Parents of the HS Class of 2021 (Part 1)

[homerdog]

@inthegarden

@Muad_dib, yes, I would think so. At least a couple of my D’s friends are pretty upset about it, as AP bio relates directly to their future college/career goals. I’d love to get to the bottom of why it was cancelled. My D doesn’t know of anyone who dropped out after signing up last spring. Maybe the school just needed to pare down costs wherever possible and wanted to consolidate all the kids wanting advanced bio Into the DE class. It’s more popular than AP, not only because it’s easier but because so many of our local kids go to the community college and the credit transfers there automatically without the bother of having to take an AP test. The community college teacher actually comes to the high school (when there are in-person classes) so no transportation needed.

She doesn’t absolutely need another AP science (as a.non-STEM student) as she has taken honors chem, bio, earth science and AP physics 1 and can take AP environmental science. But she does want to have a strong schedule. I don’t know…maybe AP stats (along with the Calc) would be more useful than the DE bio and let her keep band…that is, if stats works into the schedule. Will call the GC tomorrow!

@homerdog, I didn’t know it’s unusual to get interviews with AOs since we’re new to this. Maybe it’s harder with the larger and/or higher-ranked schools ? But D definitely said these adults introduced themselves as admissions officers, though one said that she is also an alumnus. I guess we’ll find out as she proceeds gradually through the reachier ones on the list, though non are high-reaches-for-everyone schools. We’re just not in that market

@Aguadecoco, I agree that all the travel difficulties make things harder for less-affluent kids. But less-affluent kids also tend to go to less-affluent, less-competitive schools, where they may come up short in TO or test-blind schools because of their lower-ranked high schools and no way to corroborate their skills… So really, I don’t know that test-blind admissions, or anything, really (without revamping our whole society) can adequately level the playing field. It’s hard all-around.

@inthegarden

@Muad_dib, yes, I would think so. At least a couple of my D’s friends are pretty upset about it, as AP bio relates directly to their future college/career goals. I’d love to get to the bottom of why it was cancelled. My D doesn’t know of anyone who dropped out after signing up last spring. Maybe the school just needed to pare down costs wherever possible and wanted to consolidate all the kids wanting advanced bio Into the DE class. It’s more popular than AP, not only because it’s easier but because so many of our local kids go to the community college and the credit transfers there automatically without the bother of having to take an AP test. The community college teacher actually comes to the high school (when there are in-person classes) so no transportation needed.

She doesn’t absolutely need another AP science (as a.non-STEM student) as she has taken honors chem, bio, earth science and AP physics 1 and can take AP environmental science. But she does want to have a strong schedule. I don’t know…maybe AP stats (along with the Calc) would be more useful than the DE bio and let her keep band…that is, if stats works into the schedule. Will call the GC tomorrow!

@homerdog, I didn’t know it’s unusual to get interviews with AOs since we’re new to this. Maybe it’s harder with the larger and/or higher-ranked schools ? But D definitely said these adults introduced themselves as admissions officers, though one said that she is also an alumnus. I guess we’ll find out as she proceeds gradually through the reachier ones on the list, though non are high-reaches-for-everyone schools. We’re just not in that market

@Aguadecoco, I agree that all the travel difficulties make things harder for less-affluent kids. But less-affluent kids also tend to go to less-affluent, less-competitive schools, where they may come up short in TO or test-blind schools because of their lower-ranked high schools and no way to corroborate their skills… So really, I don’t know that test-blind admissions, or anything, really (without revamping our whole society) can adequately level the playing field. It’s hard all-around.

I really am just curious about these interviews! Do these schools say they do interviews as part of the application process? Not many really do that and most that do use alumni. How did your D score these? Did she just email and ask if she could talk to someone? Or are these official interviews that are offered through the admissions office?

[southern55]

@Muad_dib

DD21’s college list is starting to take shape. Her stats: 4.43 w/GPA, 34 ACT. ECs include horseback riding, art (considering including a portfolio as part of application), Science Olympiad every year in HS, Latin and Science Honor Societies. Not much in the way of leadership, I’m afraid. She volunteers at her barn and just started a part time job at a nursery.

Any other places we should consider? Probably not interested in going south or much further west than Ohio. Thanks.

Mississippi State has a wonderful vet school and also has an equestrian team. Your daughter would get some nice merit aid with her scores. I know you said not south, but I had to plug my state school when I got the chance.

[inthegarden]

@homerdog, yes, she just hit the button on the college websites to sign up for an interview. In case she was mistaken I just reviewed the two school’s websites and both said something to the effect that the interview would be with an admissions professional /member of our admissions staff. Maybe they are admissions assistants rather than officers and I made an assumption… My D said they were adults…not especially young, so they would not have been student assistants, and they would not have been volunteers. But these are not top-tier schools that would likely have been inundated with thousands of requests.

She would,not have had to interview for these schools in any case. there is only one (maybe two) where an interview seems important. But she was worried about those so I suggested doing optional interviews for other schools as a way to practice. And anyway, showing interest by interviewing can’t hurt!

[Mwfan1921]

@homerdog

@inthegarden

@Muad_dib, yes, I would think so. At least a couple of my D’s friends are pretty upset about it, as AP bio relates directly to their future college/career goals. I’d love to get to the bottom of why it was cancelled. My D doesn’t know of anyone who dropped out after signing up last spring. Maybe the school just needed to pare down costs wherever possible and wanted to consolidate all the kids wanting advanced bio Into the DE class. It’s more popular than AP, not only because it’s easier but because so many of our local kids go to the community college and the credit transfers there automatically without the bother of having to take an AP test. The community college teacher actually comes to the high school (when there are in-person classes) so no transportation needed.

She doesn’t absolutely need another AP science (as a.non-STEM student) as she has taken honors chem, bio, earth science and AP physics 1 and can take AP environmental science. But she does want to have a strong schedule. I don’t know…maybe AP stats (along with the Calc) would be more useful than the DE bio and let her keep band…that is, if stats works into the schedule. Will call the GC tomorrow!

@homerdog, I didn’t know it’s unusual to get interviews with AOs since we’re new to this. Maybe it’s harder with the larger and/or higher-ranked schools ? But D definitely said these adults introduced themselves as admissions officers, though one said that she is also an alumnus. I guess we’ll find out as she proceeds gradually through the reachier ones on the list, though non are high-reaches-for-everyone schools. We’re just not in that market

@Aguadecoco, I agree that all the travel difficulties make things harder for less-affluent kids. But less-affluent kids also tend to go to less-affluent, less-competitive schools, where they may come up short in TO or test-blind schools because of their lower-ranked high schools and no way to corroborate their skills… So really, I don’t know that test-blind admissions, or anything, really (without revamping our whole society) can adequately level the playing field. It’s hard all-around.

@inthegarden

@Muad_dib, yes, I would think so. At least a couple of my D’s friends are pretty upset about it, as AP bio relates directly to their future college/career goals. I’d love to get to the bottom of why it was cancelled. My D doesn’t know of anyone who dropped out after signing up last spring. Maybe the school just needed to pare down costs wherever possible and wanted to consolidate all the kids wanting advanced bio Into the DE class. It’s more popular than AP, not only because it’s easier but because so many of our local kids go to the community college and the credit transfers there automatically without the bother of having to take an AP test. The community college teacher actually comes to the high school (when there are in-person classes) so no transportation needed.

She doesn’t absolutely need another AP science (as a.non-STEM student) as she has taken honors chem, bio, earth science and AP physics 1 and can take AP environmental science. But she does want to have a strong schedule. I don’t know…maybe AP stats (along with the Calc) would be more useful than the DE bio and let her keep band…that is, if stats works into the schedule. Will call the GC tomorrow!

@homerdog, I didn’t know it’s unusual to get interviews with AOs since we’re new to this. Maybe it’s harder with the larger and/or higher-ranked schools ? But D definitely said these adults introduced themselves as admissions officers, though one said that she is also an alumnus. I guess we’ll find out as she proceeds gradually through the reachier ones on the list, though non are high-reaches-for-everyone schools. We’re just not in that market

@Aguadecoco, I agree that all the travel difficulties make things harder for less-affluent kids. But less-affluent kids also tend to go to less-affluent, less-competitive schools, where they may come up short in TO or test-blind schools because of their lower-ranked high schools and no way to corroborate their skills… So really, I don’t know that test-blind admissions, or anything, really (without revamping our whole society) can adequately level the playing field. It’s hard all-around.

I really am just curious about these interviews! Do these schools say they do interviews as part of the application process? Not many really do that and most that do use alumni. How did your D score these? Did she just email and ask if she could talk to someone? Or are these official interviews that are offered through the admissions office?

@homerdog

@inthegarden

@Muad_dib, yes, I would think so. At least a couple of my D’s friends are pretty upset about it, as AP bio relates directly to their future college/career goals. I’d love to get to the bottom of why it was cancelled. My D doesn’t know of anyone who dropped out after signing up last spring. Maybe the school just needed to pare down costs wherever possible and wanted to consolidate all the kids wanting advanced bio Into the DE class. It’s more popular than AP, not only because it’s easier but because so many of our local kids go to the community college and the credit transfers there automatically without the bother of having to take an AP test. The community college teacher actually comes to the high school (when there are in-person classes) so no transportation needed.

She doesn’t absolutely need another AP science (as a.non-STEM student) as she has taken honors chem, bio, earth science and AP physics 1 and can take AP environmental science. But she does want to have a strong schedule. I don’t know…maybe AP stats (along with the Calc) would be more useful than the DE bio and let her keep band…that is, if stats works into the schedule. Will call the GC tomorrow!

@homerdog, I didn’t know it’s unusual to get interviews with AOs since we’re new to this. Maybe it’s harder with the larger and/or higher-ranked schools ? But D definitely said these adults introduced themselves as admissions officers, though one said that she is also an alumnus. I guess we’ll find out as she proceeds gradually through the reachier ones on the list, though non are high-reaches-for-everyone schools. We’re just not in that market

@Aguadecoco, I agree that all the travel difficulties make things harder for less-affluent kids. But less-affluent kids also tend to go to less-affluent, less-competitive schools, where they may come up short in TO or test-blind schools because of their lower-ranked high schools and no way to corroborate their skills… So really, I don’t know that test-blind admissions, or anything, really (without revamping our whole society) can adequately level the playing field. It’s hard all-around.

@inthegarden

@Muad_dib, yes, I would think so. At least a couple of my D’s friends are pretty upset about it, as AP bio relates directly to their future college/career goals. I’d love to get to the bottom of why it was cancelled. My D doesn’t know of anyone who dropped out after signing up last spring. Maybe the school just needed to pare down costs wherever possible and wanted to consolidate all the kids wanting advanced bio Into the DE class. It’s more popular than AP, not only because it’s easier but because so many of our local kids go to the community college and the credit transfers there automatically without the bother of having to take an AP test. The community college teacher actually comes to the high school (when there are in-person classes) so no transportation needed.

She doesn’t absolutely need another AP science (as a.non-STEM student) as she has taken honors chem, bio, earth science and AP physics 1 and can take AP environmental science. But she does want to have a strong schedule. I don’t know…maybe AP stats (along with the Calc) would be more useful than the DE bio and let her keep band…that is, if stats works into the schedule. Will call the GC tomorrow!

@homerdog, I didn’t know it’s unusual to get interviews with AOs since we’re new to this. Maybe it’s harder with the larger and/or higher-ranked schools ? But D definitely said these adults introduced themselves as admissions officers, though one said that she is also an alumnus. I guess we’ll find out as she proceeds gradually through the reachier ones on the list, though non are high-reaches-for-everyone schools. We’re just not in that market

@Aguadecoco, I agree that all the travel difficulties make things harder for less-affluent kids. But less-affluent kids also tend to go to less-affluent, less-competitive schools, where they may come up short in TO or test-blind schools because of their lower-ranked high schools and no way to corroborate their skills… So really, I don’t know that test-blind admissions, or anything, really (without revamping our whole society) can adequately level the playing field. It’s hard all-around.

I really am just curious about these interviews! Do these schools say they do interviews as part of the application process? Not many really do that and most that do use alumni. How did your D score these? Did she just email and ask if she could talk to someone? Or are these official interviews that are offered through the admissions office?

It seems more schools are doing AO interviews now…makes sense as AOs aren’t traveling so they have more time. Schools that are doing them (they might always have) are TCU, Denison, Lehigh, Dickinson, Tulane, Franklin and Marshall, Hamilton, U Rochester, U Dayton. I am sure there are more!

[inthegarden]

…Oh, and my My D said the second interviewer was taking notes the whole time so it seems as if the notes would be attached to an application file (or why bother?) Glad she seemed to help my D feel comfortable, because D is NOT used to situations like this

[coffeeat3]

Interviews here too - Carleton, Barnard, Kenyon. All said optional and informational - Barnard said same plus evaluative. Other schools won’t offer until application is submitted and these schools tend to use to engage alumni. My daughter found it a bit more relaxing over Zoom - since that is how so much of her communication is going now vs in person. Mix of student interviewer and AO. We are taking optional as just do it.

[anaray]

@Momof3B

@anaray

College board is cancelling some centers for SAT and subject SATs. But till August 18th you have time to register with other centers. I did this for my D21 as her center got canceled.

Yes, our original testing location got cancelled because our school district pushed back in person learning until September. This new one I found is a school district about an hour away that so far is still starting school in person so I’m hoping they don’t cancel as well! There were only 2 other options that I was able to find a seat at and both of those were 2 hours away which I feel is too far to go.

It is really is a very stressful application season. Only good thing now is we are all in this together! I hope that things go well for all of us.

[anaray]

@anaray

@Momof3B

@anaray

College board is cancelling some centers for SAT and subject SATs. But till August 18th you have time to register with other centers. I did this for my D21 as her center got canceled.

Yes, our original testing location got cancelled because our school district pushed back in person learning until September. This new one I found is a school district about an hour away that so far is still starting school in person so I’m hoping they don’t cancel as well! There were only 2 other options that I was able to find a seat at and both of those were 2 hours away which I feel is too far to go.

It is really is a very stressful application season. Only good thing now is we are all in this together! I hope that things go well for all of us.

Also I think registering for SAT testing sites of private schools is a good option as most of the private schools are planning to open in person.

[mm5678]

@inthegarden I wonder whether AP Bio was cancelled because of COVID issues - teacher is from CC, not the high school, and the lab aspect will be challenging? Either way, that stinks. D21s AP Bio class is still on as far as we know. Orchestra is another story. I think if they did only strings and upperclassmen they could spread out in the big rehearsal room if they ever get back in person. But the conductor left at the end of last year so I doubt they’re working hard to get another one. We’ll find out towards the end of the month. D is now talking about taking an art class instead of another AP in place of orchestra, which I think is a great idea.

The school district is doing a sort of college boot camp for the top 10% this week. Zoom sessions at 10AM, which makes for an early morning for her. Lol. I think she has her essay done and I saw the common app login page open on her laptop yesterday, but so was Minecraft on her phone. ? Mom can only nag so much and she will have to buckle down and get stuff done. Apply Texas and Pitt are the two most time sensitive I think.

School senior pictures are this weekend, in a studio. I paid for an extended sitting time to maybe get all the photos done (not just the yea4book one) but if the masking situation Is not good we will bail. Sigh.

Happy Wednesday!

[yearstogo]

DS was completing the Common App and there is a section where you are requested to input the courses that appear on your transcript, not from high school. DS has sev

@AlwaysMoving

Alright. Let me get some opinions on SAT vs ACT. My D is most likely applying to engineering schools and here are her scores:

SAT: 800 M 750 E for 1550
ACT: 33M 35E 36S 36R for a 35

She has taken a lot of hard math and math based science classes and done extremely well. She has a 4.0 uw gpa and has taken the “most rigorous” courses.

Should she send the SAT or the ACT? That 33 math looks bad, but it really doesn’t reflect her math skills. We’re definitely not taking another test! lol.

Great SAT score!! I would definitely only send it and not the ACT score. I believe the 1550 is high enough to get in anywhere so why let them see the 33?

[momandslp]

@AlwaysMoving Such amazing scores! I would probably send both, especially since the Science section on the ACT is so high and your D is applying for Engineering. For D17 I sent many scores, even subject tests when they weren’t required. She got a decent amount of merit money from various schools, so who knows if that made a difference?

It’s a whole different game with S21, who is not as good a test taker and has ADHD. We were lucky he got a decent math score on the December SATs since he said he never wanted to take it again after that. He is applying for Engineering at a few state schools, but hopes he will be considered for Physics in Arts and Sciences if he doesn’t get into Engineering (I am not sure he could handle the intensity of Engineering anyway, but it is his life and his lesson to learn either way. I have to keep telling myself that - it’s so hard! ?).

@inthegarden. So sorry about the AP Bio! I know that there have been a lot of scheduling issues this year at S21’s school due to COVID. Also, I know you said the school your daughter interviewed for wasn’t Dickinson. I keep suggesting Dickinson for S21 (we’re in PA) as I think it might be a great fit for him (although there is no Engineering). S21 wants bigger schools, however, since he’s been in small schools since Pre-K. Impressed with all of your kids who are willing to go to such lengths to get a test in. Hope it works out for all of you!

[Aguadecoco]

S21 had an interview with a AO also. He inquired about a major at the school and the AO emailed him
asking if he liked to meet to learn more.

[AlwaysMoving]

@homerdog

I really am just curious about these interviews! Do these schools say they do interviews as part of the application process? Not many really do that and most that do use alumni. How did your D score these? Did she just email and ask if she could talk to someone? Or are these official interviews that are offered through the admissions office?

In past years I don’t remember seeing interviews this time of year except at a few small LACs, but this year they seem to be common but not advertised. My hunch is the admissions staff is usually hosting tours and traveling to college fairs, but this year they are sitting at home with very little to do so they say “yes” to interviews.

How will they impact admissions? I have to think it’s the best way to demonstrate interest, and parts of the interview might end up in the admissions file.

[burghdad]

Keep in mind these new TO schools have almost zero experience with finding their type of students with out the test scores.

@AlwaysMoving keep in mind that at the top schools a large majority that applied did so with high scores and then the holistic review was based on everything else. I still think the top schools will basically be that same in that they will look for students who fill out a diverse class based on EC, essays, geography and URM. How many kids that have straight A’s and 4-8AP classes would not have good test scores.? Just my

[burghdad]

@AlwaysMoving a composite 35 never looks bad anywhere. Top 99.3 or so percentile. Just sent them both. They are both great scores.

[AlwaysMoving]

@homerdog

Send both!

@mamaedefamilia

@AlwaysMoving If she has a good score for AP Calc or a SAT Math II that offset the 33 in the ACT, I would lean slightly towards the ACT. But honestly, either score will clear the bar wherever she wants to apply, especially this year. Well done!

I didn’t know you could send both! lol. My first kid was sooooo much easier!

My D is doing the IB diploma and those tests were canceled due to COVID, so there isn’t a Calc score to send.

Thanks for the “Well done!”. She’s fortunate to have the scores and we know it. She took the SAT in the fall because she hopes to swim in college and coaches like to see scores early in the process, and then the ACT was because we already paid for the test and tutoring.

[homerdog]

@AlwaysMoving Right. I was just wondering if these interviews are something made by looking at the admissions page, seeing them offered, and making an appointment or if they are a student reaching out to an AO and asking if they can talk. Sounds like @inthegarden 's D just interviewed with schools that offered that option on their website. Interesting! I double checked D21’s list and admissions pages and we aren’t missing any that offer interviews. She has the correct list for her. Just trying to decide which to do when.

[JESmom]

I agree, it makes sense that AOs may be doing more interviews since they can’t travel to visit schools. They may also want more info since they won’t have test scores. S21 Is only applying to big state schools so no interviews.

@inthegarden That stinks that they cancelled AP Bio. I can definitely understand the desire to stay connected with band, in whatever way they plan to handle the class. My D would want the same.

Our school’s latest update is that when/if the school can transition to hybrid, they will still respect the teachers’ choice of at-home/in-school. So if the teacher wants to stay online, any kids in the class that wanted hybrid will be at school 2 days and for that class, the teacher will be on screen and there will be a proctor in the room. If the teacher wants to be at school, they will still stream the class for students who opted for fully online. Not sure how well it will actually work. But it does alleviate some concerns I had because I know a couple classes S21 requested typically only have one section and I’d hate for him to not be able to get the class because his hybrid/online choice didn’t match those teachers’

I don’t think S21 has made any more progress on the Common App but we did watch a Virginia Tech info session last night that was somewhat helpful and provided a little more direction re their short-answer questions.

[Aguadecoco]

NPR has a good article on college admissions today, “how the pandemic has upended college admissions”

[mamaedefamilia]

@burghdad

How many kids that have straight A’s and 4-8AP classes would not have good test scores.?

@burghdad That is a good point. On the Naviance scattergrams at D’s school, at the very upper band (top 5%), there is a very strong correlation between GPA, rigor, and test scores. At around the 20% mark, the relationship of GPA to standardized test score results starts to become noticeably looser.

We attended a college webinar hosted by our kid’s school and the presenters suggested that for colleges that have gone TO just because of COVID, school reputation will be especially important this year to evaluate transcripts, given the numerous makeshift teaching and grading solutions that were adopted last Spring.