 |
| Author | Post |
|---|
mominva
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | DC Suburbs |
| Posts: | 332 |
| Mana: |    |
|
Posted: Tue Aug 22nd, 2006 02:09 am |
|
Two thoughts Lderochi- Regarding absent teachers.
1 Does your son's school require one of those counselor packets with brag sheets and teacher forms etc.? Daughter's school rec comes from the counselor, based on input from student, parents, teachers, and most colleges are happy to take that.
2 Does your son have any of his papers lying around from last year's teachers, with contact info? We have often been given a home e-mail or home phone # on course syllabi. I'm guessing they might be happy to write a rec. and honored you tracked them down (well, maybe the retired ones anyway).
Our update: I do not believe any summer reading is complete. She has started a Common app file (only 4 of 8 known applications take the CA) with her demographic info but stopped when it asked about parent stuff. Moaned a bit about not being able to come up with any ideas for the CA essay prompts. Took the one written idea that we left lying around, stated she liked it and started formulating it. We are banned from any college talking unless asked directly and were given an assurance that all essays will be complete before school starts (29th) if we stopped bringing it up.
This is # 3, our most independent. She will go to college and will plug happily along wherever that is.
|
Lderochi
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 300 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Aug 22nd, 2006 02:29 am |
|
Thanks mominva, but pretty much negative on all counts. The only contact info we have for the teachers is their e-mail address at the school -- so unless they continue to have access to that e-mail account (I can't imagine that they do) we probably can't contact them. Son will discuss with his GC once school starts, maybe she'll have some suggestions or contact info. This issue has, I'm sure, come up before -- particularly since the biggest draw for the HS is UDelaware, which does require a teacher rec.
Don't really know about the GC "Pack" -- the GC rec forms I've seen just ask for the GC's recommendation, not anything else. Son's HS has no idea about brag sheets or resumes. Or school profiles, for that matter -- all they send out is the official transcript and, upon request, they fill out the GC rec form from the colleges.
No sense worrying about it quite yet, he'll see what the GC says.
The essay side of things is going pretty well (if you ask him). He has his basic essay template completed. I've made some suggestions, as has my wife. Not sure whether our suggestions will be used, considered, or ignored. I'm pretty sure he has one more "basic essay" draft in him and then he'll declare himself finished except for whatever tweaks are necessary to respond to specific prompts. Based on the prompts he's seen, he should be able to modify his basic essay for all his schools (i.e. they are all pretty much along the lines of "why should we accept you" rather than the more school-specific "why are your applying to us".
My son would love to give me the same ultimatum your #3 gave you -- but I'm sure he would just shake his head in dismay and resignation at my utter inability to keep my end of the deal.
|
CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3191 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Aug 22nd, 2006 03:59 pm |
|
Mominva,
Ah, yes. The "ban on college talk" was in force at our house too. In fact, my daughter made me promise that if I mentioned college or college essays to her that I would eat nothing but cheerios for a week. That worked, as does some nice strong duct tape. 
|
mominva
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | DC Suburbs |
| Posts: | 332 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Aug 22nd, 2006 05:27 pm |
|
Oh Carolyn,
Now I remember your Cheerio diet! Well, that gives me hope, seeing how 'fit' Ama is now. The funny thing is that I thought this was the one who would be most responsive, after all, she wanted to visit colleges in Junior year! Well the visits, and it seems my input, are done, at least for now. I think the essay writing books from the library remain unopened in her room. School starts next week, maybe meetings with counselors will change the wind. Okay, off to the workroom to find the duct tape  !!
|
entomom
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 6th, 2006 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 362 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Wed Aug 23rd, 2006 02:35 am |
|
After a rocky start, my D is producing essays more or less daily, mostly the shorter, more specific ones. However, she did finally complete the first draft of a long essay yesterday. Not too much nagging so far, but she needs someone to be accountable to right now, so I'm walking a pretty fine line. She's lucky that school doesn't start until after Labor Day, so she should still have time to do rough drafts of all her essays before then. The plan is to get a couple of rolling applications submitted by mid-September, keeping our fingers crossed for the new GC.
She is excited about visiting WUSTL for their Discovery days at the end of September and hopes to visit Amherst in October. Not much else to report, just wanted to catch up and say that I hope everyone else is fairing well with the process. Hang in there 
EM
|
patsmom
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 165 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Wed Aug 23rd, 2006 11:42 am |
|
I have to say I'm very envious of you parents whose kids have begun their essays. My S keeps nodding when I say he has to get started and he promises he'll have them done, but he hasn't written a word. School has already started for him so now he'll be using homework as an excuse for why he can't work on them.
Over on CC there are all these kids posting about their essays, asking for proofreaders, asking for tips and suggestions. I wonder why I don't have one of those kids. Isn't it always the way? 
Besides the main essay, he has a lot of short answer ones that require some thought. I don't think he realizes just how much. I just have to trust that he knows what he's doing and he will get them written.
|
limner
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jul 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 807 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Fri Aug 25th, 2006 04:10 pm |
|
Patsmom, I'm right there with you. I'm pretty sure that no essays have been started, never mind finished, although I've been assured that he's "thinking" about them.
I'm trying to keep my mouth shut (thanks for the duct tape tip, Carolyn) because I think it's important for him to own this search, and he has always been very good about meeting his responsibilities. Still, perhaps I should buy duct tape by the case.
And my H is still pushing the ED thing (perhaps some duct tape for him?), although I've made my reservations known to S, and he says he understands that he still has to go about the admissions process assuming the ED would be a no.
On the school front, he's started an astronomy course at the local university, in place of something I can't recall. Unlike a lot of the classes, there are only 20 kids in there, which is good.
|
mom61
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 247 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Fri Aug 25th, 2006 05:32 pm |
|
Add mine to the pile of those who have not even started the essays. I keep mentioning them but he doesn't seem to be hearing.
I am hoping with school starting next week and structure once more a part of his life he will begin moving in that direction.
My husband is also pushing getting the apps in early. Many of his possible schools have EA.
He is finally taking the math placement exam at the community college so he can get college credit. He has had since March. The last day to take the exam is next Friday. He also didn't feel the need to even look at the sample test. We will see.
|
Lderochi
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 300 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Fri Aug 25th, 2006 06:19 pm |
|
Well, school started but I'm not sure it's calmed down much!
The HS makes me so aggravated. They advertise all these AP courses, "subject to interest", and of course end up cancelling most of them for low enrollment. Happened last year as well.
AP Macroeconomics? Gone. AP Geography? Gone. AP Chemistry? Well, not gone but since both chem teachers resigned the 2 AP sections are being taught by somebody who has never taught chemistry, let alone at the AP level. A computer programming class was also cut -- so my son's schedule on the first day looks absolutely nothing like what he expected.
They replaced the AP Macro and AP Geography with non-AP psychology and sociology. And computer programming is now a desktop publishing class.
Son absolutely hates to make a fuss, but I really want him to sit down this weekend and look through the classes that actually are available so he can go talk to the GC and drop/add if necessary.
Aargh.
PS But the basic essay is, lo and behold, finished. And he got an acceptance from Emory & Henry in Virginia, so it's hard to get too frustrated. 
Last edited on Fri Aug 25th, 2006 06:20 pm by Lderochi
|
mominva
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | DC Suburbs |
| Posts: | 332 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Fri Aug 25th, 2006 06:32 pm |
|
Congrats on that first acceptance, Lderochison .
|
CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3191 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Fri Aug 25th, 2006 07:40 pm |
|
Lderochi,
UGH! That would make my blood boil too. Especially the AP class being taught by a teacher who had never taught chemistry before. Hopefully, your son will be able to make suitable adjustments to his schedule, but jeesh, you would think the school could plan things a little better.
Glad to hear that he's made progress on his essay though, and congrats on the Emory and Henry acceptance. He's going to have plenty of choices when all is said and done, regardless of how things pan out with his senior schedule.
If it helps any, last year I felt the same way at this point -- thought my daughter would never be ready to apply EA. What helped was pushing her to do the simplest application first, to her Cal State safety school, which didn't even require an essay. Somehow, sending that application out broke the dam and in the following two weeks she belted out her main essay and the CA supplements for three schools. Met the EA deadlines with plenty of time to spare. So, it will happen. Just remember, teens tend to move at teen-speed which is kind of a non-parellel dimension to adult-speed.
Last edited on Fri Aug 25th, 2006 07:41 pm by CarolynLawrence
|
CalifCarolyn
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 572 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Fri Aug 25th, 2006 07:56 pm |
|
patsmom wrote: I have to say I'm very envious of you parents whose kids have begun their essays. My S keeps nodding when I say he has to get started and he promises he'll have them done, but he hasn't written a word. School has already started for him so now he'll be using homework as an excuse for why he can't work on them.
Over on CC there are all these kids posting about their essays, asking for proofreaders, asking for tips and suggestions. I wonder why I don't have one of those kids. Isn't it always the way?
Besides the main essay, he has a lot of short answer ones that require some thought. I don't think he realizes just how much. I just have to trust that he knows what he's doing and he will get them written.
hmm I don't have "one of those kids" either but then again my D isn't stressed (just me) and I have to remember that she is the one going to college not me (I think I was the same way at 17-I knew I would go to college and didn't stress either--) She is organized and knows what she needs to do for schools she is sure she is applying to but the essays will be done at the last minute I am sure....
2 years ago at this time my older D had her applications done and was submitting them on the first day she could. It was a stressful time (for her) until April when she finally started making her choice. Not sure which way is easier for me...a stressed kid or a stressed Mom..
|
binx
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 459 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sat Aug 26th, 2006 09:37 pm |
|
My D is also a senior (yay! We weren't sure it would happen. See my "overwhelmed" thread if you want more info.) So I'll add her to the class of 2011.
She has no class rank or GPA. Counselor was going to transfer the grades but I don't know if or how he did. My guess is that she'll end up with a 3.0-ish, since her German grades were significantly lower due to language issues. That should put her in perhaps the top quarter of her class of 900 or so, and possibly higher, but not as high as she should be. But we're counting on her applying to schools who can look past that and read the explanations.
Her US counselor has offered to write a recommendation/explanation. He counselled her brothers, so he knows the family a bit.
She is taking: AP Calculus BC (and regretting it - she has never used a graphing calculator, and only knows German math terminology), AP Lit, Hon Econ, Hon US History, Philharmonic Orchestra (highest level), Hon Spanish II.
We cautiously anticipate all As, with the probable exception of Calculus. She has a 2080 SAT. She also got a 5 on the AP German exam, although didn't actually take the class.
Main ECs are 11 years of violin, and her experiences living in Germany (fluent in the language, lots of travel, cultural experiences, etc.) This year she is going to be studying Ancient Greek in an after-school class, German club, perhaps a community orchestra, and working with the Middle School youth group at our church.
That's a short list compared to most, but all she can handle, I'm afraid, since she is also adjusting culturally, and we have a lot of colleges to visit, too.
She is interested in languages, creative writing, linguistics. She also needs a school where she will be able to continue studying violin. She wants a more middle-of-the-road school politically (or leaning toward conservative, but not cloistered.) Doesn't want too rural of a school.
Schools on her list:
Likes what she sees so far: St. Olaf, Dennison, Davidson, William & Mary, Emory.
Need more info: Furman, Rhodes, Macalester, Allegheny.
We are going to a CTCL fair tomorrow, which will give her a chance to talk with folks from several of the above and a few others, too. A friend got the notice in the mail and thought to share it with us, since we're not on many mailing lists! It will be her first contact with anything college related apart from online and email.
Which reminds me: Carolyn, is there a spot for us to write about various information sessions and college fairs? I guess I could just add to college visit reviews already posted, except that for ones like this one that represent multiple schools. I'd be interested in tips, too, on how to approach a fair like this - what to say or not say, etc.
|
CalifCarolyn
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 572 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 27th, 2006 01:32 am |
|
We attended the CTCL fair in Orange County Ca and the best advice I have is to make sure you get there early enough to attend the presentation at the beginning of the fair. Everyone was wonderful and actually interested in the kids. Other fairs that we have been to were more interested in shoving papers at the kids then they were in ggetting to know the students. My D has been actively communicating with the admission rep from Guilford since the fair.
Be patient and wait in line to let your Daughter talk to the reps. Ask specific questions and be open to their suggestions to go speak to someone from another school. After my D told one of the reps that she was interested in International Relations she was told to make sure she talked to the people at Kalamazoo and Goucher (she already had but how nice for them to be interested in her enough to give her suggestions for other schools).
Remember to sign up to receive information from the schools---keep that contact going---
Have fun it was a great evening and really a non-stressful event full of fantastic information. I had read the book, my D had looked at several of the schools but all the info was new to my H and he loved the information section of the program...
|
CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3191 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 27th, 2006 08:38 pm |
|
| Great advice, CalifMom. I can truthfully say that the NICEST and most down-to-earth admissions reps we met along the way were those at CTLC schools. They went out of the way to be friendly and helpful, and my daughter always felt comfortable contacting them on her own. I know there are a lot of great admissions people out there, but the CTLC schools seem to attract more than their share.
|
HImom
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 20th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 261 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Mon Aug 28th, 2006 07:56 am |
|
All I can say is try to remain calm as the parent. Somehow, the kids all get everything done. I am a planner & hate looming deadlines, so I try to get things done early. My son tends to put things off, especially aps & essays. I had to keep reminding myself (last fall, when S was a HS senior) it was HIS aps & HIS essays & HIM applying to & going to college. Fortunately, his HS & peers were busily getting everything geared up for the seniors so things did eventually work out & I tried to keep as low a profile as possible. I'm sure son could have put in more effort & had more polished aps & essays, but I never got to review ANYTHING he submitted but know he was satisfied with what he did. Somehow, it all worked out.
|
binx
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 459 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Mon Aug 28th, 2006 11:23 am |
|
Thanks for the tips, Califmom. I shared them with my D, and it helped us know what to expect.
We enjoyed the CTCL fair last evening. This was my D's first real college-search experience away from the Internet, and it was valuable just in piquing her interest, I think. She knew she was supposed to do most of the talking, and it gave her a bit of anxiety. I helped her think through a couple questions / topics to discuss, and she quickly found out that most of the reps were willing to carry their side of the conversation! I think she actually had fun, and I enjoyed watching her. It was a good pre-cursor to any college visits or interviews, to gain confidence and experience.
We were given a card upon entering, which D filled out with contact info. On the reverse side, she was able to check off the schools she'd like more information from. That was nice, rather than filling out many individual cards. So maybe now she'll get on some mailing lists!
The talk ahead of time was old news to me, and mostly old to her as well. But it was good for her to hear from someone else, and good for her to see other parents and students' reactions. Clearly, there were some parents who skipped the meeting since parents were encouraged to let students take the lead. There were many tables where the student stood behind the parent, who did all the talking, as well as a number of mothers (no fathers in this situation that I saw) who attended without their kid.
Her main question to each rep was to discuss her transcript which does not accurately represent her abilities. It was surprising to see the responses. Sometimes there was a bit of wariness in the rep's eyes - "Yeah, sure, I've heard that before." In general, though, as they heard the details, they were interested and supportive, and felt that if properly explained, it wouldn't be a handicap. But the more specific instructions were really varied:
*include a note of explanation in the "additional information" section
*mail a separate letter of explanation (apart from the common application)
*have your counselor write a letter of explanation
*write about it in your essay
*send the German transcripts and we'll figure it out
*interviews aren't mandatory, but in your case, you should probably have one
and so on.
Several times, when she shook the reps hand, she was complimented on her firm hand-shake! It was a perfect segue to her explanation of her German experience, where everyone shakes hands! (It was always fun to watch a group of teens in Germany when they were joined by another friend -- handshakes all around!)
She also asked about ops to play her violin as a non-major, and in every instance, she was told there would be multiple ops. Exact details at each school are something we'd have to work out during campus visits - number of ops, teachers, availability of private lessons - and cost, quality of program, etc. We talked with Lawrence specifically, because we knew their music program was good, but weren't sure how open it was to non-majors. Apparently completely open. He said, "Our conservatory students can participate in all college courses and activities, and our college students are equally welcome at the conservatory."
We mainly visited schools she'd already done some homework on, but did visit a couple we knew nothing about. She enjoyed doing that. She would walk up to the rep and say, "I know nothing about this school. Tell me what you think is most important to know about it." I enjoyed watching her evaluate schools based on the descriptions she received. Never knew my D was so insightful.
One new school she talked to was Ohio Wesleyan, and she came away really impressed with it, so I think we'll look a little further at it. Does anybody have any experience there? The rep asked her to fill out a contact card, even though we had the main card. She said, "I don't want to lose you." My D sounded a bit like Sally Fields after: "She really liked me!" she said with amazement.
It's a good strategy on the rep's part, since you tend to have more positive feelings toward those who express approval of you! D made the comment on the way home that it's not fair to judge a whole school on just one person (thinking of some reps that were less than dynamic) but it's hard not to.
I'm glad this fair was early in the season, because I think it's sparking some more interest in the process for my D. Next we need to start making a visit schedule, and seeing what we can do with our frequent flier miles.
Last edited on Mon Aug 28th, 2006 11:25 am by binx
|
CalifCarolyn
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 572 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Mon Aug 28th, 2006 02:11 pm |
|
Binx-Glad you and your D had a positive experience with the CTCL Fair last night. Interesting comment you had that there were Moms without their kids--arrrg---I feel sorry for the kids--unless it was a situation we encountered we met a couple at the CTCL fair they had an e-mail from their child who was working at a summer camp. The e-mail listed all of his questions by school. The admin reps were are smiling at the parents reading questions from a sheet of paper and following their son's instructions.
The reps at most schools we have visited for both Ds have been helpful and nice (one exception) but Carolyn is right the CTCL reps we have met win the "I am interested in you" crown. My D has felt so relaxed contacting the admin from Guilford several times because of her willingness to help her in this maze.
HImom-you are so very right it is the kids application I never saw the apps for D1 and D2 is being independent but is fearful of not getting into a school. We are trying to follow her lead on this too-our mantra is "you will go to college we just don't know where"
|
CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3191 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Mon Aug 28th, 2006 04:39 pm |
|
Binx, Glad your daughter had a good time at the CTCL fair. It sounds like she is off to a very good start.
Contact NJres on the College Confidential board. His older son attends Ohio Wesleyan if I remember correctly, and received a very handsome merit award from them to boot.
|
Mezzomom
Member
|
Posted: Mon Aug 28th, 2006 07:07 pm |
|
| Binx, I really wanted my daughter to visit Ohio Wesleyan, particularly since we pass it on the way to Otterbein. However, early on we did a drive by of the campus, and it fell into the "I don't even want to get out of the car" category. The campus is bisected by a major four-lane thoroughfare and that was enough to move it off my daughter's list. I think if my daughter had researched the school first, she may have felt differently since their music program is well-regarded. But instead OW became one of two schools my daughter wouldn't consider after seeing the campus (the other was Case, for much the same reason...busy roads dividing the campus seemed to be a deal-breaker for my daughter).
|
Current time is 06:52 am | Page:   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ...   |
|
|
|
|
