What 9th graders can do now to get into Best College

Attention 9th graders, the college may feel like a long way away. In some ways, it is. But, in more ways than one, it’s really not. College-bound 9th graders are part of the college admissions process, whether they know it or not. In fact, our firm starts working with many teens in their freshman year of high school.

Long before students start receiving college mailings, they can get prepared. 9th graders can take these three steps to get into the best college for them:

  • Get to know yourself – At the same time that 9th grade may be an exciting time socially with making new friends at school, it’s also a great time for freshmen to explore and find new things that they like and enjoy doing. This may mean checking out a new club at school, starting a hobby, or trying out a summer program in a new subject area. Self-awareness is key in knowing what you want for college!
  • Plan your courses for all four years of high school – Setting your schedule ahead of high school graduation is a great way to build a strong foundation of coursework. It will also help you see where there may be courses missing. In those cases, perhaps you could consider an online or summer course. If your high school offers an Honors graduation, the four-year planning will help with determining if that’s a path you want to pursue.
  • Develop good study and organization skills – It’s not too early to find ways to improve your study and organization skills. The coursework in 9th grade is typically more rigorous than 8th grade, so consider how you manage your time after school or how you take notes during class. There are note-taking systems, time management tools, and organizing techniques to try that can help you develop habits that will serve you well throughout high school and beyond.

Ninth grade can be a great year to jumpstart success in high school and getting into the best college. The journey begins with the student!

What other suggestions do you have for 9th grade? Please post comments and questions below

Qualities of a Good Principal: Making a Difference

The recent headline about how effective principals make a difference in high poverty schools really resonated with me. My elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee would have been considered on of those high poverty schools, based on the high percentage of low-income families.

Joseph K. Carr, the principal at my elementary school, saved my life. He was known as a disciplinarian and no student wanted to get in trouble under Mr. Carr’s watch. We feared and respected him. His words of encouragement to all the students were “If not you, then who?” He challenged us all to reach our highest potential. Those words set me on my educational journey.

A new study on principal effectiveness focused on high poverty schools and found that:

. . . . high-quality principals—as determined by a value-added model that includes student achievement and school characteristics—had a large positive impact on their students’ achievement: “A principal in the top 16 percent of the quality distribution…will lead annually to student gains that are .05 standard deviations or more higher than average for all students in the school emphasis is the authors’.”

They also tended to be associated with teacher turnover in the lowest-performing grades in their schools—indicating, perhaps, that these principals are trying to replace low-performing teachers with more-effective ones.

via Study: Good Principals Make a Difference in High-Poverty Schools – Inside School Research – Education Week.

Based on my observations of schools over the past 15 years, I would argue that strong leadership makes a difference in any school, whether it is high poverty, low-poverty, independent, parochial, or other. The leadership sets the tone and culture of the school. A school is only as strong as its principal.

What difference has your principal made?

How to Ace the SAT: Last-Minute SAT Advice and Best Tips

When it comes to acing the SAT, a positive mindset can be just as important as your study routine. As the saying goes, “If you think you can, you can.” This principle is backed by research, especially when it comes to test-taking. If you’re feeling anxious and telling yourself, “I’m not going to do well,” that self-doubt can negatively impact your performance. To help you manage anxiety and boost your confidence, here are some of the best SAT tips to follow, especially as the test day approaches.

1. Visualize Success to Boost Confidence

One of the most powerful last-minute SAT advice tips is to mentally prepare yourself by envisioning success. According to Dr. Driscoll, teaching yourself to think positively about the test can make a significant difference. Imagine yourself in a challenging yet exhilarating situation—whether it’s scoring a goal in soccer or reaching the top of a mountain. Then, transfer that feeling of accomplishment and confidence to the SAT testing room. With practice, this mental exercise can help you feel more confident and focused when it’s time to take the test.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Environment

Reducing stress on the day of the exam is crucial for avoiding last-minute jitters. Sian Beilock, a researcher on cognitive performance, suggests that unfamiliar settings can increase anxiety and hinder your performance. If possible, visit the test center beforehand to familiarize yourself with the environment. Knowing exactly where you’ll be taking the test can help you feel more at ease, allowing you to focus solely on the questions at hand.

3. Write Down Your Worries Before the Test

Another effective strategy for how to ace the SAT is to clear your mind of any anxieties right before the test begins. Dr. Beilock recommends setting aside 10 minutes to write down your worries before you start the exam. In a study with ninth-graders, students who engaged in this writing exercise performed just as well as their less anxious peers. On the other hand, anxious students who didn’t write down their thoughts performed worse. By expressing your concerns in writing, you can free up mental space, allowing you to concentrate fully on the SAT.

4. Prioritize a Full Night’s Rest

One of the best SAT tips that cannot be overstated is the importance of getting a full night’s sleep before the test. Many students, especially teens, are used to staying up late and may not realize how much this habit can affect their performance. A well-rested mind is more alert, focused, and capable of tackling challenging questions. Make sure to go to bed early the night before the SAT to give your brain the rest it needs to perform at its best.

5. Fuel Your Brain with the Right Breakfast

What you eat on the morning of the SAT can also influence your performance. A nutrient-rich breakfast, particularly one that includes oatmeal, can give you the sustained energy needed for the test. Oatmeal is known to provide a slow release of energy, helping to keep you focused and alert throughout the exam. This breakfast tip is one I’ve followed for years, even making oatmeal for my children during their elementary school testing periods, and the benefits have been consistently proven.

Salisbury, Indian Mountain, and Hotchkiss integrate world-class athletics and academic rigor

In Day 2 of my western Connecticut prep school campus visits, I’m admittedly overwhelmed by the diversity of program offerings in this region. Connecticut is not a big state but is dense with prep schools. Today I visited Salisbury School, Indian Mountain School, and The Hotchkiss School.

SALISBURY SCHOOL

Salisbury serves 300 male students from around the world. The science center included a wonderful library, a physics lab, a chemistry lab, and a separate biology lab. My tour guide expressed that he wasn’t too keen on attending an all-boys school but realized that girls would be a distraction. Besides that, the school hosts dance each week so he’s still able to intermingle with girls socially.

The first stop on my tour was the boathouse, which is a sight to behold. It’s big, clean, and houses all the boats rowed by their world-class rowing program. An administrator proudly stated that “We grow rowers!” highlighting that many young men join the team with little to no experience. However, many advances to D1 level crew teams. The other athletic facilities were just as impressive . . . squash courts, hockey rink, lacrosse fields. Not to mention that their football team is strong in its division.

Salisbury understands boys, how to teach, how to engage, and how to nurture them both academically and socially.

INDIAN MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

There are 85 guitarists among the 180 students in the upper school. 140 musicians overall!There are 85 guitarists among the 180 students in the upper school. 140 musicians overall!
There are 85 guitarists among the 180 students in the upper school. 140 musicians overall!

Indian Mountain School is a junior boarding school that I was excited to visit in person. In my prior conversations with administrators, I sensed that it was a special place for students to develop into their own. The lower school has students in grades PK-4, while the upper school ushers students in grades 5-9 through early adolescence. Students will typically board in grades 7th, 8th, and 9th. For the teachers, administrators, and other staff, this really is a life commitment/decision. The responsibility is even greater in supporting these youth.

The team of adults who work there, live on campus, coach, and organize activities provide all the support services imaginable. The support services are balanced with student leadership opportunities. Students are given just as many opportunities to take risks. Each class experiences an outdoor adventure that bonds them in unforgettable ways. The overall thrust of the community was character development.

An administrator shared a quote in his office, which speaks to the character and quality of Indian Mountain School: “In all things, a lesson.”

THE HOTCHKISS SCHOOL

The flags adorning the Hotchkiss dining hall showcase the 69 countries represented on campus.
The flags adorning the Hotchkiss dining hall showcase the 69 countries represented on campus.

Hotchkiss is a school that you have to see to believe. Admittedly, I was overwhelmed by its campus size, facilities, and student involvement. A surprise day-off was announced prior to my arrival, so, as you can imagine, the students were happy and taking advantage of the many opportunities to order food, leave campus, or play games on the field.

The students I met were involved in so many activities – athletics, theatre, community service, as well as AP coursework. There are about 500+ students at Hotchkiss but its size rivaled most small colleges I’ve visited. An administrator described it as a “small school within a large school.”

From the science center to the fine arts offerings to the radio station to the Olympic-sized swimming pools to the school-owned farm, students have unlimited opportunities to explore and discover their interests. The academic rigor at Hotchkiss is well-known so students must learn fairly quickly how to balance their coursework with all these other enticing offerings.

How to Get into the University of Chicago

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, and last year, it received far more applications than the 1,400 students it admitted. With such a competitive admissions process, potential applicants might wonder how hard it is to get into the University of Chicago.

While gaining admission can be challenging, it’s certainly possible if UChicago is the right fit for you. Visiting the campus and understanding its unique academic environment is a great first step to determine if it aligns with your goals.

As someone who has lived on the UChicago campus and recently revisited it to better understand it from a student’s perspective, I’ve gathered some valuable insights that can help you strengthen your application.

Here are four essential tips on how to get into the University of Chicago:

Getting into The University of Chicago

  1. Understand the Importance of the Common Core
    The University of Chicago is renowned for its rigorous academic structure, heavily influenced by its Common Core curriculum. Unlike other universities where you might have more freedom in choosing courses from the start, UChicago requires all students to engage deeply with the Core, which shapes much of the intellectual culture on campus. To improve your chances of admission, familiarize yourself with the Common Core and reflect on how this approach aligns with your academic interests. Demonstrating this understanding in your application can set you apart.
  2. Complete the Chicago Supplement Thoughtfully
    UChicago is a member of the Common Application, but it also has its own unique set of essay prompts known as the Chicago Supplement. Even if you are using the Common Application, it’s crucial to pay special attention to this supplement. The essays are your opportunity to showcase your personality, intellectual curiosity, and how you might contribute to the UChicago community. Avoid simply listing achievements or activities; instead, write engaging, well-structured essays that reveal who you are as a person.
  3. Re-Take the SAT/ACT if Necessary
    If you’re wondering, is UChicago test-optional?—the answer is yes, as UChicago has adopted a test-optional policy. However, if you choose to submit standardized test scores and believe you can improve your SAT or ACT results, consider re-taking the exam. UChicago superscores, meaning they will consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates. Submitting strong scores can still bolster your application, even though they’re not required.
  4. Express Yourself Authentically in Your Essays
    The University of Chicago places a significant emphasis on the essays in its holistic application review process. This is your chance to let your unique voice shine. Use this space to share your story, your passions, and what drives you. The admissions team wants to understand who you are beyond your transcript and test scores, so make sure your essays are personal and reflective of your individuality.

University of Chicago

In addition to its academic rigor and distinctive Common Core curriculum, UChicago offers a vibrant campus life with over 400 student organizations. Whether you’re interested in joining the quirky Zombie Readiness Task Force, playing broomball, or perhaps starting your own quidditch team, there are countless ways to get involved and build a community.

By following these tips and presenting a well-rounded application, you’ll improve your chances of joining the intellectually stimulating environment of the University of Chicago. Good luck!

College Prep School – Western Reserve Academy

On a recent visit to Western Reserve Academy (WRA) in Hudson, Ohio, I lost my place on the map! One of the things that strike me whenever I visit the campus is how it reminds me of a quaint New England town tucked away from the hurriedness of an urban center. If I didn’t read the sign, perhaps I would think I was in Hanover, NH, or Wellesley, MA. When I talk with students and administrators, it’s clear that the curriculum is challenging, but the culture is fun and rooted in Midwestern values.

These photos highlight some of the features of the campus that are worth mentioning:

  • Almost all of the faculty live on campus, in dorms as well as private homes;
  • WRA is a “three-sport’ high school, which means that students must participate in sports or take a physically active course as an alternative. The gym probably gets a lot of use throughout the year.
  • The library facilities are top-notch and seniors spend plenty of time there to complete their senior thesis.
  • The “Green Key” club is special in that it matches every new student with a senior student. This supports a good way for new students to get integrated into the community.

This final feature is important from an academic point, as well as social. Community is really important at WRA.

Centre College and Transylvania U in Kentucky

Centre College, located in Danville, Kentucky, has a national reputation. The college is located in a small town where the college is the happening place. It wasn’t clear, however, if there was a strong relationship between the town and the college. A student described the Centre-Danville relationship as “getting better.” Staff and students consistently described the culture of the campus as “academic” and “All-American.” So, if that sounds like your kind of campus, great, keep on reading! If these descriptors are not appealing to you, keep reading this posting, but perhaps we should talk! ☺

Culture and tradition at Centre

The more telling signs of the cultural spirit may be the strong presence of students from Ohio and Tennessee with a 55% in-state population overall. My own impression of the Centre culture is a Southern/Midwest homey-ness!

All freshman dorms are single-gender with graduated visitation privileges. Upperclassmen have varied housing options. The new upper-class dorm got rave reviews. The dining hall, fitness center, and other academic buildings are also either new or recently renovated. What was nice about the renovations on campus is that they maintained the character of the architecture on campus

What makes Centre College special

A signature differentiator of the college is the “Centre Term.” Centre Term, a 3-week period between the first and second semesters, provides an opportunity for almost every student to study abroad. The main dining hall is adorned with flags displaying all the countries visited by Centre students.IMG_0399

Gotta check out the glass-blowing course if you attend!

While I was in Kentucky, I also visited Transylvania University. Quite frankly, I didn’t know much about the college until I heard the President speak at an IECA conference last November. The fact that the President had been a partner at Goldman was even more intriguing. One of the reasons I visited was to see what compelled him to relocate to Lexington, KY!

Transylvania students love their campus

The Transylvania campus is located in a really hip section of Lexington – not too far from campus. There were several restaurants close by and the homes in the neighborhood appeared well-kept. I was a bit disappointed with being on campus, however, because a campus police officer actually followed me around. Not sure why I was singled out. Nevertheless, it dampened my spirits a bit.

transylvannia university campusStudents that I met were enthusiastic and positive about their experiences at Transylvania. (I didn’t let the overzealous campus police ruin that.) Students remarked on the small class sizes and access to extra-curricular activities. I didn’t get a sense of Transylvania’s distinguishing qualities, but do plan to visit again! Stay tuned.

School Climate Indicators and Teacher Turnover

When was the last time you checked the job openings in your school district? You might not be actively searching for a job, but understanding the available employment opportunities in your district or at a college you’re interested in can provide valuable insights into the cultural and educational climate of that institution. These job openings can serve as crucial school climate indicators that may affect your child’s educational experience.

Why Job Openings Matter in School Districts

Job openings within a school district or at a college are more than just opportunities for employment; they can be indicative of larger trends and issues within the institution. For instance, if a school or university is advertising multiple faculty positions, it raises several important questions:

  • What’s driving the high number of openings?
  • Is the school expanding rapidly, or is there a significant turnover?
  • Have faculty members recently retired, or are they leaving due to dissatisfaction?
  • How will these vacancies affect the average class sizes and, subsequently, the quality of education?
  • What is the institution doing to ensure that students are involved in the process of hiring new faculty members?
  • How long will it take to fill these positions, and what will be the interim solution?

Each of these questions touches on key school climate indicators. The term “school climate” refers to the quality and character of school life, including the relationships among students, teachers, and administrators. A healthy school climate is essential for effective teaching and learning, and understanding the implications of job openings can help parents and community members assess the health of their local educational institutions.

Teacher Turnover: A Critical School Climate Indicator

One of the most significant school climate indicators is teacher turnover. High rates of teacher turnover can signal underlying issues within a school or district, such as low morale, insufficient support, or lack of professional development opportunities. When teachers frequently leave, it can lead to disruptions in the learning environment, affecting student achievement and overall school stability.

For parents, this means that understanding teacher turnover in your child’s school is crucial. A school with a high rate of teacher turnover may struggle to maintain a consistent educational experience for students. This can lead to larger class sizes, overburdened remaining teachers, and a decline in the quality of instruction. Additionally, frequent changes in faculty can make it difficult for students to build trusting relationships with their teachers, which is vital for their academic and emotional development.

Researching Job Openings as Part of School Selection

As part of the research that K-12 parents do each year when evaluating schools, it’s a great idea to look at job openings within the district. This approach can provide insights into how stable and supportive the school environment is. Here are some questions you might consider when reviewing job openings in your district:

  • How will my child’s schedule change while a position is being filled?
  • How will substitute teachers be supported during this transition?
  • What impact will these vacancies have on course offerings?
  • How will parents be notified about new administrative hires, especially for high-profile roles like chief academic officer or superintendent?
  • What is the expected timeline for filling these roles, and how might this affect the school year?
  • What input will parents and the community have in the hiring process, particularly for key leadership positions?

These questions are not just about satisfying curiosity—they are about managing expectations and ensuring that your child’s academic experience is as smooth and uninterrupted as possible. Understanding how the school handles job vacancies can give you a clearer picture of its overall health and effectiveness.

The Broader Impact of Job Openings on School Climate

The presence of multiple job openings, especially in key teaching and administrative roles, can significantly impact the overall school climate. If there’s a lot of turnover or difficulty in filling positions, it can lead to a sense of instability among both students and staff. This instability can trickle down to affect everything from classroom management to student performance.

Moreover, a high number of job openings might indicate underlying issues within the school’s culture or leadership. For example, if teachers are leaving because they feel unsupported or undervalued, it’s a sign that there may be systemic problems that need to be addressed. This is why it’s essential for parents to stay informed about the employment landscape in their child’s school or district.

Action Steps for Parents

To protect your child’s educational experience, consider taking the following steps:

  1. Monitor Job Openings Regularly: Keep an eye on job listings in your school district or at potential colleges. This can help you stay informed about any significant changes that might affect your child’s education.
  2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask school administrators about the reasons behind multiple job openings. Understanding the context can help you better assess the situation.
  3. Advocate for Stability: If you notice a trend of high teacher turnover, consider addressing your concerns with the school board or parent-teacher associations. Stability in staffing is crucial for maintaining a positive school climate.
  4. Evaluate School Fit: When considering schools for your child, take job openings into account as one of the factors in your decision-making process. A school that consistently struggles to retain staff may not be the best fit for your child.
  5. Stay Involved: Engage with your child’s school community to stay informed about hiring processes and decisions. Your involvement can make a difference in ensuring that the school maintains a stable and supportive environment for all students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, job openings within a school or district are more than just employment opportunities—they are important school climate indicators that can impact your child’s education. High teacher turnover, in particular, is a red flag that should prompt further investigation. By staying informed and asking the right questions, you can help ensure that your child’s school provides a stable, supportive, and effective learning environment. Remember, a healthy school climate is essential for your child’s success, and being proactive about understanding the employment landscape in your district is a crucial part of that equation.

Harvard is not the only one . . .

harvard

Many of us have probably seen the email announcements claiming that students with a family income of $60,000 or less can attend Harvard tuition-free. Within the last three years, Harvard has made an education there more affordable for lower-income families. Even more impressive is the fact that more financial aid is also offered to families with incomes of $180,000 or less.

These are attractive and compelling reasons for many more students to apply to Harvard, even if families would have previously thought that education there would have been financially out-of-reach. As Harvard states on its financial aid page, all financial aid awards are based on need only. This translates to no merit awards or athletic scholarships being offered by the university. Therefore, if you need money for college, the university awards enough to make college matriculation possible.

Before families get too excited about the prospect of affording a Harvard education, there are some important aspects in the admissions/applications process worth considering:

  • College fit
  • College planning and readiness

College Fit

“College fit” recognizes that every student isn’t a match for Harvard. Neither is Harvard a good match for every student. Students are better off if they start with why – Why do you want to attend college? Why do you want to attend Harvard? Too many students that I’ve met over the years apply to Harvard because of the brand name alone. What do you know about the university and how you might contribute to campus life there? If a student likes the fact that there are no fraternities and sororities at Harvard, there are over 1,100 private, four-year institutions that do not have fraternities or sororities. About 40 of those institutions are considered highly selective like Harvard.

Students should also consider whether they want to live in the Cambridge area for four years. If students visit the Cambridge area, they can get an even better sense of campus life and the surrounding community. On my visits to Cambridge, I have enjoyed the vibrancy of the community. Students visiting the area do need to recognize that it is an urban campus, much like UC Berkeley or the University of Chicago. When students start with why it forces them to think more introspectively about these factors and not just apply for the sake of a brand name.

I applied to Columbia as an undergraduate. After my acceptance there, I took advantage of an opportunity to attend Admitted Student weekend. What an eye-opener that was. It was a great experience but I quickly realized that living in Manhattan would have been too distracting for my weak study habits. That was good to find out before I matriculated and took the risk of getting off track in my studies.

College Planning and Readiness

“College planning and readiness” can’t be stressed enough for all students considering college.  To put it bluntly, students do not apply to a selective school like Harvard in their senior year. A rigorous high school program is a requisite for being competitive in the application process to Harvard. In order for students to advance through a rigorous high school program, they must start their preparation as late as middle school. (A recent study has shown that students know whether they’re going to college by the time they are in sixth grade.)

High-quality high school experience is most evident when students wait until senior year of high school to learn that Harvard requires 3 SAT subject tests, not only the general SAT test. A rigorous high school program better positions applicants to be prepared to take these subject tests in the early fall of senior year.

Even among the academically strong, exceptionally talented 30,000+ students world-wide that applied to Harvard in 2009-2010, less than 7% were accepted. So it is good to know that there are still a number of strong post-secondary institutions that could be a good fit for the 28,000+ students who can focus their college decision-making elsewhere.

Financial Assistance at strong colleges/universities

There are even several other institutions, aside from Harvard, that offer generous financial assistance to student applicants, across income backgrounds. Those campuses include:

So when you receive the email touting Harvard’s financial aid policy, you will know that there are many colleges and universities that may be more affordable than you think.  Exploring options for Ivy League financial aid and tuition-free colleges can open many doors for students seeking quality education without the hefty price tag.