In case you couldn't make it (or even if you did, but your brain is overflowing) here are a few general topics that were discussed:
--- How many applications should a student aim for? I recommend no more than 10.
--- What should students do about testing? Click here to see my MANY posts about this but the short answer is try both the SAT and ACT, then focus on re-taking the one you are naturally better in.
--- How can parents stay informed about the college process? Subscribe to this blog, so posts get sent to your email inbox! Sign up for the PTA mailing list, which emails out the ElRo weekly announcements every week, which is where I list information about college related events.
--- How should students spend their summer? Doing something they care about. There is no one prescription for what that has to be, but you are encouraged to explore your passions (maybe that is sports, or camp, or art, or a science class, or volunteering, or traveling, or ________). This is New York City, take advantage of that. Be cautious of 'pay for play' programs that are on college campuses but are not officially linked to the school - they can be overpriced and not as impressive as they sound. Only do them if you can truly afford them.
--- Where do we start? By 11th grade you really should start getting out there to visit campuses. Use the College Board search function to do some preliminary research to see what types of schools may be a good fit for what your student is looking for. Try and visit a range of places at first to get a feel for what feels best. Consider size, location, majors offered (most important if you want something specific like business, nursing, or engineering) and selectivity. If you have a book about ratings - burn it. We want the school rated #1 for YOU.
--- What is Naviance? Naviance is a tool that our school provides to juniors and their family during the second semester of junior year. Before that time, students and families are welcome to log on as a guest (email me for the password). It allows you to research colleges and scholarships and see a grid of actual ElRo students and their admission decisions at the different colleges.
Overall - the point of this Q&A was to hopefully get some pressing questions answered and send home the message that this process can be complicated but it doesn't have to be stressful. There is a college out there for EVERYONE and you (or your child) will find that place. A balanced list with reach schools, target schools, and likely schools will mean that it is easy to have options if you go forward with the college process in a balanced way.
I encourage everyone to attend next month's FAFSA night to learn more about the federal financial aid application -- that event takes place on Thursday, December 6.
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