that right: read the course catalog.  Is there a class that is of particular interest to you?  (By the way, this will keep you from saying you want to major in something that the college doesn't even have.) Tell them how you became interested in the school in the first place. Was it your college counselor, a friend, an unplanned visit that hooked you? They like to know these things.

And take it one step further.  Read the school's mission.  Does it resonate with you?  If the school's goal is to produce social activists or global citizens, does that describe you too, and if so, what have you done that falls in line with their mission?  Colleges are looking for "fit," so if you fit, explain why (but be specific).

5.  Even after you have applied, stay in touch with the admissions counselor. Don't get carried away, of course, but you can email her if there's something new to add to your application.  Perhaps you got the starring role in the musical or your basketball team made it to the state tournament.  Maybe you've started volunteering at the Northside Neighborhood House, or your physics grade has dramatically improved.  A word of caution though:  your emails should be professional, grammatically correct, and to the point.  And no silly email addresses.  Use your GPS one.

Here's the bottom line: Contacting the college in a meaningful and purposeful way is a way to continue showing your interest and your knowledge about the school.  And that is never, ever a bad thing to do.

What is a NACAC conference?

Even though my students know I'm attending the annual NACAC conference this week, they probably don't realize what that means for them.

First of all, NACAC stands for the National Association of College Admission Counseling, an organization of which we are a member.  By being a member, it means that we also abide by their Statement of Principles of Good Practice.  It's a code of sorts, kind of like the GPS Honor Code, and we take it very seriously.

This week thousands of high school and college admissions professionals are gathering in Indianapolis for the conference.  It is a time for professional development, with sessions ranging from athletic recruitment to financial aid to how to write effective recommendations.  As a member of our regional board of directors, Mrs. Goldbach will also be voting on issues that are important to the entire membership, including our students.  And along with my colleagues from Tulane, Rhodes, and Pitzer, I will be presenting a session on the use of demonstrated interest in the admissions process, a topic that I have written about before in this blog.

But perhaps more important for our students, there are two reasons why we attend this conference. First, we have the opportunity to network with colleges and universities all across the United States. We are here to promote GPS, to explain the value of a GPS education, and to assure the colleges that if they accept our students, they are getting some of the most curious, creative, and interesting students anywhere.  Second, we are able to advocate specifically for our girls.  We will have the time to speak with admissions representatives from Wake Forest and Furman, Georgia and Washington University in St. Louis, Tulane and Duke, just to name a few.  We have the chance to mention girls by name, discuss their strengths, and explain why our girls will be a good fit for their college(s).  This conference is all about our girls.

We believe that GPS girls are outstanding, and we want to make sure our college counterparts know that too!  So while you continue to work hard in school, know that we will be spreading the gospel of GPS here in Indiana.

What factors count in the college process?

Today's post isn't really going to be a surprise; after all, I'm sure you've heard it all before.  But it doesn't hurt to remind you what factors will be important when you apply to college.  And if you are a freshman or sophomore, you should particularly pay attention to this information.

Grades matter. Yep, they really do.  But so does the strength of your curriculum, so if you are contemplating dropping that honors or AP course (or that fourth year of a foreign language), you need to think twice.  Why are you really dropping it?  You don't like the teacher, or you don't want to work that hard? How might someone else interpret that?  More important, what does it say about you?  It's okay to struggle sometimes, and some of the best teacher recommendations I have ever read were about students who struggled mightily.  Your willingness to work hard and stick with it says a lot to colleges.

It is also important to note that some colleges - about half of them - consider 'demonstrated interest' as a factor in admission.  That means they want to know you're serious about your application.  It means you have taken the time to talk to an admissions representative and/or visit campus. You've read the website and consulted other sources.  And when you answer the question "why do you want to attend this college," you can explain why the school is a good fit for you.

Every year the National Association of College Admission Counseling surveys its members to see what factors are important in the admission process, but they also explain how different colleges (for example, large universities or smaller colleges) use that information.  Your college counselor is another valuable resource, because she knows how it's done.

Now get back to work.

Rankings....Bleech!

I've talked about rankings before, so I'm not going to say too much, except "don't go down that road." The purpose of the college process is to help you find schools that FIT YOU, not schools that fit someone else's idea of what makes one college better than another.  You all know that there are wildly successful people who attended all types of colleges and universities, and not everyone who attends a highy ranked school is successful.

There all all sorts of rankings: best colleges, best food, happiest students, most socially aware, best college traditions, best place to party, prettiest campuses,  oddest mascots...you can find a list of just about everything.  The US News and World rankings are probably the most popular, but The New York Times is about to jump into the frey.  Like I said, just don't go there.

But if you are tempted to jump into the rankings and ratings game (or you know you're going to despite my warning), take a few minutes to read this advice from The National Association of College Admission Counseling.  It's good stuff.

Alternative Applications

Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland has been in the news lately for its decision to allow students to submit a video application instead of the traditional one.  More specifically, rather than send in test scores, essays, and recommendations, students can send in a self-produced two minute video that explains why they want to attend Goucher and how they hope to thrive once they get there.  Goucher is not the first college to do this however; several years ago Tufts University began accepting videos as a supplement to the traditional application.

While I agree with the "experts" that the college application is difficult and perhaps even a mess, there are potential pitfalls with the video application as well.  In an interview with NPR last week, Robert Sternberg, a professor at Cornell University and formerly of Tufts, said "Goucher is making a step in the right direction by introducing new ways to allow students to say who they really are."  But he added, "video applications might backfire for some students," because it "puts an emphasis on how well you perform for a camera."  Some people will naturally perform better than others, and despite the fact that Goucher claims it will not give more credence to videos that are more slickly produced than others (and I believe they will make every effort to do that), I worry that it opens up another "arms race" of sorts, i.e. who can produce the most professional video (sound, lights, backdrop, etc.)?

There are other alternative application practices that colleges have adopted . Many have stopped requiring standardized tests*, and every year more and more colleges are adding their names to that list.  Others, like Bard, College, have come up with ideas like the Bard Entrance Exam, an on-line essay students may choose to take.

I don't claim to have the solution for making the application process fairer, but I appreciate that colleges are beginning to try.

*For the complete list of colleges that do not require standardized tests, go to FairTest.org.

What makes a good college fit...the finale.

Before we wrap up this first week of September, I have a few more comments to make about what makes a college a good fit.

There are many more questions a prospective student can ask, such as:

1. What health and counseling services are available?
2. What career counseling or job services are available, and how soon can students take advantage of them?
3. What spiritual opportunities are there for students? 
4. Do students from different cultures and religions interact with each other? What about students with differing political or social views?
5. And one of my favorites, how are women treated on campus? Are there women in major leadership positions - students, faculty, and administration?  

All of these things may not be important to you right now, but you have to think big picture.  They will be somewhere down the road and perhaps sooner than you think.

In the end, the decision will be up to you.  Some students have that tingling feeling when they walk on a campus...it just feels right.  But don't be disappointed if that doesn't happen to you.  If you will take your time, ask more in-depth questions, do your research, and then put all that information together, you will end up with several colleges on your list that will fit you just fine.

Have a safe weekend, everyone!

Do I fit in? - Part 3

Perhaps one of the hardest things to figure out about a college is whether or not you, the person, will fit in with everyone else. You can ask specific questions about classes and activities, but how do you determine if you will fit it once the newness wears off?

Some students can walk onto a campus and just know or at least they think they do.  I've heard more than one student say "It just feels right" or "I can just see myself here," but if you don't immediately feel that way, does that mean it's not a good fit?  Maybe or maybe not.

You have to be careful about believing everything you read or hear. Some colleges have reputations for being party schools or nerdy schools. Some are considered super intense academically, while other are laid back, almost anything goes kind of places.  At least that's what other people say they are.  Listening to other people's opinions is part of your research, but you also have to be careful about their motivation.  It might seem odd, but when some people are unhappy with their own choices, they want others to be unhappy too; it's a validation of their feelings, if you will.  That's one reason why campus visits, including overnight stays and classroom visits, are so important.  We always suggest that you spend some time just sitting and watching the world go by.  You can tell a lot by watching how students interact with each other when they're walking to class or hanging out in the student center.  Mrs. Goldbach likes to tell students to be aware of how many students are wearing college themed t-shirts (not just any college, but the one they're attending). And if you're brave enough - and you should be - stop a random student and ask a few questions.  I promise most of them will be happy to talk to you.

When taking a campus tour, you should always walk up front so you can talk to your tour guide. He or she is a great resource, and chances are, if you get them talking, you can get more out of them than just the canned tour speech.  Ask how they would characterize the student body? Do most students tend to get along with other students? Do they feel supported by the faculty and administration? Do they support each other by attending plays, recitals, athletic events, speakers, etc.? Is the school politically active, service minded, or party central? Add their opinions to the mix but decide for yourself.

The Prospect, one of the blogs I follow, had a student take on whether or not a college's student body should matter.  Written by a current college student, it's a good perspective on fitting in, and I encourage you to read it.

So talk to lots of people, seek out multiple opinions, read the guidebooks, and spend as much time on campus as you can.  Slowly but surely you'll figure out if it's a good fit for you.

Finding a good fit - Part 2

Academics may be the most important part of finding a college that fits you, but obviously there's more to college life than the classes you take. Frankly, most colleges want their students to be involved in extracurricular activities, because most studies show that students who are involved in the life of the school, tend to better and happier students.

Chances are you may gravitate toward some of the activities you were involved in while in high school, but one of the best things about college is that there are so many more things to do.  Though she had no training, I remember one of our students joined the competitive ballroom dancing club at her college. Other students have become part of the campus radio station, the ultimate frisbee team, and sustainability clubs.  The types of clubs you can join are almost endless: cultural, political, faith-based, the arts, academics, service, the environment, food, media, and many other special interests.  The point is this is your chance to explore ideas and groups you never even knew existed.

For some however, sororities and sports are often the first things that come to mind, and if you live in the south, it's hard not to get excited about football. But before you choose a college based on a football team, remember that schools only have four or five home games a year, so that tailgate atmosphere doesn't last all year long. Rather than choose a school based on their winning streak, consider how you can get involved in club or intramural sports. Perhaps this is your chance to take up field hockey or bowling - things you may have never tried before. If you are interested in playing on a more competitive level, make sure you understand the time commitment your sport will require.  Division I athletics requires a huge amount of time, so know what you're getting into before you commit.

Greek life can offer great networking opportunities, philanthropic possibilities, and life long friendships, and for some girls, it allows them to immediately become part of something at their college.  Even though she wasn't initially interested, my own daughter joined a sorority and found that much like her all-girls high school experience, it automatically gave her a group of sisters and made the transition to college much easier.  In addition, sororities and fraternities offer many philanthropic opportunities, potential career networks, and life-long friendships. So if you're thinking about joining a Greek organization, ask about the procedure (recruitment). What percentage of students are involved in Greek life; are their activities open to other students? Is recruitment open in the fall or spring? If you don't join freshmen year, will the opportunity still be available sophomore year?  What is the college's policy on hazing, and how closely is it followed?

In general, here are some other questions to ask.

• How much time do students devote to co-curricular activities?
• How do students meet with others with similar interests? In other words, how do you find out what's available, and how do you go about signing up?
• How supportive is the administration of social and co-curricular activities?
• Are there clubs/organizations that directly connect to your major or career goals? And even if you're not majoring in a specific discipline (like theater or music), can you still participate in those activities?

College will be what you make of it, and I always tell my students that no one is going to come knock your door and ask you to come out and play.  You have to go out on that limb and find some activities that appeal to you.  Trust me, it will make you a happier and healthier college student.

Is this college a good fit? Part 1

In the world of college admissions, we often talk about "fit," as in, is this college really a good fit  for a student.  At first glance, that may not seem like such a difficult question.  Do they have your major? Do they offer study abroad opportunities? Are classes taught by professors or TA's? Even do they have a football team?  Those question can typically be found on every "what to ask" list, and they are the questions most often answered in an information session.  But how do you really know if a school is a good fit for you?
At GPS, we encourage our students to consider that question in several different ways - academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually - but how do you really know?

. Yes, a school may have your major, but what if you change your mind? How easy is it to switch from one to another? What kind of academic counseling will you receive? How soon can you start taking your major classes? Are their internships or research opportunities available to you, and how soon can you take advantage of those? What types of clubs, honorary societies, or other activities are there that relate to your major? After graduation, what have other students in the field gone on to do? Read the course catalog. It may not be scintillating, but it will describe the courses you will have to take. Do they interest you, or do they make you yawn? Does the curriculum address current issues in the field, or does it seem pretty traditional?

But these questions are still only a starting point, and sadly I would wager that many students don't go beyond this.  According to a guide published by the National Survey of Student Engagement (one we distribute to all juniors), other questions to ask include:

1. In what ways do faculty challenge students to leave their comfort zone in order to excel?
2. How often do faculty meet with students outside of class? What does the institution do to promote student-faculty contact?
3. How much writing is expected? How much reading is assigned per class? What are exams like?
4. In what ways are students given the opportunity to express themselves creatively in assignments?
5. What kind of feedback do students receive on their work, and how often?
6. How often are things learned in class discussed outside of the classroom, and in what ways do students work together on solving problems in and out of class?

Finding a college that truly fits what you need takes a lot of research.  If the admissions representative can't answer all your questions, then ask to speak with a professor in your department of interest.  Inquire about sitting in on a few classes and talk to the professor afterward if there's time.  And don't be afraid to talk to current students; they are a valuable resource.

In today's economy, it makes sense to pay more attention to the academic preparation you will receive in college, but I also realize that there's more to college than just going to class.  So tomorrow we will take a look at some of the other ways students can determine fit.  Stay tuned.

The Beloit College Mindset List

Since 1998, Beloit College, a wonderful liberal arts school in Wisconsin, has published the College Mindset List, "providing cultural touchstones and experiences that have shaped the worldview of students entering college and universities" every fall.  For those of us who are a bit older, it's always an interesting and amusing glance at how times have changed.

Because I work at an all-girls school, some of my favorites this year include:

• Women have always attended the Virginia Military Institute and the Citadel.
• Women have always been dribbling, and occasionally dunking, in the WNBA.
• Female referees have always officiated NBA Games. (Editor's note: This year the San Antonio Spurs even hired a female coach!)

The College Mindset List is always entertaining, so click here to check out the entire list.

Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend everyone!

Scholarship Opportunity

The consulting firm of AES Engineers is offering a $500 scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluating the essays that are submitted.  The question is "When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey?"

Further information is available on their web site at http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm.  The deadline for entry is October 6, 2014.

You are not required to take engineering classes in order to be eligible.

Doctor, Lawyer, or Businesswoman

If you are considering a career in the fields of medicine, law, or business, you might be interested in knowing that there's more than one way to achieve your goal.  The most recent Education Life section of The New York Times explores a number of options like physician's assistant, lawyer's apprentice, osteopathic medicine, and one-year MBA programs. Many med students are attending school outside the United States, and some law schools are now emphasizing business and technology skills in addition to case law.  There is also advice for students contemplating a future in journalism, library science, architecture, and more.

When you have some time to spare, I recommend investigating these and other options that are available to you.  The job market is changing every day, and it is becoming more and more important to stay informed.

Interested in engineering?

The University of Tennessee will hold its annual Engineers Day on Thursday, October 23.  This day long program offers high school students the opportunity to explore and learn about the various aspects of engineering through discussions, project demonstrations and exhibits prepared by UT engineering students clubs and societies.

For more information regarding the program, visit http://www.engr.utk.edu/ed/, and if you are interested in attending this year's event,complete the on-line registration form at http://www.engr.utk.edu/ed/register.html.

Friday's Wrap-Up

Some serious and not so serious ideas for this Friday afternoon...

1.  The college admissions process is full of myths and misunderstandings.  These common misconceptions only scratch the surface, but it's a good place to begin.

2.  I don't know too many students that start with the Career Services office when visiting a college campus, but these days it might not be a bad idea.  Your parents would probably agree!  Check out this article on how to evaluate a career center.

3,  To prove there is a ranking for almost everything, here's a list of the colleges where students order the most late night food  http://huff.to/1kSlWuz and a list of colleges that are considered the most polite. Another option might be to consider how "green" your college is. For more information about colleges with green initiatives, check out this article from The Guardian.  And have you ever considered which football stadiums have the best food?  See for yourself! Everyone has a different opinion about what is important to them in a college, so why not consider all your options?

4.  Perhaps the most fun college news I've seen this week is this: the BBC is reporting that the University of Cambridge is looking for someone who wants to focus on chocolate.  To be clear, the chemical engineering and biotechnology departments will offer the degree, and it will "focus on such issues as preventing melting in warm regions."  Why not?

Have a safe weekend everyone!

Lessons for Freshmen

As the year drew to a close last spring, the class of 2014 sat down to offer some advice for the new freshmen, the Class of 2018.  We posted some of the more useful pearls of wisdom in March, but we think some of their suggestions are so good that we should offer some of them - both the serious and hilarious - once again.  So here are some of our favorites!

• Take it one day at a time. Grades matter but so does your sanity. Competing with other girls about grades is pointless.
• Take advantage of help class. You're teachers really are there to help you. In fact, you are surrounded by people who want to help you.
• Don't waste your study halls. 
• Freshman year is meant to be a transition year - just because you got all A's in middle school doesn't mean that will necessarily happen in ninth grade.  And that's okay.
• Do your homework. No, really. Do your homework.
• You're probably going to lose friends. That's okay; you'll make more.
• Take some classes that you love. Don't let the focus of your high school career be padding your transcript. You will get into college, so breathe.
• Work on making strong friendships that have good foundations. That's what will you get you through the next four years.
• Don't be afraid to try new things! Get out of your comfort zone.
• Remember that everything is going to work out. Maybe not today, but it will! 
• Get involved and then continue to do the things you truly enjoy. Not only will this give you some great essay topics for college applications, but you will have a blast meeting new people and taking a break from school work.
• Do what you do with purpose.
• Don't skip the dances and other social events.
• Being attached to boarders is tough - they aren't always here. Hangout with your friends more and that boy less.
• Girls can be mean sometimes, but one good friend is better than five fake ones.
• Branch out and make friends with some upperclassmen. They aren't as scary as you think.
• Don't keep putting things off - studying, getting involved, etc.
• You probably aren't going to marry that guy that asked you out, so save your "I love you's" until you actually know what it means.
• Take your friend for ice cream if she's sad. If she doesn't like ice cream, do it anyway. Just don't let her sit home alone. Ice cream and Disney movies cure everything.
• Be a friend to the girl who looks lonely.
• Do. Not. Cry. About. Boys. They're not worth it. 
• Realize that the cookies are 150 calories each.
• Embrace your awkwardness - people will appreciate it one day.
• Modest is hottest.
• Make your own story different from others. 
• Talk to your parents; tell them stuff. They are way cooler than you think.
• Don't take a single day for granted because before you know it, you will be graduating. Cherish the days you have at GPS. It is a very special place.

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The Advantages of Greek Life

Since I work in an all-girls' school, it is no surprise that many of my students are interested in joining a sorority when they get to college.  During my own college years however, I simply didn't get what Greek life was all about. To me, sororities seemed, well, pointless. Fast forward many years however, and my own daughter jumped at the chance to participate in the process, and she has been a very (and I mean very) strong advocate of the benefits of belonging to a sorority ever since.  So much so, that for a time she worked at her sorority's national office.

My daughter assures me that sorority life is not all parties and frat boys, and sorority girls are not all like Elle Woods. (Even I knew that!) She regularly extols the benefits of belonging to a sisterhood, and she praises the networking and philanthropy opportunities that sororities provide.  She also credits those years with helping her develop her leadership and organizational skills, and indeed I can see those changes in her.  Being in a sorority has made a tremendous difference in her life.

So if you are considering going through recruitment (as I've learned it is now called),  explore some of the advantages of membership as described in this  USA Today article.  Who knows; had I known all this, I just might have changed my mind.

Starting a New Year

Because I tend to be an orderly person, for many years I have gone to the office the day before school starts so that I can focus and think about the goals I have for the upcoming year.  Plus I get to make sure my office is clean!

This year my goals seem fairly straightforward.  One, I want to make sure my students are exposed to a wide variety of college and universities, no matter where they are located.  Every year there is at least one student who steps outside her comfort zone and finds a college that wasn't on her radar when the school year began, and more often than not, she finds a healthy financial aid or merit scholarship package.  Of course, parents are often nervous about their daughter going too far away from home, so we also want to encourage them to consider the opportunities their daughter might have by stretching herself.

Two, there are so many outstanding programs and scholarships out there, and I want to do a better job of educating myself and my students about the possibilities.  For students who are interested in business and advertising, Miami University of Ohio has an advertising agency on campus. Colorado College operates on a Block Plan, allowing students to concentrate on one class at a time. The University of Rochester offers a freshmen only Research Innovation Grant, while Olin, Babson, and Wellesley have intentional collaborative programs that, for example, would allow a student to combine an engineering program at Olin with an entrepreneurship at Babson.  Colgate University's Thought Into Action program is another entrepreneurial program, while the unique open curriculum at Sarah Lawrence allows each student to tailor their academic program to their interests, all while working one on one with a faculty don.  And those are only the tip of the iceberg!

This year the  I want them to speak up for injustices when they see them.  I want them to encourage and support their classmates, and I want them to give back to their school in whatever way they can.  I want them to understand that leadership takes many forms and that there is a place for each of them on our campus. Sometimes it just takes a little longer to find it.  I want them to be resilient and learn to deal with failure.  It seems so trite, but failure is truly a wonderful learning tool.  I want them to speak up and promote themselves.  They have all have amazing talents, and they shouldn't hesitate to talk about their strengths and successes.

Finally, I want colleges and universities to understand what a truly amazing place GPS is.  Our students are smart, talented, creative, and funny young women, and they will graduate with an outstanding work ethic and all the tools they need to be successful in college.

I have my work cut out for me this year - we all do - but because I work with such incredible young women, it won't seem like work at all.  Here's to the girls!!

Easy to Enter Scholarship Contests

Not every scholarship opportunity requires an essay.  There are some sweepstake type possibilities out there, and although the odds might not be in your favor, why wouldn't you enter?  It's worth your while to take a few minutes and look over some of the options in this article: http://bit.ly/1kEXRHv  What have you got to lose?

Senior Year Is Not Just About College

Just last week I wrote about "the rush to finish" the college process.  Some days however, I think I'm part of the problem. The hype and craziness and stress (oh, how I hate that word), that is.  I don't mean to contribute to the problem, but I get so caught up in the opinions and reports in the media, as well as the hyperventilating by some other parties, that it's hard to stay balanced and calm.

Within only the last few days I've read articles on the colleges with the happiest students, the colleges whose liberal arts grads make the most money, the best majors, and the three things every college student should know.  There are just three?  I've seen tweets that suggest you should have at least three drafts of your essay completed already and another that offers the exact things you should include in that essay.  It's no wonder students get a little nutty.

I'm not naive. I know what the college admissions landscape looks like these days, but I also know that there is more to a girl's senior year than her college application.  In fact, there's a whole lot more.  That's why this article, Six--Well, Seven--Pieces of Advice for College-Searching High School Seniors, by the President of Franklin & Marshall College, resonated with me. Dr. Porterfield writes:

• "Despite the uncertainties, remember that you have the ultimate power in the college selection  process."
• "Equip yourself with information from many sources." 
• "A key part of the college search should be self-discovery."
• "As you explore, allow yourself to have lots of 'first choices.'
• "Write an application essay that's so true to you that you'll want to read it again in ten years as a  snapshot of where you were at age 18."
• "Don't let college mania dominate the only senior year of high school you'll ever have."

That is some awesome advice!

It's a new beginning for all of us at GPS this year!  There are wonderful memories to be made, opportunities to take advantage of, and you can make a tremendous difference in the life of your school.  This is your time, seniors.  As Dr. Graves said yesterday, "let's bring it."

The Rush to Finish

I may be in the minority on this one, but just because the Common Application is open and ready for business, why does everyone have to be in a rush to finish their applications before school even starts.  There are no awards for being the first to hit "send."

Too often students (and parents) are in such a hurry to get the college process over with, that they do not give it the time and careful consideration it deserves. Personally I've seen many girls come back to school in August with a new set of college criteria, and in some cases, they've completely changed their minds about where they want to go.  Only a few weeks ago, one senior who absolutely, positively knew where she wanted to go to school and only wanted to apply to that school, has done an about face and decided to expand her options.  Many students are still trying to figure out why certain schools fit - or don't fit - them (they are teenagers after all!).

I get that applications can be stressful, but rushing to finish them may not be the best way to handle it. Your essay shouldn't be something you "just get done" but should be an opportunity to really think about who you are, what you've accomplished, what people, experiences, and things are meaningful to you.  If done thoughtfully, the college process can be a chance to reflect on where you've been and where you want to go. Allow yourself time to consider how you've grown and stretched yourself, because if you approach it as simply one more hurdle to clear, you will miss all the good stuff that come out of it.

Yes, your senior year will be a busy one. But you can take your time with your college applications and still have a life.  My suggestion? Take a deep breath first.  There are a number of people - your college counselor, your teachers, your parents - who are here to help you. Learn to prioritize (a good life lesson if you don't already know how).  Seek out some balance in your life; it can be done!  And as the saying goes, take some time to smell the roses.  Your college applications might just be better for it.

Do you know why you're a good fit for a school?

One of the most often asked questions on a college application is "Why are you a good fit or match for this school?"  Colleges want to know why you're interested in them and if you understand what they are all about (their mission, their vision for the future, etc.).  Do you know more about the school than they have a good football team? Have you investigated their academic departments? Do you know what courses you will have to take?  Is it a socially conscious campus or a politically active one? How important is service to the school community?  The questions you could ask are almost endless.

More often then not, when I ask a student what she liked about a university, she starts with something very vague (like it's pretty). On the surface, she is intrigued by the campus, but she hasn't really taken the time to look below the surface, often relying on first impressions or what she's heard about the school from friends and alums.  So when she has to write an essay about why it's a good fit for her, her answers are non-specific and cliche.

So how do you answer that particular essay question? Fortunately, Jeannie Borin, the founder of College-Connections, has written some great advice that just might help you focus.  It's not a question you can take lightly, nor is it a question you can answer quickly.  You may have a word limit, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take just as much time on this short question as you do on your essay.  That means it will take several drafts until you get it just right.  However, in the end, it just might make a difference.

Where has the summer gone?

Perhaps it is like this every year, but it seems the summer has flown by faster than ever before.  Class schedules will be posted in the next week or two, and I'm already scheduling a number of college visits for the fall. Among the schools that will be stopping by  are George Washington, Virginia, Birmingham Southern, NYU, Richmond, Lehigh, NC State, and many more.  You can check Naviance for a complete list of the school's that have signed up so far.

In addition, there are two special programs you should be aware of if you're considering these schools.  The Vanderbilt Road Show will be in Chattanooga on Monday, August 11 from 7-8:30 PM at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown here.

The University of Georgia and Georgia Tech will once again team up for an information session on Monday, August 25 from 6:30-8:30 PM in the GPS Evans Center.  If you are interested in  either of these schools, you should make plans to attend.  We will let you know how to register as soon as we have that information.

While I'm thinking about it, it's very important that you RSVP for events when required.  Some people say that the courtesy of a response (or RSVP)  is a dying practice, but that doesn't mean you should ignore it. Frankly it's simply rude to show up unannounced, especially when your host is basing the number of chairs, handouts and perhaps food on the number who said they were coming.  Get into the habit of replying now!

This is the time of year when you should also make a habit of reading all your email.  You might not use email as your primary form of communication any more, but many people do, including your college counselor and admissions offices.  Don't miss out on an opportunity simply because you were too lazy or busy to read.

As we gear up for a new school year, there will be a lot of details to remember, but if you organize and pay attention, you'll navigate the college process just fine.

Summertime, Summertime

Let's face it: it's hard to get motivated during the summer.  We all need time off, but seniors also need to spend at least some time thinking about their college list.  So between summer jobs, volunteers positions, those books you have to read before school begins again, and hopefully some relaxing by the pool, what should you be doing?

1.  No matter what the college "experts" say, you really do need some time off.  Last night I saw an interview with the author Malcolm Gladwell, and even his mother told him that sometimes you need to be bored. That's when your brain gets to take a rest, and after a busy school year, it needs one!  Ideally that means you should try to separate yourself from social media as well.  Really turn off and give yourself a break. Personally I believe that if a college doesn't understand the need to recharge everyone once in a while, it might not be the place for you. (And some times the best things happen when you're not looking for them!)

2.  However, you do need to spend some time thinking about college, and hopefully you have carved out some time for some campus visits.  Summer might not be the best time to tour, but sometimes it's the only chance you have.  I am a firm believer that you can glean enough from your visit to know whether you need to go back and visit during the school year.

3.  If you want to brainstorm some ideas for your college essay, the summer can be a laid-back time to do it. Review the Common Application prompts and notes you took during your college class third quarter, and maybe even try writing a few opening lines.  Read these tips from "The Prospect", a website written by college and high school students that aims to help other students through the college process. If you've got a great idea for an essay and want to go ahead and write a rough draft, do it!  But don't expect that your first draft will be the one you submit to colleges.  More likely you'll have to write four or five drafts before it's close to being a finished product.

4.  I hope you've found something interesting and fun to do this summer.  It might be a job or internship in a career that you're considering, or it might be a volunteer position that has nothing to do with your future career.  Then again, you might discover a career you haven't considered before.

5.  Yes, you have required summer reading to do, but I also hope you pick up at least one book that is just for you.  It doesn't have to be a weighty tome, a beach read is just fine.  And I hope you have made some time to be with your friends.  Seriously, I want you to have some balance in your life this summer.  I want you to come back to school refreshed and ready to tackle your senior year!

Finally, one word of caution.  Parents notoriously want this process to be finished as quickly as possible, and I understand that.  But some things take time, and the college application process is one of them. You will need to slow down and do your applications very carefully and thoughtfully.  That's the best path to a good decision next May.