Much like the Mariachi band I long for on May 1st (college decision day), I believe that November 1st (early deadline day) should come with built-in confetti! It’s been such a long slog for this year’s seniors as they have conducted their college research in the vacuum of the pandemic, reintegrated into in-person learning, and navigated the waters of list building and applications over the course of the summer and fall to hit the November early deadlines.
I’m so proud of all their hard work and can’t wait for them to start hearing back from their colleges!
Priorities for seniors continue to be hitting remaining deadlines in a timely manner, making a personal connection with their colleges, and as they have time, they can start looking into Outside Scholarships to make small boosts to funding college.
And many seniors are taking advantage of the long weekends in October and November to visit a few remaining campuses in order to decide if they for sure want to apply and to make a personal connection with admission staff.
It’s also been really fun connecting with my whole roster of juniors. We have (or have plans to in the very near future) completed several initial exploratory activities building on interests, carving out wishes, and learning more about them as related to potential college plans. Now they are working through an initial suggested list of colleges starting to learn more about what’s out there, and finding their fit as they build a balanced list.
Juniors are also dealing simultaneously with fall testing! So many juniors weren’t able to participate in the PSAT as they normally would have during sophomore year, and are now faced with the question of adding the PSAT to their testing plan and timeline.
I have fielded a number of questions about the PSAT vs. the SAT, how and when to prep and “do I need to take both?” All really good questions and you can click here to read more detailed info. about all of the above.
I have been doing a lot of reading and attending webinars on international colleges over the past several months as I have two students very interested in applying to several colleges in Canada and also one considering studying medicine in Ireland or possibly the UK. It’s been fun digging into these colleges and the process for US students applying internationally as the systems vary so much. Did you know, for example, you can ONLY apply to 5 PROGRAMS, not 5 colleges, through the UCAS system? And that if you want to apply to medical school in Ireland, you do so through Atlantic Bridge? Go here for more information on attending college in Ireland
Also, I have recently become enamored with Bishop’s University in Quebec, who had this to say in a recent newsletter:
Since 1843 we’ve been the smallest of Quebec’s English universities and one of the most intimate university environments in all of Canada. We have plenty of red brick and ivy. We know tradition and prestige. We know academic rigor. We believe in engaging and dynamic classes. Professors who know your name. Students who get involved. School spirit. A genuine sense of community and belonging. A family.
Doesn’t that sound great? And it’s so beautiful too!
