Stress-Free Guide to Getting Into an Ivy League School (or Your Dream College)

Applying to college should be an exciting time, but so often students are bogged down by the process. There are so many steps, and so many important decisions to be made, it can all be overwhelming. I've seen countless students be so worried and stressed about the process that it tarnishes what's actually happening -- they're taking steps to build their futures, and that's an incredible thing! This class aims to be a place where we can demystify parts of the college preparation and application process, and where students can discuss their experiences and ideas. Having this open forum, I've found, can help students feel better prepared and actually find joy in exploring their options for the future.

So why do kids need a class like this?

I've worked most of my career in K-12 schools (I've been teaching for over a decade and my Master's degree is in educational leadership). But I also spent two years working with students at Barnard College in New York City, the sister school of Columbia University. In my time there working with kids from both colleges, it became apparent to me over and over again -- the stress that kids feel when applying to college doesn't dissipate when they get their decision letters. So many students shared fresh, raw stories about the application process years into their studies in college. I discussed the issue with other faculty members there, as well as other professionals in the K-12 realm, and this curriculum grew out of those insightful conversations. How do kids figure out what their 'dream school' is, and then how do they get in? What's the best way to approach the process? Is it OK if they don't end up going where they originally thought they would go? In each session of this ongoing course, we discuss topics that can both help kids be better prepared for applying to college, and less stressed as they navigate this new (and intriguing and exciting!) world.

Week of January 15 - New Digital SAT
Week of January 22 - College Recommendations
Week of January 29 - State Schools Vs Private Schools
Week of February 5 - College Entrance Essays
Week of February 12 - Applying to Safety Schools