College Planning for the Week of 11/9/09

Colleges Visiting TMS - A full list of the colleges currently scheduled to visit as well as a list of a few Open House events and local information sessions are posted on the Family Connection site. Here are the colleges scheduled to visit us in the next two weeks. Please add your name to the sign up sheet on my door and get the permission of your teacher to attend.

• Mitchell College - Monday 11/9 at 11:00
• Dominican University - Monday 11/16 at 11:45
• Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising - Wednesday 11/18 at 11:45
  

College of the Week - Mitchell College is a coeducational, private residential institution in New London Connecticut offering associate and bachelor degree programs in the liberal arts and professional areas. The college is dedicated to providing a challenging education in a caring and cooperative environment for all students, including those with untapped potential and those with diagnosed learning disabilities. In addition to the college, Thames Academy provides a post graduate year program for students who have graduated from high school but are not yet ready for college.

Do you know? - Can't visit a college but want to check out the campus? You can view college video tours at youniversity.com.

My Schedule this Week - I'll be on campus Monday 10-4:30, Tuesday 12-3:30, Wednesday 12-2 (tentative) and Thursday 10-4:30 (tentative).

FOR SENIORS

Application help Wednesday 12-2 - Wednesday is a day off.... a good day to make big progress on college applications and maybe even finish a few. Come as you are, bring your ipods and computers and join me at school from 12-2. I'll need at least three students to make this possible. Please sign up on my door or let me know by email that you'll be there.

Checklist for each application: For each application, make sure that.........

• Someone else has reviewed your application - a good thing to ask parents to do. I am happy to review course and grade entry for CSU and UC applications.
  
• You have printed and saved a copy of the application.
  
• You paid the application fee or applied for a fee waiver.
• Your test official test scores have have been sent to the college by the College Board or the ACT.
  
• You've asked Susan to send any required transcripts, teacher recommendations or Secondary School Report (counselor recommendation).
• You have sent any additional documentation such as writing samples and resumes to the college.
  

Struggling with the UC Personal Statement? Watch this 3 minute video from the friendly folks at UC for perspective and tips.

What the heck does "show, don't tell" mean to me? When writing essays for college applications, students are encouraged to show, not tell. For examples of the difference between the two approaches, check a web page from Seton Hill University.

If you want information about financial aid - If you and your parents would like information about financial aid, please let me know.

SAT/ACT Registration Deadlines - If you need to take or retake the SAT, SAT Subject Tests or ACT this fall, the registration deadlines are approaching. The late registration deadline for the December 5th SAT or SAT Subject Tests is 11/12. To register go to www.collegeboard.com. The late registration deadline for the December 12th ACT is 11/20 and you can register at www.actstudent.org.

FOR JUNIORS

Thank you for your attendance and participation last week during the College Information evenings. A special thanks to Zohar for helping me set up on Wednesday.

--
Susan Gotshall-Maxon
College Counselor