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 

Educational Consulting - Notifying Colleges of Your Decision

May 1st is almost here, and if you have not done so, take time to notify all colleges of your final decision. If you are not attending a college, notifying that college enables the institution to possibly open up their waitlist or offer scholarship money to other students. 

For more on the protocol and etiquette for turning down an offer from a school, make sure you follow the instructions for each college. Most of the time, you will have already established an online account with each college. Within this account, there is usually a way to submit your decision. 

In addition, for those colleges / universities in which you received a scholarship and / or special attention from an admission counselor, take time to hand-write or email a note of thanks for their guidance and the recognition of the scholarship. 

The world we live in is smaller than you know. What goes around, comes around. Being gracious and appreciative, or simply helping colleges gather enrollment stats speaks volumes about you, your habits and behaviors interacting in today's world. 

Questions - ask Patricia Nehme - MY EDU ADVISOR 

Educational Consulting - The British Are Coming

Over the month of April, a small group of UK Colleges have been traveling through Texas, gracing counselors with luncheons and evening receptions, as well as being present at National College Fairs to invite Texas High School Students to consider an UK Undergraduate degree. 

Thank you to the British Council for arranging this Texas tour. 

Take a look:

York University, Manchester Metropolitan, Bath Spa, Royal Agricultural University, University East London, Plymouth University, Bournemouth University,  Southampton University, Keele University, University of Bolton, University of West London, University of Manchester, DeMontford University, Northumbria University, University of Roehampton.

Remember, when applying to these schools or other UK Universities, each school's faculty of a particular department or major, will be the ones to review your application - not the admissions office. You must know what you want to major in and how best to express your focused interests in the personal statement. 

Questions on UK Universities, ask me - Patricia Nehme - pnehme@myeduadvisor.com 

Educational consultants at Texas Assn. of College Admission Counseling's Annual Conference

The Texas Assn. of College Admission Counseling always serves up a great annual conference. This year's Houston conference provided a great venue for college counselors and higher ed admission counselors to keep current and strengthen relationships. 

My favorite takeaways include: 

* Hearing YES Academy and uAspire share how collecting college-bound seniors' award letters to analysis institutions' financial aid practices can be used to inform next year's senior college lists. Thanks especially to Donald Kamentz, with YES Academy. Understanding how colleges and universities distribute financial aid is essential when crafting the college list. 

*Marie Bigham, with Greenhill School, provided some great prospective on the high school side during The Common App Year-In-Review. High Schools using Naviance must examine how well The Common App  and Naviance are integrating their systems to ensure all forms are successfully submitted and received on the college side. 

*College Board Jason Langdon and Ismael Rodriguez shared more details about the upcoming redesigned PSAT/NMSQT. Watch for College Board and Khan Academy webinars and tutorials. 

*Rachel Masson, with Beacon College, shared which attributes best serve students with learning differences for college success. Students with learning disabilities must understand their learning difference and become strong advocates; they must evaluate academic support programs for 'fit' prior to making a college commit. 

*Verna LaStrapes, with Texas State Technical College, shared major employment and Texas industry trends driving the demand for more skilled technical employees, in turn impacting high school guidance and higher ed programming. Verna is a passionate voice in encouraging more students to consider preparing for one of these highly sought after careers before taking the traditional route of 4 year college.  

Educational Consulting - Consulting - Making the Final Decision

Dear Soon to be College Freshman:

Now that all the acceptance letters are in, please take a moment (even longer) to reflect on your achievements.

Not the acceptances, but the personal growth and resilience that you have demonstrated during this stage of your life. You have persevered through a mountain of information and opinions; and in light of a rigorous senior year of academics and activities, you have completed the daunting task  of presenting your best in the college admission process. You researched, prepared for interviews, wrote and re-wrote lots of essays, you honed your advocacy skills, you became more aware of your strengths, preferences and goals; and we could add more and more to all the ‘good’ such a complex, sometimes unfair process presented you!

Now, you are ready to make a well-informed decision.

You have about 20 days before the May 1st deadline to notify  (accept)  the college of your choice (please do not wait until May 1st).

Do take time to do what you have learned to do well through this process – ask questions from the various colleges, visit the college if possible, reflect, talk to mom and dad, reach out to college students and admissions for impressions / opinions, think four years, attend college receptions in your area, speak to people who know you well.

I have attached a Gallup Poll Checklist that you might find helpful in reflecting about a particular college. Also, I include this twitter conversation that one senior used to determine the right college fit - FASCINATING; twitter actually facilitated a great discussion resulting in a final decision.

For now, be sure you keep up with your email and college accounts for pertinent information and instructions for matriculating. Notify those colleges in which you know you will NOT be attending so that your space and scholarships might be redirected to other students. And when you are sure, complete the enrollment forms and deposits before May 1st, secure housing, connect socially. Remember, you can only accept 1 offer. This is also the time for parents to schedule phone conferences with financial aid officers for Q&A, appeals, clarity, etc.(again, think 4 years).

Educational Consulting - NACAC National College Fair Comes to Austin

Last night's college fair in Austin proved to be another great opportunity for students and parents to witness the multitude of college options. Almost 400 schools were present to answer questions and connect with college-bound students. 

I enjoyed greeting college reps not only from the United States, but also from the UK, France and Canada. Equally, welcoming parents and students as they entered the massive conference hall wondering where to begin always reminds me of the new college admission season ahead.

Helping families understand the unique features of various colleges and determine where to focus their attention in order to conquer the college fair is a real highlight for me. 

Much thanks goes to NACAC and the state affiliate TACAC - they do an incredible job of organizing these events thus connecting students, parents, high school counselors and colleges. 

Want more information - ask PATRICIA NEHME - MY EDU ADVISOR