It seems that the college admissions process continues to feel more competitive and stress-inducing with each passing year, whether we like it or not. To prepare for that challenge, it is necessary to find good college prep programs that will prepare you for those expectations.
Blog
After teaching for over 16 years at Beekman, it's nice to take a moment to reflect on all the amazing years and think of the highs as well as the lows. Earlier this quarter, the teachers got an opportunity to do a vlog entry on student success stories. One that stood out in my mind was of a former student, Emma, who was in my Algebra 2 class about 11 years ago.
Early Decision (ED) is a very appealing application option. Students who apply early decision know their admission decision before the New Year and, if accepted, they are set free from the grueling college application process. For many students, knowing their college plans as soon as possible is a huge relief. Applying early decision is very tempting; however, students must be cognizant of that to which they are agreeing.
I taught at a very large public school for a number of years. I had about 34 students in each class, which makes it very challenging to provide each student with the individual attention and support they deserve. Then I became a teacher at The Beekman School. What a change it has been! I teach in a small townhouse setting with small class sizes that allow me to tailor the lessons to my student’s interests. The largest classes at Beekman have 9 or 10 students. As a result, I can provide each of my students with individualized attention.
Imagine this: a one-room schoolhouse, filled with students of all ages. I’m sure you probably have a picture in your mind that is similar to a scene out of “Little House on the Prairie”—and a sense that this is an antiquated and out-dated mode of education. The concept of one teacher working with a variety of students who are at different levels doesn’t tie in with our image of a modern/technological society.
The Tetractys
There was a man here, Pythagoras, ...living in voluntary exile. Though the gods were far away, he visited their region of the sky, in his mind, and what nature denied to human vision he enjoyed with his inner eye.
-Ovid, Metamorphoses, Bk XV
If you’ve ever been on the London tube, you’ve seen the signs that say, MIND THE GAP. Given that it’s college application season, my message to parents is, “Mind the gap year.”
I know what you’re thinking: “If my child took a year off before college, she’d never go back to school. She’ll become a GAP salesclerk for life.” My response is, “Not if you handle the process correctly.”
There are approximately 4,500 colleges in the United States. Whether your child wants to attend a traditional four-year institution, community college, musical conservatory, or an art institute, higher education is a viable option for everyone. As a college placement counselor, if I had to choose the most important thing for students and families to remember about the college process it would be that college is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.
What does college preparation mean?
Quite simply, it’s being ready to embrace and succeed with the rigors of college by the time you receive your diploma. That is a four-year process that requires focus, discipline, and planning. Many students are unsure of how to prepare for college in high school.
When should you start preparing for college?
This week marked the final presidential debate prior to Election Day 2016. In just under three weeks, we will head to the polls and select our next president.
For history teachers, election years provide a wealth of ready-made lesson topics and fuel for class discussions. However the premise has been tested this year, as the election has become increasingly contentious and the political debates have become personal instead of substantive.