Open Houses, College Fairs and Visits - The spring brings a new round of events designed to make it easy to learn about colleges. As I learn about these events, I'll post them on Family Connection for students to view. There are a number of them posted now so check it out!
College of the Week - Less than an hour away in Moraga, St. Mary's College of California is a place where a great education challenges everything you think you know. At the heart of the curriculum is Collegiate Seminar, a sequence of courses that will challenge you to confront the big ideas of Western civilization. You will read and discuss the world's greatest thinkers so that you can go out and be one. And when you are ready to take a break from Morrison and Machiavelli, you can help entrepreneurs in India or travel to Argentina to immerse yourself in the History of Tango. The 4-1-4 calendar schedule means that during the month of January you can dive headfirst into one intensive, highly specialized course of study. Some take place on campus, some involve service, and some have you travel the lengths of the earth to explore your passion. And did you know that Saint Mary's fields 14 Division 1 teams, eight clubs teams (including a nationally ranked Rugby program) and numerous recreation programs? So retire the 'dumb jock' theory. Apparently, a brainiac school can kick butt.
Is it SFS (Safe for Susan)?- As more and more colleges find their way to an applicant's Facebook and MySpace pages (read this article from the Los Angeles Times), stop and think about whether what you say and post is something you'd be comfortable with me seeing. Privacy settings make no difference once you friend an admissions office with a Facebook page. Ask yourself if it is "safe for Susan?". Think about your personal email address too. If it is anything other than your name it may convey information or an impression that you don't intend.
My Schedule this Week - I will be on campus Wednesday from 9-5, Thursday from 9-4 and have conferences scheduled with families on Friday. I check email regularly on days when I am not at school but do not check voice mail.
FOR JUNIORS
Still confused about how to start thinking about colleges? There seems like a lot to think about and if you are feeling confused and overwhelmed, stop for five minutes and read this short article from the Washington Post. It describes five strategies that can help clear your mind and give you a little more focus.
Virtual college fairs can be a useful tool. Colleges are looking for cheaper ways to spread the word about their campuses and are increasingly using the virtual college fair and Open House to connect with prospective students. College Week Live is the primary player and will be hosting a number of events in the coming months. This is an easy way to learn more about particular colleges. For more information on virtual college fairs, read this short piece from the Washington Post.
SAT and ACT Registration Dates - The next SAT will be given on 5/1 and the next ACT on 4/10 (the late registration deadline is 3/19). I recommend students take the SAT in May or June, the ACT in April or June and, if the student has over a 3.0 GPA, 2 subject tests in May or June.
FOR SENIORS
What's up with placement tests? - If you are planning to attend a UC or CSU campus in the fall, you will receive information about placement tests along with your acceptance letter. Universities require placement tests so that they can more accurately place you in appropriate freshman English and math classes. It is important to take the tests early because you will not be allowed to register until you have taken the tests. You don't have to go to the campus you are planning to attend to take the test - you can usually take the tests at a campus near you. Carefully read all the information sent you and let me know if you have any questions. See the following links for for more information.
Susan
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Susan Gotshall-Maxon
College Counselor
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