Summer Research and Preparation - Crofton House School

Summer Research and Preparation

Ques/ons to ponder? What are your academic Interests? What kind of student are you? How do you learn best? What activities outside of class matter most to you? How important is prestige to you? Do you want a diverse college? Race, Gender, international students? Where do you want to live for the next 4 – 10 years? What kind of social and cultural environment would you like best?

Special Colleges Religious Affiliations Jesuit Colleges (Examples include Georgetown, Boston, Brandeis,Univ of San Francisco) Religion not always evident on campus Most welcome students of all backgrounds Other Colleges Specialty colleges – Harvey Mudd for Engineering, Cornell for Hospitality Women’s Colleges Single Sex Academically strong Supportive environment Examples include Scripps, Wellesley, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Bryn Mawr Consortium Colleges – allow for flexibility with classes and add variety www.womenscolleges.org

Scripps

Selec/on of Schools Six to ten universities, these should include: -­‐ 2 “reach” schools – use SAT admission scores to determine eligibility -­‐ 2 “choice” schools -­‐ 2 “for Sure” Schools -­‐ Back up Schools are good insurance -­‐ Other factors: Location, program of study (curriculum), distance from home, professional network, financial cost, future goals -­‐ Encourage students to look beyond the “brand name”

SAT Scores Range of scores is what students should compare If you are in the range the institution will consider you Score Choice – some schools will ask to see ALL your scores anyway Caution to not write too many times Subject Tests Should reflect your intended major Research indicates that AP courses help to improve overall SAT subject scores Language subject tests may or may not be an advantage in this process

Prep Me – Available Soon Personalized Learning through Naviance SAT training with support – access this anywhere as it is web based Lower fee – approx. $100 -­‐ $150 annually Other choices: Choose an accredited program: 1) Princeton Review 2) Kaplan *** If hire an independent counsellor be sure they are accredited and member of IECA***

How NOT to choose a School Solely on where your sibling, parent or grandparent attended (although being a legacy can be helpful) Gibb Don’t be Gilchrist a lemming (Boyfriend, girlfriend best friend is going there) Gibbons Grant Do Not let distance be the sole deciding factor Do not let tuition cost determine your school Do not choose solely based on campus appeal, although visiting campus is helpful!

Landscape of Admissions US hit an all time high in numbers of applications in 2006 and they continue to be high for the most competitive schools Some US schools using Application software to sort initial applications (Diversity is an issue here – consistent standards and measurable outcomes are legally important in the US) Ivy League schools by sheer volume reject 60% of legacy candidates, valedictorians and class presidents Some schools have international |quotas

Admissions Philosophy *Students should be able to show they can handle the rigour and challenge of first year *Assessment of depth and scope of learning * Students are evaluated within the context of their school *(school profile goes with every application) * External AP courses are not seen as necessary and may impact negatively on the selection process

The Admissions Office – What are they Looking for? Verification of qualifications Prediction of performance Indication of long term potential Suitability to intended Study Assessment of ability to cope away from home – emotionally and psychologically Authenticity/Synergy ***You may have all the qualifications and still not be accepted at the Ivy league schools**** See Smith Evaluation Sheet for Applicants

Holis/c applica/ons include: Completing forms accurately – Common App Essays US Recommendations – Teachers Counsellor Recommendations SAT score and Subject tests should be a reflection of your entire application Other Recommendations (professional) Visits to Prospective Schools Interviews

Admission Cycles Regular Decision – apply Dec. 15 th Early Decision – Apply by Nov 1 – Binding Can only apply to one school Early Action-­‐ Apply Nov. 1 Non-­‐Binding Who Should Apply Early? Compelling argument for one school – legacy, program available, geographic location More than 35% accepted through early cycle

HOW to get Ready to Apply: Naviance – register and manage your applications & access resources, talk to your counsellor www.connection.naviance.com/croftonhouse Complete the Survey in Naviance for your counsellor NOW College Board (www.collegeboard.com) for checklists and support SAT – Plan out your subject tests Other resources: “How to Survive Getting into College” Rachel Korn, Special Editor “Less Stress, More Success”…Marilee Jones and Kenneth Ginsberg Our focus at CHS is help you to find the “Fit”

Common Applica/on Complete online by the student (Personal Data, Education, Test Data (SAT/ACT), Family, Extracurricular, elect Privacy notice) Opens August 1st Secondary School Report and Teacher report– completed on-­‐line by CHS staff through Naviance. These accompany the Common Application and are linked electronically Incomplete forms will be result in a delay in your application or risking the file to be designated incomplete Financial Statements for the family generally are required

Common Applica/on Accepted by most US institutions-­‐ https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx Should be completed on – line by early December -­‐ only one account Can be accessed through Naviance – Family Connection on the schools web site http://connection.naviance.com/croftonhouse https://succeed.naviance.com/signout.php CHS does not calculate GPA or rank students due to small size because it is statistically not valid

Tackling the College Essay Follow directions and answer the question Be honest and be yourself….do not write what you think they want to hear. Be Original! Authenticity Counts! DDI Target your essay to the Institution Leave yourself time to do a good job, rewrite and reflect – then finalize Seek input on your final draft from people you respect.

Some DO’s Write about something you really care about Remember the point is that you are an interesting , mature person and that you can write Submit extra material if it is called for Be neat and well presented Avoid generalities. Write about something specific – readers will remember this

Some Don’ts Don’t repeat information from other parts of your application Avoid generalities. Write about something specific – readers will remember this Avoid politics, religion, sex ,drugs or the importance of a college education Don’t apologize or explain Every essay does not need a moral – too contrived

Should Demonstrate: The Essay Serious intent to pursue an education Genuine desire to attend THEIR institution A match between interests, abilities and what the school has to offer Your ability to think clearly, logically and creatively Your ability to write an engaging and thoughtful essay that keeps the reader’s attention

Quali/es of an effec/ve essay: Be truthful and authentic – Who are You? First person is more powerful and interesting to the reader Emphasize skills and achievements Relevant to course work Include: Goals and Aspirations Work Experience Volunteer work Admissions offices are looking for unique individuals: intellectual curiosity, leadership -­‐ in and out of class, strong academics, commitment to community and engagement with life in general

Essay Resources 1)Dr. Rebecca Joseph – Telling your Story – Website/Facebook: www.getme tocollege.com Check out the VINE for handouts from her session last spring 2) Search out topics on the school web sites – in advance (June/July) 3) Sources of Information on Essay Topics /Techniques: www.collegedata.com Read model college essays – lots of resources available Do not talk about money, sex or other controversial topics Essay should entertain and engage the reader Litmus test – could anyone else have written your essay? Counsellor Feedback English teacher Feedback Have a trusted adult read – not edit your essay for tone, message, meaning

Essay and Applica/on Howlers Spelling – Have a trusted Adult Proof read, this may include a teacher/counsellor Typos -­‐ “At school I held the position of Head Gig” Meaningless verbiage “As a direct result of my interest in the human race…I became increasingly fascinated by the scientific trend to emulate mankind.” Student e-­‐mail addresses Wrong dates or city or college

Teacher Recommenda/ons Ask teachers early in the year and consider subject area in relation to program applied for Provide background resume and information to teacher/counsellor Provide ample time for teacher/counsellor in respect of deadlines Recommend begin by utilizing the journal option in Naviance and making this available to CHS staff

Athle/cs Over the summer you should create an athletic resume detailing your sport, competitions, strength and endurance tests , awards, etc. Connect with the coaches at each of the schools where you want to apply Research the requirements as they relate to athletes for specific schools Be clear that ONLY ADMISSIONS can actually present you an offer for admission, regardless of what the coach promises. Be certain that you review the university to see that they offer the academic program you truly want

This summer Create e-­‐mail account Wall calender for dates and deadlines Start a binder, file or folder with names, contacts, deadlines and financial info Visit schools of interest Focus on field of study Look at essay topics and plan, begin drafting essays (www.collegeessay optimizer.com) Identify 6 t0 10 schools MAX, through active research Make a plan for ACT or SAT’s & Subject tests,

Parental Checklist 1.Learn factors that matter to your daughter – programs , location 2. Arrange to visit the schools that most interest her 3. Get onto Naviance so that you can share in your daughter’s journey 4. Have financial discussions early in this process to avoid disappointment 5. Meet with your daughter’s CHS counsellor 6.Read and look at some resources (see handouts) ***Keep in mind that this is a journey for parents as well

CHS Graduates at US Universi/es Recent CHS Graduates of are in attendance at: Brown, Boston University, Berkeley, Claremont McKenna, Princeton, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, FIDM, Harvard, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Rice University, Rhode Island School of Design, Stanford, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington St. Louis, Wellesley, Yale, and many others.

CHS ADMISSION STATS USInstitution 2011 (20) 2010 (15) 2009 (21) 2008 (16)Berkeley 2 3Johns Hopkins 1 4 1Cornell 2Duke 1 1Georgetown/ George Washington)1 (Georgetown) 1 (George Wash)New York University 1 2 2 2Rhode Island School of Design 1 1 2Stanford 1 1UCLA/USC/UCSB 5 (UCLA) 4 (USC) 1 (UCLA) 1 (USC) 1 (USC) 1 UCSBIvy LeaguesOther (Rice, Berkley, Wellesley, etc.)3 (Brown, Cornell,Penn)6 (Chicago, Pitzer,Scripps, Smith,UW,Carnegie Mellon1 (Columbia) 1 (Yale) 1 (Princeton) 2(Penn)1 (Wellesley) 5 -­‐ Marymount, Rice, Berkley, Boston, 1 (Brown) 3 (Columbia) 1 (Harvard)7 – FIDM, Chicago, Pomona Haverford, UW, Maine

ADMISSIONS STATS - USCollege or UniversityOverall Admissions% of students admitted % International StudentsAdmitted CHS **% of students admitted Boston 28 2.9 71.4Brown 9.3 8.4 9.3Berkeley 22 5.5 18Cornell 16.7 8.2 20.6Columbia 10 10.3 20.6Johns Hopkins 25 6.1 47.0New York University 32 6.3 40.5U of Pennsylvania 18 10.3 20.0Pitzer 26 3.2 100University of SouthernCalifornia22 4.8 37.8Stanford 7.3 6.9 8.6Carnegie Mellon 7.5 8.6 44.4Wellesley 36 7.7 36.4

Resources: collegeessayoptimizer.com collegeweeklive.com collegedata.com youuniversity.com collegeprowler.com zinch.com naviance.com collegeboard.com

Ques/ons? Two University Counsellors and all the Planning teachers are available in Planning classes to assist students with their queries Encourage you to come to the source for accuracy of information and a direct line to the Admissions Offices. Mrs. Fraser and Ms Manhas are available for individual interviews with students and parents anytime and throughout the year as needed Students are able to take advantage of posted Office hours during the year, to drop in and discuss concerns – without an appointment Parents are also welcome to make appointments and meet as a family with the counsellors