Myth #9

If I make the wrong college choice, it is irreversible

For most high school students, the college decision is the first major adult decision they'll make. But even though it's important to choose wisely this decision doesn't have to leave you feeling constantly anxious and stressed out. Recognize that while your college choice is a big decision, it's not an irreversible one. Many students transfer to new schools if their needs change—for example, if they become interested in a major their school doesn't offer. Trust yourself and the process you have been a part of for well over a year. Remember, no experience is wasted. They all help you grow. Make the best of any situation and the answer will present itself clearly!

            Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

Myth # 8

I don’t need to worry about the application essay or my extracurricular activities

Many of your favorite colleges and universities have a broad educational mission: to develop the "whole student." Sharing your personal stories through an essay or a resume with your extracurricular activities is one way to represent yourself as ‘the whole student;’ for you surely are more than simply a GPA or SAT score.

When all else is equal between competing applicants, a compelling essay can make the difference. A powerful, well-written essay can also tip the balance for a marginal applicant. The essay is the only opportunity in a college application a student truly can have his or her voice heard. This is an opportunity to express concerns of your past and bring light to your great successes! The essay is YOU.

A college or university is going to want a student to be successful inside, as well as outside, of the classroom. This is why extracurricular involvement is a key tool in to personal development. For the majority of college and university students, involvement in extracurricular activities plays an integral role in the collegiate experience. Students become involved in extracurricular activities not only for entertainment, social, and enjoyment purposes, but most important, to gain and improve skills. Your essay and extracurricular activities are two great ways to paint your picture – the picture of the ‘whole student.’ Be sure not to let it go to waste!

          Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

Myth # 7

Test scores are the most important criteria in college admission

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many college admissions officers actually say that your overall GPA is much more important that your SAT score. It makes sense, if you think about it: While your SAT score is reflective of how you did on a three-hour test, your GPA is actually the accumulation of four years of academic performance. Your performance in high school is a better predictor of college success than the standardized tests. Colleges know that. Don't leave anything to chance: Excel at school, and do well on the SAT/ACT. When both numbers are excellent, you have nothing to worry about.

                Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

Myth # 6

Schools that cost more provide a higher quality education

A big price tag does not equal happiness or success. College is going to be what the student makes of it; utilizing resources, meeting new people, networking and getting involved make for the best college experiences and thus educations.  If you apply to the right schools, are open to the idea of relocating, and take advantage of grants, work-study programs, and loans, you can get a diploma for much cheaper than you realize. The idea is to walk away with your undergraduate degree and NOT be buried under a mountain of debt. Consider all different price points and research your financial aid options well; these are the key to finding your perfect fit.

 

                                        Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

First day of Spring? Let's talk SUMMER!

More Summer Opportunities....

 
Fairfield University - summer scholars program www.fairfield.edu/summerscholars

Cook Honors College @ Indiana University of Pennsylvania – summer honors program

            www.iup.edu/honors/summer

NYU PreCollege – www.nyu.edu/precollege

Myth #5

You have to be wealthy in order to attend college

Not true, about two-thirds of full-time undergraduate college students receive some type of financial aid. Financial aid is money that can help you pay for college. Some aid needs to be paid back or earned, and some aid is a gift. This money is available to all kinds of people. There are many colleges that provide an excellent educational experience at a price you can manage. For example, public college prices are lower than you might expect. Scholarships (free money) are awarded based on achievement, need or both. Many scholarships have other requirements — for example, they may only be offered to students who live in a certain state, are interested in a certain major or have a disability. It is best to research all of your financial aid options, before deciding a college is too expensive for you.

Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

Want a copy of your son’s transcript? Need to clarify some college admission myths? Wondering what we have covered in Junior Group Guiance?

Then come to our Junior Parent Night! Our College and Guidance Counseling Team will be on hand to answer all of your questions to help plan for the rest of your sons junior year and upcoming summer!

Although this event is not mandatory, we strongly encourage all to attend!

Tuesday, March 19^that 6:30pm in O’Keefe Commons!

We look forward to seeing you there!!

The College Counseling Team!

Myth #4

Only those students from prestigious institutions gain entrance to graduate or professional schools

Entrance to graduate or other professional schools are based on overall undergraduate performance. If a student takes advantage of the resources a college/university has to offer, he will find himself best prepared for his next phase of education. Performing at ones best is crucial, if a student wants to continue his education. Small classrooms and one on one attention from instructors are just one way to achieve this. Colleges That Change lives, http://www.ctcl.org/, have almost 100% placement into graduate programs; none of which are Ivy League schools. Making the most of your undergraduate experience is the best way to maximize your graduate or professional school opportunities.

 

Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

Myth #3

If I don’t recognize the college’s name, it’s probably not a good school

Don’t forget, there are over 4,000 viable post-secondary options. 30 or more may match your exact criteria! You may not hear of many of the nation's finest colleges until you are well into your adult life. Athletics on television is how most colleges get to be known, but many colleges do not get that kind of exposure. Some of the nation's finest colleges don't play big-time athletics. Judge a college on its own merits. Don't let name recognition determine a good or bad college. College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.

Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

Interested in New Jersey's State University? Check Out this FREE event!!!

Myth #2

There is only one college that is exactly right for me.

In the US there are over 4,000 viable post-secondary options. 30 or more may match your exact criteria! There is no ‘perfect school’ out there; each has advantages and disadvantages, and any number of schools could be a great match for you! A lot can change in the 9 + months it has taken you to compile your college list, submit your applications and receive all of your decisions. With so many colleges to choose from – we can be confident that you could be happy at a number of choices. College is going to be what YOU make of it! Compromise is part of good decision-making. Sometimes we can’t have everything we originally wanted, but that does not mean we can’t have anything. Hopefully, we can be resilient enough to de-invest in the original choice, process the disappointment, and redirect our energies toward another worthy option.

 

Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

College Admission Myths

Myth #1 – All colleges are alike, so there is no point in doing any research.

Not true, each college and university has their own set of admission requirements – based on campus, major or program. It is important to research each school to make sure your application is as strong as it can be! For example – did you know that the University of California schools require each application to complete one full year of a fine art course?! It’s true! California schools have something called the ‘a-g subject requirements,’ which outlines  how many courses in each subject an applicant must complete in order to be considered for admission to one of their schools. This poses a particular concern for students who come from high schools that do not have a year-long fine art graduation requirement – like Prep! Click on these links for more examples and information.

http://www.ucop.edu/agguide/a-g-requirements/index.html

http://www.mcgill.ca/applying/admissionsguide/procedures/

http://www.colorado.edu/admissions/undergraduate/sites/default/files/MAPS_201213.pdf

Doing your research is imperative to the college search process, and it is never too early to start. Use Naviance to research schools, programs, and career information. See your counselor if you have any questions.

Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

 

Want to learn more about colleges from the comfort of your own desk? Check out this virtual college fair! Chat with different representatives from schools such as Saint Peter's University, Saint John's Unviersity and the University of Notre Dame.

 

Catholic Colleges Fair, brought to you by The National Catholic College Admission Association

 

 

http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/Guest/College-Events-Catholic-Colleges

Snow's Coming?! Let's Think Forward to the WARM Summer!

High School Summer College at Stanford - www.summer.stanford.edu

GO Educational Tours - Irish Life Experience - www.GOeducationaltours.com

Stevens Institute - www.stevens.edu/sit/admissions/stevens-summer

Montclair State - gifted and talented program - www.montclair.edu/GiftTalent/

Carleton College Liberal Arts Experience for students of African American descent or students interested in African American culture are encouraged to apply. www.go.carleton.edu/clae

Caldwell College - The Summer College, designed for high school juniors who will be seniors in the Fall of 2013 who are first generation in their family to attend college. www.caldwell.edu/scac/

More Summer Opportunities to Consider...

UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Summer Program - Summer Scholars Academy
www.rwjms.umdnj.edu/osap/s3z.html

University of Dallas - Summer Programs - udallas.edu/summerprograms/moreinfo

Explore Architecture and Arts at UPENN - www.jkcp.com/architecture, www.jkcp.com/artsatpenn

Summer of Architecture and Design at NJIT - www.njit.edu

Summer Institure at Drexel University - www.drexel.edu/summer

Loyola Chicago Summer Scholars - www.LUC.edu/summerscholars

Cornell University Summer College - www.summercollege.cornell.edu

Colorado College Summer Sessions - www.coloradocollege.edu/precollege

Any questions please see Mrs. Morissette for applications and information.

Prep to host April ACT!!

 

Prep has been approved as an ACT testing site. The next ACT is April 13th. Registration deadline is March 8th, a week from today! Register now at www.actstudent.org and use our testing site code - 202020. Hope to see you then!