Finding your updated Grade Point Average

Summer is here and school is out! High schools should have your final grades for the year and you should be able to look up your final grades. But you should, also, look up your most updated grade point average (GPA). If your high school uses Naviance or Scoir, you should be able to find it there, if not, contact your guidance/school counselor and inquire as to where you can find your most updated GPA. Sometimes it can be found on your official transcript which you can also request from your guidance/school counselor as well.

Some high schools use a weighed GPA, some use unweighted GPAs and some calculate both. Which one does your high school use? It is important to know as you will need to input your GPA (weighted or unweighted or both) into your college applications.

Weighted GPA means that the high school factors in the level of difficulty of each core class (history, foreign language, science, math, English). Unweighted GPA does not factor in the level of difficulty of each core class. Typically, IB (international baccalaureate) , AP (advanced placement) and Honors courses are weighted more than CP (college prep) courses in high school.

It is especially important for rising high school seniors to look up their most updated GPA, after their junior year of high school ends because this is the GPA they will use to apply to college.

How to parent through the college admissions process…

Many parents reach out to me seeking guidance and advice on how to navigate parenting through the college admissions process. Here is what you, as a parent, can focus on.

1. If you are positive about your teen, then your teen will be positive about themself. Focus on helping guide your teen, not tell the, what they need to do, should do, or must change to become a valid applicant to a reputable college. How you talk to your teen, talk about your teen in front of them and how you react to your teen’s mistakes directly effects how they feel about themself. Your teen is not an outcome or trophy. The student is a human.

2. If you attempt to be too involved in the college application process, then your teen will feel like they are not capable of handling it themself. Don’t be a snowplow parent. Do not ask too many questions and nag. You are not applying to college, they are. Do not re-write their essays. Let them write. Admissions representatives can certainly tell if a 17-year old or a 50-year old wrote the essays.

3. Assist your teen in creating a balanced college list with equal number of likely, target and reach schools. This will give them the best opportunity of having multiple options to choose from once decisions arrive. A list with too many reach schools is unrealistic and does not work.

4. Do not read social media ‘college admissons’ accounts on Facebook. That’s like falling down a rabbit hole of wrong information. It will cause you added stress which will then cause your student stress too.

5. Don’t make every conversation about college admissions. Enjoy your last year with your teen at home. Enjoy senior year and let the college admissions process happen naturally.

6. Help your teen create a calendar so they have their time organized for when to do everything in a timely manner. Timelines help both the parent and teen feel grounded.

7. Let your teen make mistakes. He needs to learn how to build character, problem solve and build self-confidence.

8. When your teen lands on a college campus, he will inevitably face new problems in life. How will they have the needed skills to problem solve, deal with homesickness and/or approach a teacher about a question if they never had the chance to do so in high school? There is no perfect teen. There is no perfect applicant. There is no perfect parent.

The NEW SAT or the ACT: which standardized text to take?

The chart (see below) will show the differences between the new SAT (effective January 2024) which is now 2 hours and 14 minutes in length (down from 3 hours) and the ACT exam (2 hours and 55 minutes in length). Students should consider taking both the PSAT or a practice SAT and a practice ACT either during their sophomore or early junior year.

You can find free online practice exams at https://www.suzannelagemann.com/helpful-links.

Some Key concepts to keep in mind while taking practice exams:

• ACT is an achievement test and SAT is an aptitude test.

• ACT has more Geometry and SAT has more Algebra.

• You have less time per question on the ACT than on the SAT.

• ACT has a Science section (4 sections total) SAT only has two sections (Reading/Writing and Math).

• The SAT is taken on a digital device and is adaptive. ACT is hand-written on paper.

• You can use a calculator on all math sections of both exams.

This will help you do the following:

1. By taking the practice exam for both, you will be able to get ‘a feel’ for each. They are different (see chart). Use these practice exams for the sole purpose of assessing which you’d prefer to pursue taking.

   By doing this, you will not be concerned with you score (as much as you may think you need to) and can focus on which test you’d want to take.

2. After you receive both scores, decide which is the best test for you. Then do the following:

   1. Timeline: Research test dates on either the College Board www.collegeboard.org for the SAT or the www.act.org for the ACT exam. Discuss with your parents which upcoming date would work best with your schedule. Outline your school year: when are you more busy? Do you play a fall sport? Perform in a winter musical?

      1. After you identify a test date, I recommend that you prepare for the exam. There are a number of ways to prep for the test. Take the exam during your Junior year of high school.

      2. Here are some ideas:

         1. Online Test Prep: Princeton Review, Applerouth Tutoring Services, Khan Academy just to name a few.

         2. In-person 1-on-1 or group tutoring: There are a number of private and group tutoring businesses to choose from, depending on your location. Reach out to me for referrals.

         3. Online/Textbook test practice: This would be for a student who feels they just need to practice.

         4. Testing Accommodations: For students who are eligible for testing accommodations, please review the process at these sites:

            1. https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities/eligibility

            2. http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act-educator/accommodations.html

3. Practice: Regardless of what type of tutoring route you choose, practicing and practicing for a few weeks/months leading up to the test date is needed for every type of student. Practicing the test taking strategies taught by a tutor/class is the KEY to eliminating getting tricked.

4. And remember:

   1. Stick with one test.

   2. And take the test no more than 3 times over a span of time. 2 is typical and ideal.

   3. Using solid and positive test prep strategies will work! You’ve got this!

What is Demonstrated Interest?

Demonstrated Interest is a factor that some colleges and universities use to gauge your interest in the school as they weigh your level of interest in the admissions decision. In other words, they are trying to decide if you will attend if you are admitted. Here are some tips on how to show demonstrated interest to a school.

1. Now more than ever, colleges and universities are tracking demonstrated interest through their websites. Make sure you register your email address with each school you are interested in. The student’s email address NOT the parent’s email address.

2. Start to ‘follow’ and ‘like’ college and university social media accounts. Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram all have college and university accounts for different schools and departments. Start to follow them. But remember, you should always be professional in ‘liking’ their posts and reels.

3. Respond to and click on university emails; If a school sends you an email message make sure to open it and respond to it, if need be. Always be professional in your communication.

4. If a school visits either in person or virtually be sure to attend. Attend college fairs and sign in with your QR code.

5. Complete an in-person tour on campus or virtual tour to show demonstrated interest.

6. Apply Early Decision or Early Action if the college or university offers these options; especially applying early decision shows demonstrated interested because it is binding if you are accepted, you must enroll and attend.

7. Complete an interview if offered. If the school offers admissions interviews, definitely sign up early for one either with an admissions rep or with an alumni.

8. Say thank you. If you visit a school say thank you to the tour guide, admissions reps and anyone else you meet with.

9. If you are unsure if a school tracks demonstrated interest, ask! They will let you know if it is considered as part of the admissions criteria.

The importance of the School Profile in College Admissions

One important piece of your student’s college application is the School Profile. It is submitted by your school/guidance counselor along with their letters of recommendation and high school transcript. Why is it so important? Let me break it down.

1. High Schools across the country vary tremendously. Some are focused on math and science, others are focused on the performing arts and some are private or public. They all vary. The school profile gives a summary of the high school and what it offers to its students: course selection, size of student body, location, size of faculty, etc.

2. The School Profile also gives insight to course selection at the high school by listing every course offered at the school. This is very important for an admissions committee to see so they can see whether or not an applicant has taken full advantage of what is offered at their school. How many AP courses, IB or vocational offerings are listed.

3. The School Profile will summarize the average SAT and ACT scores for the student body and compare it to the national average.

4. It will usually also describe what percentage of students go on to a four-year and two-year college.

   The School Profile is a very important piece of the application. If you want to see your student’s high school profile, you can usually find it on your high school website on the guidance department page and, if not, email your guidance counselor for a copy.

Honors Colleges and Programs

There are numerous strong honors colleges and programs offered at mostly public universities and at some private ones. Here is a general breakdown of the differences between honors colleges and honors programs.

• Size: Honors colleges tend to have a larger average enrollment than honors programs. But their student ratio to faculty is better.

• Staff: Typically honors colleges have more staff members per student because they tend to be larger programs.

• Structure: Honors colleges have more structure with honors-only seminars and honors programs could be more department-based.

• Average class size tends to be the same at both.

• Housing: Honors colleges tend to offer more suite-style dorms to honors students than honors programs.

  Please remember that these are typical characteristics and many honors colleges and programs across the country may feature different characteristics.

• For more information go to:

  https://publicuniversityhonors.com

Brag Sheets: the do’s and don’ts

Each Spring, high school guidance departments request that each rising senior and his parent(s)/guardian complete their own brag sheet. These brag sheets help the guidance counselor write his own letter of recommendation for the student . The brag sheets can be very helpful. Here are a few tips on how to complete it.

1. Be descriptive: Use as many adjectives and nouns as you can to describe yourself or the student throughout the brag sheet. Tell specific examples of how and why.

2. Do not describe your weakness or biggest struggle. This will be used if you write it so leave it out. Only use positive stories and description about the student.

3. Do not list awards, honors or accomplishments. This can be found in a resume or on the application. It should not be duplicated in a letter of recommendation.

4. Do not pigeonhole yourself by mentioning a major unless you are 100% sure you want to major in that field.

How to write an amazing college essay!

The common app essay is a unique part of your college application. Aside from your transcript, application, and test scores (possibly), it is one of the only parts of the application that can show a part of who you are that stands a part from the rest of the other applicants. It is your voice. I have helped hundreds of students write their essay. Here is my advice and my tips for how to write an amazing essay!

1. The essay should tell an authentic story about you. You have complete control over this part of your application.

2. Admission committees do not take a long time to read and review each application. Therefore, an essay that ‘hooks’ the reader will stand out in the admission officer’s mind, for whom, will inevitably, be the person that delivers and discusses your application to the committee.

3. Don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. I repeat, don’t write what you think they want to hear. Your entire application should be about you, not someone who you think they’ll accept.

4. Do not repeat any information about you that has already been communicated in other parts or your application.

5. Speak directly. Your voice will be heard. Discuss parts of you that you are most proud of.

Here is a quick outline of how to go about creating your essay.

1. Writing is a process. Have patience. Many students have been asked to write a personal narrative. If so, you can refer back to that assignment to help you start the process of your college essay. It should take at least 3 to 4 drafts for a well-crafted essay.

2. Take time to choose the right topic. A unique quality about you, experience or event should be discussed but it should be relevant to who you are today and who you want to become in the future. So, take time to write down a number of topic ideas. Think about them and start a draft of one or a few of your ideas. Over time, you will see which topic stands out and for which you feel most passionate about.

3. The idea you chose to write about should be simple. Simple.

4. Share a piece of who you are and reflect: For example, I am a listener. I like to ask questions and take the time to listen. At one of my first jobs, I realized that I enjoyed advising and working with students because I was a person in their life that listened to their thoughts and problems. It has helped me to be a strong student advocate, counselor and teacher.

5. Make sure you are answering the essay prompt. The common app essay is a 650 word essay.

6. Have a teacher or counselor review your essay.

7. Ensure that you have carved out time over the entire summer to dedicate to working through each stage of the writing process. Manage your time. You’ve got this!

Here is the website for the common app essay prompts:

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2022-2023-common-app-essay-prompts

A few thoughts on how to make your final decision….

After you receive all of your college admission decisions, you will need to assess your choices and make a final decision.

1. Lay out all of your acceptances on a table. Look at each school and think over how each makes you feel.

   1. How does the college make you feel?

   2. Review the location and size of each school

   3. At which college can you imagine yourself at most? Why?

2. Re-visit Campus: Many schools offer an accepted student day. If not, make a plan to re-visit a few campuses, if you are unsure of which to choose to attend.

   1. Meet with financial aid if you have any questions.

   2. Ask about important issues to you such as housing, res life, support services for students such as disability resource center or mental health support.

   3. Talk with current students while on campus.

3. Compare financial aid awards and contact the offices with questions.

4. While there is no rush, make sure you do not miss the deadline for notifying a college.

5. There is NO perfect school. Sorry folks, but it’s true. Just like all decisions in life, it’s part of your journey and what YOU make of college is what you’ll gain. And congratulations!

How to request a letter of recommendation

Now that the end of the school year is near, it is time for high school juniors to ask teachers for letters of recommendation. Spring is the best time to ask. This gives teachers the summer to write letters. Remember, teachers do not get paid extra for writing letters of recommendation. They write them on their own time. Here are my tips for how to ask.

1. Ask in person: Find a time, either before school, after school or at lunch time to ask a teacher when they are not too busy. Make eye contact and ask if they’d be willing to write you a letter of recommendation for your college application. During the conversation, share with the teacher anything of interest about you that may help the teacher write a compelling letter. What major you may be interested pursuing, courses you might be interested in taking, an internship you are looking into etc. If your school provides a brag sheet for you to complete to help the teacher write the letter, make sure you complete it.

2. Ask a Core Course Teacher: Admissions offices look for letters of recommendation to be written by core course teachers. So, request a letter from your science, math, history, English, or foreign language teacher. If you are applying to a specialized college (STEM) and they request that you have a science or math teacher recommendation, make sure you follow through.

3. Ask a teacher that gave you an A: Did you do well in the class? Even if you received a B for one quarter but improved your grade after that you can still ask that teacher. You want to ask a teacher from a core course that you did very well in and showed participation and enthusiasm.

4. Is the teacher from 11th or 10th grade? You should request a letter of recommendation from a teacher from 11th grade. But if that is not possible 10th grade would be the next best option. 9th grade is too far in the past. 11th grade teachers can write about your most current performance which admission offices look for.

5. Does the teacher specialize in what you want to study? If the teacher teaches in the field in which you want to study, bonus! This will help support your application tenfold!

Last, make sure to say thank you when asking for the letter of recommendation. Send a thank you note after the letter is written. Teachers who write letters of recommendation should be thanked!