We're back! Welcome to all students! I'm looking forward to a great year. As we settle in, below are the things to keep in mind for each grade level:
9th - You just got here. Enjoy it, get comfortable with your new school, talk to people you don't know, have fun at Ramapo, build relationships with your teachers. You are going to college, no need to start worrying about it now. Take your academics seriously (your grades, after all, are going on your transcript) but cut yourself a little slack as you learn to be a successful high school student.
10th - This year you are going to take the PSAT for the first time. We all talked together yesterday about how the College Board plans to change the SAT exam for your class, but use the PSAT as an opportunity to get a feel for standardized testing conditions and be open to learning what skills you might need to strengthen as you approach taking the real thing. Haven't found your niche yet? Now is the time to get involved (be it in school or in your community). You live in New York City, take advantage of your ability to truly pursue your passions. Colleges want to see students who are both committed to their academics and who have a three dimensional personality. They also value quality over quantity, so it is ok if your interests have a narrow focus so long as you dive in and explore them deeply.
11th - We are really going to get to know one another well next semester, but as you begin your 11th grade year know that this year is the one that makes a big impression on the colleges. Your 11th grade grades are the last ones that colleges will see on your transcript as they are reading your application. Prove to them the type of student that you are. You too will be taking the PSAT this fall, but for your class you will be the last group to be taking the exam on the 2400 scale. We have over 100 colleges visit our school each fall. If you have a free period, study hall, or lunch you are strongly encouraged to attend some of these visits for schools that you are interested in. It is a great way to learn about the schools and dip your toe into the college search process.
12th - Buckle your seatbelts, this semester is going to be challenging, but I believe in you! You can make it through without being overly stressed. Be organized. Breathe. Search for the answer before you panic, you'll be surprised how often you already have the solution sitting right in front of you. I'll be meeting with each of you individually over the next few months and this is a time when we will discuss your college application list and make sure it is balanced. Students, if you aren't used to checking your email daily, you need to start. This is the main way that both I and the colleges will be communicating with you. I'm excited for our work together!
Where can you find information about the college process and ElRo college office offerings? You got a mailing this summer with the main events that are planned for the year. Save the dates now so you can be sure to join me! You can also find the answer to many questions by looking at the ElRo College Office website, including the College Office Handbook that is available in PDF form on that site (both in the parent/guardian tab and the Junior and Senior tab). Other useful links are found on the right hand side of this blog.
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