COLLEGE ADMISSIONS- BACK-TO-SCHOOL – WELCOME BACK! ONLINE OR HYBRID– TIPS FOR A STRONG START!

I know things look REALLY different within our ongoing COVID pandemic.  I encourage everyone to remember the educational goals and dreams you have every year at this time and be inspired to set the same bar of discovery and joy for yourself within all your classes – whatever that format may look like.   I look forward to hearing your initial impressions about the classes & teachers having inspired you so far. What’s your Instagram post about today-maybe a great mathematics equation, maybe sports practice or an interesting lunch item!  Social media and college admissions — ask me! Each new academic year is an opportunity for trans-formative experiences both within and outside the classroom.   Some of you will be motivated by the learning taking place in one or more of your  classes.  It is my hope that all of you find enriching and joyful extracurricular experiences both formal and informal to connect your strengths and passions.  Students with a passion are more successful as undergraduates and during the college admissions process. Think about how you can further deepen your connections in existing clubs/interests and also become comfortable exploring new areas to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.   We measure educational and admissions success by your learning/motivation, character and the impact connections you’ve made within your “communities”.   For the next few months- social distancing will challenge you to be creative with how to engage and discovery.  Need ideas – give me a shout out! Your year should begin by adjusting your Strategic Educational and College Admissions Plan.  Especially for Juniors CLASS OF 2022

• This year we spend a great deal of time on college and major research.

• Test taking- have you confirmed your test preparation plans and test dates.  You should expect that many of the TEST OPTIONAL universities our seniors ’21 have on their radars will return to pre-COVID policies – meaning – you need to anticipate testing: ACT/SAT  and for those of you looking at competitive colleges: SATII Subject tests Please read my previous blogs:COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PLANNING TIPS: TESTING – SAT ACT SUBJECT TESTS AP – WHAT’S REQUIRED
  

8th to 10th Grade Students This year continue to focus on time management strategies that don’t leave you overwhelmed and help you develop confidence in your ability to tackle the most difficult courses.  A goal for everyone – don’t blame poor teaching for a bad grade.  You have to learn the material – so let’s figure out external and self-directed ways to do so.  Parents and students should look for ways to shift responsibility towards a student-led process. Try to identify 1-2 new extracurricular opportunities either at school or in your community that introduce you to something new building upon your interests and strengths.  Think outside the box and find your passion and joy.  High school doesn’t have to be a march towards graduation- claim your path. Especially for Seniors – class of 2021 Secure commitments from teachers to write your recommendations (and the process to guarantee its completion). Whether you’re done with your Common App 2020-21 Core Essay, adjusting your final list of colleges, beginning or continuing work on college supplemental essays or just need someone to hold your hand (metaphorically speaking) and review everything while you hit the submit button -appointments online and in-person are available to meet your busy schedule. Warm regards,

Carl