Imy Wax & Associates

A reader recently shared an article with us that may be helpful to those beginning the daunting process of considering a transfer at the college level.  A report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center stated that nearly one-third of all students transfer before earning a degree. When working with clients to determine an educational plan, identifying the “best fit,” has become more complex in recent years, as colleges and universities continue to expand the specialized programs they offer.  On occasion, a planned transfer may be part of a client’s educational plan.  Most of the time, however, transfers arise as one’s educational and/or personal needs evolve.  Before making a decision to transfer there are so many factors to consider.  Obviously, each student’s situation is different and factors can vary a great deal from person to person.  Although not all-inclusive, this article provides a general overview of some of the factors that must be considered.

Everyone can agree that children benefit from structure to some extent.  Maintaining structure, for some of our kids, could be what makes or breaks the experience for all involved.  Some parents come to us seeking a summer placement for their child.  Other parents seek our assistance in providing comprehensive support to their family while their child remains home.  Regardless of what is right for your family, the article below provides tips that are helpful for ALL parents!

Strategies for a Successful Summer Break

It’s true that there really is an App for everything!  A colleague of mine introduced me to “SAT Word Slam” a few weeks ago.  What a clever way for our students to expand their vocabulary in preparation for the SAT.  The App uses a combination of humor, rhymes and mnemonic clues to teach the meaning of 400 words!  SAT Word Slam is available on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad!

ACT has announced they are moving to an online format for the Spring 2015 test.  Assessing students digitally will provide quicker results to educators, which will afford them the opportunity to use the data to drive their instruction.  According to ACT, the test will still have a multiple-choice format, but it will also expand to include interactive portions, such as a simulated science lab and space for students to explain concepts in their own words.  Students will be able to test on iPads, laptops and computers.  For our students who may benefit from a paper-pencil test, the option will remain available for them to do so.

This article was sent to me by a colleague with the following message….

In 1952 author Joan Didion was rejected by Stanford.  Sixteen years later she went on to pen a column about receiving “the letter”, contemplating suicide and, ultimately, persevering.  Nearly 45 years to the day that she received her admission decision, her sentiments resonate with what so many of our students are going through now (sans the mimeographed letter!) so I thought I’d share the column with all of you: On Being Unchosen by the College of One’s Choice

College Test Sites

ACT – students can register for the SAT and SAT II tests

Fair Test – this website provides a list of schools that are SAT optional

College Board – students can register for the SAT and SAT II tests

Compass - provides information on the testing requirements for every major college and university that requires, recommends, or considers the SAT Subject Tests as part of the admissions process

College Search Sites

College Navigator – U.S. Department of Education-sponsored site that provides information pertaining to college searches, financial aid and career information

College Board - A non-for-profit site that provides information regarding colleges, scholarships and financial aid

Peterson’s – College and grad school search engine, test prep and financial aid

National Center for Education Statistics

Books

The K&W Guide to College Programs & Services for Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, 11th edition By: Princeton Review, MaryBeth Kravets and Imy Wax

Financial Information

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Financial aid, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, for eligible students

Scholarpoint.com – Student, college and education loans; federal student loan consolidation and student loan refinancing

I just came across this new tool while doing some research for a client and wanted to share!  College Reality Check is produced by The Chronicle of Higher Education with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The site allows you to explore colleges’ graduation rates and their net price, how much it will take each month to pay off student loans, and how much a graduate might potentially earn.  A big thanks to Jeff Selingo for featuring this site in his latest article, Colleges Face a Reality Check From Powerful New Tools in Applicants’ Hands.

Kids who are so bright but sometimes have a hard time fiding a place to belong need a list like this…

Visiting a college campus is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate a sincere interest in the school to which you are applying.  Visiting a campus can carry significant weight as admission decisions are made.  Colleges believe that if you’re serious enough about the school that you’ve planned a visit, you’re serious about accepting their offer to attend.  Before you plan a trip, there are several things to consider:

1.  Think about when the optimal time to visit a college campus is.   Choosing the right time to visit a college can make or break your experience on campus.  It’s extremely important to visit a campus while school is in session, so you can get an accurate feel of what campus is like.  If summer is the only time you can visit, then its better to go then not at all.  Do your best to avoid August, when almost every campus empty!

2.  Contact the admissions office prior to your visit to determine:

• When the tours/ group information sessions are offered (most schools offer these Monday through Saturday)
• Whether you are able to schedule an interview while on campus?
• How much time should you plan for the tour/information session to last?
• What the recommended dress code is (most schools suggest “comfortable attire” but some schools prefer you dress more formally.  Regardless, make sure you choose comfortable shoes that will allow you to navigate the (sometimes) hilly terrain).

3.  Information Sessions: We always recommend attending an information session, as it is helpful to hear questions/concerns posed by other families.  Information sessions are typically facilitated by an admissions officer, dean, faculty member or student panel.  Additionally, this may provide an opportunity for your child to meet potential classmates and get a better feel for who the other students applying are.  Make sure to come prepared with several questions of your own (this is a great exercise to complete with your child prior to visiting campus).

4.  Campus walking tour:  Tours are typically provided by a trained student tour guide and last 1-1.5 hours.  The guide will usually walk you through a residence hall, academic buildings, student center, athletic facilities, computer labs, etc.  The tour guide can usually answer many of the questions that arise while on tour, but make sure to confirm anything of true importance directly with an admissions representative.  Plan to spend a few additional hours on campus so you may informally visit an other areas of interest, whether it be the bookstore, spiritual life office, sorority, or academic advising/counseling center.  Go enjoy lunch in the cafeteria or watch the interactions amongst students in the student center.

5. Reflect/Debrief:  After visiting, it’s important to reflect on you/your child’s experience on campus

• What did you like?
• What did you dislike
• What questions remain unanswered?
• Were the people you met friendly?
• What is the quality of instruction?
• Is this school a good academic/social fit for me?
• Is this school a possible financial fit for me and my family?
• Ask “can I see myself/my child spending 4 years going to school here?”

We always find it helpful to take photos while on campus.  After a number of campus visits, they may start to blend together so taking photos can help you remember then long after the visit is over!

6.  Follow-up!  If you came in contact with any administrators or faculty members throughout your time on campus, it’s important to ask for their business card/contact information and send a follow-up note thanking them for their time.  If you do end up applying to their school, they make be a good contact during the admissions process and even once you’re on campus.

One of our goals when working with students is helping them to see the “bigger picture” as it relates to their school work.  The article, Here’s How Little Math Americans Actually Use at Work, fails to do just that.  What many neglect to realize is that math isn’t just about the numbers or finding the correct answer.  Rather, math forces one to think, reason and reflect.  Problem solving must be taught, and math provides repeated opportunities to develop logical ways of thinking.