You’ve submitted your college applications, now what?
January 16th, 2017At this time of year, high school seniors are often feeling anxious while awaiting admission decisions. The time between submitting applications and receiving a decision can feel like the world’s longest game of waiting. Students often think they have done all they can do, and that it may be a time to lay back and wait. We are here to say that the steps you take now could still help you get to the end goal of acceptance.
An essential part to this process is for students to continue reflecting and learning about the colleges to which they’ve applied. When admission decisions finally roll in, we want you to feel confident and ready to commit to the school of your choice.
Seniors must continue to monitor the progress of their application status. Midyear grades will need to be reviewed by most universities, so make sure to remind (and thank!) your school counselor. No one wants this more than you, so keep that in mind when working towards your goal of being accepted to the school you want.
Seniors should also keep up their meaningful interactions with the schools to which they’ve applied. Most universities find this an important aspect of the application status. Of course there are some exceptions, and writer Zach Miners expands on this topic in the US News article linked below. Please take the time to read it. Although not new, it’s every bit as useful today as when originally published.
Article published on January 11. 2010
Written by: Zach Miners
For most students applying on regular deadlines, the college application season has ended. But just because your applications are sent out, that doesn’t necessarily mean your work trying to get accepted at your favorite school is over. Counselors and admissions officers at schools across the country say there are still some things you can do to get an edge, as long as you don’t go overboard.”Most students feel that once the application is submitted, that’s it,” says Eric Greenberg, founder and director of the advising and tutoring firm Greenberg Educational Group. “But the reality is that colleges are often very receptive to getting additional information later on.”
One remaining task, which many students are already aware of, is to follow up with senior grades and additional test scores. In turn, it’s important to be in regular contact with your high school guidance counselor and not to assume that he or she will send out the scores on your behalf, say officials at St. Michael’s College, a Catholic liberal arts school in Vermont. “If the college you are hoping to get into wants to see your progress, it is your responsibility to show them,” says admission director Jacqueline Murphy.
Read more at US News >>Tagged: Admission decision, Applications, College
Freshman Files: First year at a public flagship university
January 9th, 2017We love this season, as last year’s high school graduates begin to share thoughts about their transition to college. We’re especially interested when students tell us about ups and downs, as we know that every student experiences both. Their reflections on what has been challenging and how they’re achieving success can be enormously helpful to students still contemplating college choices.
Although many Shrop Ed students strike out far from home for college studies, in some cases the best fit is right around the corner. Our first college report of 2017 comes from Maya J., a first-year student at the University of Kentucky, who comments on the initiative required to make social connections in such a large community and the importance of strong study skills and a serious work ethic:
“I had a pretty good first semester at UK … ultimately, I ended up enjoying it very much and am eager to go back to campus. I think so far the most challenging thing for me has been meeting new people. On such a large campus, it’s unlikely you’ll see the same people again unless you really make an effort to, so that has been one of my biggest issues. Fortunately, I do have many friends from (high school), so I have still been having a good time.
My first semester classes were not too bad, but I definitely know how to do better for next semester. It is very easy to procrastinate and study less for things than you should, so I now know what I need to do to get the grades that I am wanting. I’d say that for anyone who is enrolling in a university, it is important that they realize how self-motivated you have to be. I could see it being very difficult for people who were not motivated in high school. The professors really want you to do well, so they give you many opportunities to boost your grade through extra credit, and even some retake exams.”
We asked a follow-up question, curious to know Maya’s favorite class, and received this reply:
“My favorite class was the Islamic Civilizations class that I took for my humanities credit. It was so interesting learning about the history of Islam and all of the beliefs that Muslims have. It made me feel much more knowledgeable … I will definitely try taking a class on Judaism and Christianity.”
There’s no better time than the undergraduate years for such exploration. Given global events of our time, such studies are immensely helpful to students’ development as citizens. Thank you, Maya, for your willingness to share your analysis of both social and academic spheres. Your resolve to apply what you’ve learned on a very large university campus is inspiring and, for younger students still contemplating their college choice, well worth noting. We wish you great success in the years ahead!
Tagged: Freshman files
One Scholarship, Two Degrees: Academic Fast Track
January 2nd, 2017Competition for athletic scholarships is fierce. Coaches often seek high-achievers in both sports and academics. If you’re among the lucky few, why not maximize the benefits of this reward? Fordham women’s basketball coach Stephanie Gaitley encourages her athletes to do just that. While providing a premier basketball program, she also wants her players to succeed in other areas. To find out how Coach Gaitley’s women’s basketball team is being inspired to receive more than one degree while playing, read this interesting article we linked below, posted in the New York Times.
Crucial takeaway: this article has broader implications for all students seeking to maximize their college years, not just college athletes!
Article below published on December 17, 2016
Written by: Juliet Macur
When Coach Stephanie Gaitley is out recruiting for her Fordham women’s basketball team and sitting in the living rooms of potential players and their parents, she gives an unconventional spiel.
Gaitley tries to sell the teenagers on taking extra classes when they arrive on campus, to go beyond the workload of even above-average college students. Classes, classes and more classes. In basketball season and out. In summer, when their peers had gone home. Even at times that might interfere with working out.
Read more at New York Times >>Tagged: College, Scholarship
Good things come in threes
December 19th, 2016Cold weather and snow put us in the holiday spirit and believe it or not, when we hear of the Three Wise Men we begin to brainstorm about other things that come in threes. Let’s see: three colors on a traffic light (which we’ve appropriated for color-coding admission estimates); three tennis balls to a container; and, oh yes, three subscores in the PSAT – reading, writing and mathematics.
Juniors received PSAT reports last week, which is why the PSAT is top of mind. And with scores in hand, it’s time to solidify testing plans for the coming semester. When thinking about a master calendar for taking the SAT or ACT, it’s wise to think about the “rule of three.” In other words, students should plan for three test dates each for the ACT and/or SAT, with the understanding that great results could eliminate the need to test a second or third time in either sphere.
Ahead of each test date, students should prepare and polish. In some cases, this will mean a test prep class; in others, tutoring. A gifted and motivated student may even choose to prepare independently. But it goes without saying that all students should prepare in the way that best matches their needs and learning styles.
Many Shrop Ed students will identify two ACT test dates in the spring semester, reserving their third and final test for the fall of senior year. Many will do the same where the SAT is concerned. Early fall testing – September ACT, August (new!) or October SAT – produces results in time for Early Action and Early Decision deadlines, happily.
Students taking Subject Tests at the end of the school year will fold this College Board test date into the overall testing calendar. Although the number of colleges requesting Subject Tests has been shrinking steadily, a few colleges do continue to hold out for them.
Of course, we’re here to steer students toward the right choices and happy to answer questions that parents may have. The Shrop Ed office will be open on most days over schools’ winter break, although in some cases our office hours may be a little shorter. We’ll appreciate your generous spirit if our response time isn’t as speedy as usual. Our blog will be on holiday break, returning on January 3rd.
Best wishes to all in the Shrop Ed community for happiness, peace and joy in the New Year!
