“They looked empowered and confident,” Tibor Feldman, father of Churchill senior Harris Feldman says about the Churchill alumni. He found Alumni Night very helpful for his son and family.
The college process at Churchill has been evolving since 2004. Currently, the college preparation kicks off in 11th grade, but beginning next year McBrien will be introducing 10th graders to the process. In 2011/2012, all Churchill admissions data will be available anonymously in an electronic college guidance tool called Naviance. Accessing Naviance, Churchill students will be able to obtain statistics including average GPAs and test scores for previous students for all the colleges where Churchill students have been accepted.
Some colleges have structured programs geared to students with learning issues, while other schools have great support in general. For example, students benefit from technological advancements, such as audio books and homework assignments online. Specific support, however, varies from college to college. When planning a college visit, set up a meeting with the learning center, McBrien advises. To qualify for accommodation on standardized tests, students need to have a recent evaluation documenting the learning disability and apply ahead of time with the College Board and/or the ACT. The College Board can take several months to process applications for SAT accommodations.
Applying non-binding “Early Action” to at least one school can be a real confidence booster, says Cheryl Howard-Fleming, mother of senior Robert Fleming. As a result of early action, her son, Harris Feldman and other Churchill seniors have already been accepted at colleges on their lists.
College is a huge financial commitment. With the cost of a four-year private college education hovering around $200,000, many families include state schools in their searches. McBrien has received positive feedback from former students at some state schools.
Obtaining good grades, cramming for standardized tests, and finding the “right” college can be overwhelming. “This is a daunting process for the kids,” Howard-Fleming says. “They need a lot of emotional support.”
The college process may be stressful, but it is also an opportunity for students to discover themselves, McBrien says. Researching higher education and visiting colleges give students opportunities to develop academic passions and mature. He advises students to discuss the college process with their parents in a positive way and use it as a learning experience. It is important to share hopes and dreams, and not be bogged down by the details.
“It’s very rewarding to be a part of this process,” McBrien says.
(Published in The Torch, Churchill School and Center 2011 Spring issue. By V. Stolt)
The college process at Churchill has been evolving since 2004. Currently, the college preparation kicks off in 11th grade, but beginning next year McBrien will be introducing 10th graders to the process. In 2011/2012, all Churchill admissions data will be available anonymously in an electronic college guidance tool called Naviance. Accessing Naviance, Churchill students will be able to obtain statistics including average GPAs and test scores for previous students for all the colleges where Churchill students have been accepted.
Some colleges have structured programs geared to students with learning issues, while other schools have great support in general. For example, students benefit from technological advancements, such as audio books and homework assignments online. Specific support, however, varies from college to college. When planning a college visit, set up a meeting with the learning center, McBrien advises. To qualify for accommodation on standardized tests, students need to have a recent evaluation documenting the learning disability and apply ahead of time with the College Board and/or the ACT. The College Board can take several months to process applications for SAT accommodations.
Applying non-binding “Early Action” to at least one school can be a real confidence booster, says Cheryl Howard-Fleming, mother of senior Robert Fleming. As a result of early action, her son, Harris Feldman and other Churchill seniors have already been accepted at colleges on their lists.
College is a huge financial commitment. With the cost of a four-year private college education hovering around $200,000, many families include state schools in their searches. McBrien has received positive feedback from former students at some state schools.
Obtaining good grades, cramming for standardized tests, and finding the “right” college can be overwhelming. “This is a daunting process for the kids,” Howard-Fleming says. “They need a lot of emotional support.”
The college process may be stressful, but it is also an opportunity for students to discover themselves, McBrien says. Researching higher education and visiting colleges give students opportunities to develop academic passions and mature. He advises students to discuss the college process with their parents in a positive way and use it as a learning experience. It is important to share hopes and dreams, and not be bogged down by the details.
“It’s very rewarding to be a part of this process,” McBrien says.
(Published in The Torch, Churchill School and Center 2011 Spring issue. By V. Stolt)
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