High school juniors: start thinking beyond standardized tests and explore college options
Now that all is (almost) said and done for the high school seniors who will be attending college in Fall 2009, the focus will turn to high school juniors and the impact that many societal factors will have on their college admissions process.
My advice remains the same: avoid focusing on standardized tests during the upcoming weeks. It is so easy to fall victim to the hype surrounding the controversial exams, but in the process students lose the opportunity to attend college fairs and information sessions right here in Los Angeles.
A few words of advice:
1) Remember, not only does the college choose you, you also choose the college - do your research and meet representatives any chance you get!
2) The more times you express interest in a college, the better the chances you will be admitted (all things being equal). Every time you attend a college fair or information session, make sure you complete the form to let them know you attended. Colleges put this information in your file and track your interest.
3) As a follow-up to #2 - go online and request information from colleges - express interest early and often.
4) Do your research: know when colleges will be in town and don't miss them! It's so easy to do when all you can think about are those standardized tests...almost seems contradictory, doesn't it?
Following are some upcoming events all high school juniors (and even sophomores) should look into:
2009 GREATER LOS ANGELES NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR sponsored by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling
April 20, 2009, 6PM - 9PM at the Pasadena Conference Center
April 21, 2009, 9:00AM - 12:00 PM at the Pasadena Conference Center
For more information go to www.nacacnet.org.
Exploring Educational Excellence
Brown University, the University of Chicago, Columbia University, Cornell University and Rice University have traveled together for many years to speak to students and their families about college admissions. We do so because our institutions, at their core, are similar. We all offer students a broad-based liberal arts curriculum, committed to providing every student with a well-rounded education in social science, humanities, mathematics and science. We are all residential colleges; the vast majority of our students live on campus, so much of our students' education takes place outside of the classroom. Lastly, we all practice highly selective admissions; each of our schools seeks not only a class that is strong academically, but a class that is diverse in every way and one with dynamic students who will enrich their campus intellectually, extracurricularly and personally.
Join Brown, Chicago, Columbia, Cornell and Rice for an information session for prospective students and their families. Sessions include a brief overview of each institution, information on admissions and financial aid, and a chance to speak informally with admissions representatives. You must register to attend. We look forward to meeting you around the country this spring!
*you MUST register to attend this event*
visit: http://www.exploringeducationalexcellence.org/index.html
Brown, MIT, and Yale Joint Information Session
Monday, April 27, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Admissions representatives from Brown, MIT, and Yale will discuss academic programs, campus life, selective college admissions and financial aid. Please bring your friends and family.
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N SEPULVEDA BLVD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90049-6833to register for the event visit: http://admissions.yale.edu/events/?id=3a4a36850bc147a99f68ca988b14f195
Keep searching for other opportunities and be sure to check back here for updated information!