threedogfarm
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Posts posted by threedogfarm
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I'm not an expert, but I wouldn't worry too much about length. The one I submitted last year was 25 pages long. This year's will probably be a couple of pages longer. I didn't have issues uploading on the common app with a file this big.
That said, my kid graduated with around 33 credits, so that's a lot of courses to describe! One school did reach out with additional questions that could only have been gleaned from the course descriptions. So some schools do read it!
Good luck!
This is the last bit I have left. Only a couple of more courses to add...
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2 hours ago, Roadrunner said:
Expert at workforce productivity gains - proven results with unique multi level approach to compel workers to finish a month long task over a single weekend. Particularly skilled at staying on task and seeing work to its finish even when goals seem unattainable.
Ha! It sounds like you will make an excellent freelancer if you can apply that method to yourself! I have felt like that all weekend. Last week I juggled my freelance work with my kid's app and the stuff I had to write. And now I have to play catch up.
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11 hours ago, Roadrunner said:
But early action might come with scholarship money. I really want several applications in places where merit $$$ are given to those applying early.
I agree! My current senior really understood this when she heard it yet again during an in-person information session. I guess I didn't use quite the same words and neither did the other admission counselors. This one said that she had a "boatload" of money for the early applicants. Turns out "boatload" is a word that gets the attention of teens. Who knew????
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I had a sloth last. year. And the college counselor we hired was worth every single penny I paid her to avoid being the nag. Although I did stress plenty - was this process ever going to be completed?????
And here I am, back in the midst of the college app again this year with my current senior, who is very engaged in the process. The lack of complacency has led to a steady stream of emotional highs and lows. Maybe it's a trade-off???
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We were just at Bard, and I liked the AC in charge of homeschoolers. He was very approachable and genuinely seemed to like homeschoolers. That said, Bard wasn't a good fit for my kid for a lot of reasons. But what a beautiful location.
Last year only one school asked for additional information for my oldest, for a chemistry class taken through the WTMA with the lab done independently. Luckily we had used the Home Scientist's Chemistry Lab (Honors), and I just sent the TOC of the labs along with the intro chapter. That satisfied the AC and was really easy for me to do. The AC obviously had read my course descriptions because that was where I detailed this division. This particular college also asked for a graded paper.
As a total aside, I think that taking some WTMA classes was very helpful. First, it made getting teacher recommendations easy. Second, my kids had grades outside of our homeschool classes. Third, my kids were accountable to someone else. If they had a question about the syllabus or a specific question from class, they emailed the teacher or meet with the teacher. They'll have to do this in college and it is now second nature to them. Finally, some courses are just better in a group setting like seminar-style literary analysis classes or creative writing.
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I technically couldn't have graduated early (had to take a senior seminar) but I did have extra credits, and I essentially finished my major requirements, except for that seminar. So during my senior year, I had time to take courses that interested me, some of which turned out to be my favorite college courses. I also had a lighter schedule because I was taking mostly seminars which met just once per week and didn't involve any labs (which are very time-consuming). It was a wonderful year. I had more time to spend with friends, did some things I would have never had time to do, etc. My only regret was that I didn't listen to what should've been obvious at the time - I enjoyed things outside my major (biology) more than my major! I am in my second career now, which is a better fit for me (not medicine; not all science/biology) but this type of change/regret is also part of our life's journey.
If the extra year isn't costing anything, which it sounds like it isn't, I might encourage her to stay. Treat it like time off where she can explore other avenues, do some things in the field of law, etc. Tell her to enjoy herself. I loved that year, and I never had that kind of time like that again. It was magical.
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@Eos - I am with you on this. This is my last set of letters too. I am honored and humbled to be doing this as well.
@plansrme - Well said!
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I went to Swarthmore (almost 30 years ago), so I am not sure how much weight my comments should have. Yes, it is a small school, but one thing about a small school is that you get to know the whole student body. Even as a senior, I happily mixed with the freshmen and sophomores. So that makes the school feel larger.
But it was intense academically, very intense. At least it was when I was there. And I don't think that has changed. All classes were graded as Pass or Fail first semester freshman year to ease the intensity and academic focus of the students. You could see your grade as the class progressed, but only an F would be considered a "Fail" on your transcript; everything else was a "Pass." You could then take a certain number of classes after that Pass/Fail.
Also, as an aside, Swarthmore's dorms are really spread out for a small LAC. One dorm was so far from campus that it required a van ride except during the day and had its own breakfast room (15- to 20-minute walk from campus). A lot of small LACs that my kids have looked at have dorms clustered together. I like that setup a lot better.
If you want more details or have specific questions, feel free to PM me.
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On 6/18/2022 at 7:38 PM, Farrar said:
Yeah, definitely ds's choice. He has already said in conversation about it that if we think it would be useful after researching it for him, that he'll do it. He was very blase when I brought it up, including when I brought up the downsides. He just... trusts us, I guess, lol.
My dc was the same way. I guess I raised a kid who trusts me 🙂 I think this was an excellent topic to bring up. Thanks, Farrar!
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Unfortunately, I'm not getting off this merry-go-round quite yet. I'm knee-deep in the college process for my rising senior. so I'm still doing college visits and planning a big college visit trip for the end of July. Everything is low-key here with the college-bound kid. Summer job starts next week, and language proficiency test will be taken next week. Flights have already been made to college for freshman trip and then for us for move-in day. Thanksgiving flights will be made as soon as they go on sale in the next few days. The dorm accoutrements thread was very helpful for creating the dorm list. Am I forgetting anything????
I'm excited for my kids. This has been their journey. It seems like we have taken an unconventional, circuitous route from the moment we started homeschooling. But it's all worked out, almost as if it was planned 🙂
Thank you, MamasSprout, for being the caretaker of this thread! It's been wonderful to share this year's experience with other homeschooling parents. And congratulations to all of you and to your kids.
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14 hours ago, Roadrunner said:
I was told test centers that don’t get enough sign ups tend to cancel.
DD test in March went ahead with only 4 students. And in 2020, my other teen's tests only had 6 students. So I'm happy that's not the case!
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On 4/17/2022 at 3:21 PM, Roadrunner said:
They are also big on physics as I understand. I could be wrong.
That's good to know! But I know she won't be studying that physics or other science either. She asked me in 10th grade if there was a list of colleges that do not require students to take any math courses 🤣 (And, yes, there are good liberal arts colleges that will allow her to graduate without taking a math course!) That said, she has done really well in math but will stop when she finishes precalc. I know, I know - it doesn't meet the "rigor requirement" but fits my kid to a T.
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On 4/10/2022 at 12:17 PM, kokotg said:
Lawrence: He had a full, exhausting admitted student day on Monday--two classes, a couple of info sessions, a tour, sitting in on a wind symphony rehearsal. The rest of us didn't have a whole lot to do--DH and I went to the opening welcome thing, which was nicely done. Then we all did the tour--nice campus, close to a fun downtown area, right on the river--but nothing really stood out from all the other LACs we've seen except how dominant the conservatory is (I think they said that 25% of the students are in the con (by which I gather they mean either majoring or double majoring).
Thanks for the write-up on Lawrence! It's helpful to hear other people's impressions since I'm not sure we'll be able to head out there before the application process starts. Do you think that having a dominant conservatory would be a con for a non-conservatory kid? My DD is musical - but for her, that means playing electric guitar in a rock band and singing.
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On 3/19/2022 at 6:08 PM, Farrar said:
I think... my kid is going to Clark? Maybe. He did the admitted students day and went to a class and ate lunch with students and came home like, okay, I think I'm going to do this. SO. We're all going to sit with it for a week or so. I thought it would be Drexel!
My kid also got into Clark! Our tour at the school was fantastic. But over the course of the application process, the choice of study has shifted which makes Clark not as great of a fit. But we really liked the campus, which surprised me. I didn't think the urban location would be a good fit or draw for my kid, but it was. I loved the idea of the "Clark distance" and the library was such a hub of activity. Congratulations on a decision that's just about made!
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15 hours ago, fourisenough said:
DD was accepted to Boston College today. So far she’s 1/1 of the /8 RD apps we were still waiting on. Feeling very grateful tonight.
Congratulations! And good luck with the rest of the RD apps.
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On 3/22/2022 at 6:02 PM, 8filltheheart said:
Creating a narrative that weaves through both student and school info that highlights your student distinctly as an asset to a future collegiate community makes a strong application. It doesn't take a paid counselor, but it does take educating yourself in how to show and not tell and what defines a good, captivating essay.
I agree that this doesn't require a paid counselor. And so many posters, like 8filltheheart, are brilliant at doing this on their own. But one lesson that I have learned over time is that I don't have to do this all on my own. Sometimes, seeking outside help is a better course of action. Working with a college counselor certainly made this college application process easier. And after spending 10 years as the head education facilitator, I got to be a participant on this journey, simply "Mom," rather than the captain (or the head nag!). And this not only lightened my load, but it was great for my relationship with my teen.
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16 hours ago, Roadrunner said:
We will have to decide what is a right program based on what they offer. Definitely not based on love. He will visit those he gets into and then he can decide what he likes more.
That's a great idea. We waited to visit schools that required travel by plane once we knew what the scholarship situation. Then we did a whirlwind trip. One school that would have been written off if we didn't visit is now under serious consideration and just might be "the" school. I also liked the feel of visiting a college when my teen can ask, "Is this a place I'd like to be?" versus "Is this a place I'd like to be if I get in and receive enough merit aid?"
And like you, we poured through course catalogs.
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2 hours ago, kokotg said:
To that end, I finished booking our spring break/college visit trip last night, and we're staying in Chicago for a few days (for fun!) after we see Lawrence (instead of holding that space open for a possible Nashville stop).
Sounds like you have a good plan in place. Onwards! is a great mantra.
And please report back about Lawrence. It's on my daughter's list (she's applying next year) and I'd love to hear your impression.
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On 3/20/2022 at 10:07 PM, ScoutTN said:
Anyone beginning to visit colleges, talk about possibilities, and think through things with their 11th grader?
We have made a couple visits and have another scheduled soon. This is our first time on the college path and it’s pretty overwhelming.
Any advice for us newbies from y’all with loads of experience? (Besides read all the pinned threads here, of course.)
You have had been given lots of great ideas here and I won't repeat any of them. The advice is timeless and spot-on. I'm in awe of everyone who was able to navigate this process on their own.
But one thing that has not been mentioned is the possibility of hiring a college counselor. I understand that this is not an option for some people due to cost. It was a stretch for us too, but the advice and guidance we received were priceless both in value and in the creation of a list of schools that could work for us financially. Our counselor not only helped shape my teen's list and guide my teen through the application process, but she also helped me with the counselor letter and forms. I would have never approached the school profile and counselor letter like I did without her help, regardless of how much I read online. And I felt like I had a true partner to help me navigate through this complex, and at times, overwhelming process.
It was also nice to be one step removed from my teen, who was initially a very reluctant participant in the college process. For those of you with kids like this, you know what I mean!
I am happy to report that my teen transformed from that reluctant junior to a senior on the cusp of making the final college decision in the next couple of days. There were good schools, well-matched to my teen's interests and personality, to choose among with solid merit aid. My kid had a strong academic background but was not the exceptional student that can be found on this board. Yet our counselor could see my teen in a fresh, new way and helped my teen's voice and personality shine in the application process. I can honestly say that it wouldn't have been the same if I was at the helm of this process. I know my kids but it's something else to step back and be able to truly see them objectively, which is an important factor in this process.
Hiring a counselor was probably the best decision I made in regards to my kids' education, right up there with deciding to homeschool in the first place.
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It's great that so many of you had access to courses like this! My kids could have taken two classes per semester at our local Ivy League school for free (for high school credit, not college credit)as juniors and seniors if the classes are not offered at the local high school. Sadly, that option was canceled when COVID hit, just as my kids became eligible. I have my fingers crossed that my rising senior will be able to take the classes this fall, but I'm not holding my breath. We don't have any other colleges/universities within reasonable driving distance or CC classes that don't focus on certificate programs. They truly are "adult-ed" focused.
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19 hours ago, Farrar said:
RIT and Champlain College.
Final two and now he's officially 10 for 10!
Congratulations! And now you're all done except for the decision-making process. Yippee!!!
We're still waiting for a few more...but we did take a trip out to the Midwest a couple of weeks ago to see the three colleges where DC was accepted. Wonderful trip! Lots of driving but well worth it and fun 🙂
And we'll be heading back to Hampshire on Saturday for another visit. Our last visit was for the interview and tour but we didn't have a student tour guide because all the students had just had their boosters. We had a fabulous tour with an administrator but now it's time to get a student's perspective.
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4 hours ago, kokotg said:
Good news: DS thinks his Oberlin audition went well!
Bad news: the clarinet prof sent him 3 new essay questions to answer afterwards (stuff along the lines of career goals, accomplishments, etc). He's already answered SO MANY questions for Oberlin!
Great news about the audition. But it must hard to be asked to write more this late in the process.
Hang in there!
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My teen received the acceptance email from Hampshire! Now we'll have to wait and see what happens with the rest of the schools in terms of acceptance and scholarships. I don't expect to hear from any more until March/April.
It's great to be able to check in and read about everyone else's journey.
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Clark is on our list but we haven't heard anything from them yet. We liked the school. We visited twice, once just to walk around by ourselves and once for the tour and interview. There's a term called the "Clark distance." Since everything is so close on campus, the students report a distorted sense of distance 😉 Things that are close in real life seem far by Clark standards. I loved their tour. They sent families out on individual tours–one family group per tour guide so the tour could be very personalized. I even felt like they matched the tour guide to my teen's interest. Clark's library has been our favorite so far but we've only toured colleges on the East Coast. We planned to go to the Midwest next month (fingers crossed).
Congratulations to your son!
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Course descriptions - how long are yours?
in The College Board
Posted
Last year I was discussing course descriptions with one of my friends who is a teacher at the local high school. I discovered that it was someone's main job to keep the course descriptions updated for the Common App. I know those course descriptions serve other purposes, as well. But schools, at least the ones around us, take them very seriously and want to show the depth of classes they have to offer as well as highlight the challenging ones. It made me realize that I shouldn't sell my kid short. I agree with not going overboard with the reading lists, but I did list every single book (30!) my kid read for Scholar Seminar. It was an impressive list - and definitely demonstrates she's ready to take on any college-level literature class. I know that my local high school would have listed every book that was required in that class. BTW - that was one of the best WTMA classes my daughter took. She doesn't want to major in literature in college, but she was so disappointed that they didn't offer the class again with a different reading list because she wanted to take it again. That's how much she enjoyed it.