How soon is too soon to begin thinking of colleges? The Saturday, September 30, college admissions seminar conducted by Colgate University admissions counselors encourage all students grades nine and up, as well as their parents, to attend. The fifth annual workshop will run from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at West Windsor Library.
The workshop, presented by the by the WWP African American Parent Support Group, is open to everyone regardless of race.
Kate Levine, an admission officer from Colgate University, will conduct the seminar. Her focus will be what admission officers look for in determining admission from course selection, grades, essays, test scores, community service, and diversity.
“In years past there have been several activities to get the students and parents to focus on what factors to consider in choosing the college that is right for the student,” says Diane Ciccone of West Windsor, vice president of the parents support group. Her daughter, Kali McMillan, graduated from High School South in June and is now a freshman at Colgate.
In the past, two admission counselors presented an interactive talk about the general college admission process — including asking parents about their expectations. The overview includes selecting a college, financial aid, test scores, essays, and early admissions.
Ninth grade students and their parents will be addressed to steer them in the right direction and advise them what they should be doing in terms of thinking about college.
“A student with a B or perhaps a C average should apply to schools they think will be a fit for them and should apply to ‘reach’ schools,” says Ciccone. “Schools look at many different factors and if a student took hard courses and/or shows improvement the B student should not be discouraged.”
Ciccone also says that the GPA that is listed by the college is the average GPA, and there will students admitted below and above the stated GPA. “I have also learned that the average GPA is different for different groups such as students of color or athletes,” she says. “Since a B student may do well in a certain area and not so well in others, the essay is the perfect time to explain the difference.”
“A student should not discount a passion that he or she has. It can be a determining factor,” says Ciccone. “Colleges like students who are passionate and will bring vibrancy to the campus.”
“C students might consider state universities and schools in the midwest, where living in New Jersey gives geographic diversity,” she says. “With more than 3,”000 colleges there is some place for even the C student. A growing trend is going to community college and transferring to a four-year school.”
The parent support group will also be at every back to school night in the district.There will be programs for elementary and middle school students and their parents later in the school year.
Back to School Night, West Windsor-Plainsboro School District, 609-716-5000. For grade 5. Monday, September 25, 7:30 p.m.
Back to School Night for grade 6. Wednesday, September 27, 7 p.m.
Back to School Night for grades 7 and 8. Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m.
Back to School Night for High Schools North and South. Thursday, October 5, 7 p.m.
High School South Flea Market, High School South, 609-750-7170. Visit the booth at the event. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
College Admissions Seminar, West Windsor-Plainsboro African American Parent
Support Group, West Windsor Library, North Post Road,
609-530-0550. Fifth annual
event designed for high school students and their parents. Register. Free. Saturday, September 30, 2:30 to 5 p.m.
