Tag: college applications

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Student Perspectives

Ready to Bloom

By Shelby Britton
Lakehill Preparatory School
Marketing Intern, Class of 2019

To be nervous about something means, to me, that I care about it. I want to see it bloom and grow into something beautiful.

Therefore, when I say that college makes me incredibly nervous, it’s a good sign. After all, it’s something completely new and foreign that comes with deadlines every week, application after application, and–just when you think you’re done and that the downpour of responsibility is over–you realize you have to do it all over again with scholarships.

But, it’s not all doom and gloom. I will admit, at first, I was dreading applying to college. I had no clue where to even begin, much less where to apply, but that feeling is actually a blessing in disguise. Sure, I am nervous about college and moving out of my wonderfully comfortable home, away from my family and friends, and leaving behind the places where I have made my memories.

But, now, in this time of emotional turmoil and last-minute applications, I know ahead of me lies fresh ground to plant my roots, and I know that if I’m nervous, I’m about to bloom.

Categories
College Readiness

Navigating the Twists and Turns of College Admissions

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Counseling, Lakehill Preparatory School

I recently attended the Dallas County Spelling Bee for private school students as my daughter was the school winner for Lakehill. As soon as we walked through the door, I could sense the enormous pressure of the participants, some praying, some doing yoga/relaxation techniques, some looking at spelling lists repeating letters over and over again. It made ME nervous! My daughter was proud to represent her school, and, aside from initial nerves, she went up on stage, spelled her words with confidence, and existed the stage with grace once a word was missed. I was proud of her!

Why, you might ask, is a college counselor talking about a spelling bee? I see the same scenario play out each year as seniors go through the college application process. For some, this process is more nerve-wrecking than for others, but with solid preparation, a balanced list of schools, and knowing the fact that there is more than one college able to prepare one for the future, our students go through the process with the confidence knowing they will be going to a ‘good’ college as they choose to define it.

I admire the confidence my students display as they perform, apply to colleges, compete in athletic and academic competitions, and engage in new projects in their communities. And I am impressed with the humility and grace with which our students handle situations which may not always work out as expected. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and knowing how to navigate them will make our kids stronger and more prepared for the future.

Categories
College Readiness

Finding Blance

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Counseling, Lakehill Preparatory School

Since I am in the middle of the course selection process for next year and in the middle of AP testing, I have been thinking a lot about the structure of a high school student’s day. I find myself coming back to the word BALANCE.  Lakehill encourages students to explore their interests, both inside and outside of the classroom. We want our students to excel in their academic interests, but we also want them to explore new subject areas. Our students have two electives each semester for several reasons:  we want them to perform, create, look at texts in a new way, and explore non-traditional subjects.

As a college counselor, I am often asked, “What do colleges want to see?” But there is no magic formula. Colleges want students to follow a curriculum which challenges them, but is one in which they can be successful. They want to see that students can read, write, and think critically, creatively, and independently. Colleges want well-rounded students who are enjoying what they study and enjoy what they do in their “free time” so that they can contribute to their future campuses.

If a school offers AP classes or honors classes, students should be encouraged to take a class or two to further their knowledge and interest in a particular subject area, but only if it makes sense with the students’ learning profiles and other components of their lives. Students should not be tempted to choose an AP class because “it looks good on a high school transcript for colleges.” The same is true for activities and electives. Students should be encouraged to explore different activities and fields of interest, and to stick with those they like in order to develop their skills and leadership roles in those areas.

BALANCE is key to healthy, happy children. There are only 24 hours in the day, and 9.5 of those hours should be spent sleeping, so students should be encouraged to spend the other 14.5 hours in ways that will foster their personal and academic development in positive and healthy ways.

Heather Dondis

Categories
College Readiness

Let Your Interests Lead the Way

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Counseling, Lakehill Preparatory School

I heard the most exciting news this week that one of our students was selected among all nominees in Dallas to attend a three-day interview program at a major university on the east coast along with 100 students from around the world in hopes of a full scholarship for his four undergraduate years in college. I also heard this week that another one of our students was one of twelve students worldwide selected to interview on campus for a full scholarship for four years at a liberal arts college on the west coast. Pretty impressive.

These students didn’t even know about these scholarships until this year, yet they have been preparing for them for at least the last four years, if not more. To be at this level of competition, students need to have an excellent academic record, but this doesn’t just come in the form of grades. It comes in the form of knowledge and being able to apply that knowledge to real-world situations and being able to talk about that knowledge with others who share the same interests.

Students need to challenge themselves in the classroom and outside of the classroom, learning all they can about a variety of subjects. They should take challenging and interesting courses in high school, but also continue that learning process on their own. Both of these students had a desire early on to learn about specific subjects that interested them. They spend hours reading at home, combing the Internet, and putting their knowledge into practice at research labs and internships. They followed through on that spark, that passion.

This played out naturally in the college scholarship process as colleges are looking for students who will do great things on their campuses. Everyone has the potential to have that spark. Learn all you can about the subjects that interest you. Find ways to discover what you are interested in within your community. Learn from people who share the same interests. Use your knowledge to help others. Perhaps you, too, will be preparing for an interview weekend to share your story with others.

Categories
College Readiness

The College Essay

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Counseling, Lakehill Preparatory School

The college essay is one of the most feared items in college applications, but it really shouldn’t be.  This is a chance for students to tell their story.  It is an opportunity for them to elaborate on something that they love to do, share a memory they are fond of, describe rituals that they take part in on a regular basis, or reflect on a person who has made a difference in their lives.   Of course, there are more pointed questions that colleges may want to know such as Why College X or Why do you want to study Major Y but students should use every opportunity available to provide more than grades, test scores, and activities lists and be proud of what they have to say.  I often say, “write about what you know, YOU.”

As a college counselor, I read many essays each year.  My students have interesting stories to tell, from babysitting sagas, to favorite English teachers, to a quest for the perfect iced tea.  All share insights into their unique personalities and backgrounds.  Each year, Lakehill juniors have the opportunity to review and discuss sample essays from a college admissions officer.  After reading these, they feel much more at ease and confidently begin telling their stories.

If you are reading this blog and are faced with the task of writing an essay, relax.  Take your time, gather your thoughts, and tell your story.  You’ll be glad that you did.

For sample college essays visit http://admissions.tufts.edu/apply/essay-questions/past-essays/ and http://www.conncoll.edu/admission/apply/essays-that-worked/ .

 

Categories
College Readiness

College Connections

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Counseling, Lakehill Preparatory School 

I have just returned from a professional development opportunity that I am fortunate enough to participate in each year as the sole representative of our College Counseling office.  There were about 6000 university admissions and college/guidance counseling professionals in attendance.

As I talked to colleges and heard stories from both sides of the desk, I know that I am very fortunate to be in a school like Lakehill.  Some of my colleagues must support 500+ students, and unfortunately college counseling is not and cannot be one of their priorities.  I talk to others with smaller caseloads and even they don’t know each and every one of their students.

As I began writing letters of recommendation last week, I realized I had trouble starting, not because I didn’t know the students well enough, but because I had too much information and I had to be deliberate in keeping my letter under two pages.  But once I started writing, it became very clear about what I was going to say about each student. I am proud to have the opportunity to advocate for each and every one of our wonderful students as they apply to colleges and universities around the country.

Categories
College Readiness

Studying The List

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Counseling, Lakehill Preparatory School

The college list is posted!

Each year the bulletin board outside of the Main Office is filled with the names of all of the colleges to which the members of Lakehill’s Senior Class have been accepted.  We don’t attach the names of students just yet as students have until the May 1 national reply date to make their final decisions.

I have seen so many parents looking at the board, wondering where their own children may go one day. I’ve seen faculty and staff looking at it, wondering which students were accepted into which schools. I’ve seen middle school students looking at, commenting on the schools they have heard of (and secretly learning about the schools they haven’t, as I make sure to post where each school is located).  But most importantly, I see the seniors looking at it, proud of their accomplishments and hopeful of all of the possibilities they will have in the next stage of their lives.

Categories
College Readiness

Finding Home Away From Home

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Placement, Lakehill Preparatory School 

Lakehill students are lucky because they have the opportunity to meet college representatives from all over the world who visit our school.  These personal connections are wonderful, but it also very important that students visit the schools they are interested in as well, whether it is before they apply or after they have received a decision.  Colleges are so very different from one another.  Although they may sound similar on paper and their brochures and internet pictures are always beautiful, there is something about being on campus that gives a student a new perspective on an institution.  Kids will often say, “I just got a good feeling about the campus when I visited.  I knew this was the place for me.”

The ideal time to visit a college is when they are in session.  Of course, this might not be practical and summer may be the only time families can go on this type of trip.  Rest assured, admissions offices are prepared to receive you at almost any time of the year except major holidays and Sundays. All colleges will have tours and information sessions. It is also important to find out if you need to reserve a place on a tour well in advance of your trip.  If you have special interests such as in the fine arts or athletics, inquire about the possibility of seeing these facilities too since they may not be covered on a normal tour.  Many colleges will have lunch programs and class visits and some even have overnight programs.  Many schools will also have a special preview day or showcase for specific student groups which is a good way to meet representatives from all of the different schools and services at a college or university.

However you decide to visit colleges, once on campus ask, “Can I see myself living here for the next four years?”  You never know, you may find your next home away from home.

Happy Visiting!

Categories
College Readiness

Deciphering College Decisions

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Placement, Lakehill Preparatory School 

College decisions will be coming out soon for those who have applied to schools with early action and early decision programs.  Many students have already received some news from the schools that send decisions as soon as they are made.

For those who receive positive decisions, congratulations, but keep up your hard work.  Colleges make these decisions based on continued successful performance and require a transcript at the end of the year.

For those of you who may be deferred, this just means the admissions committee wants to see more evidence of your academic performance in your senior year.  Remember, they are only basing their decision off of the first three years of high school, at first.  Many seniors are taking more challenging classes as well as taking on more responsibility which will play a positive role in making a new decision.  Be sure to have your first semester grades sent to the colleges and update the colleges of your senior activities and progress.

For those of you who are denied admission, it is ok to be upset at first, but prepare yourself to move on.  From the beginning, students are advised to make a balanced list of schools and all of them should be places where you will be perfectly happy to attend.  Many schools do not release decisions until March or April, so you will receive more decisions in due time.  If you are worried about your list, talk to your college counselor because there is still plenty of time to revise your list if needed but don’t panic and add a bunch of schools you know you won’t attend.

Finally, remember that with over 4500 colleges and universities to choose from, there will be more than one great match for you.  The college experience is an amazing one; you will be enriched in ways you cannot imagine by the material you learn and the people you meet wherever you attend.

Categories
College Readiness

The Common Application: A Valuable Tool

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Placement, Lakehill Preparatory School

I recently conducted  a workshop to help high school seniors begin the college application process. In the workshop, each student completed something called The Common Application (www.commonapp.org). This is an application that can be used by 456 colleges and universities around the United States.

The Common Application is a wonderful tool for students because it allows them to complete a common set of information (name, address, family history, educational history, activities list, etc.) only once for a number of schools to which they are applying.

Students are applying to a larger number of schools these days, so a tool like The Common Application is an incredible time saver. One item to note about the Common Application is that specific schools may ask for additional information on a form they call a Supplement. This could include an extra essay or two, so students should look at these sooner rather than later.

It took less than two hours for my students to complete the basic part of the information. Now all they have to do is write their essay–topics are included in the Common Application. By completing the Common Application, students have a common data set they can refer to as they complete applications for colleges and universities that use their own forms.