Greetings one last time....

Over the summer, please work on your college essays and applications.  Seriously...don't wait until September (this process is like the Research Paper - it's so tempting to put off getting things done - but if you simply set a schedule and stick to it, you'll be all the happier in the end).   I'll gladly review essays during the summer ... please don't wait until September or October (have pity on overworked teachers!) 

Also - see the "attachments" below for college essay ideas and preparation. 

Finally, some things to remember for teacher recommendations and the whole college application process. 

1.  Give the teacher your form with as much background information as possible.  I love that you are involved in so many activities, but what I really need to know is where you plan to apply, what you think you will major in, what sort of career your think you will pursue (you're not bound by any of those but it gives someone like me some interesting material to emphasize in a creative way in a letter).

2.  Be prepared to give the teacher addressed/stamped envelopes (preferrably typed) along with the "Teacher Recommendation" form from the Common Application.   Download and fill in your personal information (typed is so much nicer than hand-written).  Typically teachers need just one Teacher Recommendation form (with your personal info), which can be completed and photocopied by the teacher.

** a little trick for recommendation letters - include in the envelope a self-addressed & stamped postcard.  On the back, type in something like:  Ms. Meskill's letter of recommendation was received by    insert college name.  All college admissions offices are happy to put the card in the mail to you - and you'll have peace of mind during this upcoming stressful process knowing that your letters were received.

3.  Keep a file on your applications.  Keep track of deadlines (especially Early Action / Early Decision) for each college to which you are applying. Don't expect others to remember what needs to be completed.  Your guidance counselor will give you his or her full support, but remember that he or she is dealing with literally hundreds of applications in the Fall. 

4. Even though you can apply online to most schools, your guidance counselor still needs to send a plethora of paper work to each college, including a recommendation - (Common App form or some colleges prefer their own forms), which you need to fill in and provide to your counselor (similiar to the Teacher Rec. form).  Guidance will mail all of their paperwork at one time and Teacher letters go out separately unless otherwise specified.  No application will be reviewed until it is complete.

5.  And as a final note.... I know it's summertime and you want to kick back, but remember, it's your future and it's your responsibility to get yourself into college!    

"The ultimate goal of the educational system is to shift to the individual the burden of pursuing his education" (Gardner).

Best wishes for a safe and happy summer.  See you in September!

Ms. Meskill