Mr. Schneider's Suggestions: What I've Learned from the Last Few Graduating Classes
1. Some seniors think only the first semester matters.
WRONG. If your final grades are lower than those which lead to your acceptance, your acceptance can be retracted in July or August.
2. Early Decision applicants did not consider that first semester grades mattered to the other schools to which they applied or to their first choice school if they were deferred.
WRONG. Do not take Early Decision applications for granted! It is safer to believe that your acceptances will be based on consideration of your first semester senior grades.
3. Some seniors think that the activities record will lead to acceptances.
WRONG. The single most important part of your application is evidence of academic interest and success.
4. Some seniors think that after teachers have written recommendations it doesn’t matter how you perform in their classes.
WRONG. Teachers who write on your behalf have the right to retract or modify the original recommendation due to their disappointment in you.
5. Some seniors think that after acceptances decisions are in, it doesn’t matter if you come to school.
WRONG. Poor attendance leads to disciplinary situations, low grades or even to loss of credit and an F in courses.
6. Some seniors think that because a school is not “famous” to them or in Korea, it is an easy acceptance.
WRONG. We are provincial and fail to recognize the size and talent of the applicant pool abroad and in the U.S.
7. Some seniors think that if financial aid is not requested, acceptances chances are better.
WRONG. Several members of the recent classes are attending prestige schools which offered them massive financial aid in grants. Equally talented seniors who did not ask for aid were not accepted at the same schools.
8. Some seniors think if the above are ignored and problems result, Mr. Schneider and their parents can “fix it.”
WRONG. Teachers know what I advise you and they know your deadlines and responsibilities. If you screw up, they don’t expect me to intervene.
9. Some seniors think that slacking off 2nd semester won’t handicap them when they enter universities.
WRONG. A routine of slacking off in your studies is similar to an athlete or musician not practicing. You will struggle in the big game or performance.
Remember That
- Transcripts are sent first semester to all colleges to which you apply.
- First quarter grades are sent to schools to which you have applied in an E. D. or E. A. plan.
- Transcripts are sent again to all schools to which you applied after first semester senior grades are recorded.
- Transcripts with FINAL SENIOR grades are mailed to the one school to which you have made a commitment to attend.
- A.P. test results your senior year must be officially reported to the school you plan to attend
- Final grades for seniors must be submitted by teachers the week of your graduation. All your work, projects or other responsibilities must be done in time for teachers to make the deadline for reporting senior grades. In other words, you cannot negotiate, request extensions on deadlines you missed or ask for extra credit. You should be checking Edline periodically so no grades come as a shock.
Fredric M. Schneider, D.P.P.S.