On many occasions I have been known to tell a student that colleges are always looking for interesting people. But recently I read this statement from the book Excellent Sheep, and it made me pause.
"Interesting is not accomplished. Interesting is not "impressive." What makes you interesting is reading, thinking, slowing down, having long conversations, and creating a rich inner life for yourself."
It occurs to me that when I tell a student that something she's done is interesting, it's not necessarily the student that is interesting, it's the activity. There certainly can be an active or authentic connection, but it's not necessarily true.
Consider the people that you find interesting (and please don't use the Kardashians as an example). What makes them so? What do you see in them that is so compelling? And more important, what are you doing to create an interesting life for yourself?
Just something to think about before the snow blows in this afternoon.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
From our notes: What are colleges looking for?
We've been reviewing our notes from past campus visit and information sessions, and here are a few of the things we heard colleges say they were looking for in future students. By all means you don't have to fulfill all of these, but you might find a few that you can target and develop even further.
- Students who are excited about the academic freedom that comes in college
- Students who show a willingness to engage with their academics
- Students who show a willingness to engage with their peers in academic conversation
- Students who show initiative
- Students who show intellectual spark, perhaps indicated by the books they've read, places they've been, attendance at outside lectures, etc.
- Students who show signs of independent learning
- Students who have the ability to bounce back from defeat or failure (resiliency)
- Students who have an appreciation for and understanding of other cultures
- Students who are globally aware, read the news, etc.
- Students who possess a strong moral compass and social graces
- Students who have an appreciation for diversity in all forms
- Students who have a sense of self (with some introspection)
- Students who are self-starters, self-motivated
- Students who are community participants, community builder
Perhaps one of the most important things I've heard recently however, is that colleges would like to find students who are not so focused on the end game that they forget to enjoy the in-between years.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Better Business Bureau Scholarship
The BBB will award $1,000 scholarships to students in the Class of 2015 based on personal integrity and character, personal achievements, contributions to their school and community, and academic accomplishments.
In addition to the application, students are asked to write a 500 word essay on "The Importance of Ethics in Business and our Community." Applications must be postmarked by Friday, April 3.
Please see Mrs. Haley in the college office for the application.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Still looking for something to do this summer?
Here is just a small sampling of some of the college summer programs that are available to students.
1. Make the nation's capital your classroom at George Washington University. There are several college intensive sessions: a 3 week program, a 6 week program, and a 6 week online session!. There are additional summer immersion sessions in July that cover a variety of topics. We have a brochure in our office or check it out at PRECOLLEGE.GWU.EDU
2. Hollins University has some awesome residential programs in July: Caught in the Act (theater), Taking Joy in the Art of Creative Writing, and Riders Who Are Going Places (for all you equestrians out there). Visit their website at www.hollins.edu/hollinsummer for more information.
3. Boston in the summer can be lots of fun, and Boston University has five great summer options for you. There is the six week High School Honors program, a Research Internship in Science and Engineering, and an Academic Immersion that allows students to focus intensely on one subject. To find out more about these and the others, go to bu.edu/summer/highschool.
4. I know we have a lot of girls interested in business, so you might want to consider one of the pre-college programs at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Options include Leadership in the Business World, the Management and Technology Summer Institute, and the Wharton Sports Business Academy. These are limited to rising juniors and seniors.
For more information, visit wharton.upenn.edu/academics/pre-college-programs.cfm
5. We also have several brochures on summer study abroad programs. You can find those in the basket in the upper school office lobby.
1. Make the nation's capital your classroom at George Washington University. There are several college intensive sessions: a 3 week program, a 6 week program, and a 6 week online session!. There are additional summer immersion sessions in July that cover a variety of topics. We have a brochure in our office or check it out at PRECOLLEGE.GWU.EDU
2. Hollins University has some awesome residential programs in July: Caught in the Act (theater), Taking Joy in the Art of Creative Writing, and Riders Who Are Going Places (for all you equestrians out there). Visit their website at www.hollins.edu/hollinsummer for more information.
3. Boston in the summer can be lots of fun, and Boston University has five great summer options for you. There is the six week High School Honors program, a Research Internship in Science and Engineering, and an Academic Immersion that allows students to focus intensely on one subject. To find out more about these and the others, go to bu.edu/summer/highschool.
4. I know we have a lot of girls interested in business, so you might want to consider one of the pre-college programs at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Options include Leadership in the Business World, the Management and Technology Summer Institute, and the Wharton Sports Business Academy. These are limited to rising juniors and seniors.
For more information, visit wharton.upenn.edu/academics/pre-college-programs.cfm
5. We also have several brochures on summer study abroad programs. You can find those in the basket in the upper school office lobby.
Are students partying less?
I think I will let this article in The Atlantic speak for itself. However, I am curious about one thing. I'm happy to hear that college students might be partying less, but I am a little disturbed that because they are spending more time on social media, they are spending less actual time with friends.
Can you really have a real friendship that is based on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? I don't know about you, but I like having a face to face conversation with my friends and family. I like hanging out with them,debating new ideas with them seeing their real time reaction to things. Mrs. Goldbach and I had a fabulous conversation over dinner last night, but it is difficult to imagine that we could have had the same interaction via email or twitter. So I'm just curious.
Can you really have a real friendship that is based on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? I don't know about you, but I like having a face to face conversation with my friends and family. I like hanging out with them,debating new ideas with them seeing their real time reaction to things. Mrs. Goldbach and I had a fabulous conversation over dinner last night, but it is difficult to imagine that we could have had the same interaction via email or twitter. So I'm just curious.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
College Admissions: Fact or Fiction
Last night at our sophomore parent night, we discussed some of the myths that surround the college admissions process. For those of you were unable to make it, here are a few of the ideas we explored.
1. Students must have community service on their resume.
The answer to this would be false. Community service is not a requirement, and yet some students continue to believe they must have some. If a student has a genuine interest in serving others, it can be a compelling part of their college application. On a regular basis, such a student might be involved in the GLAD tutoring program and the East Side Elementary tutoring program after school. She might be a weekend volunteer with the GPS Habitat for Humanity house and the River Rescue clean-up. Even more impressive, this student might have created her own outreach program, perhaps organizing a t-shirt drive for people in another country (something a GPS girl did several years ago). All of her service work might also lead her to run for a place on the PIC council (Partnerships in the Community). The point is that community service is an authentic part of this student's story, and it speaks volumes about her interests and values.
2. Some colleges consider a student's interest (i.e. number of contacts with students, campus visits, etc.) in the admissions decision.
This is true. Many colleges use what is called "demonstrated interest" in their admissions decisions. Tulane, Rhodes, Sewanee, and Pitzer are just a few that come to mind. Spaces in the incoming freshmen class are precious, and it makes sense that schools want to know that you are genuinely interested in their college or university. There are many ways students can show interest: visiting with the representative when they are in Chattanooga, touring the campus (please make sure you sign in at the admissions office), emailing an admissions rep with questions or completing an optional question/essay on the application. Interviews are another way a student can show interest. More specifically, when asked "why do you want to attend this college?" students can reference what they've learned on the school's website, something they saw while they were visiting, a conversation with an alumni. There are many ways to demonstrate your interest, even if you are unable to get to campus, so talk to your college counselor about how that can be achieved.
3. Students must have honors and/or AP courses on their transcripts.
The answer to this is unequivocally no. Advanced placement courses are not for everyone in high school, and there are plenty of colleges that will accept you without them. We've put way too much emphasis on these courses, and we believe it's time to take a step back. Yes, some schools, mainly the most competitive ones, will expect honors and AP's, but many schools are looking at students more holistically. They want to know your story, what makes you tick. There may be many good reasons why you're not ready for an advanced class, and you will have to take our word for it, there really are colleges that will get that and still find you a very appealing candidate for admission. I could go on and on about AP courses, but talk to your advisor or your college counselor if the are something you are considering.
4. If a college sends your daughter lots of information (viewbooks, etc.), it is a good indication that they are seriously interested in her as an applicant.
Sadly this is not true. Colleges send out lots and lot (and lots) of mail. They're not purposefully being disingenuous, I don't believe, but this is a business after all, and they need applications to stay alive. The more applications they get, the more selective they can be. The more selective they are, they more they (might) rise in the rankings. On a more serious note, they really are trying to attract the best and most diverse applicant pool they can, and sending out mail helps achieve those goals.
Just be careful if the letter you receive sounds like they are guaranteeing you admission. They really don't know the person who is reading that letter, and you may not fit their profile at all. It can be flattering, but don't believe everything you read.
5. Some colleges - including UTK - will recalculate your GPA when their receive your transcript.
This is very true, and many people are not aware of it. The University of Tennessee Knoxville recalculates every applicants GPA, using 16 core credits: 4 English, 3 math, 3 science, 3 history, 2 foreign language, and one fine arts. The good news is that if you take more than the required number of credits (four math courses, for example), they will take use your three best grades for the recalculation. More often than not, a student's GPA will not change much one way or the other, but it can make a difference. When you apply to UTK, you will be able to see your recalculated GPA on the student portal.
The same holds true for the Georgia Hope Scholarship. Your GPA will be recalculated based on all credits attempted in English, math, science, history/social studies, and foreign language. Notice, there are no fine arts course mentioned. You will receive an extra weight for your AP courses, but the Georgia Student Finance Commission will make it a uniform weight across all transcripts.
With so much information available on the internet these days, the college process can be quite confusing. Your college counselor is on top of it though, and she can help you sort through all the rumors and myths that are out there.
1. Students must have community service on their resume.
The answer to this would be false. Community service is not a requirement, and yet some students continue to believe they must have some. If a student has a genuine interest in serving others, it can be a compelling part of their college application. On a regular basis, such a student might be involved in the GLAD tutoring program and the East Side Elementary tutoring program after school. She might be a weekend volunteer with the GPS Habitat for Humanity house and the River Rescue clean-up. Even more impressive, this student might have created her own outreach program, perhaps organizing a t-shirt drive for people in another country (something a GPS girl did several years ago). All of her service work might also lead her to run for a place on the PIC council (Partnerships in the Community). The point is that community service is an authentic part of this student's story, and it speaks volumes about her interests and values.
2. Some colleges consider a student's interest (i.e. number of contacts with students, campus visits, etc.) in the admissions decision.
This is true. Many colleges use what is called "demonstrated interest" in their admissions decisions. Tulane, Rhodes, Sewanee, and Pitzer are just a few that come to mind. Spaces in the incoming freshmen class are precious, and it makes sense that schools want to know that you are genuinely interested in their college or university. There are many ways students can show interest: visiting with the representative when they are in Chattanooga, touring the campus (please make sure you sign in at the admissions office), emailing an admissions rep with questions or completing an optional question/essay on the application. Interviews are another way a student can show interest. More specifically, when asked "why do you want to attend this college?" students can reference what they've learned on the school's website, something they saw while they were visiting, a conversation with an alumni. There are many ways to demonstrate your interest, even if you are unable to get to campus, so talk to your college counselor about how that can be achieved.
3. Students must have honors and/or AP courses on their transcripts.
The answer to this is unequivocally no. Advanced placement courses are not for everyone in high school, and there are plenty of colleges that will accept you without them. We've put way too much emphasis on these courses, and we believe it's time to take a step back. Yes, some schools, mainly the most competitive ones, will expect honors and AP's, but many schools are looking at students more holistically. They want to know your story, what makes you tick. There may be many good reasons why you're not ready for an advanced class, and you will have to take our word for it, there really are colleges that will get that and still find you a very appealing candidate for admission. I could go on and on about AP courses, but talk to your advisor or your college counselor if the are something you are considering.
4. If a college sends your daughter lots of information (viewbooks, etc.), it is a good indication that they are seriously interested in her as an applicant.
Sadly this is not true. Colleges send out lots and lot (and lots) of mail. They're not purposefully being disingenuous, I don't believe, but this is a business after all, and they need applications to stay alive. The more applications they get, the more selective they can be. The more selective they are, they more they (might) rise in the rankings. On a more serious note, they really are trying to attract the best and most diverse applicant pool they can, and sending out mail helps achieve those goals.
Just be careful if the letter you receive sounds like they are guaranteeing you admission. They really don't know the person who is reading that letter, and you may not fit their profile at all. It can be flattering, but don't believe everything you read.
5. Some colleges - including UTK - will recalculate your GPA when their receive your transcript.
This is very true, and many people are not aware of it. The University of Tennessee Knoxville recalculates every applicants GPA, using 16 core credits: 4 English, 3 math, 3 science, 3 history, 2 foreign language, and one fine arts. The good news is that if you take more than the required number of credits (four math courses, for example), they will take use your three best grades for the recalculation. More often than not, a student's GPA will not change much one way or the other, but it can make a difference. When you apply to UTK, you will be able to see your recalculated GPA on the student portal.
The same holds true for the Georgia Hope Scholarship. Your GPA will be recalculated based on all credits attempted in English, math, science, history/social studies, and foreign language. Notice, there are no fine arts course mentioned. You will receive an extra weight for your AP courses, but the Georgia Student Finance Commission will make it a uniform weight across all transcripts.
With so much information available on the internet these days, the college process can be quite confusing. Your college counselor is on top of it though, and she can help you sort through all the rumors and myths that are out there.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Ned McWherter Scholarship
As we previously posted, the Ned McWherter Scholars Program is intended to encourage academically superior Tennessee high school seniors to attend college in Tennessee. Award amounts are up to $6,000 per academic year (i.e. $3,000 from TSAC and up to $3,000 from the college). To apply, a student must have a minimum 29 ACT Composite/1280 SAT (Math and Critical Reading only) and a minimum 3.5 GPA, and you must plan on attending college in Tennessee.
If you are interested in applying, you can find the on-line application at http://1.usa.gov/16mA2P6. The application deadline is February 15.
NOTE: The college office MUST send a 7th semester transcript, so please let us know once you have submitted your application. Otherwise, you will not be considered.
Also, TSAC has notified us that if you see any "ineligible" notifications in the system to please disregard. Those will disappear once they determine your eligibility.
If you are interested in applying, you can find the on-line application at http://1.usa.gov/16mA2P6. The application deadline is February 15.
NOTE: The college office MUST send a 7th semester transcript, so please let us know once you have submitted your application. Otherwise, you will not be considered.
Also, TSAC has notified us that if you see any "ineligible" notifications in the system to please disregard. Those will disappear once they determine your eligibility.
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