Tagged: High school

Social media is fair game

April 30th, 2018

In this digital age we live in, many high school students document much of their lives through social media. And with increasing competition amongst college applicants, many admissions officers are using social media as an additional tool for screening candidates. This approach is a fast, easy and anonymous way to gain insight into students’ lives. But will it weigh in your favor?

Keep in mind that your social media presence can add value to your application; it could be used as a way to highlight talents and experiences and leave a positive impression. If you’re not careful, though, it could have the opposite effect.

While admissions officers are continuing to place greatest emphasis on traditional components of the application such as transcript, test scores and extracurricular accomplishments, there is a chance that they may look to your social media accounts as another means of evaluation. This trend has increased over the past several years and will probably continue to move in that direction.

In the article we share with you today from Kaplan Test Prep, you can learn more about why many admissions officers are choosing this form of assessment.

Article referenced below from Kaplan Test Prep

Published on April 17, 2018

More than two-thirds of colleges (68 percent) say that it’s “fair game” for them to visit applicants’ social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to help them decide who gets in — despite the fact that less than a third actually engage in the practice, according to Kaplan Test Prep’s annual survey of admissions officers*. Notably, students agree: a separate Kaplan survey of over 900 high school students finds that 70 percent consider social media profiles “fair game” for admissions officers evaluating applicants — an increase from 58 percent in 2014**.

The psychology behind senioritis

April 16th, 2018

Not many weeks remain before the end of school and graduation for the class of 2018. Yet while we may be thinking happily of all things summer, senioritis may be rearing its ugly head. Shrop Ed seniors, don’t let it happen to you! There are many reasons to remain focused through the remainder of the school year.

Students who maintain their work ethic transition easily to college expectations. For those who slack off, college-level work feels like an enormous leap. And don’t forget that contingency clause in the admission letter: every offer of admission is contingent on continued success.

It may seem impossible to stay focused while envisioning the amazing future that lies ahead, but remember that you have been working hard throughout your entire high school career to get to this point. Challenge yourself to finish with a flourish.

So what is senioritis and why does it impact so many? In the article linked below, University of Notre Dame psychology professor Darcia Narvaez discusses the psychology behind senioritis. Surprisingly, it doesn’t only affect senior students. It can happen to anyone going through a major transition in life. We think students and parents alike will find today’s article interesting.

Article referenced below from Boston’s NPR news station, WBUR

Published May 27, 2017

The affliction known as senioritis isn’t just about slacking off — and it isn’t just for high schoolers ready to head off to college.

Here & Now‘s Robin Young speaks with University of Notre Dame psychology professor Darcia Narvaez about what causes us to slack off as a major life project is ending, and how we can handle it better.

What does your high school transcript say about you?

March 19th, 2018

What does your high school transcript say about you? This is a great question to ask yourself when selecting courses for next year. My years on admission committees taught me that the high school transcript is the most influential component you will submit while applying to college. So how can you choose classes that will give you the best possible foundation for college level work and improve your chances of admission? Yale University has the answer.

The article linked below is a great tool when considering class selection and the advice given is truly beneficial for students of all levels and accomplishments. While many of you have already completed your preliminary course selection there might still be opportunities to make changes. As always, if you have any questions throughout the process, please contact me.

Article below referenced from Yale University

Many high school sophomores and juniors (and their parents) want to know what courses to take to improve their chances for admission to Yale and other highly competitive colleges. With the caveat that every situation is different, here is some advice to help guide you as you make these decisions.

A Holistic Approach to Admissions

The high school transcript is almost always the most important document in a student’s application. But it is hard to conceive of a situation in which the appearance (or absence) of any one particular class on a transcript would determine the applicant’s outcome. The admissions committee does not make its decisions based on a piecemeal review of an applicant’s recommendations, test scores, activities, or individual elements of a high school transcript. It considers each application as a comprehensive picture of that student.

Summer Plans

February 19th, 2018

The recent glimpse of springlike air coming into Kentucky has me daydreaming of warm summer days. Summer is a great opportunity for students to take a break from their regularly scheduled academic activities and focus on developing themselves in other areas, or go deeper in an area of significant interest.

Gaining experience through volunteer work, internships, travel, research and just taking time to read for pleasure are all important ways to reflect on who you are and begin to discover your purpose. Of course, a little down time is important, too!

Many of our students already have their summer plans well under way. My hope is that today’s article link from the College Board will help you brainstorm more ideas for summer activities that foster personal growth and development. Making constructive use of much of your time in the summer should be your top consideration, and you’ll find myriad ways to do so.

You can change the world. Let your summer experiences help you build your capacity to do so.

Article below referenced from College Board

Summer break is a perfect opportunity for your students to gain experience through paid or volunteer jobs, internships and other summer activities — pursuits that can also demonstrate a student’s sense of responsibility to college admission officers. How can you help your students choose the most rewarding summer activities?

First, encourage students to talk to adults in their lives who can help them find activities that match their interests.