Good Morning Families-
We wanted to take a moment to send some updates on the state of College Admissions in light of the Coronavirus. Many aspects of this process continue to take shape, change, and further develop daily and we will do our best to keep you up-to-date on everything that occurs.
-SENIORS-
Many colleges have already announced their plan to push the deposit date from May 1st to June 1st in order to give students and families additional time to make their final decision. Other schools are sticking with a May 1st deposit date. Our recommendation is to check with the schools you are considering and even if they have not made an announcement, ask for more time if you need it. Please feel free to contact me to discuss.
Also, this will impact AP and IB testing-I've added links below to continue to track information-late testing dates are in place for schools that will not be in session during regular test dates, be sure to keep in touch with your high school counselors.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING-
Staying on top of grades and finishing the year strong.
IB Information: https://www.ibo.org/news/news-about-the-ib/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/
AP Information: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update
Contacting colleges if you need more time or if you have any questions regarding enrollment. Keep in mind that response times could be significantly longer than usual.
Remaining patient and calm, this is new territory for high schools and colleges so expect some delays in responses as administrations sort through all options.
-JUNIORS-
As we mentioned at the end of last week, get registered for follow-up testing ASAP. With the CDCs recent announcement that meetings of over 50 people should be eliminated for the next 8 weeks this could mean the April ACT and May SAT will also be cancelled (although no formal announcement has been made as of today). There could also be issues with AP and IB testing-continue to prepare for these exams and I've added our favorite prep books below. Our suggestion, register for June ASAP. We also know that this spring was a time for many of you to visit colleges with the goal of better understanding what they can provide for you, don't stop working to better understand yourself as a learner and a person.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING:
Staying on top of grades and finishing the year strong.
Registering for future SAT and ACT test dates and continuing to prep. Tim is available for on-line meetings and here are some other great online resources for you:
SAT Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
Crack the SAT: https://www.cracksat.net/index.html
Crack the ACT: https://www.crackact.com/
ACT Prep: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html
Staying up-to-date with curriculum information regarding AP and IB testing:
AP Information: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update
IB Information: https://www.ibo.org/news/news-about-the-ib/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/
AP Prep Books: https://www.mhprofessional.com/test-prep-study-guides/5-steps-to-a-5-series
Taking virtual tours of colleges you are interested in, here are some great sites:
Continuing with your extracurricular activities, see this is an opportunity to continue to work on individual projects
Artists-finalize your portfolio
Athletes-work on weaknesses and stay fit while also continuing the Proactive Recruiting Process and keeping in touch with college coaches
Writers-start/continue your blog
Scientists-conduct independent research and keep detailed notes
Volunteers-tutor a younger student in your neighborhood
-SOPHOMORES-
While it is still early in this process for you, stay focused on your academics and think about where you might be of service to others.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING:
Staying on top of your grades.
Taking some time to schedule your summer-balance your experiences.
Reading a book...for pleasure.
Researching colleges to better understand what they can offer you.
Please never hesitate to touch base with any questions during this really unique time. We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon.
Be well-
Tony & Tim