The results are in...mostly

It's that time of year. Some students received the equivalent of the "fat envelope" over spring break, while others are understandably disappointed, and in the days to come, the media will be fixated on the ridiculously low admit rate among the Ivy League colleges.  (By the way, Harvard's admit rate was 5.9%, and of those admitted students, only 17% were from the south.  Now that's ridiculously low.)

In the competitive world of college admissions, it's often difficult for those of us who know these students best to understand why a girl wasn't accepted.  Sometimes we can predict the outcome, while sometimes it makes no sense at all.  And you know what? There often isn't any rhyme or reason.  We can repeatedly remind girls it is not personal, but it still feels that way, especially when you are eighteen years old. It just can't help but feel like a judgment of some sort.

For the record, the GPS class of 2014 has had an outstanding admissions season, but if you find yourself among the disappointed, maybe you should look at it a different way.  There are many, many colleges and universities that do want you.  These colleges believe you will make a difference on campus, will add something to the classroom, will go on to be outstanding, productive alumni. So rather than focus on the few colleges that said "no," why not focus on the colleges that are welcoming you with open arms.  

It was never about "one" right school, but rather it was always about finding several colleges that would be a good fit.  You've found them, and they believe in you.

Life is still good!

Before hitting the road...

Because many of you are going to visit colleges over spring break, I wanted to offer a few last minute reminders/suggestions.

• First, please sign in at the admissions office.  You want them to know you were present for the information session and tour. If there's something specific you want to see - like residence halls, art studios, or science labs - ask if you can see them.  If they're not on the tour, at least find the buildings and perhaps you can see them on your own time.
• Take the time to peruse the school's website before you go. Many of the answers to your questions are easily accessible there.  Instead of asking "What's the average class size?" ask "What are the largest classes on campus, and where are they held?" Rather than ask if they have study abroad programs, ask how many students actually study abroad and what countries they typically visit.  You can easily find out whether they have a Greek system, so ask how many students are involved, are their events open to "outsiders," and if you are not interested in Greek life, what does the school do to promote other social activities?  Find out where the central gathering place for students is; that is, if there is one.
• Please, please don't walk at the back of the tour. Walk up front with the tour guide.  She or he is an actual live college student and can provide you with lots of inside information if you'll just ask.
• I highly recommend spending at least a few minutes without your parents.  Go off on your own and see how you feel..
• Take the time to walk or drive around the surrounding community. This might be harder to do if you're visiting, say, Boston University, but get a feel for the place you might call home for four years.

And last but not least, based on both the information you have received and your own gut feeling, keep asking yourself if this is a good fit for you.  Consider these six things: campus culture, academic programs, student life activities, the off-campus environment, the climate for (take your pick): women, students of color, religious beliefs, or cultural background, and your academic profile. In other words, what are the chances you will be admitted.

Remember that your college counselor wants to hear from you when you return to school.  Let us know what you liked and didn't like...that will help us help you better.

Have a great trip, be safe, and enjoy your spring break.

Calling All Potential Engineers

Union College is offering a unique summer program (EDGE: Educating Girls for Engineering) for rising sophomore, juniors, and seniors who are interested in engineering. The two-week residential workshop offers an opportunity to explore engineering fields in areas beyond basic science and math.

At EDGE, students will visit a local school for children with special needs to see firsthand the challenges faced by these students. Using this knowledge, participants will then use engineering design and problem solving skills to design and build tools and toys for the children. They will also learn about the engineering design process and computer programming to complete various projects. Communication skills are also emphasized through project presentations and written reports.  The EDGE program is also a great opportunity to experience classes in a college setting and campus living.

For more information, check out their informational brochure.  

The deadline to apply is May 1, and scholarships are available.

Thursday, May 1

In the college world, Thursday, May 1 is an important date.  It is the common reply date, the date that high seniors must make a decision about which college they will attend.  Of course many students are still waiting to receive all their decisions - and should have them by the end of the month - so they cannot quite focus on the final outcome until then.

So before we break for our spring vacation, we'd like to remind you of a few important items.

First, don't be in such a rush.  Just because it seems like everyone has made her decision, you do have until May 1.  Take a deep breath and consider all your options.  You want to make the decision that is best for you.  Next, once you have made your decision, be absolutely sure that you inform all your other schools of your decision.  They have students on a waiting list, and it would not be fair to keep them hanging.

Once the decision has been made, be sure to keep an eye out for all letters or email your college will be sending you.  You want to make certain you respond to all of their requests and deadlines.

And finally, make sure you enter your decision on Naviance.  That is how we know where to send your final transcript, and while you're there, make sure you have entered all of the decisions you received (accepted, denied, waitlisted, withdrawn or cancelled).  Every college you applied to should have something listed beside it's name.

Enjoy your break next week!

College Road Trips

Spring break is just around the corner, and many juniors are getting ready to visit potential colleges.  Most have signed up for the campus tour and information session, but how can they make the most of the opportunity?

When you sit in as many information sessions as we have, you hear the same questions being asked over and over again: "Do you have study abroad?" "Can I study German and philosophy?" You can answer those questions just be checking the websites, so consider other questions you might ask that will give you a better understanding of the campus culture, the type of students who thrive on campus, the opportunities for women.  For example, I always like to ask an admissions rep what type of student feels the most at home on their campus.  Are there certain types of students who will "fit" the culture better than others?  You already know to ask if the college will recalculate your GPA, but also ask if "demonstrated interest" plays any part in the admissions decision.  Some schools do consider if you have visited campus or made other contact with the admissions office when considering your application.  They want to know if you are a serious candidate or not.  Academically speaking, you also need to know what is required of you and what they're looking for in an applicant. Special note for parents here:  let your daughter ask most of the questions.  College admissions reps want to hear from students more than parents.  Your daughter is the one who is trying to forge a relationship with the school, and she is the one who will be applying to college, so encourage her to speak up and save your questions, if you must ask them, until the end.

When you start your campus tour, don't hang around in the back.  Walk up front with the tour guide, so you can strike up a conversation.  Ask your tour guide why he or she chose that school? What was it about the college that connected with him/her? Don't worry about sounding like a high school student...YOU ARE! So if you want to know if the campus is friendly or involved, ask.  If it is important to you that students support the fine arts or athletics or service, ask.  If you want to know how accessible professors are, or if you ever see professors outside of class (like at sporting events, at the dining hall, or at performances), ask. Don't be afraid to ask a student how much time he or she spends studying. Don't hesitate to ask if there are things your guide would want to change about the university.  Ask about her favorite classes and her least favorite ones. Ask what campus activities draw the most interest and whether or not the Greek culture rules the social scene.  If you're worried about a party culture, ask about that too.  Mrs. Goldbach always notices how many students are wearing school sweatshirts or school colors.  However, remember that your tour guide is human, and some of them are better than others. If you like a school, don't let one person keep you from finding out more.

After the tour, don't just jump in the car and leave.  Hang out in the student center for a few minutes. Inquire about eating in the dining hall (they may give you a guess pass).  Read the student newspaper; check out bulletin boards.  And when you do leave, drive around the surrounding area.  Rather than eat in the cafeteria, you might prefer to eat at a local hang-out (ask the admissions office or a student for recommendations).  All of those things will help you understand the college or university a little better.

Take the time to write down your impressions.  Take some pictures so you don't get one school confused with another.  Then talk the experience through with your parents and/or your counselor. That's what makes a thorough campus visit.

Safe travels!

More Summer Opportunities

Still looking for something to do this summer? Consider spending part of your summer on a college campus, studying one of many available options.

1.  Miami University of Ohio Summer Scholars Program

          The Summer Scholars Program is for rising high school juniors and seniors to spend two weeks on campus exploring a topic of their choice with a Miami University professor. In addition, there will be workshops on application essay writing, ACT/SAT workshops, and developing leadership skills. For more information, go to http://miamioh.edu/admission/high-school/summer-scholars/. Deadline for applying is May 1.

2.  The University of North Carolina Sports Journalism Camp

          Rising high school juniors and seniors interested in sports and media are encouraged to apply for Carolina Sports Journalism Camp.  Held June 25-28,, the workshop will instruct students on sports play-by-play, sports writing, sports photography, and more. The priority deadline for application is April 1. One of the less expensive summer opportunities, the $750 covers lodging, instruction, and meals. For more information, contact Monica Hill at 888-562-6276 or ncsma@unc.edu.

Savannah College of Art and Design Summer Opportunity

If you are interested in a creative career, SCAD has several summer opportunities on their Savannah or Atlanta campus.

Rising Star - You can earn college credit in this five week program (for rising seniors), plus you can get a taste of college life.

Savannah: June 21-26
Atlanta: July 22-July 26

SCAD Summer Seminars - Open to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, this one week workshop allows you to gain some valuable experience.

Savannah: June 15-21; June 22-28; July 13-19: July 20-26
Atlanta: June 15-21; July 27-August 2

Applications, registration forms and catalogs for all summer programs are posted online.

Final Installment of Advice from the Class of 2014 (well, maybe)

Thanks to the Class of 2014 for their serious and not so serious advice for next year's freshmen class. Here is the last in our series of tips from our wonderful seniors.

• Don't show up to school late on the first day during opening assembly. Everyone will see you, and Mrs. Good will call you to her office. :)
• If you want to eat, eat. Ice cream and Disney movies cure everything. College will work out.
• Don't take the time you have with your friends and family for granted because after senior year, you won't see them as much. So have fun these next four years and work hard. It will pay off!
• Don't be scared to try new things. Put yourself out of your comfort zone. Don't let a bad grade get you down.
• Get to know the members of your class. 
• High school will totally change you - be prepared. Don't be afraid to be different.
• Write your chapel talk over the summer.
• Take your religion class sophomore year. Take physics junior year.
• Start your homework on Saturday rather than Sunday. Buy a planner and color-code it.
• Relationships (boyfriends) don't matter in high school. You may think they do, but it's likely you won't continue the relationship in college. It's not the end of the world.
• Don't fight with each other because your time together is shorter than you think. Boys are stupid.
• Tryout for Candlelight even if you can't sing. 
• Don't take everything too seriously. Obviously do well with your school work, but dances, relationships, and other social stuff doesn't define your entire life. It seems that way, but it's not.
• It's only as stressful as you make it. Stress completely depends on your attitude. 
• Branch out and make friends with some upperclassmen. They aren't as scary as you think.
• Your grades are what they are, and there will be a college that's perfect for you.
• Get involved. Try as many new things as you can and then continue to do the things you truly enjoy. Do them with purpose. Carefully divide up your time so you can devote the most amount of time to doing things you truly enjoy.
• Don't burn bridges; you may need those people in the future.
• Talk to your teachers. They want you to do well.
• Don't be mean to each other.  Remember you're a girl not a grade.
• You're probably going to lose friends. That's okay; you'll make more.
• Take your friend out for ice cream if she's sad. If she does't like ice cream, do it anyway. Just don't let her sit home alone.
• Make your own story different from others.
• Find your confidence. Go after what you want. Enjoy each moment, good and bad. Savor them.
• GPS is one of the greatest places to be. Enjoy all the traditions and take pride in all that we are as a school.

And perhaps my favorite: "Don't wish it all away. It goes faster than think."  Amen to that!

VolunTEEN program at Erlanger

Internal medicine, Child Life, Emergency...these are just a few of the departmental options available this summer through the Erlanger Health System VolunTEEN program.  Open to students ages 15-18*, this is a terrific opportunity for girls who are considering a medical career of any kind or for students who simply enjoy helping people. (*Students must turn 15 by June 1.)

Applications are due no later than Friday, April 11 and may be picked up in the College office or from Mrs. Cook.

More News About the SAT Changes

It doesn't take long for opinions to start flying around the digital world, but if you want to read more about the upcoming changes to the SAT, here are a few good links.

The Story Behind the SAT Overhaul from the New York Times: http://nyti.ms/1ifiw3n

Plans for New SAT Spark Mixed Reviews from the Chronicle of Higher Ed: http://bit.ly/1lBm1l6

Grading the SAT from Inside Higher Ed:http://bit.ly/1hQ4IZV

Changes to the SAT for 2016

The College Board announced today that major changes are coming to the SAT beginning in the spring of 2016.  Those changes include "eliminating obligatory essays, ending the longstanding penalty for guessing wrong and cutting obscure vocabulary words."  The test will revert back to the old 1600 score, while the now optional essay will be scored separately.  Other changes include:

• The critical reading section will now be called "evidence based reading and writing".
• Sentence completions will be eliminated.
• The essay will require students to analyze a core argument of a source document
• The math section will no longer include a variety of mathematical topics but will focus on just a few areas - like problem solving and data analysis - instead.  Additionally, a calculator will no longer be used on part of the math section.
• The exam will be given both on paper and by computer.
• The test will once again be 3 hours without the optional essay.

In addition, Khan Academy, the free on-line education source, will begin offering free test prep classes to everyone, everywhere.

For additional information about the upcoming changes, visit http://bit.ly/1cCrEat.

More advice from the Class of 2014

Listen up freshmen (and sophomore and juniors!)  Here are some more tips from the Class of 2014. They are voices of experience, and they have a lot of worthwhile advice to share with you.

• Do. Not. Cry. About. Boys. They're not worth it.
• Seriously, get good grades. You cannot put your social life on a college application.
• Embrace your awkwardness. People will appreciate it someday.
• Start looking at colleges early. If you find one you particularly like, it can be a goal to work toward.
• Don't do something if you don't want everyone to find about it.
• Don't embarrass yourself on social media.
• One bad grade is not the end of the world. Competing with other girls about grades is pointless and does nothing but stress you out. Just try to relax and do your best.
• Take the time for community service.
• Work hard. It all adds up more than you think it does. Now everything counts.
• Work on making strong friendships that have good foundations. They are what will get you through the next four years, not your grades.
• Only sign up for classes you are willing to work hard in. I wouldn't recommend signing up for an AP course that does not interest you just so you have an AP on your transcript.
• Apply to more than two colleges.
• Tell your parents everything. They are cooler than you think.
• Try really hard freshman and sophomore year when you don't have other things distracting you (like college applications). Start your GPA off right. But high school is great no matter what, so enjoy it!
• Don't be afraid to ask teachers for help, and don't waste your study halls.
• You will get into college, so breathe.  Enjoy high school. Go to social events, join clubs. 
• High school is so different from middle school: it's a lot of fun. You have more freedom so make good decisions. Have fun and good luck!
• Do your homework. Do coordinate stuff. No, really. Do your homework.

And the last one for today:

Don't take a single day for granted because before you know it, you will be graduating. Cherish the days you have at GPS and the friendships you have made.

Racial Tensions On College Campuses

This is the second article I've read recently about a rise in racial tension on college campuses.  As one of those adults who has assumed that this millennial generation is colorblind - or at least more than my generation ever was - these stories make me profoundly sad.  But then perhaps I, we, should take some responsibility for assuming everything would be okay. Diversity of all kinds is here to stay, so how are we going to handle it in the future? There is still work to be done.