Senior Year - November/December, 2010

November 1st came and went, which basically means the very first wave of early admission program schools’ application deadline has expired. Those are usually the most selective institutions like Ivies. It is very significant to us, counselors. Translation, the majority of the recommendation letter requests were completed since most other schools do not require a letter of recommendation. What’s next? Regular application for them and some other more selective schools have their deadlines set between December 1st and January 1st. So, please keep an eye on those deadlines for those who are aiming at them. Remember, counselors need three weeks in advance for any letters of recommendation requests, and registrar’s office needs additional three days for transcript request to be processed. Also, please go to my last year’s posting for more info regarding senior year

Senior Year - September/October, '10

Seniors, please note we, the counselors, are scheduled to speak to you on Tuesday, September 21 about the college application process during your English class. Be prepared if you have any specific questions related.

Your rank just came out, good, bad, ugly, it is already there. There is nothing you can do about it now. The only thing left is your application essays which you still have total control over. Please make sure you do the best you can, work with your parents, teachers or anyone around you that you think may be helpful.

Having the right score(s) from SAT/ACT for the schools you are applying to; a presentable resume; being genuinely happy/satisfied with the application essay(s) are simply some of the things that would indicate the readiness for submitting your college application.

Junior Year - September/October, '10

Juniors, make sure you sign up for PSAT which is the very first thing that needs to be done as a junior. Of course, make sure that you are prepared.

Sophomore Year '10

Continue working on those study skills/habits I just posted for freshmen. Take PSAT in October.

Freshman Year '10

Have a 4-year plan, knowing what you are required for graduation, specific classes to take, and targeting a type of graduation plan (Minimum, Recommended, or Distinguished).

Start a routine, the easiest way to build good study habits, and be consistent.

Use a planner, learn to manage your time wisely – plan ahead.

Communicate frequently, every day, your plans, thoughts, and oncerns with your parents, siblings, teachers and/or counselors.

Get to know your guidance counselor. Stopping by and emailing are two great ways to do so.

To All My Students, 9th to 12th, O through SL

Quite a few of my students and parents, former or present, have asked me about "falling off the saddle" on updating/maintaining this blog.

I hear you. But one thing I do have to point out here. Ever since we came back on August 1st, these past seven (7) weeks have been brutal. Due to changes in the department/school/district in terms of staff re-assignment, budget cut, policy reinterpretation and a brand new computer administrative/management system, we have had an unprecedented amount of work/corrections/changes to have been made on our students’ schedules. Putting in 11/12 hour day was a norm in the counseling department during those days.

Things are getting much better now. I am “Getting back on the Saddle Again”! And I will do the best I can to stay on it. :-)

Senior Year - June/Graduation

I just can't believe it is graduation day again! I guess it is also the time for reflection. Going through all the thank you cards and gifts reminds me of one thing I have been saying all along. We have great students. They all are good kids, not just academically accomplished. We have the most supportive and appreciative parents. They spend countless hours volunteering at school and never miss any chance to show their appreciation of everything we do. Tokens of appreciation like an email, a phone call, or a card are just a few things we routinely receive.... Many, many times, I found myself starting my letter of recommendation with something like, “Johnny is one of many students at Clements who make this school so great….” Or finishing it up with, “He is obviously a product of a loving, nurturing family….”

At this point, I just want to use this opportunity to say thank YOU, Clements seniors and parents, for another great class/year. It is all because of you that make our job so much more meaningful. It is also because of the support and appreciation you have shown throughout which further enhances the greatness of CHS!

Go Rangers!