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.