WHAT ARE THE BEST COLLEGES and UNIVERSITIES?
that is . . . what are the best schools for you?
Rankings merely reflect a popularity contest. If you want to go beyond a name, consider these questions:
1. Where will you be intellectually and socially comfortable?
2. Where will you be challenged?
3. Where do teachers actively mentor their undergraduate students?
4. Where are teachers treated professionally and with dignity? If teachers are treated well by the administration, students will be also!
THE RATIONAL APPROACH . . .
Overall, I strive to de-mystify a process that, while challenging, is actually quite manageable if approached in an organized fashion. In this way, I help students be proactive and map out a rational application plan.
It is most appropriate to begin individual college counseling in the middle of the junior year. Before that time, I advise students to:
You do not have to stress yourself out about the SAT or ACT before high school.
Even in 9th and 10th grades, you really just need to concentrate upon developing your thinking, reading, and math skills.
Students who READ A LOT tend to do well on the critical reading sections of standardized tests.
Students who do well in their MATH CLASSES tend to do well on the mathematical section of standardized tests.
Yes, there are test-taking strategies you can learn (later) and tips you can use.
But in general, extensive tutoring and prepping will be a waste of time, energy, and money.
that is . . . what are the best schools for you?
Rankings merely reflect a popularity contest. If you want to go beyond a name, consider these questions:
1. Where will you be intellectually and socially comfortable?
2. Where will you be challenged?
3. Where do teachers actively mentor their undergraduate students?
4. Where are teachers treated professionally and with dignity? If teachers are treated well by the administration, students will be also!
THE RATIONAL APPROACH . . .
Overall, I strive to de-mystify a process that, while challenging, is actually quite manageable if approached in an organized fashion. In this way, I help students be proactive and map out a rational application plan.
It is most appropriate to begin individual college counseling in the middle of the junior year. Before that time, I advise students to:
- take academics seriously and make this your #1 priority
- get involved in activities -- both in school and outside -- that truly engage you and which you enjoy
- read, read read! All the test prep in the world cannot substitute for the comprehension and vocabulary skills developed by habitual reading. Reading widens your world and it's fun!
You do not have to stress yourself out about the SAT or ACT before high school.
Even in 9th and 10th grades, you really just need to concentrate upon developing your thinking, reading, and math skills.
Students who READ A LOT tend to do well on the critical reading sections of standardized tests.
Students who do well in their MATH CLASSES tend to do well on the mathematical section of standardized tests.
Yes, there are test-taking strategies you can learn (later) and tips you can use.
But in general, extensive tutoring and prepping will be a waste of time, energy, and money.