Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D.
focuses on guiding her clients to realizing educational and career goals. You'll receive one-on-one attention to create a focused and personalized strategic educational plan.
Professor Emeritus, thirty+ years experience, admissions committee, Cornell Alumni representative. You're invited to leverage her extensive knowledge of university curricula and career opportunities.
Pre-College Advising!
Be inspired!
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Educational & College Admissions Consulting:
- Academic assessment and extracurricular planning and refinement
- Customized solutions for effective study habits, time management and test taking strategies
- Assistance with college research and program majors to create a list of target, reach and likely admit schools.
- Negotiating and maximizing your financial aid award, including targeted scholarship search
- Guided college application assistance and review, including application deadline management.
- Admissions essay- finding your niche, topic development and guided editing of multiple drafts of your Common Application core and supplemental essays and Scholarships
- Evaluating potential gap year programs and your admissions offers
Career Services:
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Coaching for new graduates
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Undergraduate academic advising
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Graduate School Applications
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ewsletter Contents:
Tips for Parents and Students!
- Second Quarter Recharge - Students on Target?
- EXPLORATION - Some Options
- Senior FAQ - The Questions That Keep Popping Up...
- Admissions/Alumni Interview Tips
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Greetings Students and Families!!
Sustaining Direction & Recharging!
Regular readers of my newsletters know how often I stress the importance of students developing personal learning strategies that lead to intrinsically motivated young adults. Experiences both within and outside the classroom greatly impact the likelihood of a successful and seamless transition to the undergraduate experience. Confidence creates success!
At back-to-school conferences my students set plans in motion to continue to explore and expand their involvement in extracurricular pursuits to bring joy and provide ongoing opportunities to build upon current strengths and interests.
Every academic year is an opportunity for further exploration into academic areas of interest and strength, as well as enhancing existing learning and time management strategies.
Parents can help students continue to find their passions both within and outside the classroom. Good grades are essential, but they don't supplant the importance of having a fulfilling and connected life both at school and within "communities". Please reach out to schedule your Educational & College Admissions Assessment 561.509.0021 CLICK to CONNECT
Establishing a daily routine, reviewing class notes, connecting with teachers, using online support resources (see my earlier blog for recommendations), interacting with peers and knowing when to ask for help are essential to ongoing academic success. Also, managing "stress" is essential to a student's emotional and physical well-being.
If your student is having trouble finding a personal rhythm, I can help!
How is your student's
Educational and College Admissions Plan unfolding?
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| College Admissions Planning: Benefits of Starting Early! |
This past week my conversations with several intelligent & highly motivated young students studying at different high schools across the East Coast were heart-warming. They have a variety of interests including engineering, songwriting, the environment, genetics & molecular biology, educational policy, and several students aspire to pursue an undergraduate career in "science" leading to a career in medicine. As a former admissions officer and current Cornell Alumni local representative, It was clear why each student would thrive as an undergraduate. It wasn't because of an impressive GPA or test scores....
STANDING OUT!
Not only were these students intelligent, but I knew this group of young adults would be successful in their admissions and academic paths ahead because of their kindness, and they are all passionate about interests outside the classroom, connected to their community, and each has a clear vision. These students, now seniors are comfortable being themselves and their confidence is appropriately evident. Their activities resume isn't forced nor planned-- but had emerged from guided self-direction and a heartfelt desire to lead an impactful and joyful life.
The STUDENTS had assumed responsibility for their own path.
SECOND QUARTER RECHARGE
The start of a new quarter is a time for reflection and adjustment. No student should assume that their first quarter grades dictate the path for the remainder of the year. Whether there's a rhythm that may be working well or needing an adjustment, it's time to cast a wider and/or deeper extracurricular net --both formal and informal to further explore emerging and existing interests and strengths.
Young adults have long days and they work hard at school. There should be opportunities to find joy and direction in their personal lives. It is my hope that your student's passion for learning and involvement in activities outside the classroom continues throughout the school year.
Don't Just Learn--
EXPLORE & ROAR!!
In addition to the many extracurricular organizations offered at your high school (DECA, FBLA, FIRST Robotics, Speech/Debate, NACLO, HOSA, Model UN, Math Competition, Young Arts, Band/Orchestra, Hackathon & yes,- even Gaming!), there are many ways for students to explore potential interests BEYOND FORMAL HIGH SCHOOL options.
- TED TALKS Is an amazing resource of quality short videos on an array of topics. The search engine has no limits!
- Conversations with family & friends about their work. Students ever wonder why a parent might appear "grumpy" some evenings? Ask mom/dad about their work and interactions with others. How did they solve a problem?!
- Attend Community Lectures at local universities. These are often open to the public.
EXPLORE YOUR PASSION - FIND YOUR NICHE THROUGH READING!!! YES READING!!!
The best way to do so is through reading and subsequent hands-on experiences. When I was in high school and away at college, my dad used to share newspaper clippings related to my field of study (yes, pre-internet 1980s). These were always thought provoking and appreciated. Today, it's really easy for parents and teachers to share articles of interest with young adults. My clients can tell you about some of the pieces I've shared via text aligning with their emerging interests bringing a balance of perspectives outside of their school assignments.
If a student has an emerging interest in business, economics or finance, learn more about the field and its core concepts through readings such as The Economist or Forbes. Extracurricular pursuits might include assuming a treasurer role in a club.
Students interested in medicine or the sciences broadly defined might read Popular Science or Discover and perhaps try the monthly experiments at home. The Center for Disease Control and the FDA also have really informative pieces that are easy to digest.
Students interested in the arts or writing, or history should explore a variety of literary magazines and essay competitions.
By reading, not only will learn more about potential areas of interest but you will become a better writer. Observe vocabulary, write styles, sentence construction and how writers convey a message.
Universities including Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Wake Forest and Columbia to name a few are examples of colleges asking about readings outside of class on the college application. It's fine to explore works of fiction and non-fiction alike. If you're bilingual-read literature written in another language!
Another benefit of reading is that it can be a great way to relax and unwind. Keep in mind, reading on a blue-light device is not a way to unwind before sleep.
ADMISSIONS TIP: EXPLORE AND DISCOVER
If you want to minimize the stress associated with the college admissions process, build your Educational and College Admissions Plan as early as 8
th
grade! This will allow you to carefully select classes and extracurricular opportunities to encourage academic and personal exploration preparing you for success as a high school and undergraduate student.
Don't follow the crowd nor march through high school without a smile ! BE INSPIRED!!
What is your student passionate about? Now is the time for discovery!
In the past few weeks I've been contacted by both anxious and confident parents of high school students getting ready for the college admissions process ahead in a year or smack in the middle of their applications as current seniors. I've also
spoken with parents of middle school students about to begin high school expressing concerns about taking too many or too few AP or AICE courses and wondering whether their GPAs should be boosted through Dual Enrollment (see early newsletter addressing Dual Enrollment courses).
A Strategic Educational plan not only includes a curriculum mapping of challenging, relevant and manageable courses. A plan that balances academic experiences with meaningful student selected extracurricular activities leads to confident, mature, self-directed and grounded young adults.
Admissions staff look favorably upon students with a sustained commitment to activities throughout all four years of high school.
There's a project for everyone!
STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
students can consider Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects and ideas for potential entry into science fairs this year.
At your school consider: MU Alpha Theta (Math), NACLO (Computational Linguistics Competition), FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad, TSA or the Google or Intel Science Fairs.
ARTISTS and MUSICIANS s
hould be working on developing their portfolio and honing skills in disciplined creative work thinking ahead to competitive local venues such as Young Arts.
BUSINESS/LIBERAL ARTS - Keep an eye towards writing an essay you can enter into any number of local and national essay competitions (business, history, etc.) sponsored by a variety of organizations. Need suggestions? Start a blog on a topic you're passionate about and share your best Blog pieces within school publications.
Another meaningful and joyful way to spend your time as well as demonstrating your passion about your interest is to become a volunteer mentor for younger students. There are many opportunities to do so through tutoring, religious organizations, middle school clubs, sports teams and even starting your own business assisting others to learn more.
College Major Research:
For students in 10th-11th grades, this is also the time to start the process of research on a potential college major. My unique approach to academic discovery begins with
guided exploration of an undergraduate curriculum in a few potential majors. The goal is for students to learn how to independently evaluate the unique features of an academic program. This process includes reading curriculum maps, course descriptions and learning about the faculty, and research opportunities within a department. Notice, the process of discovery does NOT begin with college visits.
Please reach out to schedule your Educational and College Planning Assessment.
Contact to Schedule
My goal is to build your student's educational strategy to leave each student feeling empowered about their success!
FAQ for Seniors - The Questions that Keep Popping Up....
??? "I cannot submit my application because my teachers haven't submitted their recommendations and/or I'm retaking the SAT/ACT and awaiting my new scores"
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE-hit the submit button. As I've noted in numerous informational newsletters, your application can be submitted prior to the receipt of any external supporting documents (i.e., teacher recs, transcripts and test scores).
Enter the teacher contact information on the "recommender invite" tab. Once submitted, these will be matched up to your file. Think about this logically for a just a moment-your teachers may actually forget to write /submit or sadly delay until winter break. Your application is due and you aren't held accountable for the timing of external materials. You are required to have a complete file before a decision will be rendered (more about how to verify file completion status follows below).
Test scores can be reported on your applications or this section can be left blank since official scores are required regardless of what you've entered within your application portals. Scores are sent through the College Board and ACT - and there is a cost. Some students received Hurricane waivers for scores and CSS Profiles (a fee-for-service financial aid form required by some colleges).
??? Do I have to send all my scores?
This requirement is set by individual colleges. Please check these websites to determine requirements on whether all or some scores are required. Official AP scores are most certainly
NOT an admissions requirement. The exception- colleges using test-flexible features will allow substitution of AP/SATII Subject tests for ACT/SAT scores.
???? "Where / When do I sign up for alumni/ admissions interviews?"
This process varies across colleges. If interviews are optional - treat this as required as any additional opportunities to showcase your strengths and demonstrate genuine interest should not be overlooked.
For example, some colleges such as Johns Hopkins allow you to request an interview prior to submitting your actual application.
As a Cornell University alumni interviewer in Florida, I can assure you there is very little you could say to adversely impact your chances. We recognize some students are nervous. This is an opportunity to learn more about the college. I cannot think of any of my peers who would go out of their way to sabotage your application. At worst, you'll get a lukewarm report and at best, you may bond so strongly with an "influential" alumni to receive a positively glowing interview report. The impact of your interview on the admissions decision is very small.
??? After you've applied-......Do they have my file??!!
The most immediately noticeable confirmation will appear on the Common and Coalition applications showing a time/date stamp when you've submitted. Within a few days, you'll also observe when a college has actually
downloaded your application.
***This is important information for students who are planning to change/personalize their core essay for each college. Don't make any changes to an essay until you have confirmed that the college-specific information has been downloaded by College X allowing you to change your essay when submitting to College Y.
??? IS YOUR ADMISSIONS FILE COMPLETE? (That is not the same question as "Did You Send Everything?!")
Despite many email and newsletter reminders, every year there are a handful of students notified about a missing component of their application file. In previous years, it was a transcript (she had received the email confirmation that it had been sent (this is different from an email confirmation of receipt); and for another student, December SATII subject test scores weren't received. One time, a student viewed another's test scores in his file (and they weren't higher!!). Sadly, many students learn that teacher recommendations are "missing".
Please check, check and recheck all emails received from colleges to ensure your file is complete. Each college has its own unique features and not all colleges will notify you that your file is incomplete.
You are responsible for verifying that everything was received (as opposed to sent). Don't overlook transcripts, test scores and recommendations. I also highlight that at this time of year, FAFSA and CSS Profiles are also due.
- DAILY e-mail Check!! Don't ignore any emails from any of your colleges as you may overlook time sensitive requests .
*** A time sensitive request may be an invitation to apply for Honors College or a competitive scholarships!
If you haven't received confirmation and/or your file is incomplete-- contact admissions by phone to clarify and send a follow-up email to an actual person.
???? I made a mistake on my application - what do I do?
If it is a minor error, let it go rather than calling attention to the situation. If you have concerns on what is defined as "minor" - give me a call ASAP and we can determine if notification is helpful or harmful. If you made a typo- official scores and transcripts will be received. Keep in mind, your reader will spend 5 to 10 minutes on your file == outside of a glaring spelling error, not likely to be a headache.
??? We're probably not eligible for financial aid. Are there any scholarships?
Yes there are many unique merit based and need based forms of aid. If you need assistance with finding and applying for scholarships or completing your FAFSA/CSS Profiles, please reach out to discuss your unique situation.
You will be surprised to know that financial aid is likely for many families. I can assist you with determining your eligibility -- please don't rule out applying for financial aid. The most common misconceptions that lead families to avoid applying are those dealing with parental income vs. assets as well as divorce/blended family situations. Give me a call to discuss your unique situation.
Admissions/Alumni Interviews:
Some tips for a successful interview!
- Alumni Interview invites:
Timely response is required-24 hours! Some alumni interviewers can email you with very short notice. It's acceptable to ask to reschedule if you simply cannot make the suggested appointment. Please contact me for suggested language on accepting, rescheduling and thanking your interviewer.
First and foremost- be yourself because everyone else is taken! That's not cliché-it is truly the most important piece of advice I can provide.
BACKGROUND RESEARCH:
Please contact me to schedule your mock interview. To prepare for a successful interview, make sure you have done your homework! First and foremost, know your interviewer. Check their LinkedIn profile and do a Google search- looking for common bonds to share. Some of the most successful interview experiences are those where we learn that you and your interviewer have only one-degree of separation! Do your homework!
Some of your alumni interviewers will have received your Common Application -- but most will not. You have more "control" over the flow of the conversation when you bring your interviewer your "Activities Resume". Please contact me to review recent accomplishments and to ensure you are using a format that will showcase your strengths and capture the interviewer's attention. A one-page resume is sufficient! (A second page can include an abstract of any noteworthy research projects.)
Be prepared to ask questions about campus life, academics and research opportunities in your chosen field. There should not be a single surprised look on your face when the interviewer speaks of a club (related to your expressed interest), or anything about the curriculum in your intended major. You should very clearly show the same level of "informed interest" as you demonstrated in your application essays. The more you know about the college, the interviewer will understand that you are very very very interested in attending the institution.
Be a good listener-alumni LOVE to talk about their alma mater.
MAKE YOUR POINT!
As a Cornell University local representative, I can tell you I've seen it all! I've interviewed hundreds of high school, undergraduate and graduate students in mock and actual academic and employment settings. I often observe the same mistake: students spew out long lists of accomplishments without taking a breath! Each sentence you speak should make a unique point. (Seniors - we had the same issues in essays!)
For example, if you want to talk about your experiences in Science Olympiad, expand that thought by connecting to scientific research opportunities on campus. Use the opportunity to mention a particular faculty research lab that you might like to join. Don't list all your accomplishments in one sentence: "I enjoyed my time in high school participating in Science Olympiad, organizing the Girl Scout Cookie drive, volunteering at the Hospital, Teaching Sunday School and Playing Clarinet in the Concert Band." Each accomplishment is worthy of its own sentence! Each accomplishment can be connected to a similar initiative at the undergraduate community you would like to join.
Exude heartfelt passion about the university, demonstrating you have done your homework and that you bring something special to the freshman class! Your alumni interviewer should look forward to welcoming you into the Alumni Association in the not too distant future!
FASHIONISTA - ABSOLUTELY NOT!
(Unless you are an art or performance major!)
I'm often asked what to wear for the interview. I can more easily tell you what not to wear. (This is the part where I probably sound pretty much like your parents). Do not wear ripped jeans however fashionable. Do not wear sneakers. Do not wear excessive cologne/perfume. Unless you are an aspiring Business student, in general, a pair of slacks and a clean button-down shirt/blouse are sufficient. If you are a finalist for a competitive scholarship, men should arrive in a tie at minimum. Modest, tasteful and business casual are the general guidelines for interview dress.
Side note: If you know you tend to sniffle, have tissues on hand should something in the environment cause a flare-up.
If a challenge for you-practice practice practice your eye contact and sitting up straight.
WHERE ELSE DID YOU APPLY?
If your interviewer is rude enough to ask this question directly or hint indirectly (you must have applied to some very competitive schools!), the best way to handle this question is the way you would handle any intrusion. You don't have to respond but you do have to be polite. One possibility: "I'm thrilled to be meeting today and learning about X University. I am very interested in attending and while I have applied to other equally competitive colleges, for all the reasons we have discussed today, I would be honored to be accepted to the class of 2022."
Please send a thank you note to your interviewer (or panel) within 24 hours. Include something in your note that you appreciated learning from your interviewer.
Above all, be prepared, confident and be yourself. You may not necessarily impress the interviewer, but please relax knowing that it's virtually impossible to say anything so outrageous to adversely impact your chance of admission.
Bonnie
Bonnie R. Rabin, PhD
Educational & College Admissions Consultant
561.509.0021
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QUICK LINKS!
LEARN MORE ABOUT:
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Do you have a strategic educational plan for success?
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Your Educational Plan Includes:
- A challenging "synergistic" high school curriculum
- Sustained and directed extracurricular activities
- Meaningful Experiences and Connections
- Student directed research to create a list of target colleges and scholarships
Results:
Motivated, Self-Directed & Confident Young Adults Ready to Succeed!
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Be Inspired!
Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Cornell University Alumni Representative
Educational & College Admissions Consultant
561.509.0021
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