Less Stress, More Success: A New Approach to Guiding Your Teen Through College Admissions and Beyond Marilee Jones & Kenneth R. Ginsburg 222 pages $14.95, soft cover American Academy of Pediatrics
Reviewed by M. Ann Goode School Counselor, Colonel Zadok Magruder HS, Rockville, MD Educational Consultant, Start Early: College & Career Planning Service, Rockville, MD
What's one of the hottest topics among high school junior and senior students and parents that's causing anxiety to erupt like a volcano?
Of course the college admissions process, so this book is right on time. The mystic of the process, as well as the uncertainty of the outcome sends the family into frenzy.
This book attempts to help families understand the admission process from the professional experience of author Jones and offers practical suggestions to cope with the induced stress. It also presents aspects of the psychological as well as the physiological perspectives shared by author Ginsburg, in order to help parents understand the mental health experiences of their teens.
The admissions process is carefully detailed, by Jones, with language to make it comprehensible for the students and parents so they don't feel overwhelmed by professional jargon. I like the supportive approach; especially, for the students so that they understand that regardless of the outcome, they are still a valued individual and can achieve success in their future. Her idea to personalize a chapter for the teens displays sensitivity to an unpredictable stage of life.
The parents' guide stresses the need to be supportive but respectful of their teen's responsibilities, decisions, and independence. In other words, be supportive parents but know your boundaries.
Parents and students would primarily seek interest in this book as a resource to help them with the admissions process. The coping mechanisms that are identified with the stress of college admissions would be secondary. Therefore, I think that some of the detailed explanation of the physiology of stress might be over represented in the book. It would be more appropriate in the context of dealing with adolescent stress as a separate entity.
Generally, when parents purchase a book that markets college admission information they want to immediately get to the heart of the topic, with the expectation that the book will focus predominantly on the subject.
The stress of the process can be discussed, but eager parents would prefer to have it presented as an appendage to the information. Their immediate concern is "What important information can help us succeed in the college admissions process?"
I would like to credit author Ginsburg for his contribution to the teens, in the final chapter, by offering basic tips on stress management. His recommendations will be helpful to teens who are uncomfortable seeking advice and resources to assist with life's challenges.
Looking Forward to Senior Year
Making good academic choices.
As a second semester junior, there are many exciting events leading up to the senior year. One that can be somewhat emotional for juniors is the anticipation of your final high school course registration.
How important is it and how rigorous should you plan your senior schedule?
As always expected, colleges want you to challenge yourself with a schedule that can demonstrate your proficiency and potential for a college education.
Does this mean that every class on your senior schedule needs to be an academic one at the honors/advanced or AP level? No, it does not. Some high schools restrict the number of advanced classes a student can take, per day, and some schools have very strict policies on schedule change requests, once school begins.
Remember also that college applications can take time to complete, and you want to produce quality work for the admissions committee. If you plan to declare a major, consider a course or two that will allow you to "preview" it in high school.
Other options could include pursuing an internship or a program, even if at a different school, that will enable you to gain insight into a career interest. However, when pursuing alternative programs, such as internships and non-traditional options, it's wise to consult with your college(s) of choice to see if they will honor these courses when they review your transcript. Some students elect to take courses at a local community college, also known as dual enrollment, to broaden their exposure to courses that might enhance their postsecondary goals.
Marjorie A. Goode, Educational Consultant, "HundredsofHeads," (May 2008)
Do You Know Your Counselor?
This is a question I frequently pose to students when I conduct college planning programs at my school, and it's one of the questions I pose to new clients in my practice. As a school counselor for twenty-six years, one of my priorities has always been to see my counselees regularly (3-4 times) each year. Is it easy? Absolutely not, so I count on them to help. I tell them to schedule an appointment to see me if time has lapsed over two months since our last meeting.
Suppose your counselor hasn't met you. Then schedule an appointment to introduce or "re-introduce" yourself to him/her. Simply say, "It's been a while since we've chatted and I'd like to update you on what I've been doing." Another approach is, "I've been thinking about colleges and careers and I'd like to talk to you about it."
It's easier for us to write letters of recommendation when we know more about you than just your GPA and test scores. Colleges will find this information on your school secondary report, so help us share information about you that will not be redundant, but impressive.
Marjorie A. Goode, Educational Consultant, "HundredsofHeads," (April 2008)
January 2007
The Path to College Putting It Into Perspective by By Marjorie A. Goode, M.Ed.
What's one of the hottest topics in the media today? What's causing anxiety among families? One of the greatest pressures facing a family is the uncertainty about their children's post-secondary education. Will my child get accepted into a college? Why are the admission requirements so tough compared to five or ten years ago? What do the terms "Early Decision," "Early Action," "Regular" and "Rolling" admission really mean, and how will they affect whether my child will be admitted? What sacrifices must my child make in order to get accepted to college? Why is there so much stress with the college application process?
First, keep this whole process in proper perspective. One suggestion is to remember that your middle school and high school children are just that — children and adolescents, not adults. As you try to mold them to your way of thinking, remember that they will need guidance, just as parents do. They are also still living emotionally and philosophically as adolescents and, therefore, developmentally, their needs must still be nurtured.
Listed below are recommendations I have offered to students and parents and to my clients in grades 7 to 12 as a high school counselor of 25 years and an educational consultant:
Focus on your child and don't worry about what the others are doing. Every person is unique, even within your family. Be careful not to compare the achievements or setbacks of siblings.
Encourage your child to have a positive attitude and develop high, but realistic, goals.
One criterion for admission that is consistently a priority among all colleges is the level of the courses pursued in high school. They want to see that a student has been challenged for her ability level. Obviously, this means that not everyone will be taking three to seven honors and AP classes per semester. For some students, taking one honors or AP class will be rigorous enough. Also, there are students who are challenged with the regular/nonhonors college preparatory courses offered at their school. However, that doesn't mean that the student "is not college material." As students research colleges, it is critical to review their admission requirements as they pertain to courses taken in high school, SAT (Reasoning and Subject) and ACT preferred scores, class rank, extracurricular participation, leadership and community service, summer enrichment programs, etc.
Help your child develop effective study skills, which must begin in middle school and must be elevated each year due to curriculum expectations. These skills promote excellent academic performance, and colleges do look for consistency in achievement. Most students are not aware of how their techniques affect their retention of material for short- and long-term memory. Students' long-term retention/memory affects their performance, particularly on semester final examinations.
Encourage your daughter to explore careers, and middle school is not too early to start. There is no commitment; she is just expanding her awareness of opportunities that could be a part of her future. It can also help direct course selections. For example, a curiosity in engineering alerts a student to the necessity of a strong math foundation. She would know, before applying to college, the need to take advanced math courses in high school in order to be competitive for an engineering program.
Summer enrichment programs can also assist with career exploration, improve academic skills, acquaint students with college campuses, help an application packet appear more marketable and enrich social development. Some students discover their college majors and/or career choices by participating in summer programs, which can expose them to academic requirements, job expectations, networking opportunities with mentors already established in the occupation and other essential committal and task functions. Residential summer programs can offer teens an opportunity to develop independence and socialization skills. Both residential and commuter programs can allow students to broaden their peer base, and become introduced to a more diverse population that can be expected on most college campuses. For a high school student, it never hurts to meet a college professor in a summer program who might be willing to write a letter of recommendation on her behalf.
Encourage your child to read. It's unrealistic to assume that every child will develop a total fondness for reading. The literature interest will vary, but the most important factor is that the student appreciates reading "something." It could be a weekly sports magazine, a 400-page suspense novel, a fashion magazine or a classic from the archives that is age- and content-appropriate. Reading exposes students to words that can enhance their vocabulary. In addition to learning new words, you can encourage your child to use the words in conversation so they will be retained for easy recall. An interactive family suggestion is to build a "Word of the Day" or " Word of the Week" program to increase everyone's vocabulary. College admission tests have moved away from word definitions and analogies in reading sections, because they want to know that students are competent in comprehension and verbal analysis.
Encourage your child to become a self-advocate. Remember, you will not always be around "to fend" for her rights. Middle and high school students should know how to be assertive when seeking assistance. When I have a client, regardless of the grade, who has not met her school counselor, I encourage her to schedule an appointment with the counselor and introduce herself. This is a nonthreatening way of taking the first step toward being assertive.
Be involved in your child's course registration process at school. It shows that you care about her choices. However, remember that it is also imperative to respect her views on selections.
Both parents and children need to be familiar with the technology now available in most schools to access current academic progress. Some of the programs, such as Edline and MyGradeBook.com, are used locally. The family only needs to obtain logistical essentials, such as a password, to log on for information. Some teachers may still distribute a paper progress report. Whatever the method, students must always be knowledgeable of their current school performance.
"Stand Out From The Crowd When Applying To College"
You're probably thinking, "Why should I worry about college? It's too early." Depending on whom you are talking to, you'll probably hear different opinions about the subject. Some people may say you shouldn't be concerned about college yet, because it's still a long way off for you.
Why should you plan now? Because of the competitiveness to be admitted to some colleges, you will probably be encouraged to consider opportunities that will make you more impressive to an admissions comittee. As you gain an interest in becoming more familiar with college admission requirements, you will have to decide, for yourself, if you should consider activities that will make you "unique."
Why should you be different? It's okay to look like everyone else, but sometimes it pays to be different---different in the respect that you "stand out from the crowd." There will be some college admission requirements that wil be expected to be similar among the applicants; such as, GPAs and test scores. However, there will be times when your uniqueness may be the factor to get you accepted.
What are your options? Participation in extracurricular activities can be a bonus with some colleges; especially, if you have engaged in leadership and community service roles. Summer enrichment programs are excellent opportunities to be "unique."
What are the benefits to you? First of all, it sends a message to a college that you enhanced your summer vacation with a stimulating program, either one week or more, rather than having spent it all on the beach or as a couch potato. It's also a great way to meet other students, become more proficient in your academics, explore careers, get exposed to a college campus, expand your interests, and possibly improve your chances to be admitted to the college of your choice.
