SCOUT DESTINATIONS
A QUARTERLY GUIDE TO COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING
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This edition of Scout Destinations provides an overview of important dates for the spring related to the college search process. Our
In the News
section has a wide variety of articles about the college admissions process. Our
Social Media
section has links to two excellent videos. One is from D115 Board President Reese Marcusson, who shares his thoughts about the college search process. The other is a TedTalk by Angela Lee Duckworth on grit and perseverance. Lastly, we celebrate our Class of 2019 and wish them well in their future endeavors.
The March edition will be the final one of the 2018-19 school year. Next year we will publish 4 editions of Scout Destinations to ensure LFHS families have current and practical information about the college and career planning process. We always welcome reader feedback. You can share comments with Dr. Patrick Sassen, Director of Educational Services (
psassen@lfschools.net
).
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Upcoming Events in Educational Services
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March 19
Career Fair, Competition Gym
April 9
SAT/PSAT test day, grades 9-11, test starts at 8am
May 1
Decision Day celebration, CRC
May 15-16
Senior seminars for Graduation check-in
June 6
Graduation rehearsal 3 - 4pm, followed by senior picnic 4-5pm
June 8
Graduation, 2:30pm, seniors to be at LFHS by 1:30pm
July 22-July 24 (9 - 11am) and August 19-August 22 (3:30 - 5pm)
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In light of the recent investigation into “pay for admission” practices at elite universities, this article provides insights into how impactful graduating from an elite university is on the trajectory of careers.
Powerful
ways high school students can be hopeful and assert control and choice in their college search process. This is a great read for parents and students.
5 Admissions Pet Peeves College Applicants Should Avoid.
Early Admission Results for the Class of 2023 are in. With admission rates falling at the most highly selective colleges, it is more important than ever for college bound students to create a balanced list of college choices, including TARGET, SAFETY, and STRETCH schools.
The 2019-2020 Common Applications essay prompts have just been released. Which essay prompt provides the best opportunity for you tell your story? Now is a great time to check out the essay prompts and start to brainstorm your ideas…
Why Extracurricular Activities Should Be a Priority.
Over the past decade, about 30% of young men have dropped out of college during their freshman year (Hartley). For those who remained, 38% completed their bachelor’s degree in four years and 58% finished within six. (National Center for Education Statistics). According to researchers, the struggles of male college freshmen have not changed much through the years, but many of today’s young men, compared to those of the past, are less resilient with regard to the challenges. Read more about what is contributing to this concerning trend…
Although the sticker price for college continues to inch up, the real cost is flattening and declining in some cases.
Want to know an estimate of what it will cost to attend the college or university of your choice? Use the school's NET PRICE CALCULATOR! Learn more about how NET PRICE CALCULATORS work.
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May 1st-National Response Date
Colleges have set aside May 1st as the date for seniors to commit to the one college they will attend in the fall. To commit to a school, seniors are required to accept their offer of admission and submit a deposit as outlined in their acceptance letter. Sometimes choosing one college can be extremely challenging. Counselors are ready to help their students with this decision process!
For students who have been awarded financial aid, there may be additional documents to submit in order to secure this funding. Students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office to confirm their acceptance of scholarships, loans and/or work study.
For students who have been admitted to more than one school, it’s a great idea to notify the schools they will not be attending; this frees up space for other students that may be on a waitlist.
Final Transcripts for Seniors
Counselors will meet with their seniors in small groups in May. During this final seminar, seniors will complete a survey indicating which school they will attend in the fall. Final transcripts will then be sent in June to the college that seniors have chosen. There is no additional paperwork to fill out to request the final transcript.
Juniors-College Visits
Visiting colleges is the best way to determine if a college is the right fit. Juniors, continue to spend time walking around a variety of campuses: urban, suburban, rural, extra large, small, big 10, liberal arts. There is more than one place that could provide a robust post-secondary experience for you. Be open to the different experiences that a school can offer. It’s great if you can visit schools while the students are in session (usually prior to the second week in May), but if the only time to visit is in the summer, that’s okay too. It’s still a worthwhile visit to meet with the admissions staff and take advantage of a guided tour. Not sure where to start? There are several schools in Illinois within a relatively short distance that will offer a variety of campus settings.
Juniors-Individual College Planning Meetings
Counselors are meeting with juniors and their parents to discuss the college process. During these appointments, counselors can assist with developing a list of safety, target and stretch schools. Students and parents are encouraged to complete the junior autobiography and parent perspective on Naviance, as these are necessary for the counselor recommendation letter. Parents can access Naviance with their student’s login information.
Juniors-College Essays
Many colleges require an essay as part of their college application. The summer months are a great time to spend brainstorming ideas for an essay, starting an outline, or better yet, diving right in and writing it! The essay is the one part of the application to communicate something about you not found anywhere else in the application, or, to expand on something noted in an activity section. What makes you unique? What are you passionate about? Let your voice be heard! Think you might need help with this? Take advantage of the Common App Workshop offered this summer so you can get a jump on this process. Registration is open now on the summer school link found
here
.
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(Photo courtesy of the University of Tampa website)
Home to nearly 8,000 students from all 50 states and 140 countries, UT is a private university with a reputation for academic excellence, personalized attention, and real-world learning. UT’s 12 modern residence halls provide all the comforts and conveniences you need to succeed. With 65 percent of students living on campus, UT is always buzzing with activity. The business and cultural hub of Florida’s west coast, Tampa is alive with festivals, professional sports, amusement parks, museums, shopping, fine dining, and much more. Just a short drive from white-sand beaches, Disney World, and other major attractions, the Tampa Bay area is hard to beat! Popular majors at UT include International Business, Biology/Environmental Science, Finance, and Marketing. UT accepts 48% of applicants, with the ACT range being 22 to 27.
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(Photo courtesy of the Furman University website)
Furman University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts and sciences universities, offering rigorous academics, broad research opportunities, a robust visual and performing arts program, and NCAA Division I athletics. Furman is located in Greenville, South Carolina, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and praised as one of America’s top travel destinations. The university’s 2,800 students live and learn on a campus that is internationally recognized for its traditional beauty and modern facilities. Popular majors include Social Science, Political Science and Government, Business/Commerce, Health Professions and Related Clinical Science. Furman accepts 68% of applicants, with the ACT range being 25 to 31.
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Places We're Going This Spring
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(Photo courtesy of the Stetson University website)
The mission of this small private university with an enrollment of 3000 students is to provide a challenging education in a creative community where learning, leadership and values meet. Popular majors include Psychology, Finance, and Health Services. Stetson admits 66% of applicants, with the ACT range being 23 to 28.
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(Photo courtesy of The George Washington University website)
Located just 4 blocks from the White House and down the street from the State Department, GW offers outstanding academics, strong tradition, faculty connections, as well as research, internship, service, and job opportunities in the Washington D.C. area. Popular majors include International Relations and Affairs, Business Administration and Management, and Psychology. GW admits 40% of applicants, with the ACT range being 27 to 32.
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Schools Our LFHS students are Attending
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Celebrating Our Graduates - Class of 2019
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