1Stage - College Planning

Congratulations to Brodie for committing to USC! 

For the past 20 years, I have proudly served as a Girl Scout Gold Award committee member, mentor, and interviewer.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious achievement a Girl Scout can earn. It is available exclusively to high school-aged Girl Scouts (Seniors and Ambassadors in grades 9 through 12).To earn the award, a Girl Scout must address a local or global issue by designing and executing a sustainable "Take Action" project that requires at least 80 hours of individual leadership.

Unlike community service, Gold Award projects must be sustainable and create real-world impact. This means the project must continue to have a positive impact even after the Girl Scout completes her involvement. The project must show strong leadership, measurability, and sustainability.

Many universities recognize the award's rigor. Recipients have access to exclusive scholarships from organizations, universities, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Enlisting in any branch of the United States Armed Forces automatically secures a one-rank promotion for a Gold Award earner. Less than 6% of eligible Girl Scouts achieve this honor, placing them in an elite network of global leaders.

Because of my experience supporting these amazing projects, even if a student is not part of the Girl Scout organization, I’m always there to mentor them. 

If you want to stand out, I highly recommend that every student develop, create and implement at least one sustainable project that will solve a problem within your community. 

Congratulations to Griffin for committing to UC Santa Barbara!

https://www.brailleinstitute.org/about-us/news/braille-institute-invites-readers-everywhere-to-join-free-nationwide-summer-reading-program-featuring-bestselling-authors-national-parks-and-immersive-storytelling/

Braille Institute Summer Reading Program National Library Service Selects Braille Institute to Curate and Host Nine-Week “Unearth a Story” Series Open to All Readers Across the Country

Every year I have a student who is afraid to say: “I can get A’s “ They don’t want to disappoint others so they will lower their standards. They hear from other students about a class being difficult, the teacher being too challenging, or actually hearing firsthand from the teacher that it’s rare a student gets a high grade in their class. These students are totally capable of being successful. However, they walk into class, immediately lowering the bar. 

I encourage you to talk to your kids about doing their best, not dumbing themselves down, and asking for help (a tutor). Not only will this will increase their self-esteem and prepare them for college, but it will… 

- Give them more choices and acceptances for colleges. 

- Unlock competitive merit based scholarships.

- Build the work ethic needed to thrive in future professional environments.

- Teach them study skills, time management and self discipline. 

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/what-we-look-for

What We Look For Curious, determined students. Resilient, and single-minded. Learn more about how we evaluate who will thrive at Caltech.

STEM majors:

Top technology and science degree programs are looking for applicants that show ongoing curiosity, exceptional mastery of STEM concepts, and the ability to thrive in a highly rigorous academic environment. They are looking for strong problem-solvers and critical thinkers who embrace intellectual challenges and also demonstrate strong analytical skills in the humanities. Candidates who show advanced coursework within the field inside and outside of the classroom stand out. Hands on research, college coursework, participation in educational and immersion programs, and the creation of sustainable projects all demonstrate strength and readiness in selective STEM programs.

Get some fresh air and volunteer this summer!

Heal the Bay Heal the Bay has been helping Southern California become more water wise at home and as a community.

Congratulations Olivia. You’re going to do wonderful things!

https://www.nytimes.com/spotlight/learning-contests

Contests The Learning Network