Culver Academies College Advising Presentation for Parents 2018

College Advising Presentation to Parents April 27 & 28, 2018 Slides will be posted on College Advising News and Views (Blog)

Learning to Lead. Leading to Serve. Uniquely Culver

Department of Academic Affairs

Academic Affairs Academic Advising College Advising Student Support

From 30,000 Feet, it is a Banner Year for Culver Academies While we continue to gather college choices results from the Class of 2018. Most college admission decisions are in, and it is a banner year for Culver Academies Class of 2018. The Class marks another strong year with several acceptances to MIT, two Morehead Cain finalists and a Morehead Cain Winner (Culver was the only school outside of North Carolina to field two finalists!), acceptances to multiple Ivy League universities including Princeton 5, Cornell 2, Dartmouth 2, Harvard 2, and the University of Pennsylvania; it was another excellent year for those pursuing appointments to the Military Academies (USNA, 5; USMA, 7; USAF, 5; USCG, 2), as well as other highly selective opportunities: Bowdoin; Claremont McKenna 3, Colorado College, Washington University, The University of Rochester, and Carnegie Mellon University. The Class also accounts for some impressive international acceptances as well, including The University or York; The University of St. Andrews; the University of British Colombia; The University of Edinburgh; King s College, London; and the London School of Economics! Other notable acceptances include The University of Chicago, University of Southern California, The University of Notre Dame, John s Hopkins University; Georgia Institute of Technology; Georgetown; Emory University; Case Western Reserve; Carnegie Mellon University; Bowdoin, Bates, Claremont McKenna University; Culver students are confident and aspirational. We applaud their successes and the opportunities that lie ahead of them The Hope to Win; The Zeal to Dare

Culver Offers Depth and Breadth Exceptional Leadership Opportunities and Curriculum Explicit and intentional Exceptional Academic Opportunities Earn Honors Honors and AP Courses Honors Seminars Exceptional Breadth and Depth Excellence Performing Arts Competitive Athletics Competitive Academics - Model UN; Speech; Quiz Bowl

Factors in college admission Admission Factor Considerable Importance Moderate Importance Limited Importance No Importance Grades in college prep courses 83.4% 12.3% 2.7% 1.6% Strength of curriculum 65.7 25.7 4.7 3.9 Standardized Test Scores 59.3 29.4 7.0 4.3 Grades in all courses 46.2 42.1 10.2 1.6 Essay or writing sample 26.6 33.0 22.9 17.6 Student s demonstrated interest 23.0 30.9 26.6 19.5 Class rank Counselor Recommendation 21.8 19.4 37.2 45.0 25.9 23.1 15.0 12.4 Teacher Recommendation 19.0 44.2 24.5 12.3 Subject test scores (AP, IB) 9.6 32.4 32.6 25.3 Interview 9.2 22.7 33.0 35.2 Extracurricular Activities 7.4 42.3 35.1 15.2 Portfolio 5.9 12.9 32.9 48.2 SAT subject test 5.3 11.8 24.9 58.0 Student Employment (summer, etc.) 1.9 20.3 47.2 30.6

Our Collaborative Approach Academic and College Advisors assigned alphabetically and in teams. College Advisor works with same Academic Advisors Weekly meetings between Director of College Advising and Academic Advising Director or Associate Director attends Academic Advising staff meetings College Advising and Academic Advising meet with Grade 9 and 10 in groups of 10 to reinforce role of PSAT and communication with parents. Summer 2018 All unassigned students and new students will receive assignments.

Building a Record - Conventional Academics All Four Years Extra-curriculars All Four Years Standardized Testing Sophomore Junior Year Applying to College Junior and Senior Year

Building a Record @ Culver Learning to Lead; Leading to Serve All Four Years Academics All Four Years Extra-curriculars All Four Years Standardized Testing Sophomore Junior Year Applying to College Junior and Senior Year

LLL; TNT; Ethics Student Life at CMA and CGA Leadership Classes Dorms and Barracks, Athletic Fields, Classrooms, And beyond Leadership Laboratories Service Leadership Practicum (Student planned and executed reflection included!) Leadership in Action. Start to Finish.

The Most Important Voice is that of the Student Culver fosters accountability and students are exceptionally well prepared to manage and lead their college search.

Academics Take the most challenging courses with growth (trend) in mind Focus on building a strong academic record (transcript) Transcript Classes taken Grades received The Number 1 most important piece of the application. Used by admission officers to quickly gauge your academic preparation for college. At Culver this includes the Leadership Department Courses These provide insights reinforced and complemented through the Leadership Labs Leadership Laboratories Student Life; Athletics; Theater; Activities Service Leadership Practicum demonstration of their education (knowledge and talents) in practice.

The Language of the Transcript Rigor How much is the student pushing themselves. Performance how well is the student performing Trend How is the student s performance changing over time

Academics at Culver Honors A student may be invited or request the opportunity to earn honors in a class. This represents a willingness to go above and beyond and reflects commitment and/or curiosity. Advanced Placement Standardized Curriculum created by the College Board. College Level work and potential credit. Honors Seminars The Top of the Curriculum at Culver. Beyond AP. These courses extend the curriculum to the level of college honors work. While specifics vary by department, students extend their work to include independent research and apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to unique problems/issues. Their work is presented and defended to a panel of experts after the fashion of a masters or doctoral dissertation.

A Note on GPA What is the GPA? What does it mean? Weighted, non Weighted?

Thought Experiment A GPA is a summary of the transcript in a two or three digit number. 3.97 3.75 Which GPA represents the better prepared student?

It Depends. The accurate answer depends upon many things. Are these students in the same classes? Do they have the same teachers? Are they in the same school? Are they at the same point in their experience? Are they a term, year, or cumulative GPA? Did one miss school for an issue (injury, illness, family matter)?

GPA is nothing without context An unweighted GPA is simply and average of grades over time. A weighted GPA provides a proxy for rigor. A core GPA is based upon core requirements For Example the NCAA Core (approved core academic requirements)

Context Comes From the Students Journey The Student Application School Profile Recommendations Interviews History The success and contributions of previous graduates. Expressions of Interest (updates, meetings with representatives )

The Road Map

Testing Timelines Vary Grade 9 PSAT Grade 10 PSAT Grade 11 PSAT/NMSQT SAT ACT Grade 12 SAT ACT Consider Practice and Prep Test Prep as Needed Test Prep as Needed Test Planning Test Planning and Starting SAT Subj Tests as match program SAT Subj Tests as match program Math? AP Overlaps Other SAT Subj Finish Testing Khan Academy (PSAT/SAT) Khan Academy (PSAT/SAT) T 3 Test Prep Class (Pre-Rec Intermediate Algebra - may retake next year w/o fee) Summer Test Prep/Practice T 3 Test Prep Class Summer Test Prep/Practice

Grade 9 & 10 PSAT meetings in December (emails home) What it enough? Evidence says, No! May 4, Academic and College Advising Meeting with students in groups of 10 College Board Account PSAT scores? If not link Download PDF, attach to Email (core provided) Send, with personalized comment(s) home Link with Khan Academy scores linked provides individualized guidance Comfortable platform used by many teachers; students have experience with it

Standardized Testing

College Advising Classes Translating the Culver Experience into College Options

College Advising Classes 2018 moved class from T4 to T3 Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 Grade 11 College Advising Class T4 is now one on one focus April one on one decision support Grade 12 College Advising Class Fall 2017 expanded program and extended contact time based upon student feedback. Term 3 College Advising (selected sample): Self-Assessment; Resume (WIP); Mock Admission Committee; Common Application; Personal Statement Phase 1; Test Planning Review; Bottom Up College Search (interests, preferences, strengths, grades and scores). Term 1 College Advising (selected sample): Review and Prioritize; Resume (up to date); Common Application Phase 2 (Senior Year Information; Personal Statement (Common App) and Supplement Review; Final Test Planning; List Review and Evaluation (interests, preferences, strengths, grades and scores).

Paying for College Net Price Calculators Access Applied Web Site

Paying for College - Net Price Definition: Net Price Resources Web site College Advising Classes Financial Aid Pages at Colleges and Universities. Have the conversation; continue the discussion; make needs clear to College Adviser. Financial Aid Pages (Links on Culver s CA Web Page)

Culver Academies College Advising Financial Aid for College

Where we are

Class of 2019 - Term 3 (T3) and Term 4 (T4) College Advising Classes T 3 Coursera How to Apply to College (our text ) Common Application - started Essay Work draft; writing center presentation; Resume (non-milit) in process Scholarship Information (FAFSA; CSS Profile; Access Applied) Initial lists (works in progress) Getting to know each other Military Academies (summer / resumes) One-on-one meetings T4 Individual Review of Work to Date Focusing Goals On-Going List Development On-Going Essay work Military Academies (recommendations secured) Recommendation Requests (coming at start of May) Additional Scholarship Information (tools to come: Raise Me, and Scholly) Interviewing skills (elevator speech, more to come)

College List A work in progress Current Knowledge Exploration (creating your ranking criteria ) Areas of interest (academic / professional) Learning style (ex: discussion; lecture; problem based ) Geography (where?) Co or extra-curriculars Net Price? Family Situation(s)? Personal Needs? Graduate School Considerations (Med School; Law; Vet; Business ) Summer List Still writing their record; standardized testing; Goals for fall Balancing and Focusing picks up pace (varying stages is normal) Targets for visits and communications (focus those desiring demonstrated interest.

Goal - Balanced List A clear filter from the Advisors perspective is selectivity based upon national statistics, our most recent Culver specific experiences (qualitative and quantitative), and trends (regional, national, and school specific). Selectivity is not considered as a proxy for quality of fit. All the colleges and universities are schools where the student can see themselves thriving and succeeding. Fall List 3 - 4 Likely Schools 3 - 4 Possible Schools 3 - 4 Reach Schools

College Kickstart Pilot Goal well balanced lists Fostering conversations and establishing expectations A complement to the tools and resources available. Great Information Source Example

Class of 2019 What to do in June College Advising: Common Application ready to go if applying today (will revise T1; G 12) Personal Statement(s) Supplement Questions Resume Interviewing skills (elevator speech is ready - more to come) Scholarship Information (Raise Me, Scholly this rotation week 4) Recommendations Secured College KickStart Iterations Schoology Culver s Learning Management System (LMS) the class is from this semester through graduation (assignments and announcements where students are). Use your time wisely to prepare for the last round of Standardized Tests

Class of 2019 - Summer Support for Military Applications and ROTC GOALS 1. Physicals before return to Culver; 2. First Round (Board) Review for ROTC. College Advisors on-going support on essay and supplements From College Advising Class Continue Through End of May (1 on 1) Started Personal Statement (Essay) Prompts Drafts and Experience with standard supplements Essay writing support On-going Term 1, Grade 12 College Advising / Writing Center / Humanities Faculty.

Class of 2019 - Fall College Advising Classes T 1 Revisit Grade 11 Term 3 College Advising Class Portfolio & Topics Revised and Finalize Common Application Revise and Finalize Common Application Personal Statement (Essay) Confirm and plan for Supplements (many have not been available before Aug. 1) Continues Essay Work as needed - writing center; advisors; Revise Resumes (appropriate audiences milit, non-milit; spcl. talents) Interviewing skills (revise, review and practice elevator speech; mock interviews. Continued work with Scholarship Information and Calendar Them Scholly to support search, identification, and planning and enhanced coordination. One-on-one meetings throughout

Class of 2020 - 2021 Spring Summer Fall PSAT College Board Account Khan Academy (May) College Advisors Assigned (Summer) Class of 2021 Strongly consider standardized test practice and preparation October 2018 PSAT / NMSQT December Class of 2021 and 2022 PSAT Scores Received (on-line to student!) College Advisors available as needed for all.

Supporting your child Open ended questions Honest conversation about what matters Paying for College Net Price Calculators (a stating point) Need Based / Merit Based Aid Institutional Aid / Outside Scholarships Visiting Colleges The best time to visit is when you can! Pay attention to opportunities to express interest students matter most - fill out the card; write the thank you email

Financial Aid - Net Price Need Based Aid Merit Aid Institutional Aid Loan (Federal) Subsidized; Unsubsidized; External Scholarships FAFSA Opens October 1 CSS Profile opens October 1

Your turn We, all of us here today, are here to learn. Questions that may be best addressed one-on-one, will receive general responses and invitations to follow up!

Thank You! The only bad question is the one left un-asked. -Anonymous