Growing number of colleges / universities offering GAP Year Programs, by Patricia Nehme

Recently, a number of colleagues commented on the growing trend of colleges / universities offering GAP Year Programs to first time freshman students prior to their matriculation. These institutions are using GAP Year Programs to manage enrollment and secure the students that they want, but cannot initially take due to student body / class size limitations.

These GAP Year Programs do have many benefits.  A colleague commented that "One student noted that the student’s study during the Gap program changed her entire course of study moving forward, having a significant impact on her". Another comment included the following:

Princeton’s goal is to send 10% of the matriculating freshmen on a Gap Year.  Scholarship students at Princeton, will get financial aid for the Gap Year, so Princeton is totally committed.  Tufts has its Bridge Year, same idea.  Harvard has 80 to 100 entering students taking  a Gap Year.  William Fitzsimmons actively encourages this on the Harvard Admissions website, in his co-authored article,  Time Out or Burn Out.” UNC Chapel Hill has actively promoted the Gap Year.  Other colleges such as Middlebury, are on board.  The movement is growing, dramatically.

Research published by the American Gap Association (I am a member of the AGA Board), documents the positive impact of the Gap Year.   Better academic performance and greater contribution on campus during the undergrad years, and greater civic engagement in life.  

Google the article, "Turning the Tide,  Inspiring Concern for Others and the Common Good through Admissions."    Richard Weissbourd, Harvard professor, was the keynote speaker this past week at the AGA conference in Boston, and directly involved with this Harvard Graduate School of Education project. 

The  Harvard report is supported and endorsed by deans and directors of admissions at the leading colleges in the USA.  All of this is connected to Princeton’s Gap Year initiative. 

Accredited Course Providers - by Patricia Nehme, CEP

Students taking courses outside of their school environment, or as an independent learner / homeschooled student, should be very careful about selecting your coursework providers – with some universities, obtaining non-accredited coursework can impact the student’s admission process and, even limit the particular majors in which you can apply to.

While we know this already, what may need to be stressed is that this is true even for AP coursework, approved by College Board, if the course is taken from a non-accredited (or not recognized accreditation) provider.

We know homeschoolers will usually need to take more tests like the APs and Subject Exams, but for a senior taking an AP Course from a non-accredited provider, they will not have the benefit of the AP Exam Score prior to applying for admissions.

As more providers crop up initially without preferred accreditations, they may think and tell their students / families that because the coursework is AP - College Board approved, the accreditation does not matter. But, in fact, students need to know that recognizable accreditations or lack of them, can impact their college lists and they should plan accordingly.

If a school is awarded accreditation, it means that the institution meets certain standards of educational quality. The most widely accepted institutional accrediting bodies in the United States are six regional agencies:

1. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
2. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
3. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
4. North Central Association (NCA)
5. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
6. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

College Board AP Exams - First two weeks of May

Good luck to the many Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors taking COLLEGE BOARD AP Exams for the next two weeks.

Here in Texas, you have reason to be even more hopeful in gaining college credit - In 2015, the Texas Legislature passed a law (HB 1992) that affects the way that public colleges and universities award credit for AP tests. The intent was to increase access to college credit and improve retention and graduation rates for students across the state by requiring credit for AP scores of 3 or higher.

Find colleges and universities that offer credit or placement for AP scores. Begin your search by entering the name of the institution - Search Credit Policies

AP Exams not only offer possible opportunities to strength your college application and gain college credit, but to also receive special recognition such as AP Scholar - see AP Scholar Awards for more information.

College Board does provide a means to cancel and even delete a score - see Other AP Score Report Services

“Your AP Exam Score Reports will be online in July - check your College Board Account. ”

— College Board

Why Attend A College Fair

                    Why Attending a College Fair Is a Good Idea
    In-person College Connection
This is your opportunity to establish a personal connection with a particular College or University. Ask questions and get immediate feedback. Register your interest with colleges of your choice.

    Save money & time
Visit with numerous college admission reps without the added expense of travel and time away.  

    Explore new options
Discover a new college(s) or major(s). Learn about pre-college summer programs.

    Free advice
Admission representatives love to answer questions about their schools and admission requirements. High School Counselors will also be available to answer some of your college related questions.

    Narrow your list of possible college options
Identify colleges that you want to know more about; plan a campus visit.

    Demonstrate Interest
Colleges keep track of student contact – attendance at high school visit sessions, college fairs and campus visits provide great opportunities to demonstrate how serious you are about a school.

BEFORE YOU GO; ATTENDING THE FAIR: FOLLOWING UP:

Go to the NACAC link to determine the best location and date to attend the fair

Register online - ahead of time, to ensure that colleges get your contact information - BE CONSISTENT with your contact information - try to use the same email, legal name, same phone number throughout the entire process

Review the list of colleges participating in the fair ahead of time to manage your time while at the fair (these fairs are huge)

Arrive on time, plan for parking time, once you have arrived, get a map of the college table arrangements to navigate the fair in an efficient manner

Introduce yourself to reps, share your interests, ask a few good questions

Take a few notes and journal your impressions after the fair

Consider a GAP Year

Helping Our Children Learn by MyloWrites

As an educational consultant, I always want to share 'best practices':

What are the elements that support our students’ sustained engagement in the difficult process of learning? How can we help students experience success? Here are just a few ideas:

1. We continuously keep in mind that learning is an emotional and a cognitive endeavor, and we understand that how the learner feels in the context of the learning experience can influence engagement in the process and the ultimate outcome.

We are attuned to what children may be feeling as they engage in learning, and we respond to this affective experience sensitively, adjusting our approach to help reduce anxiety and frustration.  

2. We engage in ongoing assessment that guides the construction of differentiated learning experiences for students. 

When we engage in a process of fine-tuned observation of students’ responses to instruction, we are better able to provide learning experiences that are optimal.  If students are within their instructional zone, they are less likely to feel flooded by frustration, anxiety and dread, and more likely to actually be available to engage in the difficult process of learning. 

3. We supply appropriate scaffolding for students’ learning.        

Based on Vygotsky’s “zone of proximal development,” scaffolding allows the learner to engage in material or processes that are within reach if given the appropriate supports.  Scaffolding learning may include teacher or peer modeling, breaking assignments down into component parts, collaborative learning, reciprocal teaching, and many more creative techniques.  As the learner develops competency and independence, the scaffolds employed become unnecessary, and thus are removed.  

4. We provide opportunities for students to make choices about their learning. 

Students are often more motivated to participate in the hard work of learning if they feel personally invested and engaged in the content and process.  Providing opportunities for students to make choices in their learning often secures this kind of investment. 

5. We make learning relevant and meaningful to students. 

When the knowledge and skills we teach are relevant to the lives and interests of students, learning feels more purposeful.  Purpose sustains engagement, even when the going gets tough. 

6. Above all, we remember that learning is often best done in the context of strong relationships and safe environments.  

We prioritize the building of healthy learning communities.  

We work hard to neutralize the negative charge frequently inherent in an environment that serves learners with a range of strengths, weaknesses and needs.  We help children to understand that difference is not pejorative, but merely descriptive.   

We model self-compassion and frustration tolerance, engage in a stance of curiosity when problems arise, and employ a flexible approach to problem solving.

And finally, we invest in our students, getting to know them, and building authentic connections based on an appreciation and respect for their individuality.  

By Dr. Alice Mangan is a clinical psychologist in NYC who works in both her own private practice and in schools to provide consultation, assessment, evaluation, and psychotherapy services.

College Entrance Exams

Q & A on College Entrance Exams

TYPES:

Þ     PSAT – 10th and 11th Grade Preliminary SAT and National Merit Competition for 11th Grade Students; use to prep for SAT

Þ     SAT and / or ACT – both are accepted at all universities (see comparison chart - http://www.actstudent.org/faq/actsat.html)

Þ     AP Exams – given at the end of each AP Course; Colleges vary in the scores they accept for college credit. Students take these exams in May.

Þ     SAT Subject Tests – optional or required by some universities (21 exams) that test your knowledge in specific subject areas. They are content-based and allow you to choose the subject(s) in which you excel and best demonstrate subject mastery. All of the Subject Tests are multiple choice and are one hour long. These exams are sometimes used for placement out of foundational college coursework.

WHEN SHOULD A STUDENT START TAKING THE SAT and / or ACT:

Most students start taking these exams in the spring of their junior year. However, for students who have completed Algebra II in the 10th grade, they may be more prepared to take these exams in the fall of their junior year. Taking the PSAT in 10th and 11th Grade will certainly help guide the student in how best to prep for and take the SAT. All students should take a practice SAT and ACT to determine which exam is a better fit for the student, and to determine the best time to begin taking these exams. For students applying Early Decision, Restrictive Early Action, Early Action and Rolling Admission, you should have your testing completed by November of your senior year. Always check with the admission webpage of each college to be sure to plan for APPLICATION DEADLINES.

HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD A STUDENT TAKE THE SAT and / or ACT:

Every student is different and should consider a customized approach for taking these exams. For those students that receive a high score the very first time, they may not need to test again. However, most students will take these exams anywhere from 2 to 5 or more times. Some students enjoy the challenge of trying to increase their scores; others may want to keep testing as long as they are seeing significant improvement. Because many merit scholarships and honors programs look at test scores as one of the determining factors in awarding scholarships, students who enjoy testing will take these exams as many times as possible. HOWEVER, many students do not see a marked improvement after several times and determine to stop testing. Regardless, if possible, every student should prep for these exams by taking practice exams, using Khan Academy or the many other test prep companies. A good test prep company should offer practice with real exams and prepare you for both the SAT and ACT. IMPORTANT – Colleges vary in how they evaluate the scores of these exams. Some colleges SUPER SCORE (taking the best sub-scores from two or three score reports; other colleges accept all score reports, but officially only look at one date).

WHAT IS A GOOD SCORE ON THE SAT and ACT:

For the Texas Success Initiative ‘College Ready’ Benchmarks for theACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test, and/or 19 on the mathematics test (B) SAT: a combined critical reading (formerly "verbal") and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading test, and/or 500 on the mathematics.

For College Admissions, scores vary from college to college: See ranges at https://www.powerscore.com/sat/help/average_test_scores.cfm

*ALWAYS CHECK WITH EACH COLLEGE’S ADMISSIONS WEBSITE TO DETERMINE THEIR COLLEGE’S ENTRANCE EXAM PROFILE &  SCORE REPORT REQUIREMENTS / PRACTICES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        *TEST OPTIONAL Colleges (schools that do not require the SAT and / or ACT)  - http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional

Ask Patricia Nehme about her Georgetown Texas Presentations

         STEPS to the College Admission Process

Parent Presentations for the Class of 2017 and 2018

              Sponsored by Prepare U Clubs at Georgetown High School and East View High School

Presented by Patricia Nehme, college counselor, board certified member of the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, and professional member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling and the Texas Association of College Admission Counseling. Pat is also a proud parent of a Georgetown High School graduate.
Funded through a grant from Seeds of Strength....Next Generation program .

All Programs will be held at John Thomas Lecture Hall off the front corridor of GHS.

Thursday: January 14,2016 @ 7:00PM

         The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Looking ahead and planning really pays off. In this step, you will understand how to determine which college entrance exams your child should take and the optimal time for scheduling tests. You’ll see how creating a testing strategy can strengthen your child’s application and save you money. You will receive an overview of standardized testing requirements and how these exams can impact ‘college cost of attendance’.

         Thursday: February 11, 2016 @ 7:00 PM

         Alternative Paths to College

More than ever before, new alternative paths to college are emerging. This step introduces parents to some of the numerous alternative paths to colleges, as well as the many new career options opening up for students right here in Texas. Learn how House Bill 5 and House Bill 505 are real game changers for many students seeking careers without acquiring the traditional 4-year degree, and for those families seeking to save ‘university tuition dollars’ through AP, Dual and Concurrent college credit coursework.

Thursday, March 3, 2016 @ 7:00 PM

READY – SET – GO  

Summer is almost here and soon your child will be completing and submitting college applications. Learn how to navigate and manage the process. You will understand the various components of the application process including filing for financial aid. Leave with a step-by-step ‘TO DO’ list for summer through your child’s graduation, as well as an awareness of new college admission trends.

Other dates to note:
Explore Texas Day at the University of Texas, Austin, March 5, 2016, Activities all day!

National College Fair, Austin Convention Center April 7, 2016, 5:30-8:30 PM

More on College Entrance Exams . . .

Whether fair or not, these exams are often the determining factor in awarding many merit scholarships. Just today, one of my students (SAT 1800, #7 out of 600 students in her class, president of the debate team and state champion, 5 AP courses with 3+ scores) was shut out of a particular public university’s merit scholarship because her SAT score is 100 points below the university’s merit benchmark (and we are not talking flagship universities). At a private college, another strong student of mine was deferred to regular decision and told she would be reconsidered for acceptance if she took her SAT one more time (her current SAT is 1870, with a GPA of A, dual and AP credit).

SAT - Last opportunity to take the current SAT – January 23rd

ACT - With the upcoming changes to the SAT, more students than ever are taking the ACT, which makes early registration for spring 2016 tests essential. Anecdotally, we are already hearing that test centers for the spring 2016 ACT tests are starting to fill.

Registration is open for all of the spring ACT testing dates: February 6, April 9, and June 11 – see http://www.actstudent.org/regist/

Did you know that you can cancel a test score . . .

SAT – if you think that you did not do well on your test, you may cancel your score within a 48 hour period following the administration of the test – see https://sat.collegeboard.org/scores/cancel-sat-scores

ACT – you may permanently delete any test date score at any time – see http://www.actstudent.org/faq/delete.html

AP Scores – you may also have an AP score deleted, but to avoid a score being reported to a previously requested college, you must cancel the score by June 15th following the May exam – see https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores/score-reporting

Seniors - Finish Strong

By now, many seniors have received their first college offer, and may be tempted to blow off the 2nd semester of school - a big mistake! This behavior is commonly known as 'senioritis' Senioritis can be defined as a “sickness” that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a generally dismissive attitude (National Assn. of College Admission Counseling).

1. Understand that colleges rescind acceptance offers and reduce scholarships based on final transcripts.

2. Know that colleges may increase scholarship amounts if your finish stronger. Some colleges may even encourage you to continue taking your SAT and / or ACT to increase your scholarship chances.

3. Remember, many private colleges and universities require you to send your mid-year transcript. All colleges will want to see your final transcript.

4. Greek life and other extra-curricular clubs / sports teams, etc., will want to see your final transcript too.

5. Your final transcript, like it or not, will tell a story about you - your character - your willingness to finish well and ready yourself for the next step of life. Internships and employers often want to see the final high school transcript too.

Why you might need a Independent College Counselor -

Information from Complete College America, The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (Graphic by Nika Anschuetz)

How does EVERY STUDENT SUCCEED ACT differ from NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND?

Updates for Juniors

SAVING FOR COLLEGE - Wednesday, September 30th - 6:30pm - 8:00pm

How the PSAT and TEXAS HB 505 & 1992 will impact COLLEGE COST OF ATTENDANCE!

Join Patricia Nehme, Certified Educational Planner

 GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE Parent Workshop Series #1

Wednesday, September 30th

6:30 pm to 8pm @ 5900 Southwest Parkway, Bldg 5, #520, Austin 78735

MUST RSVP – pnehme@myeduadvisor.com

                                          COST - $50.00

House Bill 505 removes limits on the number of dual-credit courses a high school student can take in any academic semester, and HB 1992 requires state public colleges and universities to accept a minimum score of 3 on Advanced Placement exams taken by high school students for college credit. Understand how the PSAT is the key piece to both BILLS.

WHY TAKE THE PSAT/NMSQT?

Meet Your Match - Jump start or narrow down your college options

Connect with Scholarships - This year, College Board is identifying not only 11th graders for scholarship opportunities, but 10th grade students as well.

Start Your Plan - The PSAT/NMSQT provides essential, personalized academic feedback that will guide you as you prepare for the SAT

Practice for the SAT - The New redesigned PSAT is a preliminary practice exam that provides 11th grade students with a realistic experience of taking the New redesigned SAT on March 2016

Compare Your Scores - The PSAT provides students with scores that can be compared to local, state and national test takers. Students are also able to see where they fall on each particular college's admit profile where testing is concerned.

DUAL CREDIT or Concurrent Credit- Some community colleges use the PSAT Scores as one way to meet state benchmarks before enrolling in Dual Credit.

Educational Consulting - The Benefits of AP Credit

·       First, understand that colleges and universities use AP Course and Exam information differently. 

-        While APs strengthen your admission application, for the most selective universities, they may still require you to take a particular course instead of opting out. But you will be better prepared for those particular courses. 

-        For competitive public universities, the time constraints of persisting to degree and the fiscal responsibilities of state funding drive admissions to consider a student's potential to graduate within four years. Securing college credit prior to college not only demonstrates college readiness, but the ability to graduate within 4 years.

-        Both private and public universities use AP Courses and Exams as predictors of first year success.  

Later in the year, you will be able to compare your AP Scores with other testers across the country - see National Distribution

For now, to quickly find if a particular university accepts your AP Exam Score, see AP CREDIT POLICY SEARCH.

And finally, do you know about the AP Capstone? AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program that provides students with an opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly practice of the core academic skills necessary for successful college completion.

 In August, you will be able to log back into your AP account to see if you have qualified as an AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, AP Scholar with Distinction, and for AP State, National or International Recognition - see AP Scholar Awards for qualifications. While these awards are not monetary, they demonstrate academic rigor (college level) which colleges value, as well as contribute to the strength of your college admission and scholarship applications.  

Educational Consulting - AP Exams

AP Exam Scores will be released next week - East Coast July 6th, Texas July 9th, the West Coast July 10th - seehttps://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores

Now is the time to think about AP Exam Options for May 2016 - Some schools, especially those that do not offer many AP Courses, are reluctant to share publicly that all students have the right to be aware of and register for any of the AP Exams. These schools may discourage sharing such information for several reasons. Some schools lack the personnel, space and time to administer additional exams for only a small group of students. Some schools believe that many students will simply not be prepared to perform well on these exams because the student lacks the foundation of the corresponding AP Course. School administration may also fear that the school will somehow be seen as responsible to prepare the student for the exam, and that an ensuing low exam score will be seen as a reflection of the school. When schools routinely offer only those AP Exams in which they have a history of high scores, the school's academic profile looks stronger. 
Students interested in taking AP Exams not normally offered at their school should plan in the fall of their school year to make their request known. They should start with their high school counselor for guidance. Counselors want to help students in reaching academic goals. Plan far in advance and seek out assistance from your high school counselor. Remember, AP Exams can be taken at other school locations.

.     If you attend a school that does not offer a particular AP Course, you can still prepare and take AP Exams. You must contact AP Services by the 1st of March to get the contact info of local testing locations - see AP Student - Identifying Testing Sites . For a description of available exams, see AP Exam Descriptions.  Prepare yourself or take an AP Course from one of the many ONLINE AP Course Providers. 

Educational Consulting BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR COLLEGE

Dear Graduates - Congratulations! You've weathered the college admissions process and learned a lot about yourself and the art of decision making.

Now, here's some tips to consider before you leave for college. . . 

* Safety first . . . Make sure you understand what steps upper classman take to ensure their safety. Check out some of safety apps available for your phone such as Campus Sentinel, Blue Light, On Watch, bSafe and Watch Over Me available at itunes. 

* Make sure you have your legal house in order  . . . When you turn 18, you are considered by law an adult. For your parents to be able to continue to assist you in important matters, such as medical, financial and other legal issues, these four documents are essential: 

1. Advance Care Directives for Health Care and Mental Health – permits parents to act on behalf of their child in regards to health issues; will include a HIPAA Waiver so that parents can access medical records and healthcare information in order to make informed decisions
2. Durable Power of Attorney – permits parents to act on behalf of their child in regard to financial or other legal issues
3. HIPAA Authorization Form – gives parents permission to speak to doctors concerning their child’s health issues
4. FERPA Release – gives parents permission to speak directly to school officials in regard to grades and other school related issues

* Because of Summer Melt (the phenomenon in which incoming college students who have committed to attend a college/university decide during the summer to change their minds and attend another institution. This sometimes happens when students are admitted over the summer to a school that places the student on a waitlist in the spring -Wordnik), some colleges may have additional funds. When students change their decisions to matriculate to a particular college, not only does space open up, but more money (from relinquished financial aid awards) may be available for need-based and merit aid. Remember, timing is everything (this is after May 1st decisions have been made, during the summer before August). Families should establish a relationship with their child’s Financial Aid Counselor at the particular college. Share, and be ready to document, extenuating circumstances.

*Understand the Greek scene and philosophy, before you decide to or not to rush. For most, Greek Life is a 4 year commitment of your time, resources and money. There are pros and there are cons. Rushing 1st semester can be a huge distraction, but does encourage academics with the membership requirement of a certain GPA. Life long friendships are formed and tremendous community service rendered; but with some, the party atmosphere and exclusivity can be detrimental.  

* Repaying your student loads . . . is real, regardless of your situation. Be aware of what you are signing up for – understand what’s involved from the beginning – see https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/understand/plans

*  Familiarizing yourself with the academic landscape and expectations will make your life less stressful. Take time now, before you register for college classes, to read departmental homepages, course descriptions and the undergraduate catalog, including grading particulars and academic standing descriptions. Gather opinions about professors.  Note important semester deadlines such as course withdrawal dates.  

• Make sure you have completed all the necessary documents and secured housing. Remember, this is a yearly process (especially for maintaining and securing financial aid).

• Make sure you attend summer orientation and connect with other incoming freshman via Social Media postings (warning – Colleges routinely check such postings).

• During on-campus orientation, meet with an academic advisor to discuss 1st semester courses. Balance is essential for academic success. Consider course rigor, logistics and time commitments in pacing yourself from class to class and developing a reasonable schedule.

• Develop relationships with professors; reach out to them during their office hours. Join study groups and utilize teaching assistants, academic support centers and library resources. Asking for help is central to successful outcomes. Build a network of resources and KEY people around yourself.

• Socially, get connected, but again, pace yourself. Know your Housing personnel and Resident Assistant.

• Be well. Take care of yourself first. For more on emotional well-being and what to expect, see The Jed Foundation - http://transitionyear.org/.

by Patricia Nehme, CEP - MY EDU ADVISOR 

Educational Consulting - Students With Learning Disabilities

  Complimentary Presentation

   For Parents only - Tues., May 19th - 6:00—7:30 pm

     5900 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, Texas 78735

Please RSVP (limited seating)  - pnehme@myeduadvisor.com

Parents, counselors and advisors play a pivotal role in readying students challenged by learning disabilities for college and career. This workshop identifies sequential steps in which parents and professionals can maximize college and career guidance for optimal student outcomes. Content will cover the foundational importance of fostering student and parent self-awareness; developing and implementing a transition plan that optimizes student’s preparation for post-secondary pursuits; advocating for reasonable testing accommodations; evaluating college choices based on academic and social supports, and orienting students for Freshman Year.

 Patricia will also provide this presentation at NACAC Critical Components in Austin, May 28th, for college admission professionals. 

 

Educational Consulting - AP Exam Changes

AP Exams are just around the corner. By now, hopefully, you have registered for one or more of these upcoming exams. 

AP Exams can benefit a student in several ways:

1. A student can gain college credit by obtaining certain scores = saving money and precious time. 

2. A student will certainly strengthen their college applications by demonstrating college level work. 

3. Students who enter college with college credit usually get to register for classes earlier than those without college credit. 

4. In an age of Grade Inflation, AP Exams can help support a student's GPA. 

5. AP Exams can provide some prospective when a student might score weaker on the SAT or ACT. 

For more on AP Exams, see College Board AP. 

Questions - Ask Patricia Nehme - My Edu Advisor