I've been deferred! Now what?

So, before the early decision/early action decisions are released, it's probably time to at least consider what to do if you are deferred.

First, what does that mean?  Well, it means they weren't ready to make a decision for you, and they want to see more.  Yes, it will be disappointing, but it's not a 'no," so let's not get too discouraged, okay?  The question for you now is, what's next?

1.  The first thing you should do is see your college counselor so that you and she can make a plan.  She will be an important resource and ally!  Hopefully you've kept your grades up, because they're going to want to see your mid-year transcript.  But there's even more you can do.

2.  After consulting your counselor, you may want to send in an additional teacher recommendation, particularly from a current teacher who can address your senior year performance.  You can also update your application with any new information.  Perhaps you were named outstanding delegate at the recent Model UN conference, found a job, won the lead in the spring musical, or were inducted into the National Honor Society since you submitted your application - those things need to be added to your file.

3.  Of course, if you have taken the SAT or ACT since you submitted your application, make sure those scores are sent to the college.

4.  We also recommend that you write a letter reiterating why you believe you are a good fit for the school and what you believe you will contribute to the community.  You are your own best advocate, so now is not the time to be bashful or humble, and we believe this letter can be very helpful.

5.  If possible, you might consider a return visit to campus. It's not mandatory, but you can sit in on some classes and perhaps schedule a brief meeting with your admissions counselor.  If you can get a meeting, make sure you go in with a definite idea of what you want or need to say.

6.  I've always been a big proponent of hand-written thank-you notes, so consider writing - not emailing - your rep when all is said and done.  Regardless of the outcome, they will appreciate your gratitude for even considering your candidacy.

And finally, if you ultimately are not accepted, it's not the end of the world.  It may seem like it (I know, I've had my share of rejections), but it's really not.  As I have said many, many times, sometimes Plan B (even C or D) ends up being the best thing that could happen to you.

The stages of rejection grief

You've been rejected, denied, summarily dismissed...whatever you want to call it.  It never feels good, and like most bad things, we all tend to go through the stages of grief.  That's about all the set-up this article - the 5 stages of EA rejection grief - needs.  Even though it is written from the perspective of a now college junior, it still rings very true.

The good news is that the sadness and tears eventually pass and like the author, you will gain a sense of perspective.  Promise.

The talented class of 2017

Perhaps there is something in the water (not that there's been much rain around here lately), but it seems like my seniors are panicking a little earlier than usual this year.  Maybe it is because they are at the end of their college applications. Then again, maybe it's because once they hit the last 'submit' button, all they can do is wait while some strangers in a faraway room pass judgment on them (that's the way they see it anyway).  But if I had a nickel for every time one of them said "there's nothing special about me," I would be quite rich.

I wish they could see what I see, because the GPS Class of 2017 is an amazing group of young women.  One of them is raising money to fund arts programs in local elementary schools. Gentle and soft-spoken, another has volunteered at the Creative Discovery Museum and is one of the most loved summer camp counselors we have.  Still another has a love of plants that is second only to her love for cats, and you can frequently find her in her very own green room, tending to her plants, many of which she started from tiny seeds.  Along with a few of her peers, one senior helped build the computer that now runs our 3-D printer, and another has passed her wilderness first aid safety course.

The senior with the purple hair has never met an animal she didn't love and currently owns a chinchilla, a hedgehog, two turtles, several fish, five dogs, two horses, eight geese, a guinea fowl and several chickens. Past pets have included cats, hamsters, mice and hermit crabs.

Some members of the class of 2017 are on-stage stars and back stage tech wizards, while others are accomplished equestrians and violinists.  They are all-state soccer players and champion cross-country teammates.  At least one is teaching herself Korean, while another has written and produced her own civil rights documentary.  One manages the GPS bookstore, one is a Sea Cadet and has her advanced scuba and PADI certification.

As a group they are leaders and followers, community activists, and dedicated volunteers.  They have dealt with significant injuries and personal loss and bounced back up again.  This beautiful group of souls has raised money for cancer research, grown thousands of pounds of food for the Chattanooga Food Bank, and supported their classmates in small ways I will never know.

There is nothing mediocre about them. Any of them.

As an adult, I know that one college decision is not going to make or break them.  If they will be open to the possibilities, there are hundreds of roads that can take them where they want to go.  Once the panic has subsided and the decisions have been made, I hope they will see what I see.  The Class of 2017 is simply amazing.




 

$ Paying for College $

Normally I don't like to repost or recycle something I previously wrote, but because I know financial aid and scholarships are so important to seniors, I want to remind you of a few tips we shared earlier this year.

1.  The largest financial aid awards still typically come from the college itself, so make sure you carefully read the directions on each college website. Not all college requirements are the same, so be sure you know what forms each school needs and what their deadlines are.  Many schools have a December 1 application deadline that also applies to merit aid, so as long as you have everything submitted by then, you will be considered.  Since your college applications should be done by then anyway, you're good!

2.  If you are looking for scholarships, Fastweb (www.fastweb.com) is a good place to begin. You will need to register, but then it's up to you to follow up with any recommendations they send you. Follow them on Twitter as well (@PayingforSchool).

3.  All outside or independent scholarship opportunities we receive will be posted on MyGPS.  Look for the scholarship folder under Topics.  We will also tweet them @gpscollege.  Many of these are not available until January or later so check back on a regular basis.

4.  If you have not already, make an appointment with Mrs. Haley.  She is more than happy to help you search for scholarships, and several students have commented that she is very helpful (but then we knew that!).

5.  You can do a quick Internet search yourself, but don't just type in "scholarships."  Try something more specific like engineering, theater, or service scholarships. Also, don't forget to check with your church, your parents' place of business, or even a local club or civic group.

Two more reminders - Don't ever pay for someone to do a scholarship search for you, and finding free money takes time.  You may have to cull through hundreds of possibilities before you find the one that is right for you.  Hang in there!

Paper Airplanes and College Admissions

Last year I read how a counselor friend of mine, Ginny Maddux at Montgomery Bell Academy, used paper airplanes to explain college admissions to her ninth grade boys.  It sounded like a terrific idea, so we tried it with our freshmen this afternoon.

First, each girl wrote the names of all the colleges she could think of on a sheet of paper.  Using that same paper, we asked them to make an airplane and then took them outside to see if their planes would take flight.  It's a simple and fun exercise, but it offers two very important lesson for ninth graders who are (hopefully) just beginning to think about college.

Lesson #1 - Almost everyone needed help today.  While most did not hesitate to ask their friends how to fold the paper, some experimented and came up with their own design.  Similarly, whether it's seeking out extra help from your teachers and parents or relying on your college counselor's expertise, students should take advantage of all the assistance that is available to them (and at GPS it is considerable!).

Lesson #2 - Almost none of the airplanes landed where the girls wanted them to land.  College admissions is very much like flying a paper airplane.  You can consult books, on-line sites, family, friends, alums, newspapers, but none of them can guarantee you will be successful. You may have dreams to attend a certain college or have plans to be an engineer or a nurse, but you could still be denied admission. There are always some things you can't control.  With airplanes it might be wind speed, the weight of the paper, or your arm strength, and in college admissions, it could be anything from the ratio of boys to girls, the major you choose, or even what state you are from.  What is important to remember is that you can still achieve your goals, but you may have to alter your flight plan, and sometimes the alternate route turns out to be the best one.  (If you have any doubts, I have plenty of examples I can share with you.)

For now, we want freshmen to concentrate on being the best student they can be, and remember that there is more than one way to achieve their dreams (or fly their planes). It's okay - even advisable - to ask for help.  The rest will take care of itself.

Overwhelmed Already?

We've only been in school for about a month, but college applications are already causing some stress.  Despite our attempts to head it off at the pass, it is almost impossible for seniors not to feel the pressure of all those essays, scholarship apps, and oh yes, senior year grades.

So as you head into the weekend, take a few (or many) moments to stop and breathe.  There are some tell-tale signs that your body needs some rest, so heed the warnings and do something about it.  You may also not realize that according to research, there are certain foods that can help relieve stress. Hopefully you can find something on this list that sounds yummy to you.

Take care of yourself, girls!  As important as a college application seems, it is not worth your health and well-being.  Have a safe and happy weekend.

Looking for Money

When it comes to college, everyone is looking for money, so here's a basic refresher course in how to go about it.

1.  The largest financial awards still typically come from the college itself, so make sure you carefully read the directions on each college website.  Not all college requirements are the same, so make sure you know what forms each school needs - the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the CSS Profile, or their own institutional forms.  Just make sure you know what the deadlines are and then make sure you meet them

2.  If you are looking for outside scholarships, Fastweb (www.fastweb.com) is probably the most often recommended site.  You will need to register (it's free), and then it is up to you to keep up with the information they send you.  Warning: applying for scholarships can be hard work.  There are multiple essays to write, but if you need the money, it could be worth it.  You can also follow Fastweb on Twitter like I do (@PayingForSchool).  It's an easy way to learn about general scholarship opportunities.

In addition, you can follow the GPS College Office on Twitter @GPSCollege.  We will tweet scholarship information we receive, and we will retweet scholarship possibilities we read about somewhere else.

3.  Whenever we receive information about outside or independent scholarships - for example, the Better Business Bureau or Blood Assurance - we will post them on MyGPS.  Look for the scholarship folder under Topics.  We often don't get a lot of these until later in the year, but check it regularly to make sure you're not missing anything.

4.  Beware of scholarship scams!  If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

5.  And finally, parents (especially parents of seniors) should attend our Financial Aid program on Monday, September 12.  Michael Morgan, the Director of Financial Aid at Rhodes College, will guide you through the FAFSA and Profile mazes.  And if you need additional FAFSA help, you can register to attend the College Goal Tennessee conference, Saturday, October 1 at UTC.  Financial administrators will be on hand to help parents with any FAFSA questions they have.  To register, go to http://www.pefchattanooga.org/register/ and click on College Goal Tennessee Conference 2016.

Finding money for college takes hard work, but if you're willing to put in the effort, it just might pay off...literally!

What's the rush?

Recently I tweeted an article about the disadvantages of being the first one to submit a college application.  Since then it has occurred to me that some further explanation might be needed.

First, if one of my students is applying to a state university like Auburn, the U. of Tennessee, Ole Miss, or any college with a rolling admissions deadline, there's nothing wrong with getting the application completed as soon as possible.  As I often tell students, there's nothing quite like that first acceptance letter to help you breathe again.  But even with those schools, students are sometimes in such a rush to "just get it done," that they make careless mistakes or perhaps even more important, don't take advantage of every opportunity to illustrate who they are.

Sure, some applications only want biographical information and the name of your high school, but many of them offer some opportunities to say something about yourself. It may be in the form of an optional personal statement, or it may be the chance to upload a resume.  Why wouldn't you take advantage of these opportunities?

We've barely finished two weeks of school, so rather than racing through your college applications, take a deep breath (and that includes mom and dad) and slow down.  Submit a thoughtful application, one that showcases your best self.  Regardless of the outcome, you will know that you did everything you can to gain admission.

Talking about the risks of campus life

If I had a nickel for every time I heard a parent say "That's not going to happen to my student," I could probably retire.  I've been a college counselor for too long however, and I know that things can in fact happen to "your student."

Perhaps that's why I appreciate the article "For Freshmen, Campus Life Poses New Risks."  Even the best of teenagers make mistakes sometimes, especially during the first weeks at college, and that's one of many reasons why it is so important to have an honest conversation with them before they go. Even more important, that conversation needs to continue, because as the article states, the research shows parents still have at least some influence over their children's decisions.

Use your influence while you can and start the conversation (long) before they go.

Change is in the air!

It's hard to believe that in just a few short weeks students and faculty will be returning to campus (we start school early in the South!).  Every new school year has its challenges, but for the Class of 2017, there are several changes that will impact their college admissions process.

I will address these changes one by one over the next few weeks, but today I want to talk about the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Beginning this school year, the FAFSA will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2016 rather than the traditional January 1.  Ideally families will be able to get their financial aid information much earlier, thus allowing them more time to compare financial aid packages.  At this point, we do not expect college application deadlines to change nor should you expect all colleges to make financial aid offers at the same time.  This is a new system and a new process, so most likely nothing will be uniform.

One of the major benefits of the earlier deadline is that families will be able to input their 2015-16 tax information rather than wait on their 2016-17 information.  That may not benefit everyone the same, but at least you will be able to use your completed tax info instead of speculating on what it might be.

For your information, I am attaching a fact sheet published by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), but we also hope you will join us for our Financial Aid Program on Monday, September 12 at 6:30.  Our speaker, Michael Morgan, Director of Financial Aid at Rhodes College, will go over the new FAFSA changes and answer your questions about the application process. We particularly hope that seniors and especially their parents will attend!

Stay tuned for more information regarding the FAFSA and other college application changes.

Summer Reading

These books may not be your typical beach read, but if you're looking for a few good educational books, I suggest you start with these three.

1.  Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni
2.  Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood by Lisa Damour
3.  There Is Life After College by Jeffrey J. Selingo

Don't fly through them; rather, let the ideas sink in and take root.

College Interviews

Before she headed into summer, a junior stopped by the other day to ask me about an upcoming college interview.  I think I covered most of the typical questions, but this article from Fastweb Scholarships, (if you're not following them on Twitter @PayingForSchool, you might want to start), lists not only the questions but also the rationale for asking and a suggested approach to each one.

Obviously you don't want to come off as having canned responses, but preparing and practicing ahead of time is a great idea.  You will become more comfortable talking about yourself and your goals, but it will also give you time to actually think about the most meaningful and insightful things you want to say.

Even if you don't have an interview scheduled soon, thoughtfully considering how you would answer the questions can help you when you're completing your application, and of course, it might be helpful for summer job interviews.

The Class of 2016

One of the GPS traditions I love the most is the posting of the Where O' Where's, otherwise known as the list of colleges that our seniors will attend. For some reason, once that list goes up, it suddenly seems real to the girls and to us.  Next fall the Class of 2016 will head off to some familiar schools like Tennessee, Georgia, Rhodes, Sewanee and Georgia Tech, but some of them will continue their education farther away, places like Santa Clara, Tulsa, and Evergreen State.

I read once that something strange happens to a graduating class as they are pulled in many different directions: friends move on and memories fade. But I've never found that to be true for GPS girls. For most, the friendships they have formed here last them a lifetime.  Our girls keep up these long-distance relationships and long after they graduate and start the next chapter of their lives, they remember Mr. Wells' rant in senior English, the AP Euro exam question about Dutch shipping, or the time they played "kick the shoe," and their shoes got stuck on the scoreboard.

Truth be told, I'm a little envious.  The Class of 2016 has received an amazing education (I really do believe I would have been a good math student had I attended GPS), and they will forever be connected by the friendships and they have formed and the experiences they have had.

It's an impressive group, the Class of '16.  I cannot wait to see what happens next.

A Kinder, Gentler College Admissions Process

You may or may not have heard about "Turning the Tide," a report published by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  Basically it says what we all know: the college admissions process has jumped the shark (my description, not theirs).  Some students are driving themselves to the brink with way too many AP classes and a list of activities that would put most of us in a hospital.  Enter "Turning the Tide." It recommends that students limit their APs and put more energy into meaningful contributions to others.  The report concludes that admissions offices should be encouraging young people "to become more generous and humane in ways that benefit not only society but students themselves."

On the surface it sounds wonderful!  But this opinion piece - The Myth of Kinder, Gentler College Admissions -  says it's just not going to happen.   I have to admit that I'm also skeptical.  I'd like to believe that AP courses won't be so important in the future, but I still have my doubts.  One thing is clear: the system needs to change.  It remains to be seen however, whether or not "Turning the Tide" will start a movement.

Don't be an idiot.

Acceptance letters in hand - and in some cases, decisions made - seniors have a tendency to think that the college process if finished.  They can now let their hair down, relax, chill...whatever they call it, they start taking everything a little less seriously.

Don't do it.

Don't be an idiot, as our friends in the Georgia Tech Admissions office explain in their blog.  If you must celebrate the end of your senior year by doing something risky or just plain stupid, don't post it on facebook, instagram, snapchat or twitter.  By all means don't do something so bad that your college counselor is compelled to report it to a college.  And keep studying.  They can - and will - rescind your admission is it gets too bad.  I've seen it happen to a GPS girl (and still have the letter to prove it), so don't let it happen to you.

Be smart. Make smart decisions.  We want to make sure you actually get to the college you have decided to call home.

Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored by Blood Assurance, the Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship is designed to give students a chance to receive a $1,500 scholarship towards their college tuition for the 2016-2017 school year. Financial need is a major consideration, as one of the primary goals of this scholarship is to help students who might not otherwise be able to make it without this assistance. 

In an effort to provide as much opportunity as possible to your students, Blood Assurance is extending the application deadline this year.   All applications must now be postmarked or submitted online by Friday, April 15.

Please follow this link for the application and more information.

Purgatory aka the Waitlist

What is it about humans?  Why do we always want what we cannot have? Or in the case of the college wait list, why do we focus on the school that waitlisted us rather than on the colleges that accepted us?

My colleague and I have been discussing this very issue today.  We have a few students who have been admitted to some top-notch schools, yet they are singularly focused on the schools that have "offered" them a spot on their waiting lists, as if that is some sort of prize.  "Congratulations, Mary. We can't admit you, but we're not denying you either.  Just hang in there, and we will let you know something in late May or early June." In the meantime, Mary has to put down a deposit somewhere else and then lose that money should the school change its mind.

I understand why colleges have to have a waiting list, but for students, it's an uncomfortable place to be.  Personally I would rather my girls move forward with other plans.  There are colleges that wanted them enough to say YES the first time, so why waste their time on schools that couldn't quite make up their minds?

So here's my advice: instead of pining away for a school that has you in waitlist purgatory, take one of those other schools up on its offer.  Put your energy into making a home for yourself at that school and don't look back.

Sometimes Plan B is where you were meant to be all along.

For parents of seniors (and juniors and sophomores and everyone)

"...college acceptances have nothing, or little, to do with your parenting."

This is only one of many memorable quotes from the article "March Madness," and I highly recommend that all parents read it, especially parents of seniors who are waiting for the last of the decisions to arrive.

As we have said many times, the college process is not about us (i.e. parents, counselors, teachers, and schools).  It is about the young men and women who, as Madeline Levine describes, are "moving toward one of the greatest transitions in their lives." This road to college belongs to them, and the best response to their eventual college choice should be a hearty and heart-felt congratulations on a job well done.

I do not yet know where all our students will end up next fall, but I know that come May 2 (the common reply date), we will joyously celebrate with all of them, no matter the college they choose. They deserve nothing less from all of us.

Campus Pride hosts #LGBTQCollege411 National Online Fair

Thursday March 17, 2016 Chat with College Reps from: 3:00pm - 9:00pm EST Live Google+ Hangout 4:00pm EST

Campus Pride hosts #LGBTQCollege411 National Online College Fair on Thurs, March 17 highlighting LGBTQ-friendly colleges and scholarships

The fair is free to youth and families highlighting LGBTQ-friendly colleges, scholarships and college prep resources. Fair attendees may win up to $5000 in prizes. Register online atCampusPride.org/CollegeFair .    This year the online fair includes 50+ colleges including Columbia College Chicago, New York University, Ohio University, Drexel University, Gustavus Adolphus College Georgia Tech, University of Pennsylvania and more.  Throughout the year, Campus Pride also provides the Campus Pride Index free online resource at CampusPrideIndex.org. The index shares profiles and ratings of 200+ LGBTQ-friendly schools along with a searchable scholarship database.

Scholarship from the BBB

This scholarship was first posted in early February, but I don't want it to get lost in the shuffle.  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gave away ten $1,000 awards last year, so this year you might be a winner!

The Better Business Bureau is offering a $1,000 scholarship based on leadership, community service, and academics.  A couple of GPS girls have won this in the past, but you won't win if you don't enter!

In addition to the application, you will need to provide:

• 500 word essay on “The Importance of Ethics in Business and our Community”
• Extra-Curricular Activities
• Current transcript
• College Plans and Proposed Major Information

 Please have your completed application to Mrs. Haley by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 6.  

Don't forget: stop by College Guidance for the application and more info!

And one more scholarship from AlphaCard

For this $1,000 scholarship, students are required to submit a 350-400 word essay on the following topic.

"What would you argue are the two most important measures schools or universities can implement to improve campus safety?"

The majority of school campuses in the U.S. have implemented security measures to ensure the safety of students and faculty. We want to hear from you on the subject — what measures would you institute to augment safety?

Deadline: July 1, 2016 by 5 pm Pacific Standard Time. See the AlphaCard website for more details.

The 2016 Aspiring Nurse Scholarship

Nursing Schools Almanac has just launched its second annual Aspiring Nurse Scholarship. Our website will award a $1,000 scholarship to an aspiring nurse who best demonstrates:

+ A track record of academic excellence, particularly in science and mathematics

+ A passion for the nursing profession and the overall field of healthcare

This scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to pursue college education in nursing, including LPN / LVN, ADN, and BSN programs. Scholarship applications will be accepted until midnight on June 30, 2016.

For more information and the application, click here.

Love History? Here's a scholarship for you!

The deadline is approaching quickly, but if you love to write, you might consider submitting an essay for the Facing History Together Student Essay Contest.  This contest invites students to reflect on the themes, characters, and settings from the classic American novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

The top prize is $2,500, but there are several smaller awards as well.  Your 500 word essay is due March 16, so start writing!

ETSU local open house features President Brian Noland!

East Tennessee State University is hosting a local reception on Monday, March 14 from 5:30 - 7 pm at the Embassy Suites Hamilton Place during which current juniors will have an opportunity to hear firsthand, from President Noland, about the exciting changes that are taking place in Johnson City.  ETSU should be a on the radar of students interested in nursing, pharmacy and other health-care fields, business, and the arts.  The Honors College offers excellent scholarship opportunities, which combined with ETSU's in-state estimated COA (cost of attendance) of $16,000 presents a very affordable option.  Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 9.

Parents: Are you ready for the college process?

Forbes.com recently posted an article written by a colleague of mine. Titled "Take the PSAT: Parent Student Assistance Test," it is a short quiz designed to see how prepared parents are for the college process. One question, however, particularly caught my eye because parents often struggle with the idea. To paraphrase question #6, "How will you react when you hear that another student - your neighbor, your best friend's son, or even someone you barely know - gets in and your daughter doesn't?

College admissions is rife with rumors.  Mary got into Georgia, and her ACT was lower than my daughter's.  My dentist's son was admitted to Vanderbilt, but his GPA and test scores are so much lower than my daughter's best friend.  I heard that a student at another high school got in because she insisted on an interview.  The rumors go on and on and on.

The reality is that you will never know all the details.  As the author of the article states, unless you were on the admissions committee, you do not know why a student was accepted or rejected.  In fact, in most cases you don't actually know another student's GPA or test scores; you only know what someone else told you they were.  News flash: people will fudge on those numbers. You also haven't read the essays or the recommendations, and you don't necessarily know what the college is looking for (more boys? more language majors? more cellists?). Yes, someone with lower test scores might have have been admitted when your child wasn't, but you will never know the real reason. Frustrating, isn't it?  I know it is, but as one highly selective college dean once told me, "College admissions is not a meritocracy."

Maybe the real frustration is that as parents, you don't have control over the admissions process.  You can help your daughter choose what you think are the right classes or the right activities, help her polish her interview skills or write a professional resume, enroll her in a test prep class, but once the application is submitted, you have no control over the outcome.

The bottom line is this.  Instead of trying to make herself into what she believes a college is looking for, your daughter will be much better served if she is her best self and then looks for a college that will appreciate her for who she truly is.  And then as hard as it may be, ignore the gossip.

Got An "A" in Algebra? That's Worth $120....

Raise Me is new way of accumulating micro scholarships from ninth grade on for academic and extracurricular achievements.  Every single GPS student should create a free, online account which rewards current successes while introducing students to over 130 participating colleges.  Raise Me was recently featured in the New York Times  and is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Join Raise Me and watch scholarship dollars add up!

An exciting new summer opportunity from Sewanee

The summer Sewanee Bridge Program has been redesigned and now includes a three-week head program for students interested in the healthcare or science professions.  Here are just a few details:

• The program will take place June 12-July 2, 206, on the University of the South campus.
• The $1575 cost covers tuition, room and board, plus field trips.  Limited financial aid is available for those who qualify.
• The healthcare track includes coursework in neuroscience, molecular science, calculus, and statistics.
• The field science track includes coursework in ecology, biodiversity, population and environment demographics, calculus, and statistics.

Applications are due April 15.

The Sewanee Bridge Pre-Health and Field Science Program is an excellent one, and we encourage those of you who are looking for this kind of summer experience to consider applying.

Scholarship Possibilities

1.  Each year, the Cindy Monroe Values & Vision Scholarship honors a girl in the Chattanooga area who embodies Cindy Monroe's core values of building relationships, leadership, and community involvement.  The chosen applicant will receive an annual $3,100 scholarships, totaling $12,400 over four years.

Students must have a GPS of 3.0 or higher and must attend a two or four year college as full time student.  For more information and the application, visit www.thirtyonegives.org/scholarship.  The deadline is March 1, 2016.

2.  The National Catholic College Admission Association (National CCAA) is offering a $1,000 scholarship for students who plan on attending one of their institutions.  This scholarship is awarded to eight high school seniors from various geographic regions.

The application is brief and will only take a few minutes to complete.  The deadline to apply is March 17.  Details regarding the scholarship and application procedures can be found here.

3.  We also just found out about this one.  For the second year, The Atlantic and the College Board are sponsoring a scholarship, and this time they are looking for essays that "insightfully analyze and interpret" a meaningful piece of art.  This one is sure to be competitive, but I believe we have some outstanding writers who could win. The essay is due by February 28, so check out the details here.

More Summer Opportunities

If you are looking for something interesting (and even a little outside-the-box) this summer, consider one of the follow summer programs.

• The Sewanee Environmental Institute (SEI) - If you are passionate about the outdoors and interested in advancing your knowledge/skills in the study of the environment, consider this program for rising juniors and seniors.
• The New England Center for Investigative Reporting, based at Boston University's School of Communication, is once again offering an Investigative Journalism Workshop. 
• Another unique opportunity is the Grab the Torch Summer Institute.   Students have the opportunity to interact with philanthropic leaders, gain an understanding of their personal values, challenge their leadership skills through outdoor adventure and build lasting friendships.  If you might be interested, please let me know so that we can nominate you for this program.
• Closer to home, check out the Tennessee Aquarium's CLAW Camp (Conservation Leadership in Action Week) or the Summer Camp Volunteer program (applications should be available on the aquarium website this month).  There is also a year long youth volunteer program at the Aquarium (nine hours - two 4.5 hour shifts per month).

Summer Travel Opportunities

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on those accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one's lifetime."    - Mark Twain

I agree with Mr. Twain! For the last three years, students from GPS and McCallie have spent two weeks each summer,  living with German students and their families near Dusseldorf.  As part of that trip they have visited some of the country's most historic sites, but more important, they trip has opened their eyes to a wider world, and in many cases, they have made life-long friends.  Just what Mark Twain was talking about!

Open to rising 10th-12th graders, any students who are interested in the Germany trip should see me as soon as possible, but that's not the only opportunity for travel.  The Experiment in International Living offers a number of summer travel programs, and some financial aid is also available.  For more information, visit https://www.experiment.org.

Interested in learning another language but can't travel this summer? Consider attending the Federal Service Language Academy at the University of North Georgia. Students can choose from Arabic, Chinese, Russian, German, Korean, Japanese, French, or Portuguese. You can find more information here.

Takeaways from Sophomore College Program

On Monday evening, parents of sophomore gathered to learn and understand more about the college process.  If you were unable to attend - or even if you were in attendance - here are five takeaways we hope you will keep in mind.

1.  Your daughter is going to get into college.  In fact, there are many colleges and universities out there that will be happy to accept her.

2.  We firmly believe there is a school for everyone, but it pays - sometimes literally - to think outside the box. While we know most girls will start with the familiar names, be willing to look at schools that don't have that name recognition. Schools like Quinnipiac, Millsaps, Gettysburg, Whitman, Hendrix, or the University of Arkansas or Kansas are worth your consideration.

3.  There are a number of extracurricular options available too.  The ACE mentor program is an outstanding option for girls who are interested in engineering or architecture.  One GPS senior recently won an ACE scholarship too.  Girls interested in business/entrepreneurship can intern with LampPost or participate in the 24 hour incubator through Mad, Bad, and Dangerous.  Research opportunities at UTC are available two afternoons a week, and girls interested in government, education, or women's issues should see Mrs. Mines about opportunities available in the Mayor's office.  In-school options are great, but you can also expand your horizons by leaving campus.

4.  You'll drive yourself crazy trying to be what you think a particular college wants you to be.  Just be your best self, and there will plenty of colleges that will come looking for you.  You'll be happier with the results that way.

5.  Your daughter is applying to college.  You are not.  Don't forget that this is her process, so encourage her to take ownership of it.

Better Business Bureau Scholarship

The Better Business Bureau is offering a $1,000 scholarship based on leadership, community service, and academics.  A couple of GPS girls have won this in the past, but you won't win if you don't enter!

In addition to the application, you will need to provide:

• 500 word essay on “The Importance of Ethics in Business and our Community”
• Extra-Curricular Activities
• Current transcript
• College Plans and Proposed Major Information

 Please have your completed application to Mrs. Haley by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 6.  

Don't forget: stop by College Guidance for the application and more info!

The Crushing Culture of Expectations

In light of yesterday's post on expectations, this article - The Crushing Culture of Parental Expectations - seems very timely.  As you begin to seriously consider your child's college plans, this is a good starting point.http://bit.ly/1Pbqbe9

Expectations

"My daughter wants to be a doctor; she just doesn't know it yet," exclaimed a parent sitting in my office.

As parents, we want the best for our children.  We want to know that they will be able to get an education, support themselves, provide for their future families, and enjoy retirement one day.  So it is no wonder that we develop certain desires or expectations for them, expectations that often go far beyond what we were able to do ourselves.  Problems arise, however, when those goals have more to do with us than they do with our children.

I know this story firsthand. Because I was unable to finish my master's degree,  I was adamant that my own daughter pursue her master's degree and PhD.  Even more important, every time she mentioned wanting to be a teacher, I frowned and pointed out all the other paths she might take instead.  Looking back on it now, I realize that my concern regarding her career path was much more about me than it was about her.

After several years of working on the student affairs side of higher education, last August she finally got her dream job teaching high school history.  She knew better than I what she wanted, and more important, she knew she had the talent to be an excellent teacher.  I've never seen her happier! Why did I ever doubt her?

So as I begin my junior conferences this spring and listen to parents discuss where they want their daughters to go, what they want them to study, or what career they should pursue, I can't help but wonder.  Is that dream school their daughter's, or is it theirs?  Is the bumper sticker for bragging rights in the coffee klatsch or at the cocktail party? Does she really want to be a doctor?

Many years ago a parent did make the statement "my daughter wants to be a doctor, but she just doesn't know it yet," but I am quite happy to report that the young woman did not go to medical school.  Like my daughter, she pursued her own dream career and created her own goals and expectations.  I hope all my students will be that lucky.

Church's Chicken Scholars Program

If you live in Tennessee or Georgia and have a minimum 2.7 GPA, you qualify for this scholarship. Financial need is not a criteria for this one time $1,000 award.  For more information and the application, go https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/churchsscholars/

The deadline is February 15, 2016.

Ned McWherter Scholarship for TN high school seniors

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

To be eligible, seniors must:

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

The application must be accompanied by an official high school transcript and an official ACT/SAT score.  

To access the application, go to:

TSAC student portal
and click on the on-line application button at the top of the page.

Funds are limited, so complete your application as soon as possible. All applications are due by February 16.

Summer Programs at Duke and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Spaces Filling Quickly! Apply Now for your Summer at Duke University!
Here at Duke we have been accepting applications since December and we are receiving more applications even earlier this year than last.  We encourage you to apply for Duke Summer College for High School Students (grades 10 & 11) to earn academic credit, or Duke Summer Academy for High School Students (grades 9-12) for personal enrichment early while there is still room in the program of your choice. 

The PREFACE Summer Program 2016 is a two-week residential summer experience for talented high school sophomores and juniors who will enter 11th or 12th grade in September 2016, from groups that have been historically and traditionally underrepresented or underserved in science, engineering, and technological fields, and are interested in pursuing careers in engineering and technological professions.

To qualify, applicants must be entering the 11th or 12th grade in September, 2016.  The PREFACE Selection Committee will review each application and make its recommendation to the Project Director. Criteria are high school academic performance, standardized test scores, quality of essay, and recommendations. The program is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.

The deadline is March 25, 2016. Applications will not be accepted after that date. Annually, the number of applicants far exceeds available funding. The maximum number of participants for 2016 is 24. Completed applications and supporting documents should be sent to:

The PREFACE Application form may be found here http://www.rpi.edu/dept/doso/resources/precollege/docs/2016PREFACEapplication.pdf.