What Counselors Want to Say to Students

This post may be a little self-serving, but with our first deadline approaching (October 15), students and adults start to get a little crazy.  That's why I think this note from Patrick O'Connor, Director of College Counseling at The Roeper School in Detroit, Michigan, is a valuable one to read. 

There are many people who are supporting you, the student, through the process - your parents, your teachers, and your college counselor.  Writing a recommendation takes time, and due to the different deadlines students have, your letter may not get written first.  You can be sure of one thing, however. We've never missed a deadline, and we won't miss yours. 

You also need to realize that just because you submitted your application at 9:05pm, that doesn't mean it will show up in the college's data base at 9:06.  Likewise, they may have the transcript that we sent on a Monday, but it may not show up in their system until Thursday.  Your test scores are not usually submitted overnight either.  It can take several weeks for your ACT scores to make their way to their college destination. These things take time, and in a world that is accustomed to immediate gratification, the college process doesn't necessarily follow your timeline.

So take a deep breath. If you really are concerned that something is missing, first check Naviance to see if your transcript has indeed been submitted.  It will tell you.  If it has been sent, then trust us. The school has it, and we have a confirmation number to prove it.  If something is missing from your college file (you know, when you check your application status on-line), come see your counselor before you assume the worst.  If necessary, we will call and confirm that your file is complete.

And finally, at some point this semester, thank your teacher for writing such a beautiful recommendation about you.  They care very much about your college search and want to do right by you.   So stop and say thanks!

Essay Tips

We've posted essay advice before, but it never hurts to be reminded of a few things, and these tips are as good as any.  Sometimes I think students try so hard to write the perfect essay (or the perfect angel essay, as the author describes it), that it is not very authentic.  It's more about who they want to be - or what they think the college wants to hear - rather then who they really are. 

To get started, the writer suggests you interview other people who know you well - parents, grandparents, friends, even teachers - and ask them what they know about you.  They may remember experiences that you have forgotten all about, or they may be able to recall events that help you illustrate your ideas.  They just can't write the essay for you!

You could also try an exercise we did at application boot camp this year.  Using lots of colored markers and crayons, we asked each student to draw a big picture of herself and then begin listing adjectives, holidays, people, vacations, memories...anything they could think of off the picture. They also talked to the people next to them to get ideas, but the end result was some possible essay topics.  Come to think about it, it was kind of like interviewing yourself, and for some students, it worked. 

Just remember girls, you're not trying to write the next great American novel. It's only an essay, and as long as you stay true to yourself, it will be good.

Time Management Tips

Most of us complain that there is simply not enough time in the day to do everything we need to do.  Sometimes we don't know how to prioritize, and sometimes we don't know how to say "no."  We think we have to do it all, but in reality, we don't.  Whether you are in high school, college or the working world, these five tips for managing your time might help you become more organized and more efficient.

The one I like best is "plan time to relax."  Maybe you just need to take a short break, get up from your desk, and move around. Likewise, perhaps you need to put the books down and think about nothing at all for a few minutes, and I don't mean spend that free time staring at an iPad, your phone or television.  Get up,  drink a glass of water, eat some fruit or go outside.  Give your eyes and your brain some rest!

One other thought that particularly applies to high school students.  You know you don't have to join every club in high school.  If you don't have enough time to attend the meetings, then no matter how interested you may be, those clubs become resume fillers.  College knows when you've overextended yourself, so instead, choose the activities you really care about and contribute to those in a meaningful way.  Not only will that be more impressive, but it will be more rewarding for you.

 

The value of being on your own

One of our alums recently emailed us with this advice for seniors:

     "The thing I was most nervous about coming to college was meeting people. I've met most of my friends from classes, and from just hanging out on campus. Do not sit in your dorm room. If you a re bored, go walk around campus, hang out in the student center, or go to the rec center and play volleyball. The thing I've loved about being on such a big campus is that there is always something going on. There are tons of clubs, churches, and volunteer opportunities that I would encourage you to check out as well."

I admit that I too urge students to put themselves out there when they get to college.  "Leave your door open," I say. "Having music blaring is a good way to get people to stop by."  But some people really do like to be alone sometimes, and there's nothing wrong with that.  I happen to be one of those people, and this college freshman reminded of how important that time can be. Yes, you should look for some extracurricular activity when you get to college, and you should go out to eat with other students occasionally.  And sometimes you have to initiate the interaction!  But if you are one of those people who also need to be alone sometimes (and that's the operative word), that's okay too.

How to Match Your Common Application with Naviance

Seniors: Before we can electronically send your transcripts and recommendations to colleges, you must first match your Common Application with your Naviance account.  For a quick how-to video, check out  http://vimeo.com/73384070. It will only take you a minute to watch it!

 

Are relationships difficult for ambitious young women?

According to this article in USA Today, "women earn about 60% of all bachelor's degrees, get better grades than their male peers and have even regained all the jobs they lost during the Great Recession." So perhaps it is no wonder than relationships can be strained - even disintegrate - as a result.  There are many interesting questions to ponder here: Is there a direct correlation between a person's professional goals and their relationships, as one student suggests?  Is it really more difficult for men to see their partners succeed at a higher rate? How closely linked are ambition and romance?

I don't believe this is exactly new news, but as women become more and more successful, perhaps it is more and more of a problem.  Many books and articles I've read over the last few years seem to suggest that is true.  So what, if anything, can be done about it?  It's good food for thought.

SunTrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes

Here's another scholarship opportunity for seniors that shouldn't be missed! It too may be a long shot, but it won't hurt to try.

It's free to enter, and eligibility is not based on GPA or financial need.  There are fifteen chances to win with one winner chosen every two weeks from October to May.  You can only enter once for each drawing, but you can register after each completed drawing for the next one.  Certain state and school restrictions may apply, but check it out.

For complete details and to enter, visit :

https://www.suntrusteducation.com/ScholarshipSweepstakes/index.html

Good luck!!!