June 12, 2021 College application process: Standardized Tests - Everything you need to know:
Link to ISW YouTube recording.
Speaker: Donna Cox of Cox Tutoring Group:
Donna answered many of the questions parents have about standardized tests and walked the parents and students through a step by step guideline to SAT & ACT tests and spoke to the following:
*Differences between the SAT and the ACT*Timing of tests - when the SAT and ACT are offered and when detailed reports are available
*Timing of prep - when to start, duration of weekly tutoring
*Difference between SAT optional and SAT blind
*Score Choice and Superscore
*ACT single-subject retesting
We heard from Mahathi Gopinath, current HS student and her experience on preparing for the SAT tests, and retakes.
Donna holds a magna cum laude Mathematics degree from Salve Regina University and was a National Merit Finalist. Donna spent the first thirty years of her professional career in the computer industry, as a programmer, a systems analyst, and a trainer. Donna has been preparing students for the SAT and ACT tests since 2003.
Moderators Poonam and Sanjay Hingorany
Please send any questions to collegeconnect@iswonline.org
---Dr. Mayank Jaiswal and Poonam Hingorany
May 22, 2021, Saturday: 11.00 am Financial planning and College Advisors.
Kanan Sachdeva, MBA, CFP®️, ChFC®️, Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual and Patrick Herndon, Certified College Advisor were the panelists. Our moderators were Mayank Jaiswal /Ramendra Chauhan
Recording on ISW Youtube link
April 17, 2021 Summary
College application process: College Essays: Crafting a great college application.
Ms.Susan Goodkin, a graduate of Harvard University, Harvard Law School, and Oxford University, spoke about crafting/creating a great college application. For the college essay, it was key to have a captivating opening sentence plus she cautioned against using humor or dark cynical views. The college counsellor has two minutes to read an essay that the applicant has spent countless hours on, so it is important to be upbeat, and perhaps share what one has learnt from a struggle or a hobby.
For the second half, Dhriti Aiylam, Junior at Northeastern University, Aditya Hoque, Junior at Brown University and Aditya Khanna, Sophomore/Junior at Rochester Institute of Technology shared their personal experiences. In order to view their insights, click here. Session was moderated by Mayank and Shiamin.
From Tanvi, one of the attendees: I thought the personal statement examples that the students as well as Ms. Goodkin gave were really unique and informative. Furthermore, the tips the students gave, to research the college was really helpful. Dhriti’s idea about the specific structure and planning a few sentences about the personal statement and then giving it some time, and also reviewing it with an outsider was really great and helpful.
MARCH 20, 2021 summary
Summary: College Application Process: 'Let's talk ! Keeping the lines of communications open'
---Dr. Mayank Jaiswal and Poonam Hingorany.
Please send any questions to collegeconnect@iswonline.org
We had more than 20 attend the webinar on March 20 as part of ISW's initiative on providing information and support for parents and students whilst they navigate the college application process. Led by Shubh Agrawal, School Counselor, Worcester Academy and IYG Advisor and Ramendra, Ruchi and Yash Chauhan , we delved into how to keep sane and keep family relationships on an even keel throughout the college application process, with emphasis on students in high school. Shubh used the analogy that parent's role at this time is similar to their role when their teenager first learns to drive. The student is in the driver's seat and the parent is there as a guide.
Thoughts shared by Yash Chauhan, Freshman at Northeastern University , Boston
Whether it be debating between taking the SAT or ACT or attempting to figure out the so called “formula” that admission’s departments use, the American college admissions process is already an overly complicated task. However, it is made far more difficult and strenuous when there is a lack of open communication between parent and student. This is especially true for individuals with parents who were brought up in India and as such, are not as familiar with the American application process. In such a situation, the student should realize that when their parents asks them questions about certain aspects of the application, it isn’t due to them attempting to criticize the student or micromanage them, but usually just because they are genuinely curious about the process. Conversely, parents too should understand that this is a process that is primarily incumbent on the student. Although parents should always provide guidance and encouragement, they should never just take over. The skills that students develop during the application process will serve them well in the future, but only if parents let go a little and allow them to go through this experience. Even though parents should not take over, keeping an open dialogue throughout the process such as discussing what the family can afford, allows for students and parents to get the most out of the process while mitigating future conflicts. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that what matters more than where you go college is what you do during your time there; so aim high, but remember that wherever you end up going, you still have the opportunity to accomplish great things.
College Stress Management_Shubh.pdf
Recording
Next sessions are as follows:
Future 2021: High school graduates discuss the process on how they made their college/major selections.
Future 2021: Workshop on College Essays.
College Connect Team
Mayank Jaiswal, Facilitator & Professor at Rider College
Shubh Agrawal, Counselor, Worcester Academy
Poonam & Sanjay Hingorany, parents of undergrad and grad college students
Ramendra & Ruchi Chauhan, parents of middle school and college freshman children
Snehlata & Jagan Srinivasan, parents of middle school students & themselves college professors
Aaryan Bhatt, HS Senior from Harvard, MA.
Shiamin Melville
