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.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, November 10, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, November 7, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, November 3, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
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.
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.
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