05 Jun June Road Map

The school year is wrapping up and summer is just around the corner!  As my students look ahead to vacations and summer activities, I’m pleased to announce that the first of my summer College Essay Workshops for rising seniors will be held on July 11.  In addition to a discussion of how essays are used in admissions, I’ll offer guidance on choosing topics, writing tips for personal statements and school-specific supplements, and a one-on-one follow-up session. Additional details are in the Events section below, and you can register here.

Last month I was able to travel to Denver to attend the Independent Educational Consultants Association conference. On this trip I got to tour the University of Denver, connect with the head of the American Gap Association, and hear a talk by the author of Generation Z Goes to College.  I also organized a meeting of a group I cofounded, “IECs Who Give Back,” for independent educational consultants who do pro bono work.  I’m a strong proponent of service and volunteering, and pro bono work is some of the most rewarding work I do.

On a related note, I was deeply disappointed to see that the President has proposed eliminating the AmeriCorps program.  I’ve been an advocate for our national service programs for years because of the value they provide both to communities and to those who serve.  I’m optimistic that there is enough bipartisan support for AmeriCorps to fight this misguided proposal.

Road Map for June

Seniors

I’m excited for all of you as you finish your last high school exams and projects and enjoy year-end celebrations. This is a special time to spend with your friends and family and I hope you enjoy every moment.

During this flurry of activity there are still a few college-related tasks to keep on top of.  You’ll be selecting your housing, your meal plan, and perhaps your roommate, and may be starting to think about packing and shopping for your dorm.  You’ll need to register for orientation and if you’ve been offered financial aid, including student loans, you’ll have paperwork to complete. Check with your school counselor to make sure your final report, including your transcript, is sent to your college.  You may also have summer reading assignments to get started on.  It’s important to check your email regularly to ensure you don’t miss any important information.

Juniors

You’ve had a busy and challenging year.  In the homestretch, take care of yourself and stay focused so you can finish the year strong.  Also be sure to request recommendation letters from your teachers before school ends.  Then take a break before you turn your attention to college applications.  To get you started, I’m hosting a College Essay Workshop on July 11 at the Hill Center. (Details are in the Events section above.) You can register here or contact me for more information.

You should also plan to spend some time this summer working on your college list. Once you have your final grades and spring test scores you can better estimate which of your colleges you’re most likely to be admitted to and which ones are in the “reach” category, and figure out a good mix.  Summer visits can also help you decide which colleges might be a good fit for you academically and personally.

Are you planning on taking the August 26 SAT or Subject Tests? Registration is now open for that test date as well as additional dates through March 2018.  Test sites are limited for the August exam, so register now. Also remember that if you don’t ultimately get the test scores you’re hoping for, more and more colleges are adopting test-optional or test-flexible admissions policies.

I am currently accepting new clients for the upcoming application cycle.  To learn more about working with me one-on-one, contact me at [email protected].

Sophomores

As you wrap up the year I wish you the best of luck on your final exams and assignments.  Do your best to have a strong finish academically, then take some time to reflect on the year.  What went well, and what needs to change? The end of the school year is the perfect time to create or update your file on yourself, including both academics and extracurricular pursuits. You’ll use it when you’re ready to apply to college but it can also be helpful for creating a resume or a LinkedIn profile.

Although I recommend waiting until 2018 to take the SAT or ACT, I suggest you develop a testing plan before then and consider doing some prep during the summer if you have more free time than you do during the school year.  And if your summer isn’t already booked with work, travel and activities, consider this a chance to line up some volunteer opportunities. Service may be a graduation requirement at your high school, but it’s worthwhile for many other reasons as well, such as meeting new people, pursuing new interests, exploring careers and making a difference on an issue you care about.

I am currently accepting students in the Class of 2019 for one-on-one advising. To learn more about my services or to schedule an appointment, contact me at [email protected].

Freshmen

Congratulations on completing your first year of high school and good luck with final exams!  Once school is over, take some time to rest and recharge before you dive into your summer activities.  Use this time to reflect on your year, including not only your classes but also all the sports, clubs, service and hobbies you’ve been spending time on.  This is a perfect opportunity to create a file on yourself that you can update throughout high school.  And if you haven’t been involved in activities that fulfill you, consider volunteering this summer.  You just might find your inspiration.