college acceptances

It’s just about that time when college-bound seniors begin to receive the mail that will determine their future: college acceptances. Apprehension, uneasiness, and nervousness are only a few of the emotions that a senior might feel around this time. The uncertainty has allowed seniors to become distressed but now they can take a deep sigh of relief. The waiting is over.

GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendations as well as extracurricular activities depend on a college accepting or rejecting a student. Colleges also look for what a student does outside of school such as volunteering or community work helps others. The main goal of the student is to be well-rounded in every aspect. Some students have their own opinions on the reasons colleges accept or reject them. “I think a college accepts a person based on their academic record, and their potential to be an asset to their school. I think they also look at your progress from your freshman year to your senior year.” said Senior Lauren Moonessar
Slowly but surely college acceptances have begun. Some seniors got accepted to some schools they applied to but not necessarily their first choice.“I got into Queens College, St. Johns, Brooklyn College, and Oswego. said senior Umar Khan "My number one college was Baruch but I didn’t get in so I think Queens College is my next choice.”
While not being accepted to a first choice college could be disappointing, it should not be depressing. Applying to several colleges gives plenty of options for the student to choose from. Senior Mea Hemmings Crenshaw has chosen a couple of back-up schools to rely on.
Some seniors want to continue a legacy by attending the colleges their parents attended. “I would like to attend my mother's old school, Queens College,” exclaimed said Mea Crenshaw. Mea is not alone a lot of students hope to attendtheir parents alma mater.
Although the waiting is almost over for the seniors, the challenge really starts once they walk through the college doors.

Preparing for College

Gateway juniors as well as their parents attended the meeting "Preparing for the College Application Process", On thursday, March 6, at 6 :00pm sponsered by Mrs.Kalansky and Dr.Sloan. This meeting was beneficial and the juniors definitely took advantages of this experience.

As students and parents entered the library, they hurried to find their seats while enjoying the complimentary refereshments. Mr. Medina opened the meeting by stating the most factual and memorable statement "the financial aid process will upset the parents and the application process will upset the students."

He suggested that juniors try to present themselves to colleges as "people," not just grades. One way they could do this is by academic related internships. This can open the the student to a school or even a possible career.

An important word students should keep in mind is essays. While applying to colleges, students will have to write atleast six to seven creative essays. These essays need to be well developed and explain life experiences, personality or interesting events. Colleges do read these essays and sometime it could determine one's acceptance or rejection.

Another important key factor in the application process is recommendations. Formally ask a teacher to write a recomendation discussing personaity as well as academics. Ask atleast four teachers just in case someone is unable to write one. Remember these recomendations are key do not get a recomendation from a spanish teacher and the intended major is biology it might not be the best choice. Refer to a science teacher.

"There are many important parts to the application process, such as a high GPA, high SAT scores, extracurricular activities an essay, recommendations and your high school ranks, according to Ms.James. "Of these I would say your grade point average is the most important part of the application process."

In Jamaica HighSchool, the college office is key to preparing for college. It supplies various information for college bound students such as internships, scholarships and SAT help. Student's in the 10th- 12th grade visit the college office to get the college related materials and to use the internet to do research. They ask questions regarding the PSAT, SAT, scholarships and the Financial Aid. They ask questions about admission requirements for various colleges.

Now with all the information provided and advantages students should be able to prepare for college with no problem.