While women make up 51% of the population and 46% of the work force, they represent less than 10% of the engineering work forces; STEM focused females continue to be in high demand! If you are a rising 9-12 grader (classes of 2019-2016) and would like to spend part of your summer with like-minded girls collaborating to solve problems and learn more about the vast field of engineering, check out these summer opportunities. Don't delay - some have limited spaces and fast approaching deadlines. While some of the camps are quite costly, others are not and one even provides full tuition scholarships to the 40 girls selected (courtesy of the Pentair Foundation), transportation to St. Olaf excluded. Review these exciting opportunities at:
http://www.examiner.com/article/high-school-girls-science-technology-engineering-math-stem-summer-camps
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship/Blood Assurance
In 1999, Blood Assurance established a scholarship fund for high school students seeking to better themselves and aspiring to give back to the communities from which they came.
The program offers a total of twelve (1) one-year scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each. Scholarship money is paid directly to each student's college or university for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses as may be required. Based on the institution's academic schedule, scholarship money will be paid on a semester or quarterly basis. Scholarship applicants will be judged on a written application, high school transcript, school and community service, letters of recommendation, and a marketing plan for a blood drive. The completed applications must be postmarked or submitted online by March 31st.
Visit the Blood Assurance website for more information, and if interested, talk to your college counselor about letters of recommendation.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Summer Medical Program for High School Students
Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., is offering a summer medical program for high school students. The program will introduce students to the world of medicine through hands-on simulations, lab work, interactive demonstrations, and visits to Georgetown's Medical Center Labs.
There are a range of formats and session lengths, but programs include the Medical Institute, Forensic Science Institute, Fundamentals of Anatomy, Fundamentals of Medicine, and Fundamentals of Neuroscience. For more information, visit their website.
For the record, there are also programs in business, arts and the humanities, law, science, and politics.
There are a range of formats and session lengths, but programs include the Medical Institute, Forensic Science Institute, Fundamentals of Anatomy, Fundamentals of Medicine, and Fundamentals of Neuroscience. For more information, visit their website.
For the record, there are also programs in business, arts and the humanities, law, science, and politics.
Monday, January 19, 2015
The Often Difficult Transition to College
Almost every high school senior I've ever talked to believes she is ready to go to college - and sooner than later. Quite frankly I'd be worried if seniors didn't feel prepared to leave. None of them, however, really know what this next phase of their life will be like, and as the authors of the book College of the Overwhelmed (The Campus Mental Health Crisis and What To Do About It) state, "In college, the model for living changes." Or to paraphrase what a colleague once said, no matter what you think it's going to be, it won't be that.
This is one of the reasons we have our annual Separation Seminar (tomorrow night @ 6:30pm, in fact). Many students leave high school with a very strong sense of who they are, their values, and their goals. College, however, is wonderfully full of other students who don't necessarily share your children's views. Sorry Mom and Dad, but your daughters will most likely be challenged to question everything you've taught them, and believe it or not, that's not always a bad thing. Many of these new people and experiences will call into question the person your daughter believes she is, but they can also provide her with an opportunity for genuine personal growth and understanding of other cultures, religions, and political viewpoints.
Here's another reason the college transition can be tough. Some students view college as a chance to be someone different, to shed their high school persona, if you will. While that can be liberating, it can also be difficult because they are still carrying that person (and perhaps the accompanying baggage) with them when they go. Likewise, the student whose identity is wrapped up in her high school activities can also experience difficulties because she's got to start all over again. I remember one returning alum commenting that because she was so well known at GPS, it came as quite a shock when no one cared that she had been a "big deal" in high school.
For girls in particular, personal relationships are very important in college. Many students have come back to GPS during their freshman year worried that they haven't made the close friendships like they had here. Of course, it took them six to seven years to develop those friendships, and they've only been in college for a couple of months! That need for connection, approval, and belonging can lead to questionable decisions down the road, and that's where we don't want them to go.
Parental expectations can also muddy the transition waters. I know that many of my students call a parent several times during the day, not with any particular information, but just to check in with them. College is also about developing some independence, and parents who expect a report about every occasion or who expect to see their daughters frequently are not helping them become autonomous individuals. Parents often expect students to share the same professional goals. I often tell the story of the parent who told me, "My daughter wants to be a doctor; she just doesn't know it yet." She is not a doctor, by the way, but the burden of living up to someone else's expectations can make the college experience even more stressful.
Tomorrow night's conversation at the Separation Seminar will only be a beginning. We really hope that what follows will be an honest dialogue that lasts long after the program ends.
This is one of the reasons we have our annual Separation Seminar (tomorrow night @ 6:30pm, in fact). Many students leave high school with a very strong sense of who they are, their values, and their goals. College, however, is wonderfully full of other students who don't necessarily share your children's views. Sorry Mom and Dad, but your daughters will most likely be challenged to question everything you've taught them, and believe it or not, that's not always a bad thing. Many of these new people and experiences will call into question the person your daughter believes she is, but they can also provide her with an opportunity for genuine personal growth and understanding of other cultures, religions, and political viewpoints.
Here's another reason the college transition can be tough. Some students view college as a chance to be someone different, to shed their high school persona, if you will. While that can be liberating, it can also be difficult because they are still carrying that person (and perhaps the accompanying baggage) with them when they go. Likewise, the student whose identity is wrapped up in her high school activities can also experience difficulties because she's got to start all over again. I remember one returning alum commenting that because she was so well known at GPS, it came as quite a shock when no one cared that she had been a "big deal" in high school.
For girls in particular, personal relationships are very important in college. Many students have come back to GPS during their freshman year worried that they haven't made the close friendships like they had here. Of course, it took them six to seven years to develop those friendships, and they've only been in college for a couple of months! That need for connection, approval, and belonging can lead to questionable decisions down the road, and that's where we don't want them to go.
Parental expectations can also muddy the transition waters. I know that many of my students call a parent several times during the day, not with any particular information, but just to check in with them. College is also about developing some independence, and parents who expect a report about every occasion or who expect to see their daughters frequently are not helping them become autonomous individuals. Parents often expect students to share the same professional goals. I often tell the story of the parent who told me, "My daughter wants to be a doctor; she just doesn't know it yet." She is not a doctor, by the way, but the burden of living up to someone else's expectations can make the college experience even more stressful.
Tomorrow night's conversation at the Separation Seminar will only be a beginning. We really hope that what follows will be an honest dialogue that lasts long after the program ends.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Two New Scholarships
The Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will award academic scholarships to eligible graduating African-American female seniors in Chattanooga area high schools this spring. If you are interested, please see Mrs. Haley for more information. The application must be received by February 13, so act soon!
The State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship does not require a high GPA, but rather focuses on students who are leaders and volunteers in their communities and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
The State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship does not require a high GPA, but rather focuses on students who are leaders and volunteers in their communities and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a 2015 high school senior
- You must have a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.2
- Plan to enroll full time in college next year
- Be a US citizen
For more information and to apply: http://bit.ly/1ymWstZ The deadline is March 2, 2015.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
More Freshmen Tips
A big shout out to our freshmen parents who came out last night on a cold, rainy night for the Cup O' College program. In addition to what we discussed, I want to continue yesterday's blog theme and offer a few more suggestions for our freshmen and their parents to consider.
5. One of the most often asked questions is "How many honors or AP courses should I take?" The usual answer is, "Take what you can successfully handle." I would add however, that you should take as many as you can successfully handle and still have a life. We all need some balance in our lives, and I hate to see students take an excessive number of advanced placement courses because they believe they have to do so. Yes, the most competitive colleges will be looking for those challenging courses, but most colleges don't require or even expect a full slate of them. Besides, there are other ways to strengthen your course schedule. Take that fourth year of a foreign language or add an extra year of history. Just going beyond the required courses adds depth to your curriculum. You can also take a supplemental class through the On-line School for Girls or you could take a summer course at UTC or another college.
6. I believe it's time we adjusted our vision for our daughters' futures. By that I mean we have to understand that the jobs they will perform in the future will be vastly different. I believe the role of teachers will change and med schools (and the MCAT's) are already expecting more from applicants than just anatomy and other sciences. Some of the necessary job skills of the future include cross-cultural competencies, a more developed social-intelligence, collaboration and creativity, self-motivation, and being 'innovation ready'. One author suggested that employers will be seeking people who can take old things and do them in new ways. YouTern, a great career website that I follow on Twitter, recently posted this infographic on the top jobs and skills of the future.
7. Parents: when you were in high school, you had something that was called your permanent record. At GPS, that information used to be on a manila card that included grades, GPA, coursework, and even a few activity highlights (fortunately that has been replaced by electronic versions). Social media, in all its forms, can now be considered the new permanent record. A report by Kaplan found that at least 35% of colleges are occasionally using social media in the admissions process, and we know that potential employers and even potential spouses are using social media to check people out. We can argue the fairness of doing this another time; we need to accept the fact that it is being done and help our students understand the impact.
8. Finally, although I hope our freshmen will discover new activities and other extra-curricular options, I also want them to settle on at least one thing in which they can truly become involved. Trying to figure out what a college wants is pointless; they simply want to see that you are willing to participate and lead.
Our students have a wonderful admissions track record because they are willing to work hard, willing to jump in with both feet and become active citizens in their school community and beyond. They are recognizable to colleges because they have a strong work ethic, solid study skills, and more confidence than I ever had when I was their age. It's just like I said back in November of 2013 when I quoted the movie Field of Dreams: "If you build it, they will come." Don't try to become the student you think a college wants. Be your smart, talented, creative wonderful self, and the colleges will find you.
5. One of the most often asked questions is "How many honors or AP courses should I take?" The usual answer is, "Take what you can successfully handle." I would add however, that you should take as many as you can successfully handle and still have a life. We all need some balance in our lives, and I hate to see students take an excessive number of advanced placement courses because they believe they have to do so. Yes, the most competitive colleges will be looking for those challenging courses, but most colleges don't require or even expect a full slate of them. Besides, there are other ways to strengthen your course schedule. Take that fourth year of a foreign language or add an extra year of history. Just going beyond the required courses adds depth to your curriculum. You can also take a supplemental class through the On-line School for Girls or you could take a summer course at UTC or another college.
6. I believe it's time we adjusted our vision for our daughters' futures. By that I mean we have to understand that the jobs they will perform in the future will be vastly different. I believe the role of teachers will change and med schools (and the MCAT's) are already expecting more from applicants than just anatomy and other sciences. Some of the necessary job skills of the future include cross-cultural competencies, a more developed social-intelligence, collaboration and creativity, self-motivation, and being 'innovation ready'. One author suggested that employers will be seeking people who can take old things and do them in new ways. YouTern, a great career website that I follow on Twitter, recently posted this infographic on the top jobs and skills of the future.
7. Parents: when you were in high school, you had something that was called your permanent record. At GPS, that information used to be on a manila card that included grades, GPA, coursework, and even a few activity highlights (fortunately that has been replaced by electronic versions). Social media, in all its forms, can now be considered the new permanent record. A report by Kaplan found that at least 35% of colleges are occasionally using social media in the admissions process, and we know that potential employers and even potential spouses are using social media to check people out. We can argue the fairness of doing this another time; we need to accept the fact that it is being done and help our students understand the impact.
8. Finally, although I hope our freshmen will discover new activities and other extra-curricular options, I also want them to settle on at least one thing in which they can truly become involved. Trying to figure out what a college wants is pointless; they simply want to see that you are willing to participate and lead.
Our students have a wonderful admissions track record because they are willing to work hard, willing to jump in with both feet and become active citizens in their school community and beyond. They are recognizable to colleges because they have a strong work ethic, solid study skills, and more confidence than I ever had when I was their age. It's just like I said back in November of 2013 when I quoted the movie Field of Dreams: "If you build it, they will come." Don't try to become the student you think a college wants. Be your smart, talented, creative wonderful self, and the colleges will find you.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Advice for freshmen (and other people too)
My thoughts about college counseling for high school freshmen have changed over time. For many years I believed that if we talked about it (a lot or even just a little), we were simply adding to the anxiety that many of them already feel. I even published a piece on this blog (November 2013) explaining my views. As a professional however, I know that I might be doing my students a disservice by not providing them with some college related advice for the next four years. Though some of the following suggestions will be shared with our freshmen parents at our program tonight, they are applicable to every grade level.
1. Everyone - counselors, boards, parents, and students - need to remember that the college search should be about finding the right "fit," not finding the most recognizable college name. If the college culture, academic expectations, and other aspects do not resonate with a student, she is unlikely to be as successful as she could be. The college choice is about the student, not the rest of us.
2. As a high school freshmen, students should be open to the possibilities. Too often a young student sits in my office and says, "I have to go to (fill in the blank)," or "I'm going to be a doctor." They may in fact achieve both of those goals, but it also limits them from discovering the possibilities available to them. I once had a parent tell me that his daughter was going to be a doctor, she just didn't know it yet. Personally that comment made me sad, until I discovered many years later, that she chose an entirely different career path. Good for her!
3. Don't believe everything you read or hear. There is so much information available on the internet these days - much of it worthwhile - but you need to be a good consumer. Over the holidays I read one article on writing the perfect college essay and one stating the perfect college essay does not exist. Likewise, I cannot count the number of times someone has commented " I heard that little Susie or Bobby was admitted to "this school," but her GPA/scores were lower than my daughter's." Maybe, but you also don't have all the information (strength of schedule, recommendation letters, essays, the college's institutional needs, legacy status, etc), and quite honestly, parents don't necessarily share all that information with everyone. They'd prefer to happily brag about their child, and who can blame them? I would too.
4. Don't compare apples and oranges. Colleges evaluate students based on the high school they attend and whether or not students have taken advantage of the opportunities that are available to them. So, they will not directly compare a student at GPS to a student, let's say at CSAS, Red Bank, or even McCallie. Some colleges may be looking to fill out a class with more male students, or the STEM fields might be looking for more females. It's tempting, but you just can't make direct comparisons.
That's enough for today, I think, but I'll be back tomorrow with a few more ideas, and yes, I will address a few specific things students can do during their ninth grade year to get started on the right foot.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Sewanee's Bridge Program in Science and Math
Sponsored by Sewanee:The University of the South, the Bridge Program for rising seniors provides a scholarship for tuition, room and board (so the program is free!) for twenty students. The three week summer program includes an introduction to college level calculus class, an introduction to physics, and a part-time astronomy course. Classes are not graded; the goal is to acclimate students to college life and give them confidence in the skills they develop.
If you are interested, more information can be found on their website. The application is due by April 1.
While you're visiting the website, check out some of the other outstanding programs that Sewanee offers. GPS students have enjoyed attending the Young Writer's Conference and the Summer Music Festival and highly recommend those programs.
If you are interested, more information can be found on their website. The application is due by April 1.
While you're visiting the website, check out some of the other outstanding programs that Sewanee offers. GPS students have enjoyed attending the Young Writer's Conference and the Summer Music Festival and highly recommend those programs.
Friday, January 9, 2015
A few more summer opportunities
Calling all budding pharmacists! Samford University (AL) is having a Bulldog Pharmacy Camp for rising juniors and seniors who are interested in learning more about pharmacy as a career. Hands on lab demonstrations and unique service opportunities are part of the experience. For more information and the application, visit http://samford.edu/pharmacy/bulldog-pharmacy-camp/
Brandeis University (MA) has several unusual residential summer experiences for high school students from around the world. The programs include an APP DESIGN BOOT CAMP, a MOCK TRIAL BOOT CAMP, and a SERVICE CORPS camp among others. We have the opportunity to nominate a student, so if you're interested, come see us. A nomination is not required however, so you can check them out yourself at http://bit.ly/17pO4zH.
Brandeis University (MA) has several unusual residential summer experiences for high school students from around the world. The programs include an APP DESIGN BOOT CAMP, a MOCK TRIAL BOOT CAMP, and a SERVICE CORPS camp among others. We have the opportunity to nominate a student, so if you're interested, come see us. A nomination is not required however, so you can check them out yourself at http://bit.ly/17pO4zH.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Looking for a summer experience?
If you're looking for something to do this summer, you might want to consider taking a class on a college campus. While some of these programs can be pricey, many also offer scholarships and financial aid, and the program at Lipscomb University in Nashville is very reasonable!
Washington University in St. Louis offers several cool options: the five week high school summer scholars program where you can take undergraduate courses for credit or the non-credit summer institutes for students interested in pre-medicine, pre-engineering, writing, global leadership and more. For more information, visit summerexperiences.wustl.edu
Smith College in Massachusetts also offers some outstanding programs specifically for girls. We've had several GPS students attend the summer science and engineering program, and they also offer a writing workshop along with programs in women's history and field studies for sustainable futures. Applications can be submitted online at smith.edu/summer.
If you're interested in going out to the west coast, the University of Southern California has a variety of programs for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. There are two and four week courses in subjects ranging from architecture, journalism, performing arts, visual arts, writing, science, global studies, business, and engineering. You can also find a program in pre-health and pre-law. Visit http://summer.usc.edu/index.shtml for more information.
Closer to home, rising juniors can get a taste of college-level coursework and earn college credit at Lipscomb University in Nashville. This year's offerings include Fundamentals of Biology, Intro to Psychology, Foundations of Business, Introduction to Communication, Fundamentals of Photography, and a Freshman Seminar on the Humanities. All students accepted into the Summer Scholars Program will receive a scholarship covering the entire cost of their coursework. The only expense will be a $750 program fee to cover the cost of room, board, and activities while in Nashville. Now that's a good deal!! You can find all the details at http://bit.ly/1BFlnrv
If you're interested in business, last year UTC offered a six day residential program on its campus that you might want to check out. Alex George, class of '15 attended the inaugural program and thought it was a great experience. This year's information is not up yet, but stay tuned for more information or check out last year's program at http://bit.ly/1KhCsh5
Washington University in St. Louis offers several cool options: the five week high school summer scholars program where you can take undergraduate courses for credit or the non-credit summer institutes for students interested in pre-medicine, pre-engineering, writing, global leadership and more. For more information, visit summerexperiences.wustl.edu
Smith College in Massachusetts also offers some outstanding programs specifically for girls. We've had several GPS students attend the summer science and engineering program, and they also offer a writing workshop along with programs in women's history and field studies for sustainable futures. Applications can be submitted online at smith.edu/summer.
If you're interested in going out to the west coast, the University of Southern California has a variety of programs for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. There are two and four week courses in subjects ranging from architecture, journalism, performing arts, visual arts, writing, science, global studies, business, and engineering. You can also find a program in pre-health and pre-law. Visit http://summer.usc.edu/index.shtml for more information.
Closer to home, rising juniors can get a taste of college-level coursework and earn college credit at Lipscomb University in Nashville. This year's offerings include Fundamentals of Biology, Intro to Psychology, Foundations of Business, Introduction to Communication, Fundamentals of Photography, and a Freshman Seminar on the Humanities. All students accepted into the Summer Scholars Program will receive a scholarship covering the entire cost of their coursework. The only expense will be a $750 program fee to cover the cost of room, board, and activities while in Nashville. Now that's a good deal!! You can find all the details at http://bit.ly/1BFlnrv
If you're interested in business, last year UTC offered a six day residential program on its campus that you might want to check out. Alex George, class of '15 attended the inaugural program and thought it was a great experience. This year's information is not up yet, but stay tuned for more information or check out last year's program at http://bit.ly/1KhCsh5
Monday, January 5, 2015
New Year's Resolutions
Though I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, I do think it's a good time to stop and take stock of where you are. So with that in mind, I'd like to make a few resolutions for my students.
3. Stop for just a few minutes to realize how many people stand ready to help you. Teachers, counselors, parents: we all want you to succeed. You wouldn't be a teenager if you didn't gripe about them (and post things on social media about them), but I promise we all want the best for you and will do whatever they can to help you. But sometimes you have to ask.
4. Your college decision is a big one, perhaps the biggest one you will make in your life up to this point. But it is not the end of the world. You are going to thrive no matter where you go, and when you look back on it one day, it's not going to seem so important any more. This might be the most difficult, but resolve to remind yourself that one college rejection is not going to ruin you.
And finally, resolve to finish the school year as strongly as you started it. The finish line is in sight, and this is not the time to slack off on your work (I have two words for you: senior slide). I know you have all the tools you need to be successful in college, but you still have to prove it to them.
1. I would like my students to resolve to use social media even just a little more judiciously. I know you believe that your comments are private, but all it takes is one person copying a picture or showing your comments to someone else, and it's out there. And you can't take it back. Perhaps right now you don't care if everyone sees what you say and do, but one day you might.
2. Studying requires real focus. Tweeting, posting an Instagram pic or responding to a comment on GroupMe while you're in the middle of reading your history homework is not the same thing as honest to goodness, focused studying. I know you work really hard - you really do -but perhaps refocusing on your study habits would be helpful to some.
3. Stop for just a few minutes to realize how many people stand ready to help you. Teachers, counselors, parents: we all want you to succeed. You wouldn't be a teenager if you didn't gripe about them (and post things on social media about them), but I promise we all want the best for you and will do whatever they can to help you. But sometimes you have to ask.
4. Your college decision is a big one, perhaps the biggest one you will make in your life up to this point. But it is not the end of the world. You are going to thrive no matter where you go, and when you look back on it one day, it's not going to seem so important any more. This might be the most difficult, but resolve to remind yourself that one college rejection is not going to ruin you.
And finally, resolve to finish the school year as strongly as you started it. The finish line is in sight, and this is not the time to slack off on your work (I have two words for you: senior slide). I know you have all the tools you need to be successful in college, but you still have to prove it to them.
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