School Counseling News
Choosing a College or University
Next week, the juniors and seniors will begin the season of on-campus college visits. High school visits from college and university admission representatives are common practice at many schools around the globe. Students attending these visits will benefit from the opportunity to:
1. Meet face-to-face with a rep and ask specific questions, instead of by email, chat, or websites.
2. In most cases, the reps are admission officers from the college, so students have a unique opportunity to make contact with a person who may be evaluating their application in the future.
3. Have a specific contact at the college to whom they can send questions.
4. Let the college or university know they are seriously interested.
5. Learn about a new college or university not previously considered.
These visits, among other resources, help students learn about and eventually choose the schools that best fit their needs.The article below, from a fellow counseling colleague, shares additional considerations for Choosing Colleges That Want You.
Choosing the right college can be a difficult and daunting task. It is a journey that can take years to finish. But, what is the “right college”? Is it a college that your parents went to? Is it a college that everyone is talking about? Is it a college with a particular label and noteworthy reputation? Is it a college that is financially affordable? As college counselors, we challenge students to look at a number of these things. We want students to go into the college application process wide-eyed and ready to select schools that are the right fit, but there are a number of factors at play. For many students and parents, the journey begins and ends with selecting only those schools that you know. This could result in an unfulfilling and ineffective method of applying.
It is important to break down the process of selecting a good fit by doing research. Doing the research on colleges will allow you and your parents to gain the critical aspects of not just getting accepted, but also if the school will truly be the right fit for you. So, here are a few factors to consider when selecting where to apply:
Academic Fit:
Is this school the right academic fit? Do the research in books, online and through Naviance. Match your own statistics with those that are within the range of the college. For example, if the college that you are interested in has a GPA (Grade Point Average) range of 3.6– 3.8 and your own GPA is at a 3.0, it is a safe bet that you are out of range for that school. The same goes for the average SAT or ACT scores.
If the average ACT is between a 29 – 31 and your ACT is a 25, you are again out of range. Falling below the average ranges for a school would make you a reach candidate, which means the chances, statistically, for you to be accepted are very low.
Not to say that you should only apply to schools that are within your range, but a prudent and more effective applicant will select just a couple of reach schools. The idea is to look at a school that is probable, likely or a target. These likely schools are schools that match your academic range.
Remember that almost every college has a limited number of spaces for their incoming freshmen class. In most cases, 40% of the class is
already filled by the time you submit an application. These spaces are already earmarked for recruited athletes, under represented students, legacy applicants, development cases, etc. So, you are competing for a smaller section of the class than you even considered.
It also makes for a less stressful and more successful application process if you choose a few schools that are considered safety schools or probable fits. The chances of acceptance at a school where you exceed the averages for GPA and test scores is a worthwhile application to
submit.
Researching Other Factors:
Many students dream big when selecting a school. For example, they may have spent every Saturday during the college football season cheering for Notre Dame.
When it comes time to apply to a school, The University of Notre Dame is at the top of the list. Also, students have seen pictures of University of Pennsylvania or have heard the stories of the successes of those you attended Stanford and believe that based on those factors, they will also apply to those schools. There are many more factors to consider. Know other elements and characteristics of the college by researching the college before applying.
Remember to guide your thinking towards which school you will have the greatest chance of acceptance. Consider a school that wants you to be a part of their community. The goal should be to apply to and attend a college where you will be a contributing factor. Look for a school where you believe that you can do your best work for four years and be successfully engaged in student activities and academic life. Demonstrate interest in schools that you feel you will belong and who will be excited to have you as a part of their incoming class.
Article by Dee Dee Sanders, Glendale Preparatory Academy
Choosing a College or University
Next week, the juniors and seniors will begin the season of on-campus college visits. High school visits from college and university admission representatives are common practice at many schools around the globe. Students attending these visits will benefit from the opportunity to:
1. Meet face-to-face with a rep and ask specific questions, instead of by email, chat, or websites.
2. In most cases, the reps are admission officers from the college, so students have a unique opportunity to make contact with a person who may be evaluating their application in the future.
3. Have a specific contact at the college to whom they can send questions.
4. Let the college or university know they are seriously interested.
5. Learn about a new college or university not previously considered.
These visits, among other resources, help students learn about and eventually choose the schools that best fit their needs.The article below, from a fellow counseling colleague, shares additional considerations for Choosing Colleges That Want You.
Choosing the right college can be a difficult and daunting task. It is a journey that can take years to finish. But, what is the “right college”? Is it a college that your parents went to? Is it a college that everyone is talking about? Is it a college with a particular label and noteworthy reputation? Is it a college that is financially affordable? As college counselors, we challenge students to look at a number of these things. We want students to go into the college application process wide-eyed and ready to select schools that are the right fit, but there are a number of factors at play. For many students and parents, the journey begins and ends with selecting only those schools that you know. This could result in an unfulfilling and ineffective method of applying.
It is important to break down the process of selecting a good fit by doing research. Doing the research on colleges will allow you and your parents to gain the critical aspects of not just getting accepted, but also if the school will truly be the right fit for you. So, here are a few factors to consider when selecting where to apply:
Academic Fit:
Is this school the right academic fit? Do the research in books, online and through Naviance. Match your own statistics with those that are within the range of the college. For example, if the college that you are interested in has a GPA (Grade Point Average) range of 3.6– 3.8 and your own GPA is at a 3.0, it is a safe bet that you are out of range for that school. The same goes for the average SAT or ACT scores.
If the average ACT is between a 29 – 31 and your ACT is a 25, you are again out of range. Falling below the average ranges for a school would make you a reach candidate, which means the chances, statistically, for you to be accepted are very low.
Not to say that you should only apply to schools that are within your range, but a prudent and more effective applicant will select just a couple of reach schools. The idea is to look at a school that is probable, likely or a target. These likely schools are schools that match your academic range.
Remember that almost every college has a limited number of spaces for their incoming freshmen class. In most cases, 40% of the class is
already filled by the time you submit an application. These spaces are already earmarked for recruited athletes, under represented students, legacy applicants, development cases, etc. So, you are competing for a smaller section of the class than you even considered.
It also makes for a less stressful and more successful application process if you choose a few schools that are considered safety schools or probable fits. The chances of acceptance at a school where you exceed the averages for GPA and test scores is a worthwhile application to
submit.
Researching Other Factors:
Many students dream big when selecting a school. For example, they may have spent every Saturday during the college football season cheering for Notre Dame.
When it comes time to apply to a school, The University of Notre Dame is at the top of the list. Also, students have seen pictures of University of Pennsylvania or have heard the stories of the successes of those you attended Stanford and believe that based on those factors, they will also apply to those schools. There are many more factors to consider. Know other elements and characteristics of the college by researching the college before applying.
Remember to guide your thinking towards which school you will have the greatest chance of acceptance. Consider a school that wants you to be a part of their community. The goal should be to apply to and attend a college where you will be a contributing factor. Look for a school where you believe that you can do your best work for four years and be successfully engaged in student activities and academic life. Demonstrate interest in schools that you feel you will belong and who will be excited to have you as a part of their incoming class.
Article by Dee Dee Sanders, Glendale Preparatory Academy
Colleges Visiting Campus Next Week
9/22 @ 9:15am – Global Study UK mini fair: Leeds Metropolitan University, University of West of Scotland, University of Bolton, INTO University of East Anglia, Richmond, The American University in London, De Montfort University, American College of Greece, Study Group (foundation and international year one at Sussex, Surrey, Kingston, Lancaster, Huddersfield, Lincoln, Keele, Strathclyde, etc.), Navitas (foundation and undergraduate first year at Brunel, Plymouth, Swansea, Robert Gordon, Hertfordshire, Anglia Ruskin, etc.), INTO University partnerships (foundation and international diploma at Newcastle, City, Exeter, Manchester, Manchester Met, Stirling, Glasgow Caledonian, East Anglia), International Horizon College Dubai
9/22 @ 12:40pm- University of St. Andrew’s
9/25 @ 11:15am – University of California schools mini fair: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara
Grade Level Info
Senior Info (grade 12): ---Save-the-Date for---Senior College Night on Monday, September 29th from 6:15pm – 7:30pm. This evening presentation will include an overview of the application timeline as well as a breakdown of the responsibility with submitting and completing application components. Senior Year Timeline
Click here for Junior Info (grade 11): Junior Year Timeline
Sophomore Info (grade 10): Sophomore Year Timeline
Freshman Info (grade 9): Freshman Year Timeline
9/22 @ 9:15am – Global Study UK mini fair: Leeds Metropolitan University, University of West of Scotland, University of Bolton, INTO University of East Anglia, Richmond, The American University in London, De Montfort University, American College of Greece, Study Group (foundation and international year one at Sussex, Surrey, Kingston, Lancaster, Huddersfield, Lincoln, Keele, Strathclyde, etc.), Navitas (foundation and undergraduate first year at Brunel, Plymouth, Swansea, Robert Gordon, Hertfordshire, Anglia Ruskin, etc.), INTO University partnerships (foundation and international diploma at Newcastle, City, Exeter, Manchester, Manchester Met, Stirling, Glasgow Caledonian, East Anglia), International Horizon College Dubai
9/22 @ 12:40pm- University of St. Andrew’s
9/25 @ 11:15am – University of California schools mini fair: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara
Grade Level Info
Senior Info (grade 12): ---Save-the-Date for---Senior College Night on Monday, September 29th from 6:15pm – 7:30pm. This evening presentation will include an overview of the application timeline as well as a breakdown of the responsibility with submitting and completing application components. Senior Year Timeline
Click here for Junior Info (grade 11): Junior Year Timeline
Sophomore Info (grade 10): Sophomore Year Timeline
Freshman Info (grade 9): Freshman Year Timeline
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to our new academic year 2014-2015. This year is a very exciting one as we are preparing our first cohort of students for the IB Diploma programme.
I would like to invite all the parents of our new IB Diploma students to an information evening session. I am quite aware of the fact that this might be a very new programme to you and you have a lot of queries. This information session will take place on Monday the 22nd September at 6 pm in the school auditorium. I would appreciate it if you could confirm your attendance by email.
If the returning parents want to attend this meeting, you are most welcome.
Looking forward to seeing all of you on Monday
Kind Regards
Jaimala
IBDP Coordinator
[email protected]
Welcome back to our new academic year 2014-2015. This year is a very exciting one as we are preparing our first cohort of students for the IB Diploma programme.
I would like to invite all the parents of our new IB Diploma students to an information evening session. I am quite aware of the fact that this might be a very new programme to you and you have a lot of queries. This information session will take place on Monday the 22nd September at 6 pm in the school auditorium. I would appreciate it if you could confirm your attendance by email.
If the returning parents want to attend this meeting, you are most welcome.
Looking forward to seeing all of you on Monday
Kind Regards
Jaimala
IBDP Coordinator
[email protected]
Spring Break International Travel Update
Dear Secondary Parents,
Spring Break deposits must be in by September 29th to secure your spot on one of trips.
1st week of Spring Break for Grades 7-12
Kenya: 10% by September 29th and 40% by October 20th
Nepal: 10% by September 29th and 40% by October 20th
Romania: 10% by September 29th and 40% by October 20th
2nd week of Spring Break for Grades 9-12:
Switzerland: 40% deposit by September 29th and copy of visa photo page and residency visa
THESE PAYMENT MUST BE MADE BY CASH OR CHEQUE TO THE SCHOOL ACCOUNTS OFFICE
Any questions or concerns please contact Joanna Ruderman [email protected]
Dear Secondary Parents,
Spring Break deposits must be in by September 29th to secure your spot on one of trips.
1st week of Spring Break for Grades 7-12
Kenya: 10% by September 29th and 40% by October 20th
Nepal: 10% by September 29th and 40% by October 20th
Romania: 10% by September 29th and 40% by October 20th
2nd week of Spring Break for Grades 9-12:
Switzerland: 40% deposit by September 29th and copy of visa photo page and residency visa
THESE PAYMENT MUST BE MADE BY CASH OR CHEQUE TO THE SCHOOL ACCOUNTS OFFICE
Any questions or concerns please contact Joanna Ruderman [email protected]
Don't Forget!
Monday 22nd September - GAAPA General Meeting 8am Auditorium
Monday 22nd September - IBDP Information Evening 6pm Auditorium
Monday 22nd September - Community Planetarium Event 6pm
Wednesday 24th September - Community Planetarium Event 6pm
Thursday 25th September - Professional Development for Teachers - School closes at 12pm
Monday 29th September - Senior College Night - 6.15pm Auditorium
Monday 22nd September - GAAPA General Meeting 8am Auditorium
Monday 22nd September - IBDP Information Evening 6pm Auditorium
Monday 22nd September - Community Planetarium Event 6pm
Wednesday 24th September - Community Planetarium Event 6pm
Thursday 25th September - Professional Development for Teachers - School closes at 12pm
Monday 29th September - Senior College Night - 6.15pm Auditorium