DECISION TIME – MAKING YOUR COLLEGE SELECTION

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Colleges and universities have identified those students who will comprise the Class of 2022 at their institutions. Admission decisions have been communicated via college portals, thick envelopes in the mail and by email. The ball is now in your court – it’s decision time!

Whether you were accepted to your top-choice college or denied admission by a “target” or “safety” school, there are some common things you need to do as you approach the proverbial finish line.  First, let’s address the elephant in the room.  Rejection hurts, even if it comes from a school that was not your first choice.  But remember that it’s not personal – it’s not that the admission officer didn’t like you.  And you are not alone; enrollment management practices at institutions feed the frenzy to be viewed as selective, resulting in admission rates in single digits or low teens. Don’t dwell on the “what-if’s” at this point, as you cannot go back in time to get better grades or test scores.

Celebrate the acceptances you received!  Focus on those schools who have chosen you to become a member of their community. If your college list was created well, you should be happy to attend any of the colleges to which you applied; this should have also helped you manage your expectations for admission decisions.  Assuming you received more than one offer of admission, your task now is to narrow down your list and commit to attend one of them prior to the universal student reply date of May 1, 2018.

Narrow your list of schools.  Strategies to do this might include: a simple pro/con chart for each school, or a review of each school to see how they fit key criteria you established early in the application process.  This is the time to ask deeper questions to help you figure out which college or academic program has what you are seeking. Consider which schools offer more assistance with job placement and internships. Which ones offer study abroad programs that enable you to still graduate in four years?

Attend events for admitted students – on campus or locally, and check out alumni-sponsored receptions in your area.  I strongly suggest that you visit the campuses of the top schools on your list – even if you visited before.  Now that you’ve been admitted, the lens through which you view a school as your potential “home” for the next four years is different than when you were “testing the waters” to determine if you wanted to add the school to your college list. Make sure you meet deadlines related to housing, special programs, disability support services, etc.

Evaluate the financial aid offers for each of the schools under consideration. Remember that all financial aid offers are not created equal!  Be certain that you understand your family’s out-of-pocket expenses to attend each of the schools, and beware of aid offers that do not include the total cost of attendance and those that include a significant amount of loans. The conversation and evaluation of finances should definitely be a family discussion.

If you are waitlisted, don’t despair, but do decide whether you still want to attend the school. If not, contact the admission office(s) and let them know you wish to be removed from the waitlist; this will create space for students who remain interested in attending the school. Be sure to understand what the next steps are to remain on the list and improve your chances of admission.  This might include sending updated GPA information or awards, submitting additional test results, or providing letters of support, etc.

Take your time to make a sound decision, but do adhere to the deadlines for notifying schools.  Accept only one offer, as it is unethical to “double-deposit”, and can result in admission offers being rescinded. Notify the colleges you choose not to attend, so that spots will be opened up for other students.

At the end of the day, after you have examined all of the “facts”, sometimes you just go with your gut.  Once you make the decision, and send in your deposit, “own” it!  Now it’s time to enjoy the rest of your senior year and start getting ready for your transition to college.  Good luck!

Antoinette Battiste is an Independent Educational Consultant and 20+ year resident of Evergreen.   She is an active volunteer with many community organizations in Silicon Valley, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators, Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce the African American Community Services Agency, and the Northern California Association of Morehouse Parents.

IT TAKES A TEAM – WORKING WITH YOUR HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR

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There’s lots of buzz in the community about potential cuts in counseling resources within East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD). A 2017 report by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) listed the national average for student-to-counselor ratio was 482:1. California ranked second highest with a ratio of 760:1 behind Arizona; ASCA’s recommended student-to-school counselor ratio is 250:1. American Counseling Association President Gerard Lawson stated “In today’s schools, counselors are also relied on for their expertise in working with broader mental health needs…we know that counselors can server their students, schools and communities more effectively, when the ratio of students to counselors is lower and sustainable.”

When I launched my educational consulting practice 9 years ago, it was during a time when the counseling staff at Evergreen Valley High School was experiencing cuts.  I frequently met with them to offer support and assistance, and shared pertinent information with them from conferences, college visits and other professional development activities I attended.

I still remember a very poignant conversation I had with them.  When asked “As a counselor, what keeps you up at night?” the unanimous response was “Knowing that I am not able to serve students in the way that I would like, given the extremely high caseload I’m forced to carry.”  Remembering those words, speaking with counselors in other parts of the country, and knowing first-hand the challenges of assisting students through the college preparation and application process, I wanted to share some strategies for students and parents to consider in order to build successful relationships with their school counselors.

Remember that Counselors DO want students to be successful!

Understand and Value the important role of the Counselor – S/he helps the student plan their college preparatory curriculum; submits recommendation forms and releases your official transcript to colleges; arranges visits by college admission reps; conducts student and parent workshops about the college-going process; administers state-mandated tests as well as SAT, PSAT, ACT and AP exams; processes fee waivers for standardized tests and college applications; and so much more!

Encourage students to initiate and maintain contact with their counselor – I’m always amazed at the number of students who do not even know their counselor’s name.  Don’t seek out your counselor only when you need them to do something on your behalf.

Make appointments – This is especially true for parents.  Often parents just “stop by” and then become frustrated when a counselor is not available to see them. Given heavy caseloads and a multitude of other responsibilities, counselors often have specific hours dedicated to meeting with students and/or parents. Adhering to those times whenever possible is advisable.

Familiarize yourself with the Counseling resources at your school – Most schools have a section on the school’s website that contains information such as staff bios, processes/procedures, hours of availability, and upcoming events.  If your schools has implemented online tools such as Naviance, take advantage of those resources as well; that is often the primary vehicle to communicate college rep visits, scholarship opportunities and other important information.

Parents, it’s not about You – Frequently, counselors get bogged down in conversations with parents whose focus is more on their own needs/wants vs. the student’s.  An unintended consequence is that students may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable by that interaction and many times it puts more pressure on the student!

Communication is key – Positive communication goes a long way and is a cornerstone to building a healthy relationship.

Pack your patience – Remember that it’s a balancing act for the counselors – regardless of the student-to-counselor ratio.

Creating a proactive, positive relationship with the school counselor can help ease the stress of the college preparation and application process.  It’s a partnership between the student, parents and counselor, where each person has a role.  The counselor’s role is to work on behalf of the student, utilizing his/her expertise.  Good luck!

Antoinette Battiste is an Independent Educational Consultant and 20+ year resident of Evergreen.   She is an active volunteer with many community organizations in Silicon Valley, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators, Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce the African American Community Services Agency, and the Northern California Association of Morehouse Parents.

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS: HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU!

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It’s February and the pace of the school year is picking up.  The holiday break is a blur and Winter Break (sometimes called “Ski Week”) is around the corner.  Also waiting for you during second semester is the “testing season,” along with extracurricular activities, planning for summer programs and internship opportunities, and finishing strong academically.  Yes, sometimes you won’t be sure if you are juggling multiple balls in the air or balancing all that needs to be accomplished.

You’ve already figured out that Junior year is critical – the time to get serious about your plans beyond high school.  This is the time to assess your educational path, academic interests, extra-curricular activities, and your current thoughts about college.  Review your current academic standing and your plan with your counselor and continue working hard and smart to get good grades.  It’s important that you continue getting to know your teachers and counselors, because you will be asking them to support your college and scholarship applications with letters of recommendation; start identifying whom you will ask to write those letters.

Hopefully you took the PSAT in October and have received your scores.  Have you linked your scores with Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/sat)?  Did you know that by doing so, you can receive a test prep plan that is tailored to your PSAT results?  This adaptive learning approach to test prep will focus more on areas where you need assistance (based on your scores) so that you are not spending a lot of time reviewing material in which your scores already show strength.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities?  Are you seeking leadership roles in those areas that are of greatest interest to you?  Perhaps it’s time to step up and me more than just a member of a club at school or a group at church; find ways to lead a project or become an officer. If you are an athlete and would like to continue athletics in college, be sure to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (http://ncaaeligibilitycenter.org).  There are strict guidelines to follow even if you are not planning for Division I athletics.

And yes, Junior year is also the time to begin developing a preliminary college list.  Initially you should target around 20-25 schools for which you will conduct further research.  This initial list should include schools at varying levels of selectivity (often referred to as reach, target and safety schools) and have 2-3 other characteristics that you find attractive about a college.  While 20 schools seems to be a lot, your preliminary list will be refined over time, resulting in a final list of perhaps 8-10 schools to which you actually apply.  So what’s the best way to research schools?  Successful methods include using websites like College Board’s Big Future (http://bigfuture.collegeboard.org), College Navigator (http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/), College Xpress (www.collegexpress.com) or similar programs that allow you to do college matches based on criteria you specify.  BE OPEN MINDED about schools that appear in your college search results that you aren’t familiar with; be willing to research and learn more about them, too!  While conducting your research, remember to explore the need- and merit-based financial aid resources offered by each institution

Probably the best way to get a sense of whether a school is a good “fit” for you is to visit the campus.   Scheduling campus visits during school breaks is often a great time to see campuses without interrupting your normal school attendance.  However, you do want to visit campuses when students are there, too, which may not be the case during the holiday break.  There still is value, however, in cruising a campus, especially if you’re “in the neighborhood”.   Remember, campus visits can be time consuming and expensive, but it is an important part of the college research and application process – you need to “feel” yourself there!

Feeling overwhelmed?  Take a deep breath and as you exhale, begin to formulate a plan – a living “checklist” that captures all of the things you need to do, as your thoughts of college transition from a faraway dream to time for action.  Having a plan that works for you will take a lot of stress out of the process.  I always tell my students “be true to you” as you embark upon this wild and crazy ride called the college application process.  And always remember, The Journey Begins with You…. Good luck!

Antoinette Battiste is an Independent Educational Consultant and 20+ year resident of Evergreen.   She is an active volunteer with many community organizations in Silicon Valley, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators, Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce the African American Community Services Agency, and the Northern California Association of Morehouse Parents.

SHARING YOUR GIFTS – CHOOSING EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

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In this era of competitive college admissions, students and their parents are often in a quandary about which activities are “best”.  Many even develop a checklist of all the “right” ones so that they can ensure to check all of the boxes.  Surely, that will boost the chances of admission.  But what if that golden list of activities does not represent any of the student’s interests or highlights aspects of his/her personality?

The possibilities for extracurricular activities are endless. Opportunities to engage beyond the academic are plentiful.  The hard part is choosing which one(s) are a good fit for you based on your interest, time, future goals, etc.  Whether the activity is a school-based club, a community-based nonprofit organization, a competitive athletic team or a part-time job, it’s important that you know why you are willing to invest time through participation.  It is also important to gain something meaningful from the experience. Let’s look at some typical activities.

Academic Teams and Clubs – these clubs/teams show a passion for learning more about a particular subject. They often participate in competitions with similar groups from other schools. Examples include Robotics, Science, Math, Astronomy, Writing, Entrepreneur

The Arts – participation in the arts begins as a hobby or casual pastime for many students. It’s an opportunity to allow one’s creative juices to flow. Excelling in your craft is a way to demonstrate leadership skills – becoming first chair in the orchestra, getting a lead role in the annual theatre production are examples.

Student Government – participation in student government is a great option for students who want to have a voice in school matters. This is a natural way to show leadership skills by representing the interests of the student body. And yes, there’s a role for “quiet leaders” within student government organizations so it’s a great way to step out of one’s comfort zone and develop self-confidence.

Culture Clubs – students interested in promoting diversity, inclusion and acceptance find a home in clubs such as Latino Student Union, Desi, Black Student Union, Vietnamese Student Union, etc.  These clubs serve as a vital “safe-space” on many campus for groups with small populations within the student body.

Part time job – while many may not consider a part-time job as an extracurricular, it really is.  For many students, they may not have the luxury of participating in after-school or extracurricular activities because they must work to help support their families.  Jobs provide opportunities for building skills and it’s important for students to recognize the non-monetary value of work experience.

Other extracurricular activities include:  Internships (paid and unpaid); student newspaper (for writing enthusiasts, although there are other skill sets required to produce print or electronic newspapers); and athletics (school-based or community/league teams).  I’m sure you’re wondering why I haven’t mentioned volunteer work and/or community service.  I saved it for last because it’s often what comes to mind first.  By thinking of some of the activities mentioned above, you might think of community service differently, by considering getting involved in an area in which you already have interest. I like to think of community service as “sharing your gifts” to benefit others. This is a chance to think differently and consider “what can I give” vs. “what’s in it for me.” Connect your interests with opportunities to fill a gap or need.  If you enjoy reading or writing, seek out a local literacy program; perhaps you can share your musical talents at a senior center; teach art at a child care center; help assemble bikes for an organization that gives donated bikes to children; utilize your knowledge of American Sign Language to be an interpreter.  Find organizations that whose mission is aligned with your interests and consider approaching them about starting a program or activity – you’d be surprised at how receptive they are likely to be.  Not only would you get to do something you enjoy, but it would demonstrate how you take initiative, develop an idea and implement it – all very important life skills.

Regardless of the extracurricular activities you choose, the common thread is exploration and action based on your interests.  This perspective does not stop with high school or even college, but should be the guide even into your adult years.  When I reflect on my own high school experience, I played volleyball, sang in the glee club, helped coach the girls’ basketball team and tutored Spanish.  My college years were filled with several Afro-centric organizations like Black Student Union, Black Pre-Business Society, Sisters-in-Stanford, along with work-study jobs at the Career Planning and Placement Center (peer counselor) and the Black Community Services Center (administrative assistant).  Today, I am still involved in multiple organizations and because their missions are aligned with my passions, it is work that feeds my soul – “heart work.”

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU – MOVING FORWARD IN 2018!

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Happy New Year! I hope that each of you had a celebratory and restful holiday season, spending quality time with those most dear in our lives.

With the dawn of 2018, the tradition of making resolutions starts anew.  We vow to do better – exercise more, eat more nutritiously, get organized, stop procrastinating, etc., etc.  New beginnings take place for students, too.  As you begin this new year, what commitments are you making to be a better student? A new semester often means new classes, so what actions will you take to make a strong start? Your college applications are submitted – how will you stay focused and keep senioritis from creeping onto your radar? Summer seems so far away, yet applications for summer enrichment programs will be due soon – will you be ready?

The new year is also a time for reflection, a look back before charging ahead on a new journey. This time is very important, and it’s always a good approach to start and end with the high points.  What classes went exceptionally well? What did I accomplish that surprised even myself? What honors or recognition did I receive to add to my resume? If I could wipe the slate clean for my pre-calculus class, what would I do differently? I think if I started preparing for my US History exams sooner, I would have really learned the material better and earned a higher grade. Perhaps forming a study group for AP chemistry would have helped me.

Focus your energy on this new start – consider it a reboot, a refresh. As you set new goals, be realistic so that you have an opportunity to be successful.  Include short- and longer-term goals, as achieving milestones along the journey is key to staying motivated.  Think beyond your academic settings when it comes to establishing goals—remember you are a multi-dimensional being!  Here are a few things for every age group to consider:

Middle school students – Some of you will be preparing to transition to high school. The standardized tests you will take this Spring will determine course placement, so take them seriously. Look for leadership roles in Scouts, on athletic teams. Begin thinking about how you can serve your community, sharing your talents and interests.

High school students – A new semester often means new courses; think of strategies to have a strong start. Standardized testing is important for you, too; it’s a good idea to develop a test plan that includes formal preparation if necessary. Identify summer enrichment programs that will provide exposure to academic and career areas of interest. Find community service projects that speak to your heart not your college application!)– there are many needs in our surrounding communities. Go visit colleges so you begin to get a sense of the wide variety of institutions across the U.S. And if you are a high school junior, now is the time to step up your game and prepare for the college application process that will be here in the blink of an eye!

College students – You, too, will start new courses and getting a good start applies to you as well. You will begin seeking out, applying to and interviewing for internships, research opportunities, and/or summer employment. Perhaps there are changes on the horizon for your housing arrangement – a move off campus or selection of new roommates. The ‘newness’ of your first semester at college is over so now you are ready to settle down and put academics first.

It wouldn’t be fair to ask you to think about starting fresh without sharing some of my own resolutions for the new year. Professional development will be a focus for me in 2018. There is always so much to learn in order to better support students and families. I am excited about conferences, counselor college tours and information exchanges with colleagues to ensure that I have the knowledge and resources necessary. I look forward to continuing my passion for giving back by leveraging opportunities to share knowledge with students and families who need support but may not have the financial means to secure additional services.  That is my “heart-work” and I honor this commitment annually.

Let’s get this journey through 2018 started!  Good luck, and remember The Journey Begins with You…

Antoinette Battiste is an Independent Educational Consultant and 20+ year resident of Evergreen.   She is an active volunteer with many community organizations in Silicon Valley, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators, Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce the African American Community Services Agency, and the Northern California Association of Morehouse Parents.