Class of 2019 Newsletter
Spring 2017 | |
|
|
| Mark Your Calendars: On Monday, April 10, at 8:00 a.m., in Centennial Hall, the College Counseling Office will be hosting another parent coffee and information session. Phil Pine, founder and president of Capital Educators test prep, will be presenting information on standardized testing. The CCO will also offer a presentation on "Thinking About College Majors." Please RSVP with Ms. Sawyer. | |
|
|
| Monthly Focus
Junior Year Scheduling Rising juniors have little choice in what courses they will pursue next year. All juniors will take American Literature, U.S. History, Precalculus, Biology, and a language. Some students will opt to take a sixth course beyond the five required courses. We suggest that students consult with their teachers, advisor, and department chairs as they craft their schedules for next year. The College Counseling Office is likewise available to offer advice. In general, however, we want students to challenge and stretch themselves with an appropriately rigorous curriculum that fits their intellectual interests and abilities.
Beyond the Curriculum
When it comes to what is commonly called "extracurriculars," we encourage sophomores to pursue a commitment to, rather than simple involvement in, a few different nonacademic activities. Commitment to a few areas, over time, that reveals growth, depth, and responsibility is far more important than what is often referred to as "building a resume." Gilman has a wide range of literary, musical, political, and athletic offerings that will broaden interests as well as develop other valuable personal qualities.
Gilman Summer College Tour: New England
Rising juniors are invited to join college counselors Matt Herman and Justin Baker for the 2017 College Tour: New England from June 13-17. During the trip, students will visit at least six colleges. Further​, participants will identify how an individual college's mission, culture, community, course curriculum, extracurricular life, and graduate outcomes fit with their burgeoning preferences. Space is limited, and there are but a few spots remaining. Reserve your spot on the bus and learn more about the tour by clicking on the link above. | |
|
|
| Standardized Testing
Test Prep As this recent NACAC survey confirms, the most important factor in college admission is a student's transcript. Right now, then, students should be focusing their energy on doing well in their courses and developing relationships with teachers. Also important, however, will be standardized testing. Most students will elect to do some form of test prep often starting in the summer or fall of their junior year. Capital Educators, OmniTest Prep, and C2 Education are common test prep companies that Gilman families use. There is likewise comprehensive, free online SAT prep offered through Khan Academy.
Standardized Testing
For a full timeline of standardized testing please see the fall newsletter. While we recommend taking the first SAT and/or ACT in winter of junior year, a handful of sophomores will take SAT Subject Tests and/or an AP test. A number of highly selective colleges recommend SAT Subject Tests. All students in Honors Latin III will sit for the Latin Subject Test, and students in Honors Chemistry should consider taking the Chemistry Subject Test while the material is fresh. Students may also opt to sit for the AP European History exam. As the spring approaches, your teachers and our office will send you reminders and offer appropriate counsel. Unlike the PSAT, for which the school registers students, SATs require individual student registration. Registration may be completed online at the College Board website.
Testing Accommodations
If you are a student who has been approved to receive testing accommodations (such as extended time) at Gilman, there are separate procedures you must follow if you are requesting accommodations from The College Board or the ACT. To learn more about the process of requesting extended time, please visit the College Board's website on Services for Students with Disabilities and/or the ACT Accommodations page. Please also note that your son must have a current psychoeducational evaluation on file. If you have any questions regarding the process of applying for extended time, please contact directly our Upper School Learning Specialist, Ms. Dennis. | |
|
|
| Mr. Herman just returned from a trip to Rhode Island where he visited several schools and met with admission officers in the area. Mr. Herman toured Brown University, RISD, and Providence College. Did you know? Providence College just opened the new Ryan Center for Business Studies which houses PC's undergraduate business program, recently ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek's list of the top undergraduate business programs. | |
|
|
| Ms. Follensbee enjoyed spending time with colleagues at the winter AIMS college counseling meeting at UMBC. She also had the chance to learn about UMBC's Honors College and Scholars Programs and take a tour of campus. Did You Know? Each Gilman counselor belongs to regional and national professional organizations like PCACAC, NACAC, and ACCIS where they meet and network with college counseling and admission professionals. | |
|
|
| |
