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Education Jan 05, 2022
Harvard University. | Courtesy photo
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Happy New Year!
We’re all still reeling from the impact of this pandemic which has touched every aspect of our life – from the economy to education, to our mental and physical well-being, among others. And now we welcome 2022 with the omicron variant, which seems to be less severe but more infectious. Before they even had a chance to take a breather, hospitals and health care workers are once again caring for those infected.
Anticipating a surge in Covid infections after the winter holiday, some schools are reinstating safety protocols. The L.A. Times published a Christmas story by staff writer Melissa Gomez about USC’s announcement that classes will be held remotely during the first week of this semester. She further reported that students and staff will be required to show proof of booster shots as soon as they are eligible.
There’s a heartening update about college admissions, though. On December 29, L.A. Times staff writer Teresa Watanabe reported that California is bucking the prevailing norm of privileged students with excellent GPAs and outstanding resumés. During this admissions cycle, unentitled kids are California’s new generation of star applicants.
And with that refreshing bit of news, let’s get on with the college guide.
FRESHMAN
Typically, the beginning of the year marks the halfway point in the school year. First semester grades will soon be released if they had not been sent out yet. If your 9th graders’ marks are not great, they would need to use the second semester to better them as it’s the end-of-year grades that show on the transcript. Some universities – including the UC and Cal State systems – have dropped their SAT requirements, so a student’s GPA is the single most influential component of the college application. Admissions officers only have your children’s GPA to gauge their college readiness and success.
SOPHOMORE
This is your student’s second year, and by this time they should have fully transitioned into high school. They need to put extra effort into weak subjects and solidify their grades this semester.
JUNIOR
The second semester of junior year is significant as it is the beginning of the college application process. Students should have already started doing their research about the colleges and could start doing virtual tours ahead of a spring or summer campus visit. Some useful websites include campustours.com; CollegeProwler.com; SmartCollegeVisit.com and YOUniversity.com.
SENIOR
All college applications should have already been sent out for the January 1st regular decision/admission deadline. Some universities, like Georgetown, have a later deadline. Several schools also have ED (Early Decision) II. Parents should have submitted the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) application. Apply for scholarships; there are several websites to help you with your search like www.scholarships.com, www.collegexpress.com, www.scholarships360.org, http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/graduating-debt-free.
. . .
While I’m tempted to say “Tell your kids to breathe a sigh of relief, the hard part is over,” the truth is, the waiting part induces just as much anxiety as applying to colleges. And, oftentimes, it’s worse because neither you nor your children have control over it. Just be there for your kids to remind them that they have done a great job and they should let the admissions professionals do theirs.
The months from January through March can still be a time for your children to do something to help their cause. Mid-January is when high schools get their first semester grades finalized. If your student’s mid-year report is particularly spectacular, this could be a very good development especially if they are applying to a highly selective college. When your children’s high school sends the grades, have your children follow up with an email to the area representative telling them about their hard work and interest in that college.
If your children have been deferred at a college when they applied through early action or early decision, it is advisable for them to send in an additional teacher recommendation, but only if this supports their application. Likewise, if your student has received notable honors or made any significant achievement, they should let the admissions officers know by email.
Having done all these, you and your children will now just have to wait patiently for the process to play itself out.
