Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D.
Personalized Educational & College Admissions Services
South Florida 561.509.0021
Boulder/Denver 720.737.9944
Nationwide Online 833.MY.ESSAY
www.collegecareerconsulting.com
Experience the Difference!
Expert Knowledge & Caring Support
ACADEMIC & COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ADVISING WHEREVER YOU ARE
STEM, Business, Humanities, Creative 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 '23
WRITERS' BLOCK COLLEGE ESSAY WORKSHOP -
June 2022
Space is limited - registration now open!
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NEWSLETTER CONTENTS:
AP Exams and College Planning
Their Educational Importance
Which Exams ? How Many?
- TIPS and Resources to Prepare for Your AP Exams
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Congrats!!! A SAMPLE of our recent College Acceptances Include:
Carnegie Mellon, UPenn, Princeton, Cornell, U. Michigan, Northwestern, Georgia Tech, Barnard, Columbia, Smith, Stanford, University of North Carolina, Vassar, Brown, Bowdoin, Wellesley, Emory, U.Illinois, Notre Dame, NYU, Rice, University of Chicago, Washington University (WUSTL), Drexel, Tulane, London School of Economics, Purdue, Swarthmore, SCAD, Ohio, Georgetown, Hamilton, Reed, Miami, Johns Hopkins, University of Florida, University of Arizona, Penn State, Villanova, Northeastern, SUNY-ESF, St. Johns, Embry-Riddle, Colgate, Fordham, Columbia, Barnard, Syracuse, Swarthmore, Pittsburgh, Dickinson, Colorado, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Howard, Fordham, SUNY Stonybrook, Duke, Case Western, Rochester Institute of Technology, Parsons, Virginia Tech, Boston U., Hobart & William Smith, Claremont Mckenna, Davidson, Westpoint, Gettysburg, Amherst, Temple, Denison, Howard, UT Austin, SUNY-Binghamton, Hamilton, George Washington, American, Indiana, SMU, James Madison, and many more!...
WRITE YOUR STORY!
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.
AP EXAMS - What's Their Role and Testing Requirements in College Admissions Click to View Video: Read details that follow.
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Planning Next year's courses ?
*** Current Seniors: It's Decision Time --
Where will you place your deposit May 2022 - Need some help deciding and evaluating your options or negotiating your financial aid offers ?
- AP exams are going to take on a greater role (sadly) in college admissions as the SATII subject tests eliminated last year and ongoing Test Optional Policies encourage alternative options - Test Flexible Admissions .
IS YOUR STUDENT ON TARGET?
Curious? Independent?
It is never too early to begin taking steps to ensure your student has a long-term strategic educational plan fostering a love of learning, building solid time management skills and establishing a directed path towards the undergraduate experience. Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D. personally guides her students to discover their individual academic strengths and an intrinsically motivated passion for learning, ensuring a seamless transition to the undergraduate experience.
BUILD YOUR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PLAN
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Educational & College Admissions Planing !
9th-11th - It's time for Course Planning Discussions for 2022-23 and Summer '22 Program Applications
Juniors - Attend our June WRITERS BLOCK WORKSHOP - Complete your college core essay before summer
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College Admissions Planning: Insider Tips:
AP Exams: Everything you need to know!
Greetings High School & Middle School Students & Families
So much has changed in college entrance exam requirements the past two enrollment cycles. During spring 2020, the format of AP exams were truncated and in May 2021 multiple test dates were created a reflection of the delayed school start. Spring 2020 was a mess—as so many of my own clients reported issues with uploading their responses in their at-home virtual test taking and many students received scores lower than anticipated. The change from a traditional 3 hour exam to a 1 hour at-home format in May 2020 didn’t go that well for everyone. That cycle had an impact on all students who took exams hoping to earn college credit. Moreover, those scores impacted placement in sequential undergraduate coursework in mathematics, science, and foreign languages for the then seniors who arrived on campus (and those scores will impact currently enrolled high school students-).
AP Exam Dates and Formats
So here we are spring 2022 and the College Board has returned to the traditional testing format --but offers a hedge in the event of "widespread school closings". The AP 2021 exams—had 3 rounds of tests.
For the 2022 AP exam cycle—it's business as usual: two weeks of exams, paper and pencil format and the three-hour exam returns.
"The 2022 AP Exams will be administered in schools as paper-and-pencil* exams over two weeks in May: May 2–6 and May 9–13. We’ll continue to monitor global, national, and local health conditions, putting the health and safety of students first, and if there are widespread school closures in spring 2022, we’ll provide options similar to those offered in 2021"
Source: College Board
AP exams will be full-length and cover the entirety of the course content (a sharp contrast to 2020 – and that omitted content may result in no earned college credit or placement changes – subject to the discretion of each individual college.) I caution students to expect placement exams in math, science and foreign languages regardless of scores earned on May 2020 exams once arriving on college campuses. This is actually a good thing- you don't want to start calculus III or advanced biology if you didn't really master the content tested during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years.
The College Board has several excellent resources for review.
As you think about your exam preparation, keep in mind your balanced college list and whether AP Scores will be a necessary part of your college application now that SAT Subject Tests have been eliminated..
Remember- there’s no penalty for postponement—if you aren't physically or emotionally well on the day of the exam, please have a parent alert the school of your absence, and plan to take the exam on a designated make-up date.
This year's late exam / make-up period is Tuesday May 17 to Friday May 20.
Today I will focus on how enrolling in AP coursework can help high school students set and realize educational goals.
AP classes introduce students to potential academic paths and spark further academic interests and discovery.
with College Consultant Bonnie Rabin, PhD
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What inspires your student?
What are you passionate About?
Are you allocating time to deepen that interest?
As I discussed in my recent newsletter on academic course planning, nearly all high schools require similar graduation requirements- 20 to 24 units across a core curriculum in math, science, language arts social studies and foreign language. This college prepatory curriculum aligns closely with the requirements for college acceptances. Colleges aim to assess each applicant's readiness for college level coursework. While there's little difference across high schools in the course sequencing- the most signficant differences are achieved by enrollment in the most challenging coursework each student can comfortably manage. Coursework may include honors or more advanced leveling in AP/AICE or IB courses.
More challenging courses prepare students for their subsequent post-secondary work and allow students to discover academic interests. I always encourage students to leverage their strengths but also to seek out those courses and challenges that are most joyful.
The single most important goal of high school is for each student to develop a love of learning both within and outside the classroom - often accomplished by creating meaningful connections with others -- collaborating on projects at school, in community organizations, and in extracurricular pursuits.
Learning about the types of problems and innovations taking place in a variety of potential fields can be inspirational. Inspiration if you're lucky happens at school- but more often than not it's beyond a textbook or classroom.
Having an opportunity to intern, solve problems, take an EdX course or explore in a collegiate 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! But first- let's talk about why you should enroll in AP classes and which ones are most essential for a variety of different academic interests.
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WHY ENROLL IN AN AP COURSE?
Which AP classes are most appropriate?
As I write about often- college admissions officers want to know that students have takent the most challenging and relevant coursework. They also want to know why you selected your major. Your transcript is the most important predictor of your success as an undergraduate.
AP courses and exams, these provide an opportunity for students to learn more challenging and collegiate level concepts and demonstrate mastery of content. Successfully completing an AP course will provide you with the academic foundation for success in subsequent college level courses. You may even decide to repeat what you think is the same course once arriving on campus.
Regular readers of my blogs and newsletters know that I encourage every high school student to aim to find an appropriate and healthy balance between your academic and personal demands to avoid overextending and unnecessary (family) stress. High school should be joyful! Students take the lead in exploration of their own best practices on learning, time management and personal discover.
Should high students enroll in AP classes? Why?
Which AP courses should students complete?
If possible, absolutely take at least 1 to 3 courses during high school! The AP curriculum offers the most challenging courses available and completing a course will prepare students for the reality of the demands of the undergraduate academic experience ahead.
The Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum provides high school students an option to explore college-level classes across a variety of subjects including Science, History & Social Studies, Math & Computer Science, English, Foreign Language, Art and Music.
The content of material covered on end-of-year exams is taught in either a full academic year or a semester (i.e. AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Physics C - Mechanics). The actual course content is uniform for all test takers throughout the US. Sadly, what's inconsistent is the level of instruction - most high schools do a phenomenal job at instruction.
Not all AP Courses are offered in every high school. If there's an exam that fits your longer-term academic interests that's unavailable at your high school, there are many online and privately available sources of instruction for AP courses.
***Students can also engage in independent study and sit for an AP exam regardless of whether the course is offered at your high school or completed in any formal setting.
Beyond the high school graduation requirements in your state (20 to 24 credits), the classes you select serve some important roles:
- Courses, and in particular-your electives- can help each student explore, develop and deepen an academic interest.
- Core/required and elective courses allow students to better prepare for subsequent academic success. Sequencing is important as are appropriate challenges. For example, a foundation in math is essential for STEM fields and AP art can develop core skills and expand a portfolio.
- The high school transcript reveals a student's ability to succeed as a undergraduate and has a direct impact on the likelihood of college admission. Avoid following the crowd! Admissions officers want to see that students engaged in self-discovery and one aspect of that process is completing the most challenging set of relevant coursework a student can comfortably manage.
TOO MANY!!!
Despite the best of intentions and the best time management, enrolling in too many AP classes can create hours of homework thus limiting time available for meaningful extracurricular activities (which are also essential for admissions success), needed sleep and family harmony (parent-child dynamics suffer when students are stressed and unnecessary homework completion "arguments" ensue).
For example, if your student is STEM focused, there is little admissions advantage gained taking AP History classes which have exceptionally large homework demands.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TIP:
Again, 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, if you're a pre-law, business or even an aspiring English major, consider AP Statistics, AP Psychology or AP Computer Science adding breadth to your file setting you apart from the typical humanities applicant.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Students of all majors should take AP English Language or AP Literature! Every student needs to continue to focus on the skills acquired in these courses. You may even place out of freshman English and can take a more interesting or advanced writing class as an undergraduate.
Pre-Med:
Recommended AP Biology, AP Chemistry
Optional: AP Calculus, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP Physics
Engineering/Computer Science:
Recommended: AP Chemistry, AP Physics (1 or C) AP Calculus, AP CS Principles and/or AP CS A
Optional: AP Statistics
Business:
Recommended: AP Calculus, AP Statistics, 1+ AP History classes, AP Macro Econ, AP Micro Econ
Optional AP Psychology, AP Computer Science, AP Foreign Language
Humanities/Social Sciences
Recommended AP History 2+, AP Psychology, AP Foreign Language
Optional AP Research, AP Psychology, AP Statistics
Visual/Performing Arts:
AP Art 2D/3D, AP Art History, AP Music
Optional: AP History, AP Psychology, AP Foreign Language, AP Computer Science
ASPIRING STEM STUDENTS
If the thought of taking an AP science or mathematics class in high school sounds ominous - you're probably not an engineer or scientist- but I'm certain I can help you re-direct into a multi-disciplinary STEM-related field. But don't stress, because no one has to define their life or field of interest at 16, 26 or even 36.
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What's the relationship between AP exams and those discontinued SAT II Subject Tests I wrote about in my earlier blog?
***TIP!!
While you may not yet know the colleges you'll be applying to during your senior year, we do know that many of the most selective universities used to require SATII subject tests.
Also, some of the test-flexible universities accepted subject tests/AP exams in lieu of ACT/SAT1 scores (i.e. NYU, U Chicago). So while the pandemic has changed the college testing requirements for 2020-21 and 2021-22 - with many colleges again opting to adopt test optional policies for the 2022-23 cycle, the absence of subject tests most certainly will shift the focus to AP scores.
AP scores provide uniform evaluation of students across high schools. Currently enrolled juniors and sophomores should aim do well in any of their AP courses as the corresponding SATII subject tests have been eliminated.
Are AP scores required on college applications?
They've NEVER been a requirement but there has for a very long time been a self-report section on the Common App. (In some high schools, your AP and all standardized test scores are also on your transcript.)
AP scores are considered by admissions officers in reviewing your college application as part of the college admissions process.
Since you can submit your AP scores -on the Common Application or Coalition Applications -- electing to omit these scores is suggestive that you didn't do well on your exams.
Again, AP exam scores are NOT a required element on your college application. That said, excluding your scores in the space provided on the Common Application hints indirectly at your score. No one fails to share a "4" or a "5" on their college application. BEWARE: some high schools actually report your AP score on your transcript and you need to request their removal. Some high schools may refuse your request. Ask me more about this issue.
As noted, AP exam scores may also substitute for SAT/ACT scores at Test-Flexible universities. For example, including three exams of your choice allows subject-specific test takers to reduce test anxiety and increase their chances of college admissions. You do have more control over content and knowledge-based materials related to specific courses in these exams.
The optional self-reporting of AP scores on your Common Application is an opportunity to demonstrate you've mastered materials and can even overshadow the high school transcript. AP exam scores level the playing field across students from a variety of public and private high schools. So what to do about those "1s" and "2s"? Ask me - as each situation is unique and there may be a potential explanation for the poor score.
AP coursework has become the gold-standard of an academically rigorous curriculum. Earning a high grade on an AP exam can overshadow the high school transcript. For STEM students to be competitive in the admissions process, AP Calculus, AP Bio/Chem and/or Physics, APCS are invaluable and often expected on a student's transcript to be a viable candidate in the most selective of universities. Avoiding challenging courses as an applicant is not only reducing your chances of admissions at selective universities. Doing so will impact your preparation in the demanding undergraduate coursework ahead.
There's very little variation in curriculum options across high schools in that all students will complete four years of English, four years of social studies, complete a foreign language and enroll in the math and science classes at a level they can manage.
The differences across high schools and across students are in the electives taken and in whether students enroll in Honors or AP/IB/AICE levels of classes.
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TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR 2022 AP EXAMS
If you’re planning on taking an AP Exam, it’s best to begin your preparation with plenty of time to feel confident and prepared. If you look at the typical review book, there’s 15 to 25 chapters of content. Aim to complete your review of all course concepts withing 2 weeks minimum of the exam date to spare- that roughly means 2 to 3 chapters of work each week starting in the middle of March.
It can be immensely helpful to form a small group of 2-3 students committed to regular AP exam review- study groups are the norm as an undergraduate—it’s a skill to learn a practice to embrace during high school.
- Use the AP Daily Videos at the College Board, these are designed to cover content and skills in every AP course
You've learned much this school year and I encourage you to spend your time focusing on review of the topics you know best and carving out manageable time to tackle the topics that were a challenge perhaps as far back as September (perhaps forming peer-study groups or even retaining a tutor).
Some students inform me that the curriculum hasn't yet been completed and some teachers anticipate there won't be time for review. Please-- I truly encourage you to bring your game face to the table! The exams will take place and it's up to you to be prepared! If you don't do as well as you might have done if circumstances in our world were different- it's ok too.
If you're a junior getting ready to begin college applications--or a sophomore over a year away from that process-- AP exams while still not a required component of your college applications are going to potentially be the only standardized test you take. However, if this isn't your finest hour- you just have to let it go and look forward!
The world is in an uncertain space-- and no one should wonder if the exams of May 2020 or May 2021 changed the course of your life ahead--they won't! That doesn't mean you don't give it your best try in May 2022-- you should always aim to do your best in every setting but know when to let things go.
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A few last minute exam tips:
- Reiterating: Cramming on your weaker topics is less effective than reinforcing the topics you know well.
You can become easily frustrated and waste valuable time trying to learn something new.
Use the time towards maintenance of your confidence of how much you know.
- History exams - review your outlines for the finite number of anticipated short and long responses. (see grading rubrics below)
- Science and math exams- review applications of important formulae - predictably by exploring older exams (see below) you know what to anticipate on an exam.
- If your teacher didn't share AP rubrics, you can Google grading rubrics and see previously graded AP exams. This can be an eye-opener!
Here are a few of interest:
- That said- these are rubrics for the traditional format- the 3-hour exam.
Scroll through the many helpful links to:
- Change your calculator batteries!
The display of bright vibrant digits is refreshing.
- Pack high energy protein snacks and back-up pens and pencils to scribble on notepads for the exam -- .
- IF YOU ARE physically or emotionally unwell or your ALLERGIES are overwhelming on the day of your scheduled AP exam, do NOT take the exam. Illness includes "exhaustion", headaches, stomach cramps-- truly please don't take AP exams if you don't have your "game face" on the morning of exam day!!! You studied for 9 months- if this isn't your day- there's no shame here in taking the exam on a scheduled make-up date (and ignore the rumor-- those make-ups aren't any more difficult!). Please do not take an exam when you aren't well.
- Likewise- if something odd happens during the exam-- there's a process for a redo-- did the Air Conditioning cut out? Was there a major distraction- a humming student or horrible lawn mowing, was the proctor mistiming- all of this is grounds for a redo!
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Click to View: Researching Majors
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SCORING GUIDELINES
Understanding how AP exams are scored & their role in earning College Credit
The College Board's exams create an opportunity to earn college credit and/or placement through student's AP scores. As I've already noted -- many of the more selective colleges may not necessarily award credit for the May 2020 revised format. More likely - we will see an uptick in college-provided course placement exams for a few years. Don't be annoyed about this change-- it's important that students demonstrate proficiency before advancing to higher level coursework.
If you sat for an AP exam in May 2020 (the wonky abbreviated online exams!), those scores were made available to you in early July by logging into your College Board Account.
Your scores matter!
Having made the decision to complete an AP course is a reflection of a student's interest in the material and concepts. The actual score is an indicator of whether you've mastered the content providing a foundation to subsequent and more challenging coursework.
Regardless of whether you decide to earn the college credit (and colleges have their own requirements for granting credit that varies widely - the less competitive universities accept a "3" and most selective programs require a "5"), taking the class already has increased your chances of college acceptance as AP classes weigh more heavily than other high school classes on your high school transcript in computing class rank and your weighted GPA.
AP Exam scores range from 1-5. The composite score is based on results from all portions of the exam including multiple-choice, free-response short and longer essays and portfolio/projects completed outside of the actual time students sit for exams. With a variety of subjects- math, foreign language and art - the scores reflect the unique requirements that students must complete to convey mastery of the curriculum.
First and foremost- don't' think of this as "passing" or "failing" your exam because the university you ultimately attend will make that determination. The College Board simply makes a blanket recommendation- 1 and 2 are a recommendation against earning college credit. 3, 4 and 5 indicate the student qualifies for credit - but again, depending on the university and the actual course, the requirements vary widely.
When advising entering college freshman planning the first semester of coursework, I have always advised students to accept a "3" quite lightly and consider repeating the course - especially if in the student's major area and/or a STEM AP class. The reason for my recommendation is that the foundational concepts must truly be mastered before attempting more difficult and higher-level coursework.
A "3" is a bare minimum and not a great way to jump into a higher-level class during the freshman year of college. Instead, reinforcing those concepts in a more rigorous university setting is a wise choice. (See my tips for college freshman) This is perhaps reinforced by the fact that selective colleges don't often accept a "3" for earning credit.
1: This is the lowest score and indicates that the student didn't learn the materials.
TIP: If you're consistently earning a "C" or low "B" in your high school class throughout the year, you shouldn't expect a miracle on your AP exam. It's probably unwise to sit for an exam for which you anticipate earning a "1" or even a "2". Whether you can "skip" the exam may be at the discretion of your teacher or high school.
2: Earning a "2" is marginal and the college board makes no recommendation. If you've earned either a "1" or a "2" neither score reflects well and would not be reported on your College Applications.
3: Earning a "3" qualifies you to receive college credit for your AP course work and many universities will give credit for this score. The most selective colleges will NOT provide credit. The choice on whether to disclose the score is a strategic one. As a rule of thumb, I prefer to report all scores or no scores. A combination of reporting sends a very mixed message. Your high school transcript reveals the courses you've taken. If you don't report a single exam score, it signals you didn't earn a high score - the omission is as good as earning a "1".
That said, if you've earned a pile of "5's" on AP Calculus, Physics C, Computer Science and Chemistry-a "3" on US History won't harm your application and is refreshing. Likewise, if you've earned "5s" on AP US, World, Psychology, Human Geography, English Composition etc. and have a "3" on AP Statistics- this is worthy of reporting. At no time should some scores be included and others omitted on your Common App College App before discussing the potential impact of doing so on your college application fully with your college counselor.
4: Earning a "4" suggests you have learned the materials and many colleges will provide credit for this score. Depending on the subject content and whether you're attending a highly selective university, you may consider repeating the course as a freshman, especially if the course is in your major area of study. In some university settings, scores can vary across departments. An English major would earn credit perhaps for a "3" on AP Physics while the STEM student would be required to earn a "4" or "5" on that exam.
5: This is the top score and indicative of mastery that is impressive. Be proud of your accomplishment. Earning "5s' on AP exams isn't easy and doing so is worthy of inclusion on your college application. If you earn a pile of "2s" and have only one '5" - you need a strategy for handling the reporting of these scores.
Two special exam formats and scoring are those for courses AP Calculus BC and Music Theory. Music theory includes two scores - one for Aural and one for Non-Aural exam content. Calculus BC exam takers receive a sub-score for Calculus AB content- approximately 60% of the exam.
TO DO NOW: 8th to 11th Grade families
What's your strategic educational and college admissions plan?
Most students have submitted their course requests for the 2022-23 academic year. You may have reached too low or too high- or be missing an opportunity to stretch outside your comfort zone.
As noted in several of my previous notes, your transcript/curriculum is the most important factor in preparing for your success both as a student and during the college admissions process.
- Are you taking too many AP classes or are you avoiding a challenge? See my recommendations above.
- I often speak with students who step-off their mathematics track and don't recognize that all STEM majors will require Calculus as undergraduates.
If you're pre-med -- you will need one year of calculus to apply to nearly all medical schools.
If you're a business-school student- most majors require at least a year of calculus and statistics.
Aspiring engineers should plan on three semesters of calculus, linear aleg., statistics, differential equations, etc.
- POINT!! MATH MATH MATH--This is one foundation not to avoid while in high school!!
Is "Dual Enrollment" actually the right "fit" for you based on your educational plans and potential undergraduate major?
Please don't take classes simply for the purpose of raising your GPA. Selected electives should offer authentic learning opportunities that push you to discover something new that you CANNOT accomplish at your high school.
Please don't substitute an available AP or IB class with a dual-enrollment at your local 2 -year college. Your foundation- the learning of concepts will be much less than what is offered in the curriculum in AP /IB - leaving you potentially with academic holes that will cause problems in subsequent higher-level courses while an undergraduate.
As noted, from an admissions standpoint taking a dual enrollment course in lieu of taking the AP/IB class shows that you took the less rigorous path- it's not a good look. I cannot emphasize this enough.
- STEM undergraduate majors are among the most challenging and a firm academic grounding acquired throughout high school will prepare you for success as an undergraduate. Many of the STEM dual enrollment classes - especially those offered online or at a 2-year institution are recognized as less challenging and should NEVER be used as a substitute for taking the equivalent class if available at your high school. You'll find yourself in CalcIII or the next Chemistry class wondering why you lack foundational knowledge.
- College admissions will FROWN upon a college application that shows you opted out of AP Chem for senior priv - and took your math or science online or in the local campus when AP Calculus or AP Chemistry were offered at your high school.
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COLLEGE MAJORS -
A Different Question from COLLEGE CHOICE
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AP COURSES
provide the educational foundation to prepare students for subsequent undergraduate coursework. Success in AP courses and on AP exams demonstrates you've mastered content and are ready for the challenges of a rigorous undergraduate experience.
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AP courses help you determine academic "fit" - it may be an interdisciplinary program that leverages your personal interests and academic strengths. It's an opportunity to see what you might enjoy learning more about and build your confidence to tackle the most rigorous coursework. |
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Achieving high (threshold) scores on AP exams related to your chosen major not only enhances your admissions portfolio, but better prepares you for the challenging coursework ahead and leaves room to enroll in electives/minors.
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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS:
INCREASING YOUR CHANCES
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.
Discover an area that you are truly passionate about and dive in! Demonstrate informed interest thru experiences.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate "informed interest"!
Your application must leave no shadow of a doubt that you are prepared to succeed in your demanding academic major.
Demonstrating you understand the challenges ahead is essential.
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"Informed interest" can be demonstrated through:
- In addition to completion of AP coursework, engage in sustained formal or informal extracurricular activities and independent projects (we have plenty of ideas for an independent project)
- Research: participation in local, regional and national competitions working with our competition educator. An AP class often includes a project or paper that can be the springboard for a larger project and a competitive venue.
- Thoughtful college specific supplemental essays showcasing maturity and self-directed exploration of a potential narrow area of interest (i.e. stochastic processes in Financial Modeling, Genomics, Artificial Intelligence applications to bio-diversity modelling, pharmaceutical development or language processing and interpretation.)
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Completing the most challenging and relevant coursework is the baseline for success as an undergraduate.
Whether you love or hate science, want to change the world, enjoy drawing, solving problems, singing or surfing the web, a student's passions and interests should ALWAYS direct the college research process.
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I invite you to leverage my extensive knowledge of university curricula and my experience advising thousands of high school, undergraduate and graduate students navigating curriculum choices to set and realize educational and career goals. Based on your academic strengths and personal interests, I welcome the opportunity to work together to create your personalized strategic educational plan.
I can guarantee you that there's no magic formula for being accepted into a selective university, and any college advisor two tells you otherwise is being less than authentic with you. I can guarantee you that building an Educational & College Admissions Plan as early as eighth grade will greatly increase the likelihood of a student who is intrinsically motivated and prepared for academic success. Students with goals and dreams are better students and live their high school years with greater ease than those who haven't set some objectives.
- Now is the perfect time to determine and refine the most effective academic plan to include the appropriately challenging and relevant courses given potential academic interests. It's important to avoid becoming unnecessarily overwhelmed. Maintenance of a GPA which allows for a healthy balance of academic, extracurricular and personal pursuits will increase the likelihood of a successful transition to college and admissions success. You do not need to enroll in 6-7 AP Classes. If you're looking at a highly selective university- I also discourage Dual Enrollment classes.
- Refine extracurricular activities to include a relevant summer plan! Update your activities resume. Think about ways to deepen an interest and let-go of those activities that do not bring you joy.
Success begins with a student-led Strategic Educational & College Admissions Plan with actionable items!
JUNIORS '23 and Sophomores '24
It's time to plan for summer 2022. I hope you found my newsletter helpful in understanding why attendance at a summer program is a great college planning strategy. I have a comprehensive list of summer programs for all fields of study.
Many colleges are offering several new research programs this year and classes can be completed remotely- a huge savings in room and board.
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If you're a Junior '23 now is the time to be actively engaged in research on the variety of college majors. I'd welcome the opportunity to guide you to defining your balanced short-list of colleges by June - and hopefully you'll be joining me at my June Writers Block Workshop.
In June 2020 and 2021 we successfully pivoted and delivered our workshop, including one-on-one personalized writing conferences entirely on Zoom. again offering our workshop virtually -- daily presentations and one-on-one breakout room working sessions for all students. Adaptability is always essential when faced with an unforeseen challenge.
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I look forward to hearing more about your emerging academic and personal interests to help navigate a path for success and impact. Don't be challenged by college application essay prompts that ask "How will you innovate to change the work"-- begin your discovery as early as 8th grade!
Have an awesome day!
Warm Regards!
Bonnie
Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus & Cornell Alumni Rep
Educational and College Admissions Consultant
Florida 561.509.0021
Colorado 720.737.9944
Nationwide 833.MY.ESSAY
STEM, Business, Humanities, Creative Arts -
Find Your Passion and Be Unique!
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JUNIORS-- CLASS of 2023 -
Registration is now open for our June Writers Block Workshop
We delivered our content and individual writing conferences virtually with much success-- and if necessary- we wil be online and ready for you!
Followed by our Popular Sunday Fall Series resuming August 2021
JUNIORS Class of 2023--
ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED!
Followed by our popular and well attended Sunday Fall Series - Resuming On-Demand Bi-weekly in fall
WORKSHOP GOAL
Build a College Admissions Strategy,
Complete your Common Application Core Essay
Before the Workshop
INCREASE YOUR CHANCES of ADMISSION- PRE-COLLEGE ACADEMIC ADVISING and ADMISSIONS STRATEGY:
Attend your scheduled Educational & Admissions Assessment to understand the college admissions and financial aid processes. Participate in discussions during your extensive educational analysis aimed at matching you to majors and colleges, increasing your chances of admission, easing your transition to college, and ensuring your long-term academic success.
CUSTOMIZED RECOMMENDATIONS
identifying majors & colleges, personalized application strategies, a detailed assessment of your admissions portfolio and much more.
During the Workshop
PERSONAL WRITING CONFERENCES:
throughout the week provide you with candid and specific feedback focused on completing your required Common Application Core essay to showcase your strengths and set you apart from other applicants. Students who come prepared to engage, and complete their overnight assignments will leave the workshop with a polished final draft of their core essay and begin work on a secondary essay to adapt for your college-specific supplemental essays.
CREATE YOUR ACTIVITIES RESUME and
Common Application Activities Statement to highlight your accomplishments for admissions, references, scholarships and admission interviews. Receive proprietary activities resume template.
After the Workshop
Ongoing support and guidance with college-specific supplemental essays.
Arrive prepared with your laptop ready to work during daytime sessions and complete any overnight assignments.
Students of all academic levels are welcome to attend our small group sessions in a supportive and welcoming setting. We meet daily.
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Bonnie R. Rabin, Ph.D.
561.509.0021
Nationwide 833.MY.ESSAY
Request your complimentary consultation.
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