Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D.
Personalized Educational & College Admissions Services
South Florida 561.509.0021
Boulder/Denver 720.737.9944
Online 833.MY.ESSAY
www.collegecareerconsulting.com
Experience the Difference!
Expert Knowledge & Caring Support
ACADEMIC & COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ADVISING WHEREVER YOU ARE
STEM, Business, Humanities, Arts
IS YOUR STUDENT ON TARGET?
Joyful? Motivated?
Build your personalized Educational & College Admissions Plan!
Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D.
guides her clients to define and realize educational and career goals.
With over thirty years of experience as a university professor & admissions committee member you're invited to leverage her extensive knowledge of university curricula and career opportunities to BUILD YOUR COLLEGE PLAN!.
Pre-College Advising!
Be inspired!
Juniors (2021)
WRITERS' BLOCK COLLEGE ESSAY WORKSHOP -
June 2021
Space is limited - registration now open!
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Congrats!!! A SAMPLE of of recent College Acceptances Include:
Carnegie Mellon,Brown, Princeton, Cornell, UPenn, Georgia Tech (Engineering, Bio-Chem), NYU, Bowdoin, WUSTL, Reed, Michigan (Engineering & Other majors), U.Illinois (Engineering & Others), Boston U., UNC, Notre Dame, Miami, Dartmouth, Duke, SCAD, Tulane, Drexel Honors, Parsons, Berklee College of Music, UC Boulder, U.Arizona, Penn State, UT Austin, Pittsburgh, SUNY Stonybrook, RIT, UF, plus many more
COVID POLICY UPDATE
Your College Admissions Goals Haven't Changed - But Your College Plan May Need Adjustments.
All our appointments are held remotely. Access personalized online college counseling with Bonnie Rabin, PhD.
We're not new to remote college counseling. In fact, we've been serving our clients throughout the US through virtual platforms for years. We're ready to answer all your questions about College Admissions, College Applications and College Essays in these uncertain times.
Click Below to View: BENEFITS of EARLY COLLEGE PLANNING
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College Admissions Planning- "Mistakes" to Avoid
Greetings Students & Families
What's your favorite flavor of ice-cream?
Embrace and enjoy that scoop- don't follow the crowd at the ice-cream store or in life!
My goal is to help build your student's educational strategy to leave each student feeling empowered about their journey and success! Success is very personal -- each family's definition is a reflection of values and personal preferences- but we all agree-- it is a process that needs to be student-led if it is to be sustainable for the long haul. I hope you also see success as including joy, minimizing stress and being a contributing member to communities- becoming an impactful global citizen in a way that leverages each student's personal and academic strengths.
While the title of this week's newsletter is "Mistakes to Avoid" - it's important to recognize that without concrete goals- we cannot assess "success" and hence, there's no mistake worthy of discussion. So first, let's talk about "Goals".
DEFINE GOALS--
SET A PLAN and
then determine:
IS YOUR STUDENT ON TARGET?
Why or Why Not?
The ongoing pandemic has left students and families confused about college admissions and college planning. But I'd argue that students' goals and dreams haven't changed. If you've been reading my blogs and as a newsletter subscriber- you know I've been writing about how COVID has impacted high school and college admissions - providing tips for engaging effectively within virtual classrooms, understanding test optional policies, AP exam formats, and college research in the absence of in-person campus visits.
But mostly- I've spoken about staying focused on goals and adapting your educational and personal journey thru carefully curated joyful extracurricular experiences leading to both personal and academic discovery and success.
It is never too early to begin taking steps to ensure your student has a long-term strategic educational and college admissions plan fostering a love of learning, building solid time management skills and establishing a directed path towards the undergraduate experience. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Denver/Boulder and Metro NYC, I personally guide my high school and undergraduate students to discover their individual academic strengths to embrace their passion for learning, ensuring a seamless transition to the undergraduate experience – COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SUCCESS.
Whether you've just started following my newsletters and blogs or a long time reader-- I welcome you to reach out with your Educational and College Planning questions and BUILD YOUR COLLEGE PLAN.
You'll find several of my videos on topics including high school course planning,STEM admissions, & financial aid sprinkled throughout this newsletter, at my website and even more videos at YouTube: College Career Consulting. PLEASE ENJOY!
In my series of back-to-school newsletters during August and early September, I remarked at the enthusiasm we witness in our students during the initial days of school. The realities of a challenging set of classes and a packed and somewhat modified extracurricular schedule may require proactive adjustments. For seniors, the intensity of your college applications probably made a full plate overflow! Thankfully- that process of submitting college applications has wrapped up for most seniors. My seniors are now focused on scholarship applications, ongoing research on colleges (in light of the absence of in-person campus visits), submitting financial aid forms, and preparing for mid-year admissions update letters.
I know many families across the board are feeling the economic effects of the pandemic. Towards that end- I would like to extend a holiday offer to new and existing clients. During this holiday season I am doubling my client referral fee for any new clients referred who sign a contract by February 1 to $500 or you can prefer, I will donate your referral fee to a charity of your choice in your honor. Thank you in advance for your referral to neighbors, classmates, friends and family throughout our country.
TOP 10+
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PLANNING "MISTAKES"
WHAT NOT TO DO THROUGHOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
The “fit” between a student and a university is based upon three pillars, including “Academics”, “Social” and “Financial”.
Two newsletters ago I detailed EVERYTHING you need to know about "Financial Aid and Scholarships" . Today I want to highlight "mistakes" that can rob you of your peace-- by peace I mean the joy and discovery that teens should embrace throughout high school to prepare each student for academic success and CONFIDENCE!!
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HERE’S SOME REALLY GREAT NEWS– !
There's 3900+ colleges and universities within the US - and the top 300 offer a great education and are a good financial investment. Unless your GPA is a 2.0 - (in which case I'd argue you should consider beginning your post-secondary education at a local 2-year college) - you have a very solid chance of being accepted to one of these fabulous universities.
Busy parents and overwhelmed students require accurate information and personalized attention to navigate high school curriculum choices and the details surrounding the college admissions and financial aid processes.
As this point in the school year, students should be proactively engaged and immersed in the learning taking place. Some classes are truly captivating deepening an interest in the sciences, business, the humanities or the arts. Other students are struggling and re-evaluating perceived interests or strengths. Both experiences are OK!
High school, just the same as the initial years of college is a time to explore and take risks. Some students are thriving-- joyful, engaged and well-rested.
Sadly, I also meet students who are tired and have a bit too much angst about high school and the misconception that high school has the power to be an an all-or-nothing experience for later success. Think outside-the-box and recognizing, every opportunity presents options Perspective is important.
I’m often asked when to start planning for College Applications. My answer may surprise some people-but there’s no better time than ASAP. But let me change up that question– instead of asking about College Admissions, as an Educator with over 30 years of university teaching, research and academic advising experience, let me stress that the question you should be asking is:
“When and How Does my Middle/High School student prepare for academic success?!”
Your focus shouldn’t be driven by college admissions acceptances- but rather, your focus should always be about being prepared for academic and social success. With 3900+ colleges and universities- chances are your student will find that perfect “fit” I’ve spoken in all my blogs – Academic, Social and Financial.
Academic success means learning — and that means every student needs to focus on honing their skills and approach throughout high school to be prepared to engage within the college campus independently and with confidence. To ensure a seamless transition, the work to be done takes place in high school. Selecting the right classes – a balance of an appropriate challenge and manageability. It’s learning how to manage tasks, due dates and assignments and be intrinsically motivated to learn – not just complete assigned tasks. We could spend hours discussing student performance and attention- but that’s not my focus today.
Parents, teachers and academic advisors assume a major role in guiding young adults to becoming mature, motivated and self-directed learners. All too often I've observed families making avoidable mistakes later impacting both a student's joy and their academic and college application success. I
- Understand the College Admissions Process- Key Dates, forms and factors for success in admissions and in maximizing financial aid.
- Create your curriculum map of high school and online programs to reach academic potential and prepare for success as a student and in the college admissions process. The foundation of coursework in high school impacts your success as an undergraduate
- Extracurricular Activities: Identify opportunities for enhancing and refining your activities addressing educational and admissions red-flags. Embrace your strengths, take risks and discover uncharted paths!
- Recommendations for relevant summer programs to increase your admissions chances and confirm / discover an academic area of interest
- Personalized learning strategies to confidence, increase grades and address concerns in one or more classes. Customized solutions for better time management
- Recommendations for Colleges and Majors (conventional and "unusual")
- Clarity on standardized testing (and customized solutions for preparation) and discussion of colleges de-emphasizing their value in admissions decision making
- Activities Resume - Receive proprietary tools to build an eye-catching "activities statement" supporting your summer program applications, Common Application and Scholarship applications.
- Understanding the Real Cost of Education. Specific Strategies for your family and an explanation of Financial Aid and Scholarship Eligibility.
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TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
MISTAKES TO AVOID:
DERAILING YOUR SUCCESS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
# 1 CURRICULUM MAP FOLLOWS THE CROWD
The single most important factor for success as an undergraduate and in the college admissions process is taking the most challenging and relevant curriculum a student can comfortably manage.
For example, regular readers of my newsletter have heard me state before-- if your student is STEM focused, there is little admissions advantage gained from taking AP History classes which have exceptionally large homework demands. Similarly, if your student is interested in obtaining an "MBA" or "MD" or "JD", we'll work on that admissions process in four to five years. Right now, don't plan high school classes for graduate school. Focus on the right steps to prepare for academic success as an undergraduate! Your foundation sets the tone-- but also-- avoiding challenges will likely catch up with you as a undergraduate. I meet many students too worried about their GPA to take on a challenging course. So the result- walking onto the college campus without having stepped outside the comfort bubble becomes a rude awakening.
Despite the best of intentions and the best time management, enrolling in too many AP classes can create hours of homework limiting time available for meaningful extracurricular activities (which are also essential for admissions success and personally rewarding and joyful experiences), needed sleep and family harmony (parent-child dynamics suffer when students are stressed and unnecessary homework completion "arguments" ensue).
As noted, Admissions representatives aren't impressed by APUSH on a STEM applicant's high school transcript. The flip side, humanities driven students might consider the importance of "big data"! All disciplines are now moving to analytics. So while AP Physics isn't necessarily your cup of tea-consider AP Statistics, AP Psychology or AP Computer Science to add breadth to your file setting you apart from the typical humanities applicant.
As part of my approach to strategic educational planning, I'll guide you to creating a high school curriculum that is relevant to your education, college admissions and career objectives. Leverage my extensive knowledge of academic disciplines and explore some unusual major areas of study (increasing your odds of admission and making you a stronger student). Research taking place at universities and in industry is often multi-disciplinary.
MISTAKE # 2: Not Having Honed Your "Niche"
WHAT RESEARCH and PRACTICAL PROBLEMS INTRIGUE YOU?
WHAT MIGHT YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT?
Consider exploring the "research institutes" tab at a few universities simply to learn more about the options that you won't be hearing about in your AP classes:
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Students often tell me they want to become a physician, an engineer, a lawyer-- but oddly, don't really know much (and that's where I come in) about the vast number- hundreds actually- of potential undergraduate majors. Learning about the types of problems and innovations taking place in these fields can be inspirational. Having an opportunity to intern, solve problems, take an EdX course or explore in a summer program can help to develop a very specific interest area - your niche! Discovery is sparked within the classroom - but it's nurtured in hands-on activities- sometimes this takes planning to find that opportunity. I have so many ideas- let's talk!
This interest area will also make your College Specific Supplemental Essays much easier to write. Finally- those alumni interviews will set you apart when you can confidently talk about your interest in International Diplomacy, Green Energy or Lighting Technical Theater design.
FIND YOUR NICHE and YOUR PASSION - ENGAGE IN DISCOVERY!
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# 3 Learning Strategies and Time Management:
"Did you do your homework?" Students often ignore or delay implementation of solutions when struggling with time management, difficult concepts in one or more classes or things just don't feel right in the course schedule. Perhaps the reason homework is "delayed" is because the student is overwhelmed or confused.
My experience advising thousands of students over the past three decades allows me to assess and implement classroom and time management solutions. I've worked with students having a variety of learning disabilities and where appropriate, I can help families partner with health care professionals to receive necessary care.
Declining grades can be the result of many factors. Hovering and arguing aren't pleasant, nor is this leading to a long-term solution of student-led independence and accountability. Student and parents have the same goals- success.
Self-destructive behavior can be avoided if we help our students recalibrate their goals. Remember, parents have 20 years of life experience- why should you assume or require your teen to be as mature or focused as you are as an adult.
This concern is even more problematic for those students who are spending hours upon hours in front of a screen all day. Please don't expect there to be a desire to complete more hours of screen time after a day of virtual learning. Let's look at ways to change things so students can function with joy and purpose.
# 4 OVEREXTENDED STUDENTS - OVERWHELMED PARENTS
Don't continue an activity you resent simply because you think it will "look good" in the college admissions process. Certainly don't participate in any activity that is taking so much time that your GPA is being affected.
Students should not be encouraged to engage in too many or "irrelevant" or "drudge" extracurricular activities. I meet families that ask me if : "Will participating in 'x' look good?" WRONG QUESTION!!
Spend time in activities that are joyful, encourage exploration and leverage strengths. No one should spend time in activities that are boring or again- follow friends. One student was reluctant to continue in theater-- something he truly enjoyed - because his friends were in other activities. With some gentle prodding - he continued- and he's really happy he has done so. Another student was spending so many hours in marching band, she missed out on HOSA-- we made some tough choices, but she's now a senior with a bio-medical research path at Johns Hopkins.
Likelike - while too many or the continuing something that has long since been joyful- doing nothing is also dangerous- that is my # 10 below - please read on ....
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As a former college admissions representative, and a current Cornell alumni interviewer, I can assure you that we can spot insincerity on applications. Activities should only include those that capitalize on a student's academic strengths or personal interests. No one should be engaged in an activity that doesn't bring joy or adversely impacts time needed for academic success.
Activities enrich a student's academic experience and should bring balance into a student's busy life. Let's discuss continued opportunities for leadership in current activities, as well as enriching personal and academic interests.
Parents are needlessly worrying about their busy student's schedule which seems short on sleep and long on late night homework. Let me help your student redirect so that everyone is balanced and goals are realized.
# 5 WRONG MAJOR- POOR "FIT"
Don't make the mistake of focusing your energies on researching colleges when you should be researching potential majors based on your interests and academic strengths. Even if you have multiple interests, you are more likely to be successful by applying to specific majors of study that reflect your high school curriculum and extracurricular interests to date. You can be admitted as a biology major and subsequently graduate as an art history major.
Students make the mistake of thinking "conventionally". Just because you want to be a physician doesn't mean you need to major in Biology. Similarly, pre-law is more than politics.
Be informed about unconventional and "hot" major areas of study that capitalize on your strengths and interests while providing a strategic admissions edge. BE OPEN MINDED-- at 15, 16 or 17 - why are you boxing yourself into a major?
Students and parents often overlook some absolutely stellar Honors Programs at State Flagship colleges providing a comparable education to even the most competitive institutions. These programs are available to out-of-state residents and often include substantial scholarships to attract strong students. Such programs include "Honors Housing" and many educational extras - VIP educational treatment.
As a former college professor, you're invited to leverage my extensive knowledge of curriculum and degree requirements. Let me introduce you to a variety of majors you've likely never encountered.
I will teach you how to read a curriculum map!
Start today- head to any large university and open the course catalog- you will be amazed at the number of majors, and within each major the course requirements will hopefully inspire you to learn more.
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# 6 THE DETAILS! Summer ? Collegiate Programs?
Don't pay to attend non-collegiate or travel summer programs run by "franchise" operations or those that send you glossy selective invitations. These programs are frowned upon by admissions officers. Let me help identify "spam-scam" activities.
I'll provide the information you need to select an appropriate program that enriches both your education and enhances your chances of admission.
My January newsletter will discuss the advantages of attending collegiate summer programs. The most selective programs have an application timeline that is December to February. Many programs may appear quite costly-and that's indeed true- but financial assistance is available and the need for assistance will not impact the admissions decision. There are also many cost-free programs for targeted students- e.g. STEM women!
I have many former students who attended and excelled at credit-bearing summer programs and the grades earned overshadowed their high school GPA leading to acceptances at colleges including CMU, Cornell, Boston, NYU, UMich, Brown, University of Florida and more
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# 7 FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY
Many families make the mistake of concluding they aren't eligible for financial aid and/or don't bother to work with a professional to help understand and appeal financial aid award letters. My clients have been successful appealing their financial aid award.
MISTAKE TO AVOID: The Florida Pre-Pay trap: Don't limit yourself to in-state public institutions because you participated in Florida Prepay. Your financial circumstances may actually favor out-of-state private college attendance. You'll learn more about financial aid basics during your initial consultation.
Universities want to attract you to attend by offering lucrative merit scholarships. Based on your academic and extracurricular record-- there is quite a bit of merit based assistance for students. Set goals, plan early- starting the college exploration process as early as 8th grade.
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# 8 DON'T APPLY TO COLLEGES YOU DON'T WANT TO ATTEND: FOLLOW the CROWD?
Applying to colleges you really don't want to attend is a serious way to experience major disappointment. Every year I hear from families asking how to get off wait lists. One family I recall a few years ago had contacted me disappointed about having to attend UF or Cornell after being rejected from two other Ivy League colleges! The student has in fact thrived at the school she is now attending. If by chance things don't work out, transferring at the end of the first or even second year is an acceptable option. (Another reason to avoid Senioritis - as high school transcripts are relevant in transfer admissions for undergraduates with fewer than 60 credits.)
This is another example of herd mentality. Following friends isn't recommended. Do the research on a college and the major that are the best fit for you academically and socially.
Try to avoid becoming obsessed with one college. At 18 years old all paths should remain open!
If you're a Junior '22 now is the time to be actively engaged in research on the variety of college majors. We want to have your balanced short - list of colleges in place by the time we reach June - and hopefully you'll be joining me at my June Writers Block Workshop.
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# 9 HONESTY IS STILL THE BEST POLICY
I share with you two actual stories. There are many more --and I must stress that
anxiety over college admissions is never ever ever a reason to ignore your moral compass!
First, a former client arrived at our initial essay brain-storming session with a polished essay way beyond her writing abilities. She confessed that her mom was nervous about her ability to actually write an essay and had asked a professional writer and personal friend to generate the essay.
Plagiarism is completely unacceptable!!
Another student shared with me that her friend's college counselor suggested enhancing her resume to include unverifiable volunteer activities such as beach clean-up, Sunday school teaching and working at Habitat for Humanity. I was speechless.
Fabricating or exaggerating your resume, college or scholarship application is not only grounds for an admissions retraction; it's simply immoral and not the way to begin your professional career.
If by chance I haven't persuaded you and you think everyone "enhances" their activities resume, let me remind you of the old adage "we live in a small world". You will get caught. An admissions officer or alumni interviewer may serve on the Board at the organization you've embellished and you will be speechless when you don't recognize names being noted in your alumni interview.
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# 10 SAT, ACT, SUBJECT TESTS and TEST PREPARATION SERVICES
I'm sure you set aside one of my earlier newsletters that contained absolutely EVERYTHING you need to know about standardized testing and college admissions. Here's the link to my recent newsletter.
Ensure your high school curriculum is lined up to prepare you to manage the necessary SAT II subject tests required at the most competitive institutions. Ask me which tests are reviewed favorably during the admissions process for specific majors. There is considerable variation across colleges and even within colleges by majors.
Let's create your plan for test preparation and test taking- there are more exams than you may be aware of at the moment - and colleges that de-emphasize standardized tests.
Avoid redundant test preparation-hand holding isn't for everyone. If you must have help preparing for your SAT/ACT, ask your tutor if they will be providing you customized or off-the-rack resources. I have a list of recommended tutors that have worked with several clients.
Self-study isn't for everyone, but it is highly recommended. There are several excellent self-paced online standardized test preparation services at a fraction of the cost of pricey local vendors. The best part-self-directed and motivated young adults excel in college! What an opportunity!
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# 11 (Ok so I am exceeding the Top-10)
CAMPUS VISITS AREN'T REQUIRED
and these don't enhance your chances of admissions. For that matter, with travel restrictions and closed campuses- for now that is off the table. But for my Freshman and Sophomores- there will be plenty of time post-pandemic.
Campus visits are expensive and should be limited to 3 to 5 schools that you can very clearly articulate a reason for visiting. Most of what you need to know about academics is described at the college website. Visits in the junior year are valuable if you want to truly narrow your list or confirm an Early Decision application. If possible, aim to cut costs by visiting several schools in one part of the country. You also have time for visits in the fall of your senior year where there are special senior programs that will allow you to shadow a current student.
*** Women and underrepresented minorities can often visit colleges at target weekends sometimes in an all-expenses paid program. Applications are due late summer/early fall.
# 12 DON'T RUSH! GAP YEARS
are a wonderful opportunity for all students to mature. Some parents and students assume that a year off means a seemingly great student will not be able to adjust to hard work after a gap year program. The data support the exact opposite. A year away often matures and energizes young adults and they outperform their peers in all majors.
Taking a gap year can also provide financial aid advantages by allowing siblings to have more overlap years as undergraduates leading to enhanced financial aid awards. Ask me how this works!
# 13 EARLY DECISION TRAP
Early decision acceptance rates are higher than regular decision rates at many institutions. Parents and students should not conclude that individual chances are higher by design. Qualified applicants have high chances of admission in both admissions cycles. All too often I meet with families in our end-of-junior-year meeting with a confirmed list of reach, match and safety institutions. Then the panic sets in and students cannot imagine the protracted admissions cycle (decisions don't arrive until end of March). Returning from their summer activities, the once fourth choice has become the first choice and the student switches to Early Decision. Having choice in life is always a good thing as is patience for the natural course of events in all that we do.
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# 14 -THE MISTAKE YOU DON'T WANT TO MAKE
Please don't assume that a high or perfect GPA earned in 6 AP classes in your junior and senior years will land you an acceptance letter at the selective college of your dream. Very simply- it will not. If you are a regular reader of my newsletters and blogs- you've heard me over and over talking about taking the time in high school to discovery and be joyful. College admissions want to know two things about.
A Perfect GPA isn't sufficient to gain an acceptance to a highly selective college nor is it necessarily the best way to leverage your high school career at the expense of other introspective opportunities. Everyone applying to highly selective colleges has a high GPA and the same transcript.
Please don’t wait until the end of your junior year to realize you have a 4.0 and a 1500 SAT but you have only the National Honors Society and 50 hours of assorted unspecific community service hours to note as the “activities” of your Common Application.
Take the time throughout high school to engage in the activities that bring you joy and allow you to share something about your unique self!
I’m positive I can help you think of many ways to engage beyond the clubs at your high school – LET’S CHAT!
College Admissions Officers want to know two things about every applicant —
1 Who are You ?
2 What “Problem” do you want to solve- what do you want to learn with others on our college campus?
I previously wrote about all the moving parts of your College Application including.
- Transcript/ GPA
- Extracurricular Activities
- Standardized Test Scores
- Teacher Recommendations
- College Admissions Essays
As an educator and college counselor with over 30+ years of experience guiding young adults, my message is straightforward- it’s about the importance of young adults finding the joy in all that they do. Teens attend classes, engage in student clubs and navigate life within their communities– all of this shapes emerging personal and academic interests.
Young adults who spend their time engaging in the activities that they love are not only successful during the college admissions and college application process, but are more purposeful students and community members once arriving on their high school and college campuses. Happiness can never be overrated! You may be a tad bit suspect about “happiness” after so many months of social distancing and perhaps even illness within your home. I cannot overstate how stressful the COVID-19 situation is for all of us- but we know that hope and joy about our future can carry us through this difficult time.
CONFIDENCE, ENGAGEMENT AND MOTIVATION RESULT WHEN OUR YOUNG ADULTS ARE ENCOURAGED AND SUPPORTED TO EXPLORE AND FIND THEIR UNIQUE AND JOYFUL PATH. SO YOU MAY BE ASKING ME WHAT ON EARTH DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH SUCCESS DURING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS–
While no teen needs to have decided at 17 or even 24 a lifetime career path, in college admissions- you'll be asked to talk about why you selected your major area of study. College admissions officers also like to see sustained interest/involvment in activities that define you personally, connect you to your community and have demonstrated and explained how you became interested in your academic area of interest. If time is so consuming through enrollment in 5 to 7 AP /IB classes to have limited involvement in extracurricular/personal pursuits- your perfect GPA doesn't go very far in helping to learn about you as a person and emerging student.
About 90 to 95% of my clients began work with me before their Junior year. A handful of students reach out during their senior year. Many have huge dreams and goals that often include acceptance to a highly selective university. And while their GPA may be near-perfect and they possess the desire and ability to succeed academically at selective universities- I am saddened to inform students with no recognizable connection to an emerging academic interest that their chances aren't strong. If I only had met them 6-12 months sooner- I could have helped by suggesting ways to spend time to deepen academic discovery and increase chances of academic and college admissions success. This is the case for aspiring business, STEM- engineering, pre-med, Humanities, pre-law, artists and any major. For that matter- if we had more time I can help each student engage in academic discovery to avoid being one of the 25% of undergraduates who change majors -- sometimes resulting in the need to spend a fifth year to earn their undergraduate degree.
Your activities are opportunities to discover and engage in three distinct ways:
Academics-
Discover and deepen an academic area of interest- presumably your intended major. In particular, not only will you be noting activities this abbreviated section of the Common Application, but you’ll also be writing responses to essay prompts that ask you how you’ve decided to pursue a particular major.
Interested in STEM? Some expected extracurricular activities include FIRST Robotics, HOSA, Volunteering at hospitals, science fairs, or math team.
Interested in Business/Economics? Students may have been inspired by DECA, FBLA, an internship and even working/shadowing at parents’ office in an informal way. Students can also volunteer to work with younger students in all these areas.
If you need ideas on how to become engaged and involved to learn more about an area of interest beyond the clubs offered at your high school- let’s talk!
“Passion” – You’ll notice that many college essay prompts asks about a “typical” day or an activity that brings joy. At least one or more of your listed activities should represent one way you spent your time that is for YOU! Do you bake cakes, blog, write poems, teach Sunday school or dare I say it- play video games. While parents often scoff when I suggest attending an amateur video tournament- the reality- it’s one way to validate what is otherwise viewed as a less favorably use of a teen’s time. Everyone should have something they truly enjoy and look forward to doing during free time. This passion can also be the motivation to develop better time management skills – “I need to finish my homework by 8 p.m. so I can have the evening to <Fill in the blank>?”
CORNELL UNIVERSITY ESSAY: What is your “thing”? What energizes you or engages you so deeply that you lose track of time? Everyone has different passions, obsessions, quirks, inspirations. What are yours? (Please limit your response to 650 words.)*
Community Service- It’s truly important for our teens to recognize that they assume a role in their local and globally communities. How we engage and connect to others is a reflection of your family’s core values. Not only are community service hours an important part of your application- but they allow students to put their soul behind a cause that is important to them- whether’s it’s assisting those in need, fighting for social justice, raising awareness on issues of human trafficking or global warming- goals don’t have to be lofty -but being a part of a community will undoubtedly exercise your compassion muscles and teach you to be a better listener and work within a group.
That aside, many college essays ask for replies to essay prompts addressing questions such as “what community are you a part of” or “share a time you’ve collaborated with others”.
Juniors-- Class of 2021-
FINISH YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY BEFORE SUMMER BREAK!
June WRITERS BLOCK DATES, information and registration:
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I hope your holiday season is not only safe -- but meaningful. So many of us were undoubtedly quiet creative in how we celebrated.Thanksgiving dinner and are thankful for so much including arriving healthy at the holiday table.
As we continue our Thanksgiving weekend and enter the holiday season, we are also well aware of the suffering around us. The diversity of my clients I serve is a blessing. Something all my families share in common is hope – hope for the future; and for many families – this hope originates in spiritual grounding. There are so many things that we can be thankful for, including the gift of life itself – especially during this terrible pandemic where so many families have lost a loved one. While some of you will give thanks through words/prayers, I encourage you to also consider expressing your gratitude through acts of kindness and charitable giving. I had previously shared a link to Giving Tuesday. Locally, food insecurity affects many and I hope you will reach out to organizations of your choice to contribute and do so generously. Many blessings to everyone for a healthy, safe and joyous holiday season.
DO YOU HAVE A STRATEGIC EDUCATIONAL & COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PLAN FOR SUCCESS?
ARE YOU ON TARGET?
8th to 11th Grade families
It's time for your mid-year strategic educational check-up to assist with summer plans and confirming course planning for the next academic year.
If you didn't fare well in the online modality this past fall- it's really important to cover ground in sequential courses such as foreign language, mathematics and science before you step back into the classroom after the holiday break. Do you need some suggestions of resources to polish missed concepts during the fall?
This is also the appropriate time of year to review extracurricular activities as you begin to plan your summer. As extracurricular activities continue to be placed on hold and/or see modifications - navigating the journey towards the undergraduate experience is a bit more challenging in these uncertain times. So how do students continue to engage and explore their interests- let's talk!
YOUR PERSONALIZED EDUCATIONAL AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PLAN RESULTS IN MOTIVATED, SELF-DIRECTED & CONFIDENT YOUNG ADULTS READY TO SUCCEED!
WITH OVER THIRTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS A UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR & ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER YOU’RE INVITED TO LEVERAGE HER EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF UNIVERSITY CURRICULA AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD YOUR COLLEGE PLAN!.
I WISH ALL HIGH SCHOOL AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS CONTINUED SUCCESS - defined by a joyful and meaningful year both within and outside the classroom.
Bonnie Rabin, PhD
Post-Pandemic In-Person
South Florida 561.509.0021
Boulder/Denver and Metro NYC 720.737.9944
VIRTUALLY wherever you are: 833.MY.ESSAY
STEM, Business, Humanities, Creative Arts -
Find Your Passion and Be Unique!
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Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D.
561.509.0021
607.280.4905
Request your complimentary consultation.
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