College Matters - April 2021

Dear Junior Families,

We are making a lot of progress in our Pathways college planning course. Students completed a Meyers Briggs based personality assessment and we also reviewed the many resources available to create a solid list of colleges to explore. Soon we will embark on a brainstorming process to generate potential college essay topics, based on each student's life experience. I am so impressed with each student in the class of 2022! You are a collection of unique and talented young scholars and are a joy to spend time with!

In our first one-on-one meeting we covered all of the components of a college application in detail. We discussed all the angles of each of these factors, including GPA, course rigor, standardized tests, the college essay, teacher/counselor recommendations, and extracurricular activities. We also discussed possible fields of study and where students are open to attending college. This was followed up with a second individual meeting to discuss the specifics of building a college list based on a student's individual interests and unique set of goals. While COVID restrictions have put a wrinkle in a typical high school progression, the college search and application process is going well. This will be a long journey and I will be with the students through each step of the way.

As a reminder, Juniors should continue to work on the following areas:

Make plans for the summer. It is time for the family to begin this conversation. Will there be summer programs, classes, a job, or travel? Summer is a wonderful time to challenge yourself and develop new skills while resting and recharging for senior year.
Typically, students take their first SAT and/or ACT the second semester of Junior year. However, Covid has complicated this timeline as testing centers cancel test dates. If you opt to take these tests, keep trying and know that colleges are aware of the difficulty you are facing, so many have become test optional or test free. If testing centers in our area continue to be closed next fall, York will again offer the ACT and SAT on campus.
Put a plan together for test prep (see resources in February College Matters Newsletter). Test prep should start a minimum of six weeks prior to the scheduled test date (note: there is no "best way" to prepare for standardized tests. It is an individual choice).
Begin to conduct college research (Resources covered in Pathways, individual meetings, and in the February Newsletter).
Make an individual meeting with Mr. Partlow for April/May. Go to this link to schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/dpartlow-york

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Mr. Partlow

Director of College Counseling

In the News!

I enjoyed this article from the President of Davidson College on the values of a liberal arts education and if they can be made 'more widely available at lower cost.'

OPINION: When ‘business as usual’ is no longer defensible in the liberal arts

See this article, from Fast Company, to see how the pandemic has affected many colleges and universities this admissions cycle. Many trends and shifts in the college admissions process have accelerated due to COVID. Some of these changes are due to flaws in the college admissions process, and might evolve into a more sane activity. Regardless, for the York School student, they will be prepared for college, and wherever they land, they will excel as scholars and leaders. To learn more about COVID's impact on some colleges click here.

Upcoming Virtual College Fairs

If there is any benefit at all to the COVID madness and college admissions, it is that some virtual college events have proven to be very useful when exploring potential colleges. They are very convenient to attend. See some upcoming virtual college fairs by clicking here.