Unique Students. Unique Schools.
Oh the Places You Will Go! Gap Year Travel Opportunities for Seniors
While crossing the stage at high school graduation, fear fills the minds of the parting seniors. A chorus of “don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t trip” is paired with “please don’t let my father yell ‘That’s My Boy!’”. As if these thoughts weren’t enough to encompass all that is going through the heads of these newly-minted responsible young adults, the realization that freshman move-in day at their chosen university is just 2 ½ months away begins to add to that sinking feeling in their stomachs.
Too often graduating high school students move the tassel on their cap while fretting about the plans they had thought through so well just a few months prior. In this moment of panic, it may seem that that low-paying, non-benefit reaping summer job may just become a full-time gig. Pair this with the thought of living at home until they’re 40 and you may just have a full-blown breakdown on your hands. Before launching into “the world is ending” mode, it’s important for the student to take a deep breath and consider their options.
Believe it or not, colleges have students asking to defer their offers of admission every year. However, the reason for a deferral should be legitimate and the intention to enroll the following year should be genuine. A common reason for deferring an offer of admission is a simple one: the student just isn’t ready yet. Oftentimes a student needs a year to mature and grow as an individual. Many students have a desire to travel, volunteer, or work so they can discover their vocational strengths before launching into an academic arena filled with uncertainty. A great option for a student fitting this description is a Gap Year Program.
Taking a year off before heading to college is something that many universities actually encourage, including Harvard. In fact Harvard’s Dean of Admission, William Fitzsimmons, wrote an article entitled Time Out or Burn Out for the Next Generation outlining the reasons why a student should take a year off before beginning their university studies. According to Fitzsimmons approximately 50-70 students defer their entrance into Harvard to take advantage of opportunities such as a gap year.
Gap year programs have been commonplace in the UK for years and have recently been gaining popularity worldwide. A booming market has been created for students wishing to consider gap year options including international travel, language studies, and volunteer work. A bonus for some gap year participants is that many programs offer college credit for participating.
One program offering participants university credit is Carpe Diem Education’s yearlong Latitudes Program. Latitudes participants can study environmental conservation in Tanzania, scale “Mount Doom” in New Zealand, or learn Thai in Southeast Asia along with other students. In addition, the Latitudes program includes a 12-week solo volunteer/study placement in the student’s country of choice. Recent participants have studied kung fu in China, worked with street children in Guatemala, and mastered organic gardening in Patagonia.
Another gap year program offering extensive travel opportunities for students is Where There Be Dragons. One example of a Dragons program is the Himalayan Studies Semester during which students spend 10 days in a Buddhist monastery, learn bronze casting in Kathmandu, and explore a rural Nepali village. Another program, The Rhythms of West Africa, provides students the opportunity to take drum and dance lessons, study the Fulani culture while in a home-stay, and explore human rights issues in Dakar, Senegal.
Students interested in traveling throughout Central and South America will find value in LEAPNOW’s “LEAPYEAR” program. Aside from being immersed in the Spanish language, students in this program will participate in a yoga and meditation retreat at the foot of a Guatemalan volcano, complete a 2-week service project with a local NGO in Nicaragua, and trek through the Sacred Valley of Peru to Machu Picchu.
No matter what their interest, any student interested in taking a year off before college can find a gap year program that is right for them. Gap year programs provide students with the opportunity to grow and mature as young adults before beginning their university studies. The opportunities to explore the world and volunteer make these programs a truly wonderful experience.
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Data and Decisions: A Guide for Applying to College in the U.S.
It’s all about the numbers…at least that’s what high school students are told when embarking on the college search process. GPA. SAT. ACT. It’s a feat just to keep the acronyms straight, let alone understand exactly WHAT colleges and universities are looking for in an applicant. The complexities of the search process are augmented even further if the applicant is applying to a university outside of the place they are currently calling “home”.
International students, expatriate children, and “global nomads” are applying to universities abroad at record numbers. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE) there are more than 3.3 million students studying in a country other than their own. Leading the pack in popularity for attracting international students is the United States with more than 690,000 enrolling in 2009-10. This figure is actually not surprising given the more than 4,000 university options available in the U.S. Other countries seeing a significant influx of international students in recent years include the UK, Germany, France, Australia, and Canada.
A recent IIE study, Open Doors 2010, revealed that the top places of origin for international students studying in the U.S. went to China, India, South Korea, Canada, and Taiwan. To put these facts into perspective, nearly 127,000 students from China enrolled at U.S. universities last year compared to just 8,700 from Brazil. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, students coming from outside the U.S. comprise just 2% of the countries’ total undergraduate student population. In fact, just 10 states within the U.S. account for 61% of all students coming from outside of the country. California, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts are currently the states attracting the most international students. The most popular universities hosting non-U.S. students this year include University of Southern California, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, NYU, Purdue and Columbia.
According to the Open Doors 2010 Study, the top fields of study for students coming to the U.S. from abroad include Business Management, Engineering, Physical and Life Science, and Social Science. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the highest number of degrees awarded to all undergraduates in the U.S. in 2009 were in the fields of Business, Social Sciences/History, Health Sciences, and Education.
When applying to universities in the U.S., both domestic and international students can save an immense amount of time by submitting the Common Application online. The Common Application was created in 1975 through a collaboration of just 15 private colleges in an attempt to standardize the college application process. Today there are 456 universities who accept the Common Application, including both private and public institutions. In fact, 146 universities are exclusive users of the Common Application including Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago, and all Ivy League schools with the exception of Harvard. The Common Application has allowed students from around the world to apply to many universities by completing just one application online. In fact, in 2010 nearly 2.5 million Common Applications were submitted online!
Before completing an application for admission to a U.S. university, students worldwide must complete one of two standardized tests: the SAT or the ACT. Both exams are accepted by all universities in the U.S. and both offer international testing locations. In 2010 approximately 1.6 million graduating seniors had taken the ACT, while 1.55 million sat for the SAT. Many students take both exams as they are very different and test different academic areas.
The ACT, developed in 1959, includes 215 multiple choice questions in the areas of English, Math, Science, and Reading. An optional writing section is also offered. The average score for students taking the ACT in 2010 was a 21 out of a possible 36.
The first SAT exam was administered in 1901 and today includes 170 questions and an essay in the areas of Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. According to The College Board, the company administering the SAT, the mean scores in 2010 were: Critical Reading-510, Math-516, and Writing-492. The mean composite score for all sections was 1509 out of possible 2400. An interesting fact cited by The College Board is students who have taken four years of English and three or more years of math and science scored, on average, 151 points more than students who had not.
For students applying to U.S. universities from abroad the process can be daunting, as indicated by the numbers above. However, by gathering information early, preparing for standardized tests, and becoming familiar with the Common Application, students anywhere in the world can successfully gain admission to a university of their choice…and take time to enjoy their last year of high school!
----------March 2011
It’s unlikely that most people would connect the dots between actor Lorenzo Lamas, author JD Salinger, and racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Even more difficult to tie together are Donald Trump, former New York Yankee’s owner George Steinbrenner, and baby food mogul Daniel Gerber. In fact, all six of these seemingly different people have one key thing in common that, most likely, contributed to their success in their respective professions: all attended a military school.
For many parents, the term “military school” elicits images of uncooperative children in barracks waiting to be transformed into rule-abiding, respectable young adults. In fact, today’s military schools are much different from those in our grandparent’s day. One main difference is that many of these schools are now coeducational and feature college-preparatory curriculums
“Military academies today focus on college preparation,” says Gretchen Herbst, Director of Admission at Admiral Farragut Academy in Florida. “Our goal is to educate students to become well-rounded, self-confident, independent thinkers ready to succeed in college.”
Max Brooks, Director of Admission at St. John’s Military School in Kansas feels that military schools offer many benefits to adolescents.
“I believe today’s military school environment is much more supportive, encouraging, understanding, and nurturing,” says Brooks. “This is representative of the lessons in leadership that the schools are striving to impart.”
Another common misperception is that students attending military schools are doing so as a first step towards joining the military. The reality is that few students actually continue in military service upon graduation from these schools, dispelling the myth that all military schools exist to churn out the next batch of service men and women. Why, then, would a student choose to study in one of these academies if they don't have hopes of flying jets and steering ships?
According to Cristhina Starke, Director of International Admission at Wentworth Military Academy in Missouri, families choose military schools for many different reasons, including a desire to develop leadership skills and improve self-esteem.
“I have seen many students gain self-control and mature in ways that often times exceed the expectations of their parents and even themselves,” says Starke. “The military approach places a larger emphasis on teamwork which gives them the foundation necessary to excel in any field they might pursue.”
For those students with a genuine desire to pursue a military career, these schools can certainly serve as an appropriate stepping stone towards that goal.
“There is certainly no obligation, nor any suggestion for that matter, that graduates enlist in military service upon graduation from our school,” says Brooks. “However, a military school background can serve graduates with additional opportunities and benefits for those interested in a military career.”
In addition to the college preparatory curriculum offered by these schools, many offer a significant amount of extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities for their students. Since most military schools feature a boarding component, students have the opportunity to gain independence and learn responsibility.
“Beyond learning leadership skills, students experience a vast array of sports, electives, and community projects,” says Herbst. “This all takes place in a diverse setting among dedicated faculty and staff, many of whom live on campus.”
Though military schools have changed dramatically, the focus of most has remained the same: educating young people and encouraging development of leadership abilities, self-esteem, and responsibility. The type of student who would be best served by a military school is no longer a rebellious, aggressive, and self-destructive adolescent.
According to Brooks, “A military school is the correct choice for a young person that may be squandering potential, requiring additional levels of structure and discipline to uncover their innate abilities.”
Starke echoes these sentiments and believes families value the experience provided to their children by military schools.
“Many parents and former students have shared with me how grateful they are for the changes they have seen in their children's lives,” says Starke. “The structure and discipline that they received at our school has become ingrained in the students.”February 2011
The start of the New Year clearly symbolizes one thing for students…the halfway point of the school year! Though the seasons may differ for students residing in different parts of the world, many still refer to the months of June and July as “summer” and begin looking ahead to their break from school. However, this time off from school doesn’t have to mean a complete halt to all things academic. In fact, many fun-filled academic-based summer programs are offered at boarding schools in the U.S. and Canada. Boarding school summer programs are ideal because as “home” for students from around the world during the academic year, these campuses are well equipped to serve students year round. Also, most of these campuses feature housing and amenities unlike traditional camps. Here is a sampling of some unique opportunities that are available to students in 2011:
Any future Mark Zuckerberg’s out there? How about the next Ben & Jerry’s creator? Young entrepreneurs aged 14-18 will get a head-start developing their own business while attending Camp $tart-Up at Wilbraham and Monson Academy in Massachusetts. The weeklong camp, held July 29-August 7, will include behind-the-scenes field trips to places such as the Hasbro Company and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Participants will leave with a business plan and a stock portfolio using the school’s high-tech simulated trading floor.
Shutterbugs entering grades eight through 10 will enjoy the Documentary Photography Program at Episcopal High School. Participants will learn the fundamentals of documentary photography using the school’s Washington D.C. location, including visits to battlefields and monuments, as the backdrop for building their own portfolio. The program, held July 17-24, will culminate in an exhibition of student work on the school’s campus. Students of all experience levels are welcome and all equipment will be provided by the school.
Budding musicians will have the opportunity to refine their skills and learn new techniques while attending the Hotchkiss School’s Summer Portals Chamber Music Program held June 26-July 17 on the school’s Connecticut campus. The Portals program offers two options: Instrumental for students ages 12-15 and Vocal for students ages 15-18. Instrumental program participants should be accomplished string or piano solo performers and will be selected via audition. Working with professional chamber musicians, participants will receive individual instruction, ample performance opportunities, and weekly master classes. Vocal program participants will receive individual vocal coaching as well as work on style, foreign language diction, and fundamental ensemble principles. The Portals program will culminate in a joint concert showcasing the accomplishments of students from both the Instrumental and Vocal programs.
Parlez-vous français? Students ages 11-16 who answer “oui” or “pas encore” should consider attending the Stanstead College Language Adventure Program. Participants in the French as a Second Language program will use the Canadian school’s location in the French-speaking province of Quebec as the backdrop for their 3-week immersion into the language. The Language Adventure Program, held July 3-23, will feature interactive language instruction, language-oriented outdoor activities, and off-campus cultural excursions.
For those students entering grades six through eight who prefer a visit to Washington D.C. over Disney World, Woodberry Forest School in Virginia offers a program that is sure to hit the mark. The Journey Through Hallowed Ground program, held July 10-22, will take campers on a two-week adventure to some of the most historic locations in the U.S. While walking in the footsteps of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison participants will gain a new perspective and appreciation for the founding fathers of the U.S. Off-campus excursions will include a visit to Monticello, a canoe trip on the Potomac River, and a bicycling adventure to Gettysburg. Students will not only experience these historic landmarks themselves, they will digitally record their adventures and produce a mini-film to share with their family at the culmination of the program.
A wonderful feature of each of these programs is that, though primarily academic in nature, a good portion of time is set aside for recreational activities and opportunities to develop strong friendships with other campers from around the world. No matter which program a student attends, they are certain to have a great experience pursuing their academic passion!----------
The Evolution of LD: A Global Guide for Parents
July 2010
According to the U.S. Department of Education, more than 38% of children with learning disabilities will drop out of high school, compared to 11% of the general student population. Though a concerning statistic, even more troubling are the results of a Roper Starch Poll which revealed that 44% of parents who noticed some indication of learning difficulty in their children waited a year or more before openly acknowledging that the problem may be serious. Once a much tabooed topic of discussion amongst parents, acknowledgement and education about learning differences is growing and, fortunately, so are the resources available to families throughout the world.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities defines a learning disability, a term coined over 50 years ago, as “a neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to receive, process, store and respond to information.” LD students may have difficulties with reading, spelling, writing, mathematical calculations, verbal and social skills. Approximately one-third of LD students are also diagnosed with AD/HD, while many others exhibit characteristics associated with giftedness.
“There is no doubt that stigmas are still a big issue,” says David Tuttle, Admissions Director at The Kildonan School, a New York boarding school serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. “However, there is a lot going on globally and so many more options exist for families today than ever before.”
Helen Waldron, who has served for more than 20 years as Assistant Head at The Forman School, a Connecticut boarding school for students with learning differences, has witnessed many of the changes that have occurred in LD education and support over the years.
“Feeling safe in the classroom is a new experience for many LD students and it enables them to be more engaged,” says Waldron. “Learning programs and strategies that build on what students can do – rather than what they cannot do – improve confidence and highlight the success of each child.”
Parents often feel confused or lost when it comes to how to best help their LD child. According to Waldron, “some parents initially believe that a Learning Difference is something that can be ‘fixed.’” The Learning Disabilities Association of America educates families that learning disabilities are lifelong conditions and that only through “understanding, support, and appropriate interventions” can children be successful in the classroom.
For many families, enrolling their child at a boarding school specializing in working with LD students, such as Kildonan or Forman, can make a tremendous difference in the life of the student as this is often the first time they will have felt comfortable in a classroom setting.
“An all-LD school provides a safe place where students can focus their energy toward learning,” says Waldron. “Students do not need to give up arts, athletics, or other extras to get the support they need.”
In this age of technology and instant information, families can also find many resources available through local, national, and international organizations dedicated to educating families on LD issues. During a recent trip to São Paulo, Tuttle had the opportunity to develop contacts with several organizations including Education USA and the Associação Brasileira de Dislexia (ABD).
“In Brazil, ABD is a thriving organization founded by parents of students with LD who are doing remarkable things,” says Tuttle.
The Education USA organization assists families by hosting seminars, receptions, and providing a full resource library of school and college information for those seeking educational options in the U.S.
“It has been interesting to watch how different cultures are reacting to the growing awareness of learning differences,” says Tuttle. “For example, in mainland China I am rarely contacted directly [by families] at a school fair, but parents will often wait for me in the hallway or stop and ask if they could meet me at another time.”
Tuttle, who spends several weeks per year meeting with families worldwide and speaking about the ever-changing resources available to families with LD children, feels that connecting faces with learning disabilities provides a visual point of reference. Most people aren’t aware that some of the world’s greatest leaders, artists and inventors have had learning disabilities including Cher, Albert Einstein, Tom Cruise, Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg, Thomas Edison, Whoopi Goldberg, and Pablo Picasso. A motley mix of characters, this group is a great point of reference for families across the globe of the types of accomplishments LD students can achieve given the appropriate resources and support.----------
Campus Visit Value: Tips From Behind the Desk
May 2010
Your child has been counting the days until their break from school and they’re ready for some relaxation before their junior or senior year. Before breaking out that ski gear and heading to Chile, remember that in just a few months your child will be knee-deep in brochures and emails from colleges trying their best to entice them into consider their golden thrones of higher learning.
Though some families feel comfortable selecting a college sight-unseen, there are good reasons to be wary of this plan. Have you ever seen a university brochure with photos taken during a New England winter storm featuring homesick students wearing inappropriate attire eating cereal for dinner? Of course not. Will you see this scenario played out during your campus visits? Absolutely.
“Though you may fall in love with a school from their website or publications, the campus visit is your opportunity to see if the school is a 'fit' for you and your needs,” says Renee Scheske, Associate Director for Admissions Operations at Penn State University. “An on-campus visit may surprise you and provide you with critical information you need to make your decision.”
By this point in their schooling, your child may have developed a preliminary list of colleges with the assistance of their college counselor. Jim Abbuhl, Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid at Hiram College feels that pre-planning is one of the most important pieces of college visits.
“Families need to discuss the visit prior to setting foot on any campus,” says Abbuhl. “Try to establish the needs of the student and family including things such as size, facilities, student diversity and campus location.”
When scheduling visits remember that most schools will offer set group tour times that are generally coupled with an information session or an interview opportunity. This means you should plan to spend at least two to three hours per visit. Also, keep in mind that weekend visits are rarely offered during the U.S. summer months.
“Don't assume you can easily squeeze more than two college visits into a single day, even if the schools are in the same city or general area,” says Laurel Brooks, Associate Director of Admission at Vassar College. “You'll want to allot extra time for traffic, parking delays, meals and bookstore visits.”
Though many schools don’t require on-campus interviews, it’s best to take advantage of this opportunity while you are on those campuses which do. Remember: interviews are two-way. It makes sense that both you and your child have questions about what will surely be a huge investment on the part of your family. An easy rule of thumb when preparing questions for the information session or interview is to ask those things which can’t be found on the institution’s website. Your tour guide is also a valuable resource and will, most likely, have a different perspective than your admission counselor.
“If you're seriously pressed for time and have to choose between a tour and information session, take the tour,” says Brooks. “All of the information given in the admissions session can be found online or in brochures and you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to walk around and see the campus yourself.”
Be sure to bring a camera with you during your visit. Visual triggers, as opposed to written notes about the number of volumes in the library, are much better for you when you return home and are trying to differentiate between schools. Take photos of unique items on campus, not just exteriors of buildings. Here’s a tip: photograph flyers on billboards around campus as a reminder of what social offerings are available at the school.
“Students should ask if they can see themselves on a particular campus living and learning in the residence halls and in the classrooms,” says Staci Ambrose, Coordinator of International Admissions at Beloit College. “They should experience as much as possible during their visit by touring the campus, sitting in on a class and staying overnight with a student host if possible."
After your visit it’s important for students to follow up with a “thank you” to those individuals who assisted them during their time on campus including tour guides, admission counselors, and faculty members. In this age of technology it’s appropriate to do this via email or a social networking site. In fact, why not send a Tweet or post something on the school’s Facebook wall about your experience? This is helpful to other students who may be looking at the same school and a great way to maintain active communication channels with the university.
It’s important to remember that the undergraduate college search process should ideally occur just once in your child’s life. Thoughtful planning and thorough campus visits will aid them in ultimately selecting the most appropriate school.
----------Done...Reward Yourself!
January 2010
Looking back on the past six months you can probably recall a time when you thought your college application process would never end. Guess what? The hard part is over! By now you’ve completed the biggest hurdle and it’s now time for you to reward yourself for your efforts. All of your applications have been submitted and you may have already heard back from some schools. Perhaps you’ve even decided on a college and submitted an enrollment deposit. Whatever stage you’re at, you’re certainly in the home stretch!
In addition to all of the activity surrounding the college search process, your last year of high school is also a time to enjoy all of the things that being a senior entails. Many students become so overwhelmed by their college search that they forget to relax and spend time with friends from whom they will soon be parting. It’s important to remember that, though you will surely maintain contact with school friends, you will not have the same opportunities to spend time together while away at campuses across the country. Believe it or not, the last few months of your senior year will fly by and you’ll soon be walking across the stage at graduation!
Here are a few things to consider doing before your big high school finale:
In addition to the tips above it’s important that you take the time to congratulate yourself for your successes both in high school and in completing your college applications. Why not go out and purchase a few cool posters for your new dorm space? How about a shower caddy or some desk accessories? Another idea is to host a “Half Way There” party for your senior classmates. Everyone attending wears a shirt from the college of their choice and brings with them a fun dorm accessory wrapped in a brown paper bag, which is then numbered at the party. Each guest picks a number from a hat and receives the corresponding gift. This is a great way to get everyone started on their dorm preparations!
The most important advice is to take the time to enjoy being a high school student. Your college work will be much more difficult and you will be responsible for managing your own time and schedule. Remember to take the time to thank teachers at your school who have impacted your life so far and to spend time with friends. Also remember that you’ve put forth a lot of effort to get to this point so reward yourself with some fun and relaxation!
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Why XYZ University? Ask Alumni!
December 2009
The world relies on client reviews. No matter what you’re getting ready to purchase, you can count on the candid feedback provided by those who have already invested in a product. Your college investment is no different and the thousands of alumni who have graduated from the schools on your list are a great resource to you as you finalize your plans for next year.
The first step in getting in touch with the alumni from any university is to contact each school to let them know you’d like to speak with one of their graduates. Before doing this, consider these things:
After deciding exactly what type of alum you would benefit most from speaking with, relay that info to your admission office contact. Most schools will try very hard to put you in touch with an appropriate match whether by phone, email, or in person. Colleges will often give prospective students the option of meeting with alumi in their area either as an information session or an admission interview. An important thing to note: interviews are two-way. Make sure to come prepared with questions you have about the school and their experiences as a student. Here are a few questions to consider asking:
While certainly not an exhaustive list of questions, these should help you get started. Another aspect to keep in mind when speaking with alumni spokespeople selected by the college: unhappy alums are not usually asked to speak with prospective students. With that in mind, keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask anything that will help you with your decision. Finally, don’t forget to thank them for taking the time to help you with this big decision and consider passing on the favor when you’re the satisfied client!
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Neither Hear Nor Their: The Importance of Editing Essays
November 2009
“Their is nothing worse then using bad grammer and forgetting to spell check you’re college essays.” If you are just as frustrated as I am reading that poorly written sentence, imagine how college admission folks feel whilst reading hundreds of applications, many just as bad as or worse.
As you head toward the finish line of the application race, it’s important to remember that colleges do much more than browse your completed applications…they actually read them! For this reason it’s imperative that you spend just as much time reviewing your essays as you did deciding on the topics on which you have written.
However, reviewing can’t be left to the spell check fairies on your Mac or PC…you need real sets of eyes to be set on your would-be opus. That’s right, “sets”, as in more than one person. A few people you can approach about helping you with the review process are your parents, teachers, family members and, while you’re at it, why not ask your friends, too? You can return the favor by hosting a “Bring Your Own Essay” proofreading party!
In all seriousness, the effect that grammatical and spelling errors have on the perception an admission officer has of you can be significant. Make sure your essay is free of factual errors as well. If you don’t know for sure what year the first seedless watermelon was grown, it’s best not to write on that topic. Choose a topic that doesn’t need much, or any, outside research. Colleges are hoping to learn about you, not how adept you are at garnering information from Wikipedia. Yet another error that has plagued prospective students is the “Why I want to go to ABC College” essay that is submitted to XYZ College. Colleges know that, most likely, you’re seeing other schools…this just isn’t the way to let them find out.
One final suggestion: make it interesting! Admission folks spend immeasurable amounts of time reading essays that mirror other essays in terms of topic and scope. The essay is the one section of your application in which you can truly make yourself stand out and be noticed in the pool of applicants. Use your voice and be yourself...remember that you’re the prospective student, your proofreaders are not. However, they may have been in your shoes at some point and will feel proud that you’ve included them in your “Proofing Party!”
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Left Handed Twins Need Apply: Cool Scholarships and How to Get Them
November 2009
Beautiful campus, check. Excellent majors, check. A way to pay for it, oh
boy.
Though most high school seniors are in the throes of the college application
process at this point in the year, their parents are no doubt thinking much
further ahead to the tuition bills that are forthcoming. Though seemingly far off, it will soon be
what school folks refer to woefully as “Financial Aid Season.”
Financial Aid Season officially begins on January 1st, the
first day on which families can submit the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to
determine how much need-based aid a family should be eligible for, as well as
their Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
However, those in the know begin the search for outside aid much
earlier. Outside aid is made up of any
non-federal award that a student receives toward their higher education
costs. These awards are based on a
variety of specific criteria determined by the organization sponsoring the
award. The easiest method to search for
outside awards is to head to the Web.
Several well-established scholarship search engines can provide easy
access to the thousands of awards given out each year.
FastWeb.com is one of the most reputable scholarship search sites, and
has been used by more than 34 million people in the past 15 years. FastWeb allows users to complete a
biographical profile and academic/interests inventory that are used to help the
site search through its scholarship database and direct users to appropriate
awards. Once a person completes a
profile, FastWeb will continually notify that student about any new
scholarships that match their profile. It’s
then the responsibility of the student to pursue awards of interest.
Other sites that allow users to search through databases of current
opportunities available include Scholarships.com and FinancialAidFinder.com. It’s
important to note that ALL scholarship applications should be free of
charge. If a listing includes a fee for
applying, it’s most likely a scam, even if it’s just $1.
Now, for the fun stuff. Everyone
has heard of outlandish scholarships that are offered for things such as being
left handed (It’s true! Check out the Juniata College (PA) Frederick and Mary F. Beckley
Scholarship for southpaws). It’s also a
fact that if your last name happens to be Baxendale, Hudson, Thayer, Downer or
Bright, Harvard has a scholarship for you.
If you’re one of a pair you should check out the scholarships for twins
at Lake Erie College (OH), Carl Albert State College (OK), or Northeastern
Oklahoma A&M College.
Here are a few lesser known, and creative, awards that you might also want
to consider:
The Life in a Flying House Scholarship is sponsored
by Clements International, an insurance company for expats..
Applicants must be ages 12-18 and have spent at least two years living
outside their home country to be eligible.
The contest offers three awards ranging from $500-$3,000 and are awarded
based on an essay and creative media contest (including photography, paintings,
or video) in which participants share their experiences of living in a foreign
country.
For those students who have a raging sweet tooth,
the American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) sponsors the John Kitt Memorial Scholarship,
a $5,000 award for students with a “demonstrated interest
in confectionery technology.” How might
one measure this, you ask? You don’t
have to surround yourself with Oompa Loompa’s, but you do have to be a college
sophomore, junior or senior majoring in food science, chemical science, or
biological science at an accredited North American university.
Looking for a more
relaxing scholarship? Then try the Tea
Council of the USA’s “Calm-a-Sutra of Tea” competition.
Entrants must create an original, one- to two-minute video about a unique or
creative way to drink tea, along with a message about the health benefits of tea
(no specific brands may be mentioned). After uploading the video to YouTube,
entrants then submit the link along with their scholarship application to the
folks at the Tea Council. Applicants
must be at least 16 years of age and a legal resident of the U.S. or Puerto
Rico. The winning video earns the creator a “steep” $15,000 award!
Scholarship searches can be time consuming. Students should start as early as their
sophomore or junior year as many applications have early senior-year
deadlines. However daunting this process
can be, the rewards make it worth the effort…happy hunting!
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A Global Nomad's Guide to College October 2009 Sao Paulo via London via Hong Kong via the United States. Such is the logistical path of many expat families. This path often includes making new friends, learning new cultures, and experiencing new educational systems. Differences in curriculum, extracurricular offerings and grading systems are sure to be discovered as you move between countries.
Families whose children have spent their school-age years living abroad can often reach a state of frustration or panic when embarking on the college application process. Questions abound such as: “Will my child’s transcripts make sense to the admission committee?”, “Will they understand why my son hasn’t completed the full IB diploma?”, or “Will the fact that my daughter hasn’t been a club president be viewed negatively?”
It’s important to remember that the majority of the more than 4,000 universities in the U.S. and Canada have worked with international and expat students. The breadth of knowledge that each school has regarding the application and visa processes for students can vary, however, the reality is that most schools will have enrolled someone in your situation in the past.
“Universities want students who have had international experience because they bring global connections to the campus and enrich the student body,” says Aaron Andersen, an International Recruitment Manager at The University of British Columbia. “Even a Canadian or American returning ‘home’ brings a unique individual perspective.”
According to John Sullivan, Dean of Admission at Eckerd College (FL), students should use their applications as a way to distinguish themselves in the applicant pool.
“Rather than stress about how your transcripts and ability to be involved are different than students who have attended the same high school for four years, you should capitalize on the different experiences you’ve had,” says Sullivan. “Bring it to life in the essay.”
A common difficulty for expat applicants is how to provide a stellar list of extracurricular activities, including leadership positions, that is often assumed to give an applicant the edge in this process. Lin Larson, Coordinator of International Admissions at Saint Mary’s College of California, feels that students need to concentrate on a few things in which they have a strong interest, instead of being non-active participants in many.
“It’s more important for a student to be consistent in an activity than to have 30 on their application. Colleges like to see commitment and dedication,” says Larson. “Leadership is good as well, but we also know that if families are moving every year or two, this isn’t possible for the student.”
Joan Jaffe, Associate Dean of Admission at Mills College (CA), echoes these sentiments regarding extracurricular activities.
“We’re not interested in the laundry list of activities or in ‘what looks good on a college application’,” says Jaffe. “We’re interested in those activities or interests that show real depth and commitment on the part of the student. We want to know what inspires the student and what he or she is passionate about and to bring that depth of commitment and passion to our campuses.”
When sending in application materials it’s important that expat students include all necessary documentation such as transcripts and school profiles. Families should work together with the student’s college counselor to ensure that all paperwork is completed and sent by required deadlines. Remember: all students have the same deadlines, regardless from which country they’re mailing their application materials.
“Universities need the official transcripts sent directly from the original institution; if there have been multiple high schools that may mean contacting the previous institution to request that a document be sent directly to the university,” says Andersen. “Be sure to start the application as early as possible so that documents can be processed on both ends.”
It’s also important to develop open lines of communication with an admission representative from the university using email or Skype. This relationship can, and should, be started well before a student actually submits an application.
“I always encourage applicants to keep in touch with me throughout the application process; admission committees don’t need to be nameless or faceless groups,” says Jaffe. “Students have access to an admission counselor who will assist and advocate for them in the admission process and it’s okay to contact your admission counselor with any questions.”
As the college admission season approaches remember: look to your strengths and highlight those on your applications…being a global nomad should be at the top of your list!
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A Long Strange Trip…to Hogwarts: Junior Boarding Schools 101 September 2009
Jane Fonda. Michael Douglas. Georgia O’Keefe. The Grateful Dead. Holden Caulfield. Harry Potter.
Believe it or not, you don’t need Kevin Bacon to connect this motley mix of well-known characters. Every person on this list shares a unique trait with all of the others: each one attended a boarding school. Though some are fictional and others have family traditions of attendance, all have shared experiences, though generations apart.
One type of boarding experience that is lesser known, but a wonderful option for many students, is a junior boarding school (JBS) program. These programs are similar to traditional high school boarding programs but are geared toward students in the junior high and middle school years.
Many studies have shown that the middle school years are a critical time in the development of adolescents. In fact, the New York Times ran a series in 2007 focusing on middle school education entitled “The Critical Years”, published on the tails of a 2005 TIME feature entitled “Is Middle School Bad for Kids?”…how’s that for getting a parents attention?
It’s easy to see why so much emphasis is being put on this time in a child’s life. A quick Google search of the phrase “middle school education” uncovers link after link of discussions on bullying, online safety, body image and much more. It’s imperative for parents to consider this when deciding what type of peer groups and social/academic settings in which children should be immersed at this time in their lives. This is why many families make the decision to consider a JBS program.
The reasons for selecting a JBS program vary from family to family. There are a variety of niche offerings for students at this level from single-gender environments to English as a Second Language programs to those for students with learning differences. The common theme is that each JBS offers a community of faculty and staff members that are experts in working with this specific age level of students and the students genuinely want to take advantage of this experience.
“Middle school students, while they need structure, also want a sense of independence”, says James Ramsdell, Director of Admission at The Fay School in Massachusetts. “They want to feel like they are part of the decision making process.”
JBS programs generally begin in the fifth or sixth grade though some, such as The Bement School (MA), begin as early as the third grade. Most students will stay through middle school and move on to a secondary school beginning in the 10th grade.
At schools such as Indian Mountain School, students follow a rigorous curriculum that includes academic options not traditionally available at the middle school level such as character education and method acting.
Admission Director Mimi Babcock points out that the Arts are an integral component of a JBS program. “We do not squeeze the arts in ...they are a large part of each child's world,” she says. “More than 160 kids here play at least one instrument!”
Jennifer Russell, Admission Director at Linden Hill believes independence and accountability are traits garnered by students who have attended a JBS.
“Junior boarding schools provide an alternative program in line with the mantra that the whole child be addressed through academics, arts, athletics, sciences, and that weaknesses be attended and strengths bolstered,” says Russell. “There is a measure of independence and accountability for one’s self that is acquired at a junior boarding school which prepares students for secondary school.”
Making the decision to consider a junior boarding school for your child is not easy. However, there are several resources that can help you discover what benefits may exist at a JBS and whether your child would have benefit from the experience. The Junior Boarding School Association offers a directory of schools, as well as links to education resources. The Association of Boarding Schools offers a much larger directory consisting of both junior and traditional high school boarding programs.
One final resource for any family considering a JBS is “The Truth About Boarding School”, a research study that can also be found on the TABS site. This is a must-read for any family who is new to the boarding school concept as it certainly validates many of the reasons families decide to enroll their children in a JBS.
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College Search 2.0: Tech Tips for Parents
August 2009
It’s my senior year and Mrs. Davis hands me The Big Book of Colleges and an application form for the SAT. That was it…my college search process had begun.
Students today will never open the “Big Book” and they will most likely submit their SAT application online. In fact, most students will probably have their initial campus visits virtually and communicate with college admission counselors using Social Media. Technology has changed the landscape of the college search process and universities are trying to one-up one another to attract not only the best and brightest, but to appeal to their parents, too.
It’s obvious to say that kids get it. High school students today have never needed dial-up, let alone a stamp. Their parents, however, may be longing for a glimpse of a glossy view book or a thick Course Catalog in order to share the excitement of the college search. Helicopter (and even fighter jet!) parents can get involved by using the same online tools as their children to learn about college and financial aid options. Many tools are available so it’s important to seek out those that provide useful, but accurate, data on not just where a school ranks in U.S. News, but the non-tangibles as well.
With over 3,600 colleges and universities in the U.S. alone, beginning a search can be daunting. Several new sites have emerged that provide tools for finding colleges based on “real deal” criteria such as how safe students feel on campus and how accessible professors are based on student opinion.
Unigo offers student reviews, videos, and Q &A forums…a great place for a parent to ask the embarrassing questions usually reserved for the campus tour guide! Unigo allows you to create an account and when someone uploads photos or updates information about one of your selected schools, you receive an update.
Other sites to remember when checking out a school from the student perspective are Facebook and MySpace. Hundreds of schools have “Fan Pages” on Facebook and most allow non-students to join. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on campus events…do you see things happening that you know your son or daughter would enjoy? If not, do you see opportunities for them to make their mark with new ideas in the campus community? These pages are also a great place to ask questions as they are normally monitored by members of the admission staff at the universities.
Two other up-and-coming sites that students are flocking to are Cappex and Zinch. These sites provide a role reversal of sorts in the college search process. Students create profiles of themselves including items such as academic and extracurricular interests, as well as info on any special talents or accomplishments they may want to exhibit.
Once a profile is created the student can then sit back and wait for schools to contact them…that’s right, they come to you! Schools search student profiles to locate those whom they feel would be great additions to their campus community and then contact them through these sites. Students have the opportunity to learn about schools which they may not have considered and get updates on cool things happening at those schools. In addition, Unigo, Cappex, and Zinch all offer great scholarship search engines for students within their sites.
Long gone are the days of phone calls to admission offices, having been replaced by a plethora of e-communication styles. Email communication has slowly been replaced by instant messaging and now the world’s “all a Twitter.” Universities are using Twitter to provide campus updates and answer questions in real time. In order to understand Twitter, one must Tweet. It’s free, it’s easy and a great tool with which you can ask questions requiring quick responses a -la “When is your application deadline?”, “What time does the Open House start?” and the ever popular “What are your dorm visitation policies for the opposite sex?”
While all of these sites are wonderful resources, it is important to remember that nothing can replace the value of an actual campus visit or face-to-face conversation with a member of a college admission staff. Also, keep in mind that the college search process is much more than just a senior-year experience. Families can, and should, begin educating themselves on appropriate options as early as the freshman year of high school. With the abundance of options available in higher education, it just might take four years to narrow down your list of schools to which your student will apply. Doing your research first can save time, energy and money that is often wasted on pursuing inappropriate programs. Remember: this process, though seemingly complex, can be very exciting!
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Determine Your Final List July 2009
Summer is almost over which means one thing for high school seniors: it's application time. But, before you can start filling out forms and writing essays, you have the daunting task of determining your “List.” The List will consume your every thought because not only are you concerned about which schools have made the cut, everyone in your life wants to know what schools are on it too!
By now you’ve probably researched and visited several schools, now it’s time to choose those at which you can see yourself for the next four years. There are many basic factors to that you’ve probably already considered such as geography, size, and majors. Here are a few other areas to consider that will help you narrow your list:
***Check Out Alumni Outcomes: Are alumni professions diverse or does the school seem to funnel graduates into a certain niche field? Is the career you aspire to accessible with a degree from this university? Does the Office of Admission have any alumni whom you can contact?
***Check Out Your (Possible) Peers: Technology has created an opportunity for future students of any college to communicate online using social networking sites. Do you want to go where everyone has the same interests and personal philosophy as you, or are looking for a variety of outlooks on life? Take a look at whom else is considering the school...can you see them as your peers?
***Check Out School Stats: How many students transfer after their freshman year at the university? Have you looked at campus crime statistics and are you comfortable with the results?
***Check Out How the School Communicates With You Now: Have you felt the Admission Staff has been responsive to questions you have had so far? Do you get a timely response to emails, phone calls, or other requests? How you are treated during this time in your search can be indicative of how the staff (faculty, dorm staff, etc.) will be toward you as a student...does their style work for you at this point?
Once you’ve considered all of these points, you should be able to finalize a manageable list of prospective schools to which you’ll apply. The actual number of schools can vary by student though generally your list should be anywhere from five to eight schools. Remember: the more thorough your narrowing down process is, the more likely your final list will be full of appropriate matches. Save yourself time and application fees by doing your research first!
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Summer Programs at U.S. Boarding Schools February 2009
For most parents, the thought of their child attending a boarding school, regardless of cited benefits, can be scary. However, one unrecognized feature of many U.S. boarding schools is their unique residential summer programs. These programs are a wonderful option for families seeking summer opportunities for their children that offer not just traditional “summer camp” experiences, but include an academic component. Boarding school summer programs are ideal because as “home” for students from around the world during the academic year, staff members on these campuses are well equipped to serve students year round. Also, most of these campuses feature housing and amenities unlike traditional camps.
Students with a love of math and science should consider Mercersburg Academy’s (PA) robotics camps in July, one for boys and one for girls. Geared to students entering grades 6-8, Robotropolis uses math, science, and technology to teach participants how to construct robots while learning basic computer programming along the way. For girls entering grades 7-12, The Madeira School’s (VA) Girls First program offers a unique two-week camp focusing on Forensic Science. Throughout the July camp, participants will meet with forensic scientists, learn how to examine a mock crime scene and attempt to solve a realistic case. The program also includes an off-campus visit to an actual crime-lab.
For students with a talent for linguistics, the 4-week intensive Mandarin Program offered by St. Timothy’s School (MD) may be a summer option. This coed program, held in July for rising 8-12 grade students, also includes field trips to Washington D.C. and NYC to visit museums, performing arts venues, embassies, and Chinatown. Musically talented students may want to consider the 6-week Heifetz Music Institute on the campus of Brewster Academy (NH). This highly selective summer program offers private instruction, 5 hours of daily practice, and weekly performances for violinists, pianists, cellists, and violists.
Students struggling with ADHD, ADD, or dyslexia may benefit from the summer offerings at The Gow School (NY), a boys boarding school for students with learning disabilities. The 5-week summer session offers boys and girls ages 8-16 academic enrichment and remediation, in addition to a fun camp experience.
Each year 35 rising high school seniors are selected via application to participate in the St. Alban’s School (DC) 4-week School of Public Service. Using Washington D.C. as their classroom, students will have an interactive summer experience learning about government, politics, and public service while visiting places such as the U.S. Supreme Court, the “West Wing”, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Girls entering grades 7-9 interested in international relations should consider the Model United Nations summer program at Westover School (CT). This program, held in July, includes hands-on teaching of global issues and culminates in a visit to the United Nations in New York City.
While not an exhaustive list of programs, each of these programs offers a distinctive educational and recreational experience for your children.