The SAT & ACT in the Age of COVID

Greetings,
 
Last week, I enjoyed hosting Bill Huston from Mindfish to discuss the SAT vs ACT in the age of Covid-19. Thank you to everyone who attended for your thoughtful questions. For those unable to attend, we have edited the content and posted for your viewing. Just click on the video above to be taken to my YouTube channel.
 
November 15th brought the 2nd large deadline in the college application process and I am happy to report that all of my students have successfully submitted their applications. Remember, the deadline for most California schools is November 30 and most other schools are January 15. Gap year deadlines are also fast approaching. If you or anyone you know is need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  
 
Things in the education world continue to evolve with Covid-19. We are seeing many school districts in Colorado pivot to online learning. In case you missed it, please read my earlier blog post on how to assist in your student’s educational journey during the pandemic.
 
As always, if I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at laurabarr@emergingconsulting.com.
 
Have a great day!
 
Laura

Navigating the School Choice Process

Whether your child is 7 or 17, the school choice process can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Below are 16 considerations for choosing the right school, and I have picked up some specific tips that will help you navigate this process throughout your child’s life.

Also, please join me for my next monthly Zoom webinar on Nov. 9th at 6:30 pm. We will be discussing the SAT & ACT in the age of COVID with a special guest, Bill Huston from Mindfish. RSVP HERE. If your child is a sophomore, junior, or senior, you won’t want to miss this!

Hope to see you virtually soon!

Laura

16 KEYS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL

  • What are the school’s identified mission and values?
  • What are your identified values and mission?  Do they align?
  • What is the school’s educational philosophy?
  • What is the school’s curriculum?
  • What is the school’s approach to students mastering standards?
  • How are teachers held accountable?
  • How are teachers supported in their professional development?
  • How will your student’s development be supported by peers and adult mentors?
  • How are students held accountable?
  • Know your student’s learning profile.
  • Help your child to understand their learning style.
  • How are individual students with unique perspectives, needs and dreams served?
  • In what ways will your child will be engaged in the classroom?
  • What are the compelling educational experiences beyond the classroom?
  • How do the school’s graduates fare in college, and later professionally?
  • Will the investment required result in commensurate life-lasting returns?”

 

Here are some other resources to help you navigate the school
choice process:

Essay Tracker List

Value Exercise

School View

DPS SCHOOL MINT

Admissions Events

Chalk Beat

What Colleges Are Looking For

What Are Colleges Looking For?

In late September, I had the pleasure of virtually discussing The College Application During Covid-19 with a group of parents and students. Thankfully for technology, we are able to bring the video to you to watch with your students at your leisure.

One of the areas that we touched upon was “What Colleges Are Looking For” in an applicant. Take a look at the top qualities that you can help nurture in your home!

  • Drive
  • Intellectual Curiosity
  • Initiative
  • Contribution
  • Diversity of Experiences

Grab a drink, some popcorn and spend a few minutes learning more about the five areas above, how the process has changed during the age of Covid-19 and more!

Finally, if you or others are beginning the school choice process for the 2021 school year, you will want to tune in on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 p.m. for another virtual discussion: School Choice – What to Consider. Please RSVP HERE.

Have a great day!

Laura

School Choice and Admissions: Resources to Help Guide You in Your Family’s Decision

School choice can be anxiety-producing and challenging but it does not have to be.  Rather, it can be a fun time for families to explore, engage and learn together about all of the wonderful opportunities in our educational community.  Colorado Independent Schools have adjusted quickly to admissions during Co-Vid.  They are providing amazing opportunities for families to meet with admissions counselors, virtual campus and in-person tours, and creative ways of interviewing and shadow days.  Please scroll down or visit our resource page to learn more.

Also, I invite you to join me on October 19th from 6:30-7:15 p.m. as we discuss School Choice: What to Consider – a virtual discussion highlighting 16 considerations for choosing the right school for your student’s future. RSVP here to receive the zoom meeting code information. 

Finally, please don’t forget our September virtual discussion: The College Application During Covid on September 28th from 6:30-7:15 p.m. – Reflections on how the application process has changed, advice on the Personal Statement and Supplemental Essays and what are the most important facets to creating a “stand out” application. This 45-minute session is perfect for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and parents. Questions and discussion will be encouraged.  To RSVP, please click here.

Look forward to virtually seeing you soon!

Laura

Aspen Academy

Colorado Academy

Application Link

  • Admissions Preview: October 7 at 5:30 p.m. 
  • Assessment requirements
    • Low Key Parent Observation Video, Middle and Upper School Video Required   
    • Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten: No formal testing, developmental readiness is assessed during virtual tour.
    • Grades 1-5: “test flexible” any tests within the last two years, such as the CogAT, WISC, DAS, MAP, ISEE, ERB, among others.
    • Grades 6-12: “test flexible” any tests within the last two years, such as the CogAT, WISC, DAS, MAP, ISEE, ERB, SSAT, HSPT, and Pre-ACT, among others.
    • Low-K

Alexander Dawson School

  • Admissions Contact: Scott Schneider, Director of Admissions and Tuition Assistance (sschneider@dawsonschool.org; admissions@dawsonschool.org) 
  • Virtual Open House on October 17 and December 5; information HERE
  • Virtual Tours set up by calling to arrange date: 303-665-6679
  • Admissions Deadline: 
    • Grades K-8: application review begins in January
    • Grades 9-12: January 31
  • Notification Date: 
    • Grades K-8: notifications being at the end of February but continue until enrollment is filled.
    • Grades 9-12: February 21
  • Application Link
  • Testing requirement: Please inquire.

Denver Jewish Day School

  • Admissions Contact: Shayna Friedman (sfriedman@denverjds.org)
  • Tour Options:
    • Zoom tours can be arranged here
    • In-Person tours are offered during after school hours and comply with social distancing recommendations. Masks, temperature check and health questionnaire are required prior to tour. Schedule a tour here
  • Admissions Deadline: February 15
  • Notification Date: Late February-Early March
  • Application Link 
  • Admissions Requirements: At least one Jewish parent
    • Kindergarten: developmentally appropriate pre-academic skills displayed on a school visit and documented in teacher recommendation form.
    • Grades 1-6: grade-level academic and behavioral expectations based on teacher recommendations/ school records.
    • Grades 7-12: Demonstrated strength in secular studies (B average or higher), documentation of positive behavior, interest in learning Hebrew and Judaic studies, well-rounded interests.

Denver Academy

  • Admissions Contact: Janet Wooley, Director of Enrollment (dloan@denveracademy.org) 
  • Schedule a virtual or in-person tour by calling 303-777-5161
  • Admissions Deadline: Rolling Admissions 
  • Application Link: For updated, streamlined application process, call 303-777-5161 prior to completing an application. 
  • Testing requirement:  
    • WISC-V within the last 3 years
    • One of the following: WJ, WIAT, KTEA

The Denver Waldorf School

  • Admissions Contact: Brie Kaiser, Admissions Director, and Brooke Camfield, Admissions Manager (admissions@denverwaldorf.org)
  • Virtual tour: Contact Brooke Camfield at 303-777-0531 x106 to schedule a tour, or fill out a request form here
  • Admissions Deadline: March 1
  • Notification Date: Rolling Admissions 
  • Application Link
  • Testing requirement:  
    • Grades 1-3: in-house grade-level readiness assessment
    • Grades 3-5: in-house reading, writing, and math assessment
    • Grades 6-8: in-house reading, writing, and math assessment
    • Grades 9-12: in-house writing and math assessment

Graland Country Day School

  • Admissions Contacts: Dalia Quezada and Kiefer Williams (admissions@graland.org, 303-316-3533)
  • Virtual Tour/Information Options:
  • Admissions Deadline: Online Application due January 10, Additional Documents due January 24
  • Notification Date: Lower School March 2, Middle School February 24 
  • Application Link
  • Testing requirement:  
    • Grades Kindergarten-5: cognitive testing required
    • Grades 6-8: SSAT

Havern School

  • Admissions Contact: Shira Shump, Director of Admissions (sshump@havernschool.org)
  • Tour: Schedule a tour by contacting Shira Shump or completing the form here
  • Admissions Deadline: Haven School requests applications in late Fall, but allows for rolling admissions.
  • Application Link: Provided after contacting Shira Shump for a tour.
  • Testing requirement:  Psychoeducational Evaluation results completed within the last 2 years

Kent Denver School

  • Admissions Contact: (ksadmission@kentdenver.org, 303-770-7660 x237)
  • Schedule a virtual tour here. Contact admissions to register for a virtual open house on October 10.
  • Application Link
  • Testing requirement: Kent is currently evaluating testing requirements

The Logan School for Creative Learning

  • Admissions: Becky Godec (admissions@theloganschool.org, beckygodec@theloganschool.org, 
  • Remote Parent Information Sessions offered, register here
  • Admissions Deadline: January 4, 9am.
  • Application link sent once the basic application data form (here) and application fee are received.
  • Testing requirement: Cognitive Assessment from a licenced psychologist

Mackintosh Academy - Littleton

  • Admissions Contact: Beth Steklac
  • Information options:
    • Open Houses: November 12 at 5:30pm, December 2 at 9am. RSVP here
    • Virtual or In-person Tours by appointment, schedule here
  • Admissions Deadline: January 10
  • Notification Date: 
    • Grades PreK-5: March 3
    • Grades 6-8: February 26
  • Application Link 
  • Testing requirement: WISC-V preferred but other bodies of evidence like school-administered testing, previous acceptance to a gifted program, or other standardized tests measuring cognitive capacity, may be considered.

Montessori School of Denver

  • Admissions contact: Tara Keene, Director of Admissions (tkeene@msd-co.org) 
  • To schedule a virtual tour or attend a virtual open house, complete this form or call 720-606-4321
  • Admissions Deadline: January 8
  • Notification Date: 
    • Toddler Notification: March 16, 2021
    • Lower School Notification (Primary through Grade 5): March 2, 2021
    • Middle School Notification: February 24, 2021
  • Testing is not required.
  • Application Link 

St. Anne’s Episcopal School

  • Admissions Contact: Lori Frank, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid (lfrank@st-annes.org) 
  • Virtual tour: Click here to schedule a tour
  • Admissions Deadline: Parents/guardians are encouraged to submit applications online by January 15, 2021. Please note that the school may continue to accept applications for wait pool spots throughout the year.
  • Notification Date: Parents/guardians will be notified of their children’s admissions status on a date designated by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools. The notification date typically falls in late February (middle-school candidates) or early March (preschool-Grade 5)
  • Application Link: At your parent tour/interview, you will receive instructions on how to complete an online application. 
  • Testing requirement: (Possibly waived during Co-Vid) 
    • Candidates to Grades 3 or 4 must provide educational testing results: Differential Abilities Scale (DAS) or Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). A list of recommended testing providers is available upon request. 
    • Candidates to Grades 5-8 should register for the home version of the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) at iseetest.org.

St. Elizabeth’s School

  • Admissions Contact: Diane Grove, Director of Admissions (dgrove@sesden.org) 
  • Virtual tour: Click here 
  • Admissions Info Sessions
    • October 20th – 6:30pm
      November 10th – 1pm
      December 6th – 4pm
  • Admissions Deadline: Before the 2nd week of January
  • Notification Date: St. The ACIS Admission Notification date varies slightly each year, but middle school notification is in late February and lower school notification is in early March. Notification will be emailed on the predetermined date at 4pm, and this will be followed by hard copy notification sent by mail.
  • Application Link: Attend an Individual Tour or an Open House. Afterwards, you will receive an email with a link to initiate the Online Application.
  • Testing requirement: If your child has received Psycho-Educational Testing, or is currently supported by a 504 Plan or an IEP, please provide the most recent evaluation and/or support summary as part of the application process

St. Mary’s Academy

  • Admissions Contact: Seely Greenberg 
  • Events:
    • September 22: High School Virtual Information Night; 6:00 PM (click here to RSVP)
    • September 23: SMA 8th Grade Visit to High School via campus quad; 9:15-10:30 AM. In addition to meeting our High School Principal, Iswari Natarajan, students will experience a fair style event (socially distanced) while rotating through six tables with unique opportunities to learn about and discuss: Arts, College Counseling, Athletics, Robotics, Student Council and reflections from current High School students.
    • September 29, October 1, 6, 8: Individual Virtual Student Visit Days; 9:00-10:30 AM.  Students will be invited to join a Zoom link and are encouraged to Zoom from home.  After your virtual visit day in the High School, please Swivl into your Middle School class after lunch.   
    • October 8: SMA High School Athletics Virtual Information Night 6:00 PM (click here to RSVP)
    • October 15: SMA 8th Grade Girls attend HS Town Hall Meeting via Zoom; 10:00 AM
    • October 17: SMA High School Virtual Open House; 10:00 AM-1:00 PM (click here to RSVP)
    • November 12: High School Student Panel with Principal via Zoom; 10:30-11:00 AM
    • November 17: SMA High School Athletics Virtual Information Night; 6:00 PM (click here to RSVP)
    • December 2: SMA High School 101 Virtual Information Night; 6:00 PM
    • December 5: High School Placement Test; 8:00-11:30 AM.  See additional details below.
    • January 11: All SMA 8th grade girls will receive re-enrollment for 9th grade at the SMA High School.
  • Testing requirement: St. Mary’s will take any
    • Merit Scholarship applicants need to test 90% HSPT 
    • TEST Prep FREE 
    • 8th Grade Girls (CA) Will matriculate

Stanley British Primary School

  • Admissions Contact: Sara Stern, Director of Admission & Summer Program (admission@stanleybps.org) 
  • Virtual tour: Click here to schedule a tour
  • Admissions Deadline: January 15
  • Notification Date: 
    • Grades 6 and 7: February 22, 2021 
    • Grades Kindergarten to 5: March 2, 2021
  • Application Link
  • Testing requirement: Stanley is waiving all testing requirements, Parent Video required

Mullen High School

  • Name of admissions: Frank Cawley, Director of Admissions (frank.cawley@mullenhigh.com)
  • Tour: Please check here.  Mustang day sign up will begin in early September. 
  • Admissions Deadline: Please inquire.
  • Notification Date: Please inquire.
  • Application Link 
  • Testing requirement: HSPT Entrance Exam

Regis Jesuit High School

  • Name of admissions: Jennifer Gray, Assistant Director of Admissions (jgray@regisjesuit.com) or Alivian Jorgensen, Assistant Director of Admissions (ajorgensen@regisjesuit.com)
  • Virtual tour & Shadowing: Click here.  
  • Experience Regis Jesuit DAys: September 18, September 25 (Boys) October 9 (Girls Only,) October 16th
  • Admissions Deadline: December 4
  • Notification Date: February, 2021
  • Application Link
  • Testing requirement: HSPT Entrance Exam October 17th, November 14th, December 5th (Registration required) 
  • Online Test Prep Class
  • Individual Family Tours offered M-TH
  • Special Events: December Evening Tours with Christmas Lights

Valor High School

  • Name of admissions: Amber Anema, Admissions Coordinator (amber.anema@valorchristian.com) or Jeannette Roberts, Admissions Coordinator (jeannette.roberts@valorchristian.com)
  • Tour: Click here.
  • Admissions Deadline: First Round: December 11 and Second Round February 26
  • Notification Date: First Round: January 15 and Second Round March 11
  • Application Link 

Testing requirement: Please visit here.

*Note to Schools: Please notify us if you have any updates or notice any errors.  

Back to School Tips During a Global Pandemic

young student sitting at desk with computer with a teacher on the screen

During these crazy times, it is easy to find multiple points of view on “the best way forward.”  Whether you have chosen to homeschool, go totally virtual or follow your district’s schedule, the following tips can help to make learning during this time more successful.  My tips come straight from my clients, colleagues, and other experts in the field who have been rigorous, forthright, and eager to share ideas so that all can benefit.  Feel free to contribute any ideas that are working for you by visiting my Facebook page and commenting on this post.  

Create a learning lab.  If you have not done so already, consider creating a “learning lab!” One of my innovative clients in Texas created a learning lab room that was as simple as connecting the laptop to a large screen tv and pushing a table in front of it.  Voila!  The effect was her bright, wiggly, boy was not scrunched up at a small computer screen.  Instead, he felt he was sitting up, engaged in video conversations, and was able to use the table to write, create STEM projects, and have all of his materials nearby!

How to:
  • Hook PC up to a large screen and put a table/chair in front of it.
  • Stock up on colorful supplies to make learning fun
  • Have water and healthy snacks available.
  • Consider a rolling shelf unit or special cubby to store supplies
  • Consider a motivational chart to earn mutually agreed-upon celebrations for accomplishments.

Work with your PTSA to develop a plan to support teachers.  A Junior client who attends George Washington is getting curious about how she can support all of the teachers in her school by making sure they have meals, childcare, and other items during these difficult times.  

How to:

  • Reach out to teachers to understand what they might need to make virtual learning success for your students.  
  • Commit to citizenship by contributing in some way to the important issues our society faces around equity, inclusion, and anti-bias.  I am recommending you make this broader as equity is below.  
  • Consider creating a giving circle for your school.  Another student in my practice created one in which families participated in protests and many are meeting on a regular basis to discuss challenges around equity and education. 
Use the Dining Room table for debate, connection, and mental health checks!  Mealtime is such a great opportunity for connection. 

How to:
  • For some of my older students, I recommend discussions about news and politics and encourage considering All SIDES.  
  • We know that most students are prone to stress and anxiety right now, so using this time to discuss “rose” and “thorns” of the day can be a way to express feelings in a safe way.  
  • Develop Table Topics as a way to create new connections/ this can result in deeply loving and connected exchanges.  

Monitor, Monitor, Monitor.  One of the hard things for me that has occurred during these crazy times, are the increased calls to my practice regarding children involved in social media scandals including pornography, sexting, and cyberbullying.  Students as young as eleven years old are finding themselves in unsafe situations and most would be preventable if parents were monitoring their phones.  

How to:

  • Please take the time to watch this video created by East High School PTSA to learn about the importance of monitoring SM and some ways in which to do
  • Consider apps that limit social media usage during the day
  • Set up phone/electronics charging in a common room at night and encourage reading before bedtime.
Be Playful.  Remember: Children learn through play.  Many parents are concerned about academic growth for their young children.  In all of the chaos of the pandemic, it is important to remember that the way young children learn academically is through play.  Children who play are better problem solvers, collaborators, and become imaginative thinkers. 

How to:
  • Create time each day for free play and provide materials such as blocks, puzzles, dress-up clothes, fort-building materials. Af cardboard refrigerator box can entertain for weeks!  
  • Create an “art space” in the home where kids can get messy.  Provide crayons, playdough, primary color paints, and brushes, and large rolls of paper.  
  • Create a “book corner” and display books so that children can see the front of the book and set “quiet” reading times throughout the day.  
  • Fill a basket with musical instruments and sing along to favorite Music Together songs or other children’s albums that you love!  
  • Stock up on math game materials such as dice, cards, tokens and math manipulatives. Young children are concrete thinkers and need visual and multi-sensory materials to thrive.  Play math games to solidify learning. 

What Freshman in High School Parents and Students Can do NOW to prepare for College

Each month, I blog on a topic to support and inspire parents who are committed to raising independent, creative and powerful citizens who will use education to impact and transform. 

It is my intent to provide tidbits to help parents navigate the educational path so that students will get into college and “thrive” in college.  

What Freshman in High School Parents and Students Can do NOW to prepare for College 

by Laura Barr 

Each year I am asked by the parents of high school freshman parents: What can we do now?  I am a college consultant and mother of four launched children who believe that starting early wise and creates less anxiety for students 

What Can I do Now? 

  • Backward Plan with the calendar and create a tentative calendar of 4-year admissions plan
  • Vision 4-year academic course schedule with a school counselor or college consultant 
  • Build relationships with teachers and counselors, seek trusted advisors for self-advocacy and future recommendation letters 
  • Engage in the school community in  sports, leadership, and clubs 
  • Get 3 college visits under your belt (big, small, private, public) 
  • Apply and plan on getting summer jobs
  • Get lifeguard certifications, apply for community leadership boards
  • Begin a resume and add to it each year
  • Keep a spreadsheet of interesting colleges you hear about
  • Get a naviance account with your school and get smart about how to use it
  • Encourage your children Read, Read and Read 
  • Instill a strong understanding of financial planning, use of credit cards and bank accounts
  • Use therapists as a resource
  • Attend parent the college nights and fairs at your school
  • Engage in our local community 
  • Sign up for Be the Influence Newsletter  https://www.betheinfluence.us/ to stay smart about issues facing teens
  • Subscribe to your local and national newspapers, pick favorite  magazines and read and talk about current issues
  • When traveling stop by colleges and University and sign up for tours (try the self-guided) 
  • Arrange update psycho-educational testing for accommodations, if needed
  • Get curious about Gap Year options
  • Attend College Fairs  
  • Purchase  and annotate Fiske College Book and keep on Coffee table 
  • Read Frank Bruni Where you Go is Not Who You Will Be
  • Read Loren Pope Colleges that Change Lives
  • Read the college essay prompts each fall and discuss with family

Please reach out to Laura Barr at info@emergingconsulting.com for more information about e.Merging’s services and support in how to prepare your freshman, sophomore of junior for the college process 

Creating a Testing Timeline – 2019

Each month, I blog on a topic to support and inspire parents who are committed to raising independent, creative and powerful citizens who will use education to impact and transform. 

It is my intent to provide tidbits to help parents navigate the educational path so that students will get into college and “thrive” in college.  

Top 5 Tips Creating a Strategic Testing Timeline for ACT and SAT 

Whether we like it or not test scores matter. When parents collaborate with their children in creating a strategic testing plan, the outcome equals less stress, anxiety, and fear. 

Top 5 Tips for creating a strategic testing timeline! 

  1.  Find a test practitioner who can help you and your student discern, which test is the right one for your child’s learning style. In my practice, I refer to MindFish Test Prep as they have empowered hundreds of students in the Denver area to achieve test prep goals. 
  2. Schedule the test date carefully around student’s activities, breaks, and sports events. There is nothing worse than scheduling the big test date on the same day as state finals or fall play dress rehearsal! Be aware of application deadlines.  
  3. When you register through the SAT and ACT website, don’t forget to SAVE your password as you will need it to check scores. Take it from me: It’s no fun when you have to reset the password on the day you are anxiously awaiting the final numbers. 
  4. Backward Plan test prep and tutoring, studying right up to the chosen test date. If finances allow, private tutors are ideal as they can hone in your precisely what your child needs. Don’t forget ID and calculator!
  5. Once you get the test score report, find a reliable and certified education planner to assist you in a strategy in creating a list of colleges that are “good fit colleges.” While standardized tests do matter, there are multiple factors that the admissions team using in evaluation what is compelling about students! (Note: Make sure you ask your potential college consultant what training and certifications they hold!) 

Upcoming SAT and ACT Tests Dates 

SAT Test Dates:
August 25, 2018 – Register by July 25, 2018
October 6, 2018 – Register by September 6, 2018
November 3, 2018 – Register by October 3, 2018
December 1, 2018 – Register by November 1, 2018
March 8, 2019 – Register by February 8, 2019
May 4, 2019 – Register by April 4, 2019
June 1, 2019 – Register by May 1, 2019

ACT Test Dates:
September 8, 2018 – Register by August 5, 2018
October 27, 2018 – September 21, 2018
December 8, 2018 – November 2, 2018
February 9, 2019 – January 11, 2019
April 13, 2019 – March 8, 2019
June 8, 2019 – May 3, 2019 

Please reach out to Laura Barr at info@emergingconsulting.com for more infomration about scheduling and learning more about the art of creating testing timelines!