Class of 2021 Newsletter
Spring 2019
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Mark Your Calendars: On Wednesday, April 17, 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. Please RSVP with Ms. Sawyer if you plan to attend.
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Beyond the Curriculum
When it comes to what are 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 of interest, 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: Northeast
Only one spot remains for the 2019 College Tour of the Northeast June 11-14. During the trip students will visit: Delaware, Providence, Brown, Tufts, Boston College, Harvard, and Trinity. Reserve your spot on the bus, and learn more about the tour by clicking on the link above.
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 or require 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. Unlike the PSAT, for which the school registers students, SATs and SAT Subject Tests require individual student registration. Registration may be completed online at the College Board website. If you have questions about subject tests, feel free to contact any of the college counselors.
Standardized 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 meaningful and collaborative 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 fee-based test prep companies that Gilman families have historically used. There is likewise comprehensive, free online SAT prep offered through Khan Academy and free online ACT prep as well.
Testing Accommodations
If you are a student who has a diagnosed learning disability and who has been approved to receive testing accommodations (such as extended time) at Gilman, please note that you do not automatically qualify for those same accommodations on the SAT or ACT. 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. If you have any questions regarding the process of applying for extended time, please contact directly our Upper School Learning Specialist, Dr. Stephanie Dennis.
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Counselor Spotlight
In January, Ms. Ross visited the Hult International Business School in the heart of central London. Hult has three undergraduate campuses in San Francisco, Boston, and London, and the same curriculum is offered at all three locations, so students are able to enroll at any one of the campuses throughout their time at Hult. Hult seeks to provide a business education that is relevant, cutting edge, and grounded in practical skills.
Ms. Follensbee and Ms. Ross recently attended the Jesuit Excellence Tour breakfast at Loyola University Maryland and heard from representatives of Jesuit institutions from across the country. Did you know? There are 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. In early March, Ms. Follensbee spent the day at The Catholic University of America in D.C. Their 176 acre campus is just three miles north of the U.S. Capital.
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