Woof,
Clyde
Monday, December 28, 2009
Vacation...vacances...
OK...if you’re a senior and you’ve done your duty in terms of post-high school plans, you’re getting a well-deserved break. I’m certainly ready for mine. Frantic friends will have to listen to the parental units ask: “Have you finished those applications yet?” or “Can’t go out till the last essay is written.” I’m doggone happy that I won’t be hearing anything like that. I’m gonna be stepping out with some friends as soon as I can. In fact, I’m meeting up with Icee and we’re going to see if we can do some chillin’.
Woof,
Clyde
Woof,
Clyde
Monday, December 21, 2009
Happy holidays, Merry everything!! CELEBRATE!
No matter what you’re celebrating this holiday season, take time to enjoy these days with your family and friends.
Even if you don’t have plans to veer far from home, life after high school will bring about transition and change…and things just aren’t going to seem quite the same next year!
Treasure these moments, have fun and make memories.
In just a few days it will be a new year, and in just a few months, a whole new life for you. Cherish the old and look forward to the new.
As for me, I’m chillin’.
Woof,
Clyde
Even if you don’t have plans to veer far from home, life after high school will bring about transition and change…and things just aren’t going to seem quite the same next year!
Treasure these moments, have fun and make memories.
In just a few days it will be a new year, and in just a few months, a whole new life for you. Cherish the old and look forward to the new.
As for me, I’m chillin’.
Woof,
Clyde
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Places to go, things to do, people to see...Because I am free!
Break is almost here . . . and I am more than ready. Exams will be over and I can get a well deserved rest. I’ll be seeing friends
and waiting for the food fest and extra hours of snoozing before I gear up for second semester.
Not all of my friends will be able to enjoy the holidays as much as me.
In fact, you might say some of my friends are stiff, immobilized by their failure to take care of business. I hope that isn’t you☹. See your counselor. Finish those essays and applications. Get ready for the financial aid process. I’ll be sharing more on that in January.
HoHoHo,
Clyde
and waiting for the food fest and extra hours of snoozing before I gear up for second semester.
Not all of my friends will be able to enjoy the holidays as much as me.
In fact, you might say some of my friends are stiff, immobilized by their failure to take care of business. I hope that isn’t you☹. See your counselor. Finish those essays and applications. Get ready for the financial aid process. I’ll be sharing more on that in January.
HoHoHo,
Clyde
Friday, December 11, 2009
Two Weeks Before Christmas
‘Tis two weeks before Christmas and all through my head,
Too many thoughts stir when I head off to bed.
Applications now filled, signed and sealed with great care,
In the hopes that acceptance soon will be here.
As I try to nestle all snug in my bed,
Visions of college, jobs and sugar bones dance in my head.
With my friends in their clothes and I in my collar,
We’re plowing through exams before we can run, play and holler.
We’ll sleep and we’ll eat and we’ll have so much fun!
But for now I must study and get all my work done.
You’re almost there. Keep your eye on the prize.
Woof,
Clyde
Too many thoughts stir when I head off to bed.
Applications now filled, signed and sealed with great care,
In the hopes that acceptance soon will be here.
As I try to nestle all snug in my bed,
Visions of college, jobs and sugar bones dance in my head.
With my friends in their clothes and I in my collar,
We’re plowing through exams before we can run, play and holler.
We’ll sleep and we’ll eat and we’ll have so much fun!
But for now I must study and get all my work done.
You’re almost there. Keep your eye on the prize.
Woof,
Clyde
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Interview Suggestions from a Regional Rep
Not all interviews are created equally. Some carry more weight than others. Some are merely information exchanges and ways for you to get more comfortable with college X, Y, or Z as a choice for your educational, extracurricular and social life for the next four years. It might surprise you that not all interviewers are graduates of the colleges you are considering. It’s OK to ask. If the interviewer is a current or former student of a school you are considering, ask them what they enjoyed most about their experiences at the college. Where did they encounter the most difficult challenges as a college student?
Here are some interview suggestions from Carol Morris, the Regional Director of Admission/regional recruiter, for Southern Methodist University (http://smu.edu/admission/apply_first_c_morris.asp). She visits my high school and she interviews students in our area.
* Have a positive attitude. No matter what has happened before the interview, clear your mind and focus. This is your future.
* It’s OK to pause...think about your answers. It’s almost always better to think about your answers rather than to blurt something out you might regret.
* Get a good night’s sleep the night before... yawning could signal that you are bored!
* Be on time, but don’t be too early (did you read the first interview blog when I, Clyde, told you if you were too early you were a nuisance???)
* Be specific with your questions and your answers.
* Show your enthusiasm.
* Before you go to the interview, really think about why you chose to apply to this school in the first place.
* Prepare–have a parent ask you questions. Practice really does help.
* The whole point of the interview is to a encourage meaningful conversation. Avoid one-word answers!
* Think about questions you want answered. Ask things that are not easily answered by consulting the college website or brochures.
* Wear what you might wear to a dinner at a nice restaurant. If you are interviewed at your school, consider what attire might be appropriate. Ask your counselor what to wear if you aren’t sure.
* Make eye contact.
* Bring any documents you might need to refer to–your resume, an unofficial copy of your transcript, your high school profile, etc.
* Practice your handshake.
* Sit properly.
* Instead of responding to an interviewer’s question with “that’s hard! Consider a better response: “Oh, that’s a good question!” This will also give you more time to think about your response.
* Be yourself. Talk about what you will bring to the college–not just what you expect to get.
OK–are you getting it? I’m a very easy-going individual, but I’m getting the importance of the interview. It’s definitely a way to show your interest in a school, get your questions answered, and demonstrate to the interviewer how you will use the opportunities the college environment has to offer you.
Relax–a little. You don’t need to have your life completely planned out. Being undecided is fine. A ten year plan is fine. Undecided is a very popular college major. Many schools don’t require you to declare a major until some time during your sophomore year. Be ready, willing and able to explain how you have and will take advantage of your opportunities. What will you bring to this college and what do you hope to gain from the experiences? In your interview, why not ask how the college will expose you to different academic areas and career options–how will the college help you decide on a path to follow? Interviews are not just about answering questions . . . they are about asking questions too!
This interviewing stuff is work. I need a rest.
L8R,
Clyde
Here are some interview suggestions from Carol Morris, the Regional Director of Admission/regional recruiter, for Southern Methodist University (http://smu.edu/admission/apply_first_c_morris.asp). She visits my high school and she interviews students in our area.
* Have a positive attitude. No matter what has happened before the interview, clear your mind and focus. This is your future.
* It’s OK to pause...think about your answers. It’s almost always better to think about your answers rather than to blurt something out you might regret.
* Get a good night’s sleep the night before... yawning could signal that you are bored!
* Be on time, but don’t be too early (did you read the first interview blog when I, Clyde, told you if you were too early you were a nuisance???)
* Be specific with your questions and your answers.
* Show your enthusiasm.
* Before you go to the interview, really think about why you chose to apply to this school in the first place.
* Prepare–have a parent ask you questions. Practice really does help.
* The whole point of the interview is to a encourage meaningful conversation. Avoid one-word answers!
* Think about questions you want answered. Ask things that are not easily answered by consulting the college website or brochures.
* Wear what you might wear to a dinner at a nice restaurant. If you are interviewed at your school, consider what attire might be appropriate. Ask your counselor what to wear if you aren’t sure.
* Make eye contact.
* Bring any documents you might need to refer to–your resume, an unofficial copy of your transcript, your high school profile, etc.
* Practice your handshake.
* Sit properly.
* Instead of responding to an interviewer’s question with “that’s hard! Consider a better response: “Oh, that’s a good question!” This will also give you more time to think about your response.
* Be yourself. Talk about what you will bring to the college–not just what you expect to get.
OK–are you getting it? I’m a very easy-going individual, but I’m getting the importance of the interview. It’s definitely a way to show your interest in a school, get your questions answered, and demonstrate to the interviewer how you will use the opportunities the college environment has to offer you.
Relax–a little. You don’t need to have your life completely planned out. Being undecided is fine. A ten year plan is fine. Undecided is a very popular college major. Many schools don’t require you to declare a major until some time during your sophomore year. Be ready, willing and able to explain how you have and will take advantage of your opportunities. What will you bring to this college and what do you hope to gain from the experiences? In your interview, why not ask how the college will expose you to different academic areas and career options–how will the college help you decide on a path to follow? Interviews are not just about answering questions . . . they are about asking questions too!
This interviewing stuff is work. I need a rest.
L8R,
Clyde
Monday, December 7, 2009
Too Stuffed to Study?
In the words of Jack Prelutsky…
“I piled up my plate
and I ate and I ate,
but I wish I had known when to stop,
for I'm so crammed with yams,
sauces, gravies, and jams
that my buttons are starting to pop.”
Thanksgiving is done, but the fun has just begun. The holidays are officially here, but before I can completely relax and celebrate on my cherished vacation from school, I have to get through EXAMS! Ohhhhh, the dreaded but inevitable ordeal we must face before given the freedom of semester break!
A word to the wise…don’t let senioritis kick in early. Colleges not only look at first semester grades . . . they also make sure you have finished the year in an acceptable fashion! Rescinded admissions—not a pretty picture. Don’t let it be your photo in that picture frame.
Better get to studying. Maybe there’s still some pumpkin pie still left in the fridge. I could use a little brain food . . . or maybe…I could use a nap.
Woof,
Clyde
“I piled up my plate
and I ate and I ate,
but I wish I had known when to stop,
for I'm so crammed with yams,
sauces, gravies, and jams
that my buttons are starting to pop.”
Thanksgiving is done, but the fun has just begun. The holidays are officially here, but before I can completely relax and celebrate on my cherished vacation from school, I have to get through EXAMS! Ohhhhh, the dreaded but inevitable ordeal we must face before given the freedom of semester break!
A word to the wise…don’t let senioritis kick in early. Colleges not only look at first semester grades . . . they also make sure you have finished the year in an acceptable fashion! Rescinded admissions—not a pretty picture. Don’t let it be your photo in that picture frame.
Better get to studying. Maybe there’s still some pumpkin pie still left in the fridge. I could use a little brain food . . . or maybe…I could use a nap.
Woof,
Clyde
Monday, November 30, 2009
To Interview . . . or not to Interview, that is the Question . . .
Simple answer: if you get the opportunity to interview . . . do it!
Interviews can take place on the college campus or in a local setting (your high school, an office, a restaurant, etc.) Interviews can be evaluative (play a role in your admissions) or informative (an easy, less stressful way for you to get to know the college and for an agent of the college to get to know you).
Interviews can be conducted by an admissions officer, a current student, or an alum.
Pointers–round 1:
• Bone up on the college–you should know the basics.
• Don’t let your parent schedule the interview–it’s your job.
• Even if your parents know the interviewer, they shouldn’t go to the interview.
• Know why this particular school appeals to you. Be able to talk about what you will bring to the college environment. It can be a real surprise for students to realize that the admissions process is not just about what an individual will get from his or her experience on campus, but it’s also about what the individual will bring to a campus milieu.
NOTE: Be prepared for the question: "Where else are you applying?"
Technically, that question is a no-no, but it pops up all the time. Have an answer ready. Talk with your counselor ahead of the interview about some ways for you to respond to that question. One thing for sure, don’t rattle off 18 other schools that are on your targeted list.
BTW . . . there shouldn’t be 18 schools on your targeted list. Selecting your chosen schools isn’t a dart game. If you’ve conducted a thorough and personal college search, you should have a manageable list.
Pointers–round 2:
• Arrival . . . Be early, a few minutes not a few hours!
If you are late or too early, you’re not only an inconvenience, you’re a nuisance.
• What to wear? How do I put this delicately? Hmmmmmm . . . over-the-top trendy probably isn’t your best bet. Neither is wearing college-related clothes from a school other than the one with which you have the scheduled interview (FAUX PAW, big time. And yes, I know that is misspelled, but I’m a dog! Did you really think I’d write faux pas?) Better to leave the Goth look at home too, after all, you aren’t auditioning for a bit part in the next vampire movie. Ask your counselor for suggestions on what to wear.
• Practice . . . with a parent, a friend, or a teacher. (Remember that college career centers frequently do this before students have real job interviews, so why not use the same technique now to bone up for the college interview?)
• Make no bones about it (I♥bones! ) . . . knowing yourself and knowing why you’re interested in a particular school can pay off in the interview.
Recently, Carol Morris, the regional recruiter for Southern Methodist University, interviewed students at my school. Look for interview suggestions from her in a future blog.
Woof,
Clyde
Interviews can take place on the college campus or in a local setting (your high school, an office, a restaurant, etc.) Interviews can be evaluative (play a role in your admissions) or informative (an easy, less stressful way for you to get to know the college and for an agent of the college to get to know you).
Interviews can be conducted by an admissions officer, a current student, or an alum.
Pointers–round 1:
• Bone up on the college–you should know the basics.
• Don’t let your parent schedule the interview–it’s your job.
• Even if your parents know the interviewer, they shouldn’t go to the interview.
• Know why this particular school appeals to you. Be able to talk about what you will bring to the college environment. It can be a real surprise for students to realize that the admissions process is not just about what an individual will get from his or her experience on campus, but it’s also about what the individual will bring to a campus milieu.
NOTE: Be prepared for the question: "Where else are you applying?"
Technically, that question is a no-no, but it pops up all the time. Have an answer ready. Talk with your counselor ahead of the interview about some ways for you to respond to that question. One thing for sure, don’t rattle off 18 other schools that are on your targeted list.
BTW . . . there shouldn’t be 18 schools on your targeted list. Selecting your chosen schools isn’t a dart game. If you’ve conducted a thorough and personal college search, you should have a manageable list.
Pointers–round 2:
• Arrival . . . Be early, a few minutes not a few hours!
If you are late or too early, you’re not only an inconvenience, you’re a nuisance.• What to wear? How do I put this delicately? Hmmmmmm . . . over-the-top trendy probably isn’t your best bet. Neither is wearing college-related clothes from a school other than the one with which you have the scheduled interview (FAUX PAW, big time. And yes, I know that is misspelled, but I’m a dog! Did you really think I’d write faux pas?) Better to leave the Goth look at home too, after all, you aren’t auditioning for a bit part in the next vampire movie. Ask your counselor for suggestions on what to wear.
• Practice . . . with a parent, a friend, or a teacher. (Remember that college career centers frequently do this before students have real job interviews, so why not use the same technique now to bone up for the college interview?)
• Make no bones about it (I♥bones! ) . . . knowing yourself and knowing why you’re interested in a particular school can pay off in the interview.
Recently, Carol Morris, the regional recruiter for Southern Methodist University, interviewed students at my school. Look for interview suggestions from her in a future blog.
Woof,
Clyde
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Gobble, gobble, gobble...
Boy oh boy, it’s finally here – my most favorite holiday of the year – THANKSGIVING! Every year I look forward to this glorious day when I can unabashedly indulge in three of my favorite things – family, football, and FOOD!
As you let the turkey and sweet pumpkin pie settle in your belly, take this opportunity to not only enjoy the company of your family and friends, but to seek out their advice and input as you continue to ponder the next step you will take after high school. You are at a crossroads, so why not take advantage of the wisdom of those who care about you most?
Whatever you decide in a few months, don’t forget that these are the people who will love you and give you unconditional support for whatever path you choose.
C u after the holiday, gotta go get my eat on.
Woof,
Clyde
Monday, November 23, 2009
Seeking a Match? Dig up Data Bone up on what Matters to You! Part 3
OK . . . the pace of the talk Mr. Singer, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Boston College, gave the seniors was definitely faster. Juniors and seniors really do have less time to make their mark in the classroom and in their activities. Seniors are in the college application process NOW. Juniors are beginning the search in earnest. There were a lot of good bones in his talk.
•The first thing Mr. Singer did was to assure students that there are tons of possibilities. There are schools for everyone who wants to further his or her education.
•Next . . . Mr. Singer encouraged students to really R E A D the information provided by schools regarding how the admissions process works at each given possible college choice. Evaluate your credentials and see how you fit into the mix.
•The uh-oh moment–you might have all the right credentials and still not be admitted if the college is highly selective. Colleges are crafting classes–so they are building on what their needs are in a given year and the highly selective ones have far more possible candidates than they can admit. Be prepared for rejection . . . it happens–in admissions and in life.
•If you don’t focus on a one-and-only choice, you’ll be better prepared to be happy at any place you’re admitted.
•Deadlines, spelling, neatness all count. You know–that is a theme I seem to keep hearing from all corners–teachers, counselors, parents, admissions officers.
•Essays really do matter.
Mr. Singer said: “Print it. Proof it. Crumple it. Drop pizza on it. Don’t rely on spell check and grammar check.” Before you snail mail it or punch the submit button, make sure you have done everything to make it the best it can be. However, it needs to be your voice that comes through–not your parents’ or anyone else’s voice. “Don’t be controversial–real people with opinions read these essays. Don’t write what might offend someone.” The real key is to make sure that the essay shows a side of you that the reader cannot glean from any other part of your application. “The essay is a way to personalize an impersonal process.” What distinguishes you in a competitive admissions pool is your essay and your out-of-class accomplishments.
•Every year in high school is important. Work to capacity with the motto that your hard work brings you closer to attaining your goals.
•Don’t rule out a college based on the sticker price. Apply for financial aid/scholarships. Complete all the forms that a college requires. Complete them by the deadlines. Know whether the school can meet demonstrated need.
Mr. Singer talked a good bit about interviews. The basic recommendation–if you have the opportunity to interview, DO IT! Realize that interviews can be conducted by alums in your area, students at the college, or admissions reps. Interviews can be informational or evaluative. Know which kind you’ll be having. Don’t wear a sweat shirt from another college–it happens!
Dress appropriately. Don’t chew gum. Don’t let your parent set up the interview for you. And, by all means, know something about the college and be able to talk about why you are interested in this particular school. Avoid the typical “ya’ know . . . like . . . ” comments. Practice interviewing with another student, your counselor or a parent. One reason you want to interview is it shows demonstrated interest in a given school. While demonstrated interest is not a factor in admission at BC, Mr. Singer’s school, he noted that it has become an increasingly important factor in admissions at some schools. He noted there are many ways to demonstrate interest– a campus visit, an interview with an alum, speaking with a college rep who visits your school, connecting with a college at a college fair, or a written inquiry, etc.
Seniors–get a move on it. Juniors–start making those college visits.
As for me, I’m bone chasing!
L8R,
Clyde
•The first thing Mr. Singer did was to assure students that there are tons of possibilities. There are schools for everyone who wants to further his or her education.
•Next . . . Mr. Singer encouraged students to really R E A D the information provided by schools regarding how the admissions process works at each given possible college choice. Evaluate your credentials and see how you fit into the mix.
•The uh-oh moment–you might have all the right credentials and still not be admitted if the college is highly selective. Colleges are crafting classes–so they are building on what their needs are in a given year and the highly selective ones have far more possible candidates than they can admit. Be prepared for rejection . . . it happens–in admissions and in life.
•If you don’t focus on a one-and-only choice, you’ll be better prepared to be happy at any place you’re admitted.
•Deadlines, spelling, neatness all count. You know–that is a theme I seem to keep hearing from all corners–teachers, counselors, parents, admissions officers.
•Essays really do matter.
Mr. Singer said: “Print it. Proof it. Crumple it. Drop pizza on it. Don’t rely on spell check and grammar check.” Before you snail mail it or punch the submit button, make sure you have done everything to make it the best it can be. However, it needs to be your voice that comes through–not your parents’ or anyone else’s voice. “Don’t be controversial–real people with opinions read these essays. Don’t write what might offend someone.” The real key is to make sure that the essay shows a side of you that the reader cannot glean from any other part of your application. “The essay is a way to personalize an impersonal process.” What distinguishes you in a competitive admissions pool is your essay and your out-of-class accomplishments.
•Every year in high school is important. Work to capacity with the motto that your hard work brings you closer to attaining your goals.
•Don’t rule out a college based on the sticker price. Apply for financial aid/scholarships. Complete all the forms that a college requires. Complete them by the deadlines. Know whether the school can meet demonstrated need.
Mr. Singer talked a good bit about interviews. The basic recommendation–if you have the opportunity to interview, DO IT! Realize that interviews can be conducted by alums in your area, students at the college, or admissions reps. Interviews can be informational or evaluative. Know which kind you’ll be having. Don’t wear a sweat shirt from another college–it happens!
Dress appropriately. Don’t chew gum. Don’t let your parent set up the interview for you. And, by all means, know something about the college and be able to talk about why you are interested in this particular school. Avoid the typical “ya’ know . . . like . . . ” comments. Practice interviewing with another student, your counselor or a parent. One reason you want to interview is it shows demonstrated interest in a given school. While demonstrated interest is not a factor in admission at BC, Mr. Singer’s school, he noted that it has become an increasingly important factor in admissions at some schools. He noted there are many ways to demonstrate interest– a campus visit, an interview with an alum, speaking with a college rep who visits your school, connecting with a college at a college fair, or a written inquiry, etc.
Seniors–get a move on it. Juniors–start making those college visits.
As for me, I’m bone chasing!
L8R,
Clyde
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wake Up and Smell the Deadlines!
No matter what time it is, you probably haven’t done everything you need to as you prepare for life after high school.
The holiday season is here (oohhhhh, I can already taste that turkey) and as soon as you blink, you will find yourself in 2010.
As much as you would like to, you can’t hit the snooze button on your applications, your financial aid/scholarship forms, or your interviews. Don’t wake up to find that the dreams you had for yourself in the future have turned into a nightmare of missed opportunities just because you couldn’t get yourself organized.
That semester break you’ve been looking forward to since August should be about family, friends, and FUN. Get your paperwork done now, so you can enjoy the next few weeks without the weight of deadlines on your shoulders.
I better go take a look at my checklist before I indulge in woofing down some turkey, snoozing and some holiday fun.
Woof,
Clyde
The holiday season is here (oohhhhh, I can already taste that turkey) and as soon as you blink, you will find yourself in 2010.
As much as you would like to, you can’t hit the snooze button on your applications, your financial aid/scholarship forms, or your interviews. Don’t wake up to find that the dreams you had for yourself in the future have turned into a nightmare of missed opportunities just because you couldn’t get yourself organized.
That semester break you’ve been looking forward to since August should be about family, friends, and FUN. Get your paperwork done now, so you can enjoy the next few weeks without the weight of deadlines on your shoulders.
I better go take a look at my checklist before I indulge in woofing down some turkey, snoozing and some holiday fun.
Woof,
Clyde
Monday, November 16, 2009
Seeking a Match? Dig up Data Bone up on what Matters to You! Part 2
There are lots of ways to get information. Information is power in the college selection and admissions process. Some colleges have joint travel programs–a group of colleges host evening programs in specific cities. Even freshmen can go to these. Sometimes just one or two colleges will hold these evening information sessions. Many high schools host programs in the evenings or even during the school day to allow a speaker to talk about specific aspects of the college selection and admissions process. I’m lucky that my high school hosts these types of programs
Remember . . . boning up is my personal specialty.
So when Howard Singer, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission at Boston College, spoke at my school last month–I was all ears. He presented two programs–one for the freshmen and sophomores and one for the juniors and seniors.
This week, I’ll share some things I learned in the session for the 9th and 10th graders.
I’ll just hit some high points–can’t paws long enough to cover it all. And, remember, this is the Clyde version of the info–the facts and some questions.
• Here’s a newsflash that came as a surprise to some of my freshman foster brothers and sisters: your freshman year matters!
• If you don’t get off to a great start, make sure you learn your lesson and be on an up hill trend academically. (btw–this matters in your activities too!)
• Never mind the student to teacher ratio–how big are the biggest classes students might have and how many of them might a student have before getting to more manageable sized classes?
• What percent of the undergrads study abroad? And, does their financial aid go with them?
• Location–location– location–how do you feel about it? Big city, suburban, rural? When you are on campus, what kind of transportation is available if you don’t have a car or don’t want to walk everywhere?
• What is there to do–class only takes up a small part of a week, and if you study a lot and sleep enough, there are still a lot of ours to fill.
• What kind of a community is the campus milieu–cut throat competitive or collegial?
• Is the school need blind or needs aware in admissions?
• Can the school meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated need?
• Are there merit scholarships?
• Lots of applicants have really good grades, test scores and killer resumes. Essays matter and they need to reveal part of the applicant that can’t be seen anywhere else in the application. (That does not mean to talk about controversial topics–that could be risky. And, frankly you don’t know if a young admissions rep or a seasoned pro is reading your essay.) Here’s a quote from Mr. Singer: “When I’m finished reading your essay, do I know something substantially different about the applicant that I couldn’t have known without reading the essay?”
• And . . . the basics count–spelling, grammar, meeting deadlines. (Reread Two, to, too. Their, there. Receive. Weight listed??? Spell check and grammar check are great tools, but....http://blogs.makingitcount.com/tccp/2009/10/two-to-too-their-there-receive weightlisted-spell-check-and-grammar-check-are-great-tools-but.html
• Think of college as an adventure–consider trekking out of your comfort zone. See college as an opportunity to see different perspectives and get a different world view.
• To give yourself the most options, work to your potential and don’t take forever getting started. Challenge yourself–take hard classes. There are costs to taking the easy way out.
• There are options (NOT JUST ONE!) for every student who wants to pursue higher education.
• Be really engaged in the classroom and in your activities. Colleges are crafting a class–they want well rounded and well lopsided students.
I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet and hear Mr. Singer.
Those freshmen and sophomores have a lot to think about.
Woof,
Clyde
Remember . . . boning up is my personal specialty.
So when Howard Singer, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission at Boston College, spoke at my school last month–I was all ears. He presented two programs–one for the freshmen and sophomores and one for the juniors and seniors.
This week, I’ll share some things I learned in the session for the 9th and 10th graders.
I’ll just hit some high points–can’t paws long enough to cover it all. And, remember, this is the Clyde version of the info–the facts and some questions.
• Here’s a newsflash that came as a surprise to some of my freshman foster brothers and sisters: your freshman year matters!
• If you don’t get off to a great start, make sure you learn your lesson and be on an up hill trend academically. (btw–this matters in your activities too!)
• Never mind the student to teacher ratio–how big are the biggest classes students might have and how many of them might a student have before getting to more manageable sized classes?
• What percent of the undergrads study abroad? And, does their financial aid go with them?
• Location–location– location–how do you feel about it? Big city, suburban, rural? When you are on campus, what kind of transportation is available if you don’t have a car or don’t want to walk everywhere?
• What is there to do–class only takes up a small part of a week, and if you study a lot and sleep enough, there are still a lot of ours to fill.
• What kind of a community is the campus milieu–cut throat competitive or collegial?
• Is the school need blind or needs aware in admissions?
• Can the school meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated need?
• Are there merit scholarships?
• Lots of applicants have really good grades, test scores and killer resumes. Essays matter and they need to reveal part of the applicant that can’t be seen anywhere else in the application. (That does not mean to talk about controversial topics–that could be risky. And, frankly you don’t know if a young admissions rep or a seasoned pro is reading your essay.) Here’s a quote from Mr. Singer: “When I’m finished reading your essay, do I know something substantially different about the applicant that I couldn’t have known without reading the essay?”
• And . . . the basics count–spelling, grammar, meeting deadlines. (Reread Two, to, too. Their, there. Receive. Weight listed??? Spell check and grammar check are great tools, but....http://blogs.makingitcount.com/tccp/2009/10/two-to-too-their-there-receive weightlisted-spell-check-and-grammar-check-are-great-tools-but.html
• Think of college as an adventure–consider trekking out of your comfort zone. See college as an opportunity to see different perspectives and get a different world view.
• To give yourself the most options, work to your potential and don’t take forever getting started. Challenge yourself–take hard classes. There are costs to taking the easy way out.
• There are options (NOT JUST ONE!) for every student who wants to pursue higher education.
• Be really engaged in the classroom and in your activities. Colleges are crafting a class–they want well rounded and well lopsided students.
I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet and hear Mr. Singer.
Those freshmen and sophomores have a lot to think about.
Woof,
Clyde
Expect the Unexpected...
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…PROCRASTINATION IS THE ENEMY!!!!!
Never was this more true for me than this week when LITERALLY a dark cloud came over my house and turned my world upside down…well, for a few days anyway.
If you were anywhere near the Weather Channel last weekend you heard about a little storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico called Hurricane Ida.
And if you looked REALLY close at the map projecting this storm’s potential spot of landfall, you would have seen my house. Before I go any further, let me tell you that fortunately the storm was downgraded before it ever hit land, and my family and friends were safe and sound…just a little wet-make that realllly wet!. What was the big deal, then, you ask? Well, the hurricane predictions meant NO SCHOOL FOR TWO DAYS!
Now, most students would jump for celebratory joy upon hearing such news. As for me, I was in a bit of a panic. See, I had a college admissions essay due Wednesday. I had put it off and put it off, had begged my English teacher to give me a few pointers Monday morning when I would compose it on my classroom computer. But when I woke Monday morning, I got the news. No big deal, I thought; I’ll write it here at home and take it to my teacher Tuesday morning. Problem number one, my home computer wasn’t much help when my house lost power Monday afternoon. Problem number two, I found out Monday night there would be no school Tuesday either, which meant even if I could find a way to compose it, I would still have no way to have my teacher look over it for me and give me some advice. Needless to say I didn’t get much sleep Monday night, all I could think about was how in the world I could get my essay written and e-mailed to the admissions office in 24 hours.
Tuesday morning wasn’t much better. The power was still out when I woke, but then my wheels started turning. I was able to go to my neighbor’s house and beg a few hours use of their laptop…which fortunately had a fully charged battery. The muses were on my side as my essay seemed to flow freely from my brain to the computer screen. I had to proof it myself, though, thinking about my English teacher’s daily advice, “NEVER PUT ALL YOUR FAITH IN SPELL CHECK!” Sigh, at last it was done. I e-mailed it Wednesday morning when both power and the sunshine were restored.
Take my advice, when it comes to deadlines, anticipate the worst case scenario and then do everything you can to avoid it. The college’s server could crash and prevent all incoming e-mail from being received; you could take your application to the mailbox and realize your postman came early; your (ahem) cat could eat your homework; it could snow in June.
There are things that will happen in life that are out of our control. Don’t wait till the last minute, the stress is just not worth it.
Better go look at my planner for next month...no more procrastination for me!
Woof,
Clyde
Never was this more true for me than this week when LITERALLY a dark cloud came over my house and turned my world upside down…well, for a few days anyway.
If you were anywhere near the Weather Channel last weekend you heard about a little storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico called Hurricane Ida.
And if you looked REALLY close at the map projecting this storm’s potential spot of landfall, you would have seen my house. Before I go any further, let me tell you that fortunately the storm was downgraded before it ever hit land, and my family and friends were safe and sound…just a little wet-make that realllly wet!. What was the big deal, then, you ask? Well, the hurricane predictions meant NO SCHOOL FOR TWO DAYS!
Now, most students would jump for celebratory joy upon hearing such news. As for me, I was in a bit of a panic. See, I had a college admissions essay due Wednesday. I had put it off and put it off, had begged my English teacher to give me a few pointers Monday morning when I would compose it on my classroom computer. But when I woke Monday morning, I got the news. No big deal, I thought; I’ll write it here at home and take it to my teacher Tuesday morning. Problem number one, my home computer wasn’t much help when my house lost power Monday afternoon. Problem number two, I found out Monday night there would be no school Tuesday either, which meant even if I could find a way to compose it, I would still have no way to have my teacher look over it for me and give me some advice. Needless to say I didn’t get much sleep Monday night, all I could think about was how in the world I could get my essay written and e-mailed to the admissions office in 24 hours.
Tuesday morning wasn’t much better. The power was still out when I woke, but then my wheels started turning. I was able to go to my neighbor’s house and beg a few hours use of their laptop…which fortunately had a fully charged battery. The muses were on my side as my essay seemed to flow freely from my brain to the computer screen. I had to proof it myself, though, thinking about my English teacher’s daily advice, “NEVER PUT ALL YOUR FAITH IN SPELL CHECK!” Sigh, at last it was done. I e-mailed it Wednesday morning when both power and the sunshine were restored.
Take my advice, when it comes to deadlines, anticipate the worst case scenario and then do everything you can to avoid it. The college’s server could crash and prevent all incoming e-mail from being received; you could take your application to the mailbox and realize your postman came early; your (ahem) cat could eat your homework; it could snow in June.
There are things that will happen in life that are out of our control. Don’t wait till the last minute, the stress is just not worth it.
Better go look at my planner for next month...no more procrastination for me!
Woof,
Clyde
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Seeking a Match? Dig up Data Bone up on what Matters to You! Part 1
Let’s review. If you want to end up at a good place for you–in terms of a career and a college, then you have to do a little research. For me, digging is a favorite past time and what could be better than boning up on anything?
Making your school and career lists might be harder than you think. Remember, lots of career choices you might have don’t even exist yet! (For up to date information on current career markets, go to OOH site (http://www.bls.gov/OCO/). But remember, they don’t have the crystal ball that will predict all emerging career fields. In the past, things like nanotechnology, and assorted computer and Internet sites wouldn’t have been found in the OOH! However, here’s one thing I’m pretty sure of–every career field will involve the need to be able to deal with lots of information and cutting edge technology and you’ll need an understanding of how to work quickly, efficiently, and economically. I’m betting you’ll also need to be able to work independently AND to be an effective team member.
So . . . where do we go from here?
I’m gonna talk to some friends . . . see how they’ve been getting info and what they’ve been doing to make sure they’ve boned up on information that is useful to them.
Take my friend Abbey. . .
She’s purrfectly content with her plan. She has visited colleges, talked with friends, gone to college fairs, visited with reps at school and . . . she has made a serious dent in her paperwork!
Abbey noted that getting a feel for a school by talking with an admission professional is a good idea. She even noted that colleges really want prospective enrollees to make good matches. Otherwise, they become unhappy students and really bad commercials. I don’t want to be a bad commercial–do you?
Many reps visit high schools. My counselor posts a list. I decided to get the scoop from a rep.
Taking time to talk with reps at your school, at college fairs, or in their offices
can go a long way in helping you create your final list.
Now get going. December is almost here. Check your counselor’s list of college professionals who are visiting your school; finish your college visits; finish your paperwork.
L8R,
Clyde
.
Making your school and career lists might be harder than you think. Remember, lots of career choices you might have don’t even exist yet! (For up to date information on current career markets, go to OOH site (http://www.bls.gov/OCO/). But remember, they don’t have the crystal ball that will predict all emerging career fields. In the past, things like nanotechnology, and assorted computer and Internet sites wouldn’t have been found in the OOH! However, here’s one thing I’m pretty sure of–every career field will involve the need to be able to deal with lots of information and cutting edge technology and you’ll need an understanding of how to work quickly, efficiently, and economically. I’m betting you’ll also need to be able to work independently AND to be an effective team member.
So . . . where do we go from here?
I’m gonna talk to some friends . . . see how they’ve been getting info and what they’ve been doing to make sure they’ve boned up on information that is useful to them.
Take my friend Abbey. . .
She’s purrfectly content with her plan. She has visited colleges, talked with friends, gone to college fairs, visited with reps at school and . . . she has made a serious dent in her paperwork! Abbey noted that getting a feel for a school by talking with an admission professional is a good idea. She even noted that colleges really want prospective enrollees to make good matches. Otherwise, they become unhappy students and really bad commercials. I don’t want to be a bad commercial–do you?
Many reps visit high schools. My counselor posts a list. I decided to get the scoop from a rep.
Taking time to talk with reps at your school, at college fairs, or in their offices
can go a long way in helping you create your final list.
Now get going. December is almost here. Check your counselor’s list of college professionals who are visiting your school; finish your college visits; finish your paperwork.
L8R,
Clyde
.
Pawsing for Fun
Wow, what a weekend! There was Homecoming on Friday,
Halloween on Saturday, and an awesome game of ultimate Frisbee with some of my best buds on Sunday. I had a blast with my friends the past three days and made some pretty cool memories I know I’ll keep for a long time.
It’s hard to believe more than a quarter of the school year is already over. The holidays will be here in just a few short weeks and then, just like every year, second semester will fly by in the blink of an eye. In the midst of trying to figure out, what in the world will life be like next year?, it’s hit me, just who will be there to figure everything out with?
It’s really got me thinking about how I need to take each day and really make the most of it. I know, I know, this sounds like nagging adult advice you hear or a line from a really sappy greeting card commercial, but think about it: This time next year, most of us will be in a completely different environment with new schedules, new goals, new jobs, new classes, and new friends. And while I’m looking forward to all of the change, the transition will be bittersweet as the friends I’ve known for so many years (some since we were puppies!) will go in different directions and we’ll all be forging new friendships with those we haven’t even met yet!
I remember when one of our alumni
returned home for the weekend after his first semester of college. He told me how quickly he learned to appreciate how much of what he learned in high school that he was able to use in college, but it wasn’t just his study and time management skills that were important to him – it was the value of his friendships and the memories he’d made as a high school student that were helping him through the uncertain world he was now a part of.
Don’t take your high school experiences for granted and don’t be in too much of a rush to move on to the next phase in your life. Enjoy every football game, school dance, pep rally, and party – because in just a few months, it will be your last event as a high school student. Have fun, make memories, cherish every minute.
Gotta go. My friends are howling.
Woof,
Clyde
Halloween on Saturday, and an awesome game of ultimate Frisbee with some of my best buds on Sunday. I had a blast with my friends the past three days and made some pretty cool memories I know I’ll keep for a long time.
It’s hard to believe more than a quarter of the school year is already over. The holidays will be here in just a few short weeks and then, just like every year, second semester will fly by in the blink of an eye. In the midst of trying to figure out, what in the world will life be like next year?, it’s hit me, just who will be there to figure everything out with?
It’s really got me thinking about how I need to take each day and really make the most of it. I know, I know, this sounds like nagging adult advice you hear or a line from a really sappy greeting card commercial, but think about it: This time next year, most of us will be in a completely different environment with new schedules, new goals, new jobs, new classes, and new friends. And while I’m looking forward to all of the change, the transition will be bittersweet as the friends I’ve known for so many years (some since we were puppies!) will go in different directions and we’ll all be forging new friendships with those we haven’t even met yet!
I remember when one of our alumni
returned home for the weekend after his first semester of college. He told me how quickly he learned to appreciate how much of what he learned in high school that he was able to use in college, but it wasn’t just his study and time management skills that were important to him – it was the value of his friendships and the memories he’d made as a high school student that were helping him through the uncertain world he was now a part of.
Don’t take your high school experiences for granted and don’t be in too much of a rush to move on to the next phase in your life. Enjoy every football game, school dance, pep rally, and party – because in just a few months, it will be your last event as a high school student. Have fun, make memories, cherish every minute.
Gotta go. My friends are howling.
Woof,
Clyde
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tick-Tock . . . Do you know what day it is?
OK–seems like school just started . . . operative phrase–seems like! How could it be November already? Do your paws hurt from opening all that mail? I mean–I have paper cuts on my paws! Is your mail piling up all over the place? By the way, have you ever seen a lonely dog in any of those viewbooks? Is it ever raining? It is very easy for this paperwork thing to get out of control . . . very easy!
You need a system for paperwork–both incoming and outgoing. Otherwise you’ll end up with piles and piles of advertising–whoops, I mean marketing, double whoops, I mean college information material. By the way, getting mail from a college does not mean you will be admitted to a college! Bummer.
I’ll admit my paperwork is a bit out of control.
But, after a trip to my counselor’s office, I now have a system for incoming and outgoing college related paperwork. I’m keeping a chart that tells me when I’ve sent all the necessary pieces–even if I send things electronically, and I know to keep copies of everything. I also know to seek confirmation from admissions’ offices of receipt of materials. No “lost in cyberspace” info for me!
Here are items I know I have to keep track of:
• the actual application
• the application fee, if one applies
• my transcript (and will I need a midyear/7th semester transcript sent?)
• my test scores–even if a high school puts scores on transcripts many colleges want scores sent from the testing agencies directly to the admissions office (score choice caveat: do what the college tells you to about sending your scores)
• teacher recommendations–how many, if any, do I need and how will I know that the teachers have sent them . . . I need to give my teachers plenty of notice for those recommendations AND I need to remember to say thank you for writing recs for me. If my teacher is sending recommendations through the mail, generally I need to remember to give her/him a stamped envelope for the recommendation. If my counselor and/or the registrar are sending items for me, I need to make sure to follow my school’s procedure for sending items to the college on my behalf . . . high school policies and procedures can be very different, so check with your counselor and registrar to see what you need to do.
It’s important to realize that the year is flying by, and besides buckling down in classes, be aware of the TIME factor and meeting deadlines. I want semester break to be relaxing, so I’m determined to follow my counselor’s guidelines and get all of my applications out by early December. Then, when I watch the clock, I’ll be thinking about fun–not deadlines!
L8R–gotta snail mail some stuff,
Clyde
You need a system for paperwork–both incoming and outgoing. Otherwise you’ll end up with piles and piles of advertising–whoops, I mean marketing, double whoops, I mean college information material. By the way, getting mail from a college does not mean you will be admitted to a college! Bummer.
I’ll admit my paperwork is a bit out of control.
But, after a trip to my counselor’s office, I now have a system for incoming and outgoing college related paperwork. I’m keeping a chart that tells me when I’ve sent all the necessary pieces–even if I send things electronically, and I know to keep copies of everything. I also know to seek confirmation from admissions’ offices of receipt of materials. No “lost in cyberspace” info for me!
Here are items I know I have to keep track of:
• the actual application
• the application fee, if one applies
• my transcript (and will I need a midyear/7th semester transcript sent?)
• my test scores–even if a high school puts scores on transcripts many colleges want scores sent from the testing agencies directly to the admissions office (score choice caveat: do what the college tells you to about sending your scores)
• teacher recommendations–how many, if any, do I need and how will I know that the teachers have sent them . . . I need to give my teachers plenty of notice for those recommendations AND I need to remember to say thank you for writing recs for me. If my teacher is sending recommendations through the mail, generally I need to remember to give her/him a stamped envelope for the recommendation. If my counselor and/or the registrar are sending items for me, I need to make sure to follow my school’s procedure for sending items to the college on my behalf . . . high school policies and procedures can be very different, so check with your counselor and registrar to see what you need to do.
It’s important to realize that the year is flying by, and besides buckling down in classes, be aware of the TIME factor and meeting deadlines. I want semester break to be relaxing, so I’m determined to follow my counselor’s guidelines and get all of my applications out by early December. Then, when I watch the clock, I’ll be thinking about fun–not deadlines!
L8R–gotta snail mail some stuff,
Clyde
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Advice from Maddie and Watson’s Human
My friends, Maddie and Watson
live in South Carolina. Their human, Woody O’Cain,
is the Vice President for Enrollment at Erskine College. High school counselors and college admissions folks work on different sides of the same desk and they are always talking about admissions issues. Woody sent a message to counselors to help them nudge their students into action. My counselor thought it was pretty good stuff so she shared it with me and I’m gonna share a version of it with you…here goes…
What do I need to do to get accepted into college?
And…How in the world am I going to pay for it?
What do I need to do to get accepted into college?
All of the information you fill out on a college application is taken into consideration.
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT - Your high school record is the most important part of the whole process…what you have done the last three years in high school and so far this year will be given the most weight in the review process. Remember that you can’t go to sleep intellectually during your senior year. By the way, almost all colleges require the submission of a final transcript.
TEST SCORES – Your SAT and/or ACT score is another thing many colleges look at in this process. It’s one test that you happened to take on a Saturday. And, you probably had a thousand other things on your mind. Whether you are pleased with your score or disappointed…just remember, for most colleges, your test score is not the “end all” to this process. The amount of weight put on the test score really varies by college. Know that some schools are test optional (www.fairtest.org).
PERSONAL QUALITIES – These include letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, employment, honors, awards and…THE ESSAY. All schools don’t require essays/personal statements. If a school does require these, use them to your advantage to highlight something you are passionate about and to give information about you that can’t be found anywhere else on your application.
HOW TO APPLY - Some schools have their own applications. Others are part of groups that allow students to use one application to apply to more than one school. BEWARE: Some of these applications require supplements. If you have questions about the Common App, here is the link: https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/DownloadForms.aspx
OK, OK, OK—applications, transcripts, test scores—check, check and double check. But… How in the world am I going to pay for college?
Fact: Very few people pay the full sticker price for college! There are lots of scholarships out there both from the federal government and from the schools themselves. Your state will also have a few more scholarship opportunities if you decide to stay in state to attend college.
We do all that we can to help make Erskine affordable for those students who want to be here. That’s doesn’t mean that we, or any school, can give everyone a full scholarship….wouldn’t that be cool? To help in the process, there are several things you need to do. This will probably vary from school to school, but all schools have requirements you must meet to qualify for aid/scholarships.
To help us figure out what the Federal Government can do for you, go here:
http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/F4CApp/index/index.jsf
Visit colleges that interest you. Selecting a college should be about determining which colleges offer you an environment that will allow you to grow and develop–to reach your potential and realize your dreams.
Sincerely,
Woody O’Cain
Vice President for Enrollment
Erskine College
Here’s a news flash—colleges really want students to make good matches. Maddie and Watson’s human has given me some good advice. I think I’ll go talk to my counselor about a college visit. It’s getting late—maybe you should talk to your counselor too!
L8R
Clyde
live in South Carolina. Their human, Woody O’Cain,
is the Vice President for Enrollment at Erskine College. High school counselors and college admissions folks work on different sides of the same desk and they are always talking about admissions issues. Woody sent a message to counselors to help them nudge their students into action. My counselor thought it was pretty good stuff so she shared it with me and I’m gonna share a version of it with you…here goes…What do I need to do to get accepted into college?
And…How in the world am I going to pay for it?
What do I need to do to get accepted into college?
All of the information you fill out on a college application is taken into consideration.
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT - Your high school record is the most important part of the whole process…what you have done the last three years in high school and so far this year will be given the most weight in the review process. Remember that you can’t go to sleep intellectually during your senior year. By the way, almost all colleges require the submission of a final transcript.
TEST SCORES – Your SAT and/or ACT score is another thing many colleges look at in this process. It’s one test that you happened to take on a Saturday. And, you probably had a thousand other things on your mind. Whether you are pleased with your score or disappointed…just remember, for most colleges, your test score is not the “end all” to this process. The amount of weight put on the test score really varies by college. Know that some schools are test optional (www.fairtest.org).
PERSONAL QUALITIES – These include letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, employment, honors, awards and…THE ESSAY. All schools don’t require essays/personal statements. If a school does require these, use them to your advantage to highlight something you are passionate about and to give information about you that can’t be found anywhere else on your application.
HOW TO APPLY - Some schools have their own applications. Others are part of groups that allow students to use one application to apply to more than one school. BEWARE: Some of these applications require supplements. If you have questions about the Common App, here is the link: https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/DownloadForms.aspx
OK, OK, OK—applications, transcripts, test scores—check, check and double check. But… How in the world am I going to pay for college?
Fact: Very few people pay the full sticker price for college! There are lots of scholarships out there both from the federal government and from the schools themselves. Your state will also have a few more scholarship opportunities if you decide to stay in state to attend college.
We do all that we can to help make Erskine affordable for those students who want to be here. That’s doesn’t mean that we, or any school, can give everyone a full scholarship….wouldn’t that be cool? To help in the process, there are several things you need to do. This will probably vary from school to school, but all schools have requirements you must meet to qualify for aid/scholarships.
To help us figure out what the Federal Government can do for you, go here:
http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/F4CApp/index/index.jsf
Visit colleges that interest you. Selecting a college should be about determining which colleges offer you an environment that will allow you to grow and develop–to reach your potential and realize your dreams.
Sincerely,
Woody O’Cain
Vice President for Enrollment
Erskine College
Here’s a news flash—colleges really want students to make good matches. Maddie and Watson’s human has given me some good advice. I think I’ll go talk to my counselor about a college visit. It’s getting late—maybe you should talk to your counselor too!
L8R
Clyde
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Paws to Paper
Have you met the registrar at your school? At my school, the registrar is the person who sends transcripts to colleges. Transcripts–you know–those records of grades you’ve earned in high school . . . GULP . . . I wish I had put forth more effort! But . . . I am going to make sure I work as hard as I can this year and finish up with a good record.
At many schools, you have to complete a form to request your transcript. This is because your school needs your permission to release information about you to colleges.
If you haven’t seen your transcript–the time to do so is NOW! Did you know you can request an unofficial copy of your transcript? It’s a good idea to do that. Doing this allows you to see exactly what admissions offices see when they receive your transcript. Does your high school put standardized test scores on your transcript? Mine doesn’t, by the way. Many colleges require that applicants send official test score reports from the testing agencies www.act.org or www.collegeboard.org ). So even if your high school includes test scores on your transcript, it’s important to see if the colleges you are applying to require official test score reports from ACT and/or SAT. Some colleges leave it up to the applicant to send his or her best scores. Some schools have gone over-the-top in requiring applicants to send ALL scores. The important thing to remember is to follow the test reporting policy on the colleges’ websites. Taking the tests a bazillion times probably isn’t a good idea. The key is to take hard classes, do your work, prepare for the tests–actually use information on the ACT and SAT websites about preparing for the tests. While you can buy test prep materials from these sites, they give great test prep information away FREE!
I could just howl! Some colleges superscore tests. This means that they take your best subsections from different tests. ACT thinks this is a bad idea. You just need to know how the colleges you are considering view superscoring.
Some high schools also put attendance and tardy records on transcripts. The only way you will know for sure about your school is to get a copy of that transcript. If you were tardy three times a week as a sophomore–you know, when your older brother was driving you to school and he would never get up on time, you won’t know that you need to explain that unless you know it is there!
Go meet the person at your school responsible for sending transcripts. Know what the time frame is for sending these. It may take one day or it may take two weeks to get your transcripts sent.
Allow plenty of time for processing your requests and remember to sign the papers!
L8R,
Clyde
At many schools, you have to complete a form to request your transcript. This is because your school needs your permission to release information about you to colleges.
If you haven’t seen your transcript–the time to do so is NOW! Did you know you can request an unofficial copy of your transcript? It’s a good idea to do that. Doing this allows you to see exactly what admissions offices see when they receive your transcript. Does your high school put standardized test scores on your transcript? Mine doesn’t, by the way. Many colleges require that applicants send official test score reports from the testing agencies www.act.org or www.collegeboard.org ). So even if your high school includes test scores on your transcript, it’s important to see if the colleges you are applying to require official test score reports from ACT and/or SAT. Some colleges leave it up to the applicant to send his or her best scores. Some schools have gone over-the-top in requiring applicants to send ALL scores. The important thing to remember is to follow the test reporting policy on the colleges’ websites. Taking the tests a bazillion times probably isn’t a good idea. The key is to take hard classes, do your work, prepare for the tests–actually use information on the ACT and SAT websites about preparing for the tests. While you can buy test prep materials from these sites, they give great test prep information away FREE!
I could just howl! Some colleges superscore tests. This means that they take your best subsections from different tests. ACT thinks this is a bad idea. You just need to know how the colleges you are considering view superscoring.
Some high schools also put attendance and tardy records on transcripts. The only way you will know for sure about your school is to get a copy of that transcript. If you were tardy three times a week as a sophomore–you know, when your older brother was driving you to school and he would never get up on time, you won’t know that you need to explain that unless you know it is there!
Go meet the person at your school responsible for sending transcripts. Know what the time frame is for sending these. It may take one day or it may take two weeks to get your transcripts sent.
Allow plenty of time for processing your requests and remember to sign the papers!
L8R,
Clyde
Monday, October 26, 2009
Make a Name for Yourself
It sounds obvious, but admissions counselors and potential employers want to know what makes you stand out from the crowd. Make no bones about it, your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities are all important criteria – but what do you do to distinguish yourself?
Think about it: college applications from two different students lay side by side. Both college hopefuls have stellar GPA’s, both hold office in their respective Student Councils and both play varsity sports. But there is only one position to fill. Student A’s qualifications end right there. But Student B spearheaded a successful mentoring initiative at her school where incoming freshmen are individually paired with seniors to learn about what to expect in high school. Who do you think has the edge?
And how do you make your activities stand out in the few short lines on the application form? Focus on leadership! Don’t forget, this is one instance where it is OK to brag about yourself and your accomplishments. You’re the one filling out the application. The admissions folks aren’t going to be calling your grandmother to hear about what a brilliant and wonderful boy Billy is – they need to hear it from you.
And what about those college essays? On paper, test scores and lists of activities can only reflect so much of who you are. How can you make yourself stand out? Take the opportunity to let your personality shine in your essay! Don’t spend time pawing over what you think they want to hear—be real. Write about something that truly matters to you.
Don’t get stuck thinking you don’t have the grades or the mammoth list of activities to compete with your peers. Focus on what you do have to offer. Maybe you’ve never had an ear for music, and you’re not athletically coordinated, but you love to read. Take it beyond your English class - why not start and program at your local library, reading aloud to young children?
As for me, I know I’m just not built to play football. And when tryouts came along, there was nothing I could change about that - but I did use my sparkling personality to earn my position as school mascot. Did I take it as a consolation prize? No way! I found the position not only helped my popularity, but my presence on the field made me the subject for many photographers. Who knew I had such a natural knack for modeling? Just look – I’m a legend in my own time!
Embrace your individuality and find a way to utilize your unique gifts!
Woof,
Clyde
Think about it: college applications from two different students lay side by side. Both college hopefuls have stellar GPA’s, both hold office in their respective Student Councils and both play varsity sports. But there is only one position to fill. Student A’s qualifications end right there. But Student B spearheaded a successful mentoring initiative at her school where incoming freshmen are individually paired with seniors to learn about what to expect in high school. Who do you think has the edge?
And how do you make your activities stand out in the few short lines on the application form? Focus on leadership! Don’t forget, this is one instance where it is OK to brag about yourself and your accomplishments. You’re the one filling out the application. The admissions folks aren’t going to be calling your grandmother to hear about what a brilliant and wonderful boy Billy is – they need to hear it from you.
And what about those college essays? On paper, test scores and lists of activities can only reflect so much of who you are. How can you make yourself stand out? Take the opportunity to let your personality shine in your essay! Don’t spend time pawing over what you think they want to hear—be real. Write about something that truly matters to you.
Don’t get stuck thinking you don’t have the grades or the mammoth list of activities to compete with your peers. Focus on what you do have to offer. Maybe you’ve never had an ear for music, and you’re not athletically coordinated, but you love to read. Take it beyond your English class - why not start and program at your local library, reading aloud to young children?
As for me, I know I’m just not built to play football. And when tryouts came along, there was nothing I could change about that - but I did use my sparkling personality to earn my position as school mascot. Did I take it as a consolation prize? No way! I found the position not only helped my popularity, but my presence on the field made me the subject for many photographers. Who knew I had such a natural knack for modeling? Just look – I’m a legend in my own time!
Embrace your individuality and find a way to utilize your unique gifts!
Woof,
Clyde
Thursday, October 22, 2009
In-state? Out-of-state? Public? Private? Four-year? Two-year? Bricks and mortar? Online? Near or Far?
When my friend McCoy was young, he didn’t think much about his future and what type of school he might like. Chilling out and enjoying himself was what was on his mind. 
McCoy is older now and he is thinking about his future. He and I have had a running conversation about types of schools. He lives in a state that is known for its flagship public universities, but it also has nationally recognized private universities.
My counselor tells us to look at all kinds of options–to see what types of schools would be the best matches for us. She also reminds us that one of the biggest problems is narrowing the list down because there are so many options!
* In-state publics–both community colleges and four-year schools in-state generally have a more appealing price tag. This is because your family, and you if you are an independent student, pay taxes in your home state and, therefore, you are eligible for a tuition break because these institutions are, in part, supported by state tax funds.
* Out-of-state publics–these schools charge more to residents who do not live in the state because the families of those residents, or the independent students from other states, do NOT pay in-state taxes that help support the institutions.
* Privates–these schools do not rely on state funding for operating expenses. Generally, their tuition and fees appear far higher than the public university options. There is no price tag difference that is hinged to your state of residence.
* Four-year vs. two-year-George Lucas–the Star Wars guy–started college at a community college–so did Craig Venter (founder of Celera–the company that sequenced the human genome). Remember . . . it isn’t about where you start. It’s about finishing–getting the degree and the experience that will launch you to the future of your dreams. Almost half of the first-time college students in the U.S. begin their college careers at community colleges.
* Bricks and mortar vs. online-Online education options are increasing. Many traditional colleges and universities now offer online courses. Make sure to find out how your online courses/degrees are viewed in the job market.
The real key is to find college matches that fit your needs. Stay focused on that. When McCoy and I were younger, Hawaii seemed very appealing as a location for further education. Beaches . . . sun . . . lots of water . . . I thought everyone went far away to college. Imagine my surprise when I found out that almost 50% of first-time college students are only 100 miles or less away from home! I was even farther blown away to learn that nearly 8 out of 10 college students are 500 miles or less away from home.
Here is another shocker I’m coming to terms with: Private colleges can be as affordable, or in some instances more affordable, than public ones! WOW☺! That is interesting news. The caveat: never rule out a college option based on sticker price. Applying for scholarships and financial aid really can open up lots of options. I’m going to go ask my counselor about the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA and have her explain institutional forms to me. I’ll fill you in later--all this thinking makes me tired.
L8R,
Clyde
McCoy is older now and he is thinking about his future. He and I have had a running conversation about types of schools. He lives in a state that is known for its flagship public universities, but it also has nationally recognized private universities.
My counselor tells us to look at all kinds of options–to see what types of schools would be the best matches for us. She also reminds us that one of the biggest problems is narrowing the list down because there are so many options!
* In-state publics–both community colleges and four-year schools in-state generally have a more appealing price tag. This is because your family, and you if you are an independent student, pay taxes in your home state and, therefore, you are eligible for a tuition break because these institutions are, in part, supported by state tax funds.
* Out-of-state publics–these schools charge more to residents who do not live in the state because the families of those residents, or the independent students from other states, do NOT pay in-state taxes that help support the institutions.
* Privates–these schools do not rely on state funding for operating expenses. Generally, their tuition and fees appear far higher than the public university options. There is no price tag difference that is hinged to your state of residence.
* Four-year vs. two-year-George Lucas–the Star Wars guy–started college at a community college–so did Craig Venter (founder of Celera–the company that sequenced the human genome). Remember . . . it isn’t about where you start. It’s about finishing–getting the degree and the experience that will launch you to the future of your dreams. Almost half of the first-time college students in the U.S. begin their college careers at community colleges.
* Bricks and mortar vs. online-Online education options are increasing. Many traditional colleges and universities now offer online courses. Make sure to find out how your online courses/degrees are viewed in the job market.
The real key is to find college matches that fit your needs. Stay focused on that. When McCoy and I were younger, Hawaii seemed very appealing as a location for further education. Beaches . . . sun . . . lots of water . . . I thought everyone went far away to college. Imagine my surprise when I found out that almost 50% of first-time college students are only 100 miles or less away from home! I was even farther blown away to learn that nearly 8 out of 10 college students are 500 miles or less away from home.
Here is another shocker I’m coming to terms with: Private colleges can be as affordable, or in some instances more affordable, than public ones! WOW☺! That is interesting news. The caveat: never rule out a college option based on sticker price. Applying for scholarships and financial aid really can open up lots of options. I’m going to go ask my counselor about the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA and have her explain institutional forms to me. I’ll fill you in later--all this thinking makes me tired.
L8R,
Clyde
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Cough, sniff, AHHHH CHOOOO, wheeze…Learn to wash your paws, please!
Like I don’t already have enough to worry about, just as I am starting to feel like I have gotten into the groove of the school year, I pick up a germ from somewhere (ok, maybe I shouldn’t have nosed through that garbage can) and BAM!! – I’m on my back, sick as a dog.
I feel like I’m trying hard enough to stay on top of everything in my life, the LAST thing I need is the FLU to slow me down and cause me to fall behind in my classes.
In addition to plethora of swine flu cases we hear about every time we turn on the TV, students especially are prone to colds, mono, and other viruses simply because we’re highly active, our immune systems may not yet be fully developed, and, let’s face it – we share a lot with our friends. Come on, I know I’m not the only one who’s taken a sip from my buddy’s water bowl.
How to combat the dreaded cold and flu season? I decided to go straight to my school nurse to find out.
“PREVENTION is the best medicine, Clyde!” she told me. Here are a few tips she gave me to stay ahead of the game AND to make sure I don’t pass along unwanted germs to my friends, either.
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Duh!
5. Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever of 100°F (without the use of a fever reducing medicine).
6. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
She also gave me these great websites for more information and tips: Flu.gov and CDC.gov.
And you know what else I found out? “Immunity is the best defense against getting sick, so it is also important to make sure you stay healthy with exercise and a healthy diet,” the nurse said.
Exercise I can handle, what a great excuse to enjoy the great outdoors! Healthy diet? I may need to work on that one…lunch handouts from my foster siblings probably aren’t what the doctor ordered.
Be well!
Woof,
Clyde
I feel like I’m trying hard enough to stay on top of everything in my life, the LAST thing I need is the FLU to slow me down and cause me to fall behind in my classes.
In addition to plethora of swine flu cases we hear about every time we turn on the TV, students especially are prone to colds, mono, and other viruses simply because we’re highly active, our immune systems may not yet be fully developed, and, let’s face it – we share a lot with our friends. Come on, I know I’m not the only one who’s taken a sip from my buddy’s water bowl.
How to combat the dreaded cold and flu season? I decided to go straight to my school nurse to find out.
“PREVENTION is the best medicine, Clyde!” she told me. Here are a few tips she gave me to stay ahead of the game AND to make sure I don’t pass along unwanted germs to my friends, either.
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Duh!
5. Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever of 100°F (without the use of a fever reducing medicine).
6. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
She also gave me these great websites for more information and tips: Flu.gov and CDC.gov.
And you know what else I found out? “Immunity is the best defense against getting sick, so it is also important to make sure you stay healthy with exercise and a healthy diet,” the nurse said.
Exercise I can handle, what a great excuse to enjoy the great outdoors! Healthy diet? I may need to work on that one…lunch handouts from my foster siblings probably aren’t what the doctor ordered.
Be well!
Woof,
Clyde
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Two, to, too . . . their, there . . . receive . . . weight-listed(???) spell check and grammar check are great tools, but . . .
I’m close to finishing my applications . . . except for the essays! Duh. Of course the essays are the hard part. Newsflash! My counselor tells me my essays don’t have to be the caliber of Pulitzer Prize winning novels. That’s a relief. She tells me to stop worrying about trying to get into the mind of the admissions officer–stop trying to write what I think they want to hear. Her advice is to write about something that matters to me. Hmmmmm.
Maybe I should write about the bay–how much I like being in it.
Perhaps I could write about sponging food from my foster siblings or from wherever I can find it
–that’s something I am really good at.
Perhaps my numerous roles in school plays could be a good topic?
Talking with others who know me well might be a way to discover a good essay topic.
Here are some more tips my counselor gives us for writing essays:
• Write from your heart about something that matters to you. Be honest. Integrity matters.
• Use proper grammar. Proofread . . . Proofread . . . and when you are finished, Proofread AGAIN!
• Text speak works for friends–not for applications. This should not appear in your applications or in your essays: Am n lotsa AP classes, d-bate team, yrbk 3 yrs, stud cncl prez.
• Remember . . . the person reading your essay could be a few years older than you or a few decades older than you–make your essay a conversation with the admissions representative.
• Know that sometimes outside readers can be hired and trained by an admissions office to read files. Sometimes files are read by territory–meaning a rep is assigned to your region or state.
• If you aren’t funny, don’t try to be funny. Funny essays are difficult to write well. They are risky. However, if you can write well, a funny essay could set you apart (hopefully, in a good way).
• Make sure the essay is your work. Believe it or not, the admissions officer reading your file, and your counselor, can tell if a forty-five-year-old had a hand in your essay. This is a big NO NO!
• Writing too much or too little can be bad.
• If there is a specific essay prompt, use it. Answer the question/address the prompt as stated.
• Be careful writing anything about mission trips. If you’ve been so moved by your mission trip experience that you returned to your hometown and you’ve begun a highly successful international organization to improve the lives of those in a third world country, then you are exempt from this caveat.
• Short answer essays matter too. Especially the ones that say “Why do you want to attend (college name)_________________________?” My counselor let us know in no uncertain terms that if you can fill in the name of any city and any school in your response to this item, you are not in good shape.
• This is not the time to write about boyfriends or girlfriends, odd peculiar little habits you have, or why NO ONE liked rooming with you at camp.
• Use great caution with the SUBMIT/SEND button. Once you’ve hit that button, you can’t retrieve it. Write out your answers the old-fashioned way and proof them before you enter them on the online form. You’ll still have to proof the online version to eliminate errors.
• Remember, your essay could be read by someone in a great mood or someone who has had a terrible day. Admission officers are human. Yours could be the first read of the night or you could be #50 in a huge stack. The essay is your chance to provide information that can’t be found anywhere else in your application. If you really want to know how it might sound, have someone read your essay to you . . . no kidding . . . listen to your essay. Do the sentences flow nicely? Do the paragraphs have good transitions? Have you violated the I commandment? (Used the pronoun I a zillion or so times in one paragraph?) Can you bark:B O R I N G?
Every night when I look at the blank space on my application where the essays are supposed to go, I hear my counselor saying:
“Procrastination is the enemy.”
Take charge. Get writing. Deadlines loom.
Woof,
Clyde
Maybe I should write about the bay–how much I like being in it.
Perhaps I could write about sponging food from my foster siblings or from wherever I can find it
–that’s something I am really good at.Perhaps my numerous roles in school plays could be a good topic?
Talking with others who know me well might be a way to discover a good essay topic.
Here are some more tips my counselor gives us for writing essays:
• Write from your heart about something that matters to you. Be honest. Integrity matters.
• Use proper grammar. Proofread . . . Proofread . . . and when you are finished, Proofread AGAIN!
• Text speak works for friends–not for applications. This should not appear in your applications or in your essays: Am n lotsa AP classes, d-bate team, yrbk 3 yrs, stud cncl prez.
• Remember . . . the person reading your essay could be a few years older than you or a few decades older than you–make your essay a conversation with the admissions representative.
• Know that sometimes outside readers can be hired and trained by an admissions office to read files. Sometimes files are read by territory–meaning a rep is assigned to your region or state.
• If you aren’t funny, don’t try to be funny. Funny essays are difficult to write well. They are risky. However, if you can write well, a funny essay could set you apart (hopefully, in a good way).
• Make sure the essay is your work. Believe it or not, the admissions officer reading your file, and your counselor, can tell if a forty-five-year-old had a hand in your essay. This is a big NO NO!
• Writing too much or too little can be bad.
• If there is a specific essay prompt, use it. Answer the question/address the prompt as stated.
• Be careful writing anything about mission trips. If you’ve been so moved by your mission trip experience that you returned to your hometown and you’ve begun a highly successful international organization to improve the lives of those in a third world country, then you are exempt from this caveat.
• Short answer essays matter too. Especially the ones that say “Why do you want to attend (college name)_________________________?” My counselor let us know in no uncertain terms that if you can fill in the name of any city and any school in your response to this item, you are not in good shape.
• This is not the time to write about boyfriends or girlfriends, odd peculiar little habits you have, or why NO ONE liked rooming with you at camp.
• Use great caution with the SUBMIT/SEND button. Once you’ve hit that button, you can’t retrieve it. Write out your answers the old-fashioned way and proof them before you enter them on the online form. You’ll still have to proof the online version to eliminate errors.
• Remember, your essay could be read by someone in a great mood or someone who has had a terrible day. Admission officers are human. Yours could be the first read of the night or you could be #50 in a huge stack. The essay is your chance to provide information that can’t be found anywhere else in your application. If you really want to know how it might sound, have someone read your essay to you . . . no kidding . . . listen to your essay. Do the sentences flow nicely? Do the paragraphs have good transitions? Have you violated the I commandment? (Used the pronoun I a zillion or so times in one paragraph?) Can you bark:B O R I N G?
Every night when I look at the blank space on my application where the essays are supposed to go, I hear my counselor saying:
“Procrastination is the enemy.”
Take charge. Get writing. Deadlines loom.
Woof,
Clyde
How to deal...
So, I know that I need BALANCE in my life. But, how do I handle the day-to-day stress that comes with the territory of being a high school senior? I decided to go to my school counselor for a few tips.
“Slow down there, Clyde!” she told me. “Before you give yourself a panic attack, take a few deep breaths and remember a few key things.”
• Develop time management skills. Don’t over schedule your day. Create realistic expectations and deadlines. Plan ahead and prioritize tasks. You may have to say “No” to some things.
• Pace yourself. Remember that life is a marathon, not a sprint. That goes for school and the college admission process.
• Don’t let little things become big things. Take care of small tasks as they arise before they become MAJOR CRISES.
• Remember, nobody’s perfect. Don’t demand perfection from yourself or from others. Not everyone gets to be #1 and that is OK!!!
• Take time out of your busy schedule to have fun or relax. Find out what activities engender a feeling of well-being within you. It could be reading for pleasure, playing music or singing, meditation, deep breathing exercises, an afternoon power nap, a game of chess—anything that takes your mind off school and relaxes you.
• Regular exercise is a proven method of minimizing stress. Find something vigorous to do that increases your heart rate for at least 20 minutes a few times a week. You can combine this with the one above (see, time management!).
• Eat well, be well. Too much junk food or fast food will contribute to your high stress levels. Good nutrition is essential to a healthy mind and body.
• Get plenty of rest. Avoid all-nighters and eleventh-hour cram sessions fueled by caffeine. Sleeplessness and chronic fatigue exacerbate stress.
• Stay positive. Don’t get caught in a cycle of negativity and frustration. Look for solutions to problems. Learn to be patient and understanding of other people’s behavior.
• Seek professional help if you feel overburdened and unable to cope. Don’t put off talking to me or another trusted adult if you feel overwhelmed by stress.
• Don’t shut out your parents. According to the Mayo clinic, “Adolescents who have positive relationships with their parents tend to handle stress more effectively as adults.”
She also told me to remember that stress is a part of life. “It’s a byproduct of the fight-or-flight function of our nervous system,” she said. “Acute stress can save us in a crisis or cause us to rise to the challenge of an important event, but chronic stress brought about by the pressures of daily life can be debilitating unless managed. You have more control than you think, you just need to center yourself every once and a while!”
Stress is inevitable, but by constructively dealing with it, we keep our minds and bodies healthy and can stay at the top of our game!
Woof,
Clyde
“Slow down there, Clyde!” she told me. “Before you give yourself a panic attack, take a few deep breaths and remember a few key things.”
• Develop time management skills. Don’t over schedule your day. Create realistic expectations and deadlines. Plan ahead and prioritize tasks. You may have to say “No” to some things.
• Pace yourself. Remember that life is a marathon, not a sprint. That goes for school and the college admission process.
• Don’t let little things become big things. Take care of small tasks as they arise before they become MAJOR CRISES.
• Remember, nobody’s perfect. Don’t demand perfection from yourself or from others. Not everyone gets to be #1 and that is OK!!!
• Take time out of your busy schedule to have fun or relax. Find out what activities engender a feeling of well-being within you. It could be reading for pleasure, playing music or singing, meditation, deep breathing exercises, an afternoon power nap, a game of chess—anything that takes your mind off school and relaxes you.
• Regular exercise is a proven method of minimizing stress. Find something vigorous to do that increases your heart rate for at least 20 minutes a few times a week. You can combine this with the one above (see, time management!).
• Eat well, be well. Too much junk food or fast food will contribute to your high stress levels. Good nutrition is essential to a healthy mind and body.
• Get plenty of rest. Avoid all-nighters and eleventh-hour cram sessions fueled by caffeine. Sleeplessness and chronic fatigue exacerbate stress.
• Stay positive. Don’t get caught in a cycle of negativity and frustration. Look for solutions to problems. Learn to be patient and understanding of other people’s behavior.
• Seek professional help if you feel overburdened and unable to cope. Don’t put off talking to me or another trusted adult if you feel overwhelmed by stress.
• Don’t shut out your parents. According to the Mayo clinic, “Adolescents who have positive relationships with their parents tend to handle stress more effectively as adults.”
She also told me to remember that stress is a part of life. “It’s a byproduct of the fight-or-flight function of our nervous system,” she said. “Acute stress can save us in a crisis or cause us to rise to the challenge of an important event, but chronic stress brought about by the pressures of daily life can be debilitating unless managed. You have more control than you think, you just need to center yourself every once and a while!”
Stress is inevitable, but by constructively dealing with it, we keep our minds and bodies healthy and can stay at the top of our game!
Woof,
Clyde
Stop! Put Your Pencils Down . . .
OK . . . I’ll admit it. I hate standardized tests. In fact, none of my friends likes them. The reason I’m thinking about them right now is that my foster siblings are gearing up for the PSAT/NMSQT. You know–one test, one day, one point on a 240-point scale can make the difference in making National Merit Semifinalist.
Last year, the big guys in the admissions world issued a report on standardized testing: www.nacacnet.org/AboutNACAC/PressRoom/2009/Pages/followuptesting.aspx. My counselor thinks it was a super effort and hopes that some of the recommendations become reality–SOON! But, until they do . . . Did you know that more than 800 colleges offer test optional admissions? How do you find out? Go to www.fairtest.org for a list. Take comfort in the fact that new schools are added to that list every day.
So . . . how should my foster brothers and sisters and YOU bone up for these tests? Here are some suggestions:
• Work hard every day in the toughest classes you can take.
• Do your homework–pretty simple. Read those novels. Solve those math homework problems. Do those AP Bio labs. Listen to those language tapes.
• Read. Reading improves your comprehension, speed in reading and vocabulary. Duh! All of these tests are reading-based and anything that improves your reading should improve your performance on these tests.
• Take the practice tests offered by the big dogs that make the tests. When you miss something, ask a subject-area teacher to explain the rationale for the question.
• Know how the tests are structured. This will improve your performance. Both ACT (www.act.org) and College Board (www.collegeboard.org) tell you how this is done in their materials, but . . . you have to read the materials to know!
• Get a good night’s rest the day before the test–not too much sleep and not too little.
• Allow enough time to get to the testing center and not be in a dash–rushing around will stress you out.
• Test days aren’t days for sugar-coated breakfasts–you need protein to help your brain kick into gear.
• Relax some–tension won’t help your test performance.
• Know that for many colleges, testing is just one factor in the admissions process. Many schools use tons of factors in deciding who to admit to a given class.
Realize that one test, one day does not make a great college student. What you have taken in terms of course work and how you have challenged yourself, in and out of the classroom, remain the best predictors of your college success.
How many times should you take these tests? Let me ask you–do you want to spend numerous Saturday mornings getting up early and paying money to do it? PREPARE and take the tests as few times as possible! That’s my motto. Be aware of the new Score Choice issues. If you don’t know what that is, google it and you’ll get a long list of information. In terms of score reporting, follow the guidelines on each college website to ensure you’re in compliance with specific admissions policies.
And . . . I don’t know about you, but all this talk about testing makes me tired!
Woof,
Clyde
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Thirty-Love . . . Grover Cleveland . . . “Would You Like Fries with That?” . . . “Checkmate!” . . . “May I help you?” . . .
Have you ever wondered how to have the perfect resume? How can you tell which activities matter– which ones will get you into your dream university, land you the perfect part-time job during school, or, if it’s your choice, help you get a full-time job after graduation? Would sports do the job? How about Scholar’s Bowl–you know brainiac jeopardy? If you have a job and can’t participate in extracurricular and community activities, will it set you back in your quest for success? What if chess is your major activity–what’s the demand factor for that? Doesn’t exactly seem to translate to Econ major or set you up for management training at Target? And . . . if you volunteer, how are you going to translate that into a jump start to the future of your dreams?
Here’s what my counselor tells students:
“Butterfly joiners aren’t good at anything except flitting around.”
She tells us to join something we are truly interested in–and if we can’t find activities that suit our interests, we should start one! Better yet–start two. She tells us to share our enthusiasm and talk some friends into joining our efforts.
All of a sudden, we’ve then become entrepreneurs. It helps to find ways to demonstrate true leadership in endeavors. Proven leadership, making things stronger and more successful, making an organization stretch farther than it ever has before, having a real impact can translate any activity into a real stepping stone to success – no matter how you define success.
I’ve learned that whether I join existing school clubs, organizations and/or athletic teams, work part-time, or spend tons of time making a difference in my community volunteering, the real key to making any activity work to further my goals is to work to make the activity a huge success and to be able to demonstrate my connection to that organization’s success. Working as a team is critical
to success in school, activities, community endeavors, college and business. Part of success in life is learning to make and share goals. It really isn’t the number of activities or the types of activities that end up making a difference in a resume. It’s what I do in the activities I join–or start–that shows what kind of student, employee, team member, and/or leader I will be.
Go join activities you are passionate about and then make those groups wildly impactful–that is the real way to make your resume a stand out and you’ll actually have fun because you are engaged in things that really matter to you.
Woof,
Clyde
Here’s what my counselor tells students:
“Butterfly joiners aren’t good at anything except flitting around.”
She tells us to join something we are truly interested in–and if we can’t find activities that suit our interests, we should start one! Better yet–start two. She tells us to share our enthusiasm and talk some friends into joining our efforts.
All of a sudden, we’ve then become entrepreneurs. It helps to find ways to demonstrate true leadership in endeavors. Proven leadership, making things stronger and more successful, making an organization stretch farther than it ever has before, having a real impact can translate any activity into a real stepping stone to success – no matter how you define success.I’ve learned that whether I join existing school clubs, organizations and/or athletic teams, work part-time, or spend tons of time making a difference in my community volunteering, the real key to making any activity work to further my goals is to work to make the activity a huge success and to be able to demonstrate my connection to that organization’s success. Working as a team is critical
to success in school, activities, community endeavors, college and business. Part of success in life is learning to make and share goals. It really isn’t the number of activities or the types of activities that end up making a difference in a resume. It’s what I do in the activities I join–or start–that shows what kind of student, employee, team member, and/or leader I will be. Go join activities you are passionate about and then make those groups wildly impactful–that is the real way to make your resume a stand out and you’ll actually have fun because you are engaged in things that really matter to you.
Woof,
Clyde
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