Teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities across the United States abound, but are pre-service teachers being provided with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and nurture gifts and talents in the children they will serve? … [Read more...] about Training Highly Qualified Teachers
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Where is the Student in the College Admissions Process?
In addition to the costs of taking college entrance exams, purchasing college guides, making campus visits, and paying application fees, many families are now budgeting for private college counseling. Test preparation used to be the extent of college planning. Now, an entire specialized field has emerged, and families can spend an amount equal to a year’s worth of tuition at a private school for an independent educational consultant. … [Read more...] about Where is the Student in the College Admissions Process?
New Priorities for College Rankings Proposed
Several movements are underway to re-evaluate the way colleges and universities are ranked. For many years, the standard has been the U.S. News & World Report annual “America’s Best Colleges” report.However, this ranking is often criticized for relying too much on such factors as acceptance yields, reputation among peer institutions, and alumni-donation rates. Critics maintain these factors do not have much bearing on the quality of education students receive. … [Read more...] about New Priorities for College Rankings Proposed
ACT and SAT: Optional?
Will universities stop requiring students to submit an SAT or ACT score as part of their application? Some universities are finding that scores on these tests are poor predictors of collegiate success. … [Read more...] about ACT and SAT: Optional?
The College Visit: One Family’s Story
The college visit can be an exciting experience for the prospective student and the parents, but don’t be surprised if you both experience a high stress level during the process. Knowing that the visits are emotionally loaded events can help both parents and students feel that their emotions and reactions are normal. … [Read more...] about The College Visit: One Family’s Story
Getting In: A College Admissions Primer
Duke TIP interviewed college admissions officers at several leading universities for insights into what students and parents should know about the college admissions process. They share their advice with us here. … [Read more...] about Getting In: A College Admissions Primer
The College Visit
What is the importance of the college visit, and what does it involve? The cost of going to college ranges from the price of a new car to that of a new house. You wouldn’t buy either without taking a test drive or a house tour. So why would you agree to contract with a college—your child’s home for four or more years—without checking it out? … [Read more...] about The College Visit
Early Decision and Early Action
To the chagrin of high school students and parents alike, applying to college has gotten more complicated. Colleges now attract students by offering them one of two early admission options (chances to be accepted to a college in the fall or winter rather than at the regular time, usually May). They are early decision and early action (or early notification). Let me explain what these options mean, particularly for the gifted student. … [Read more...] about Early Decision and Early Action
The Debate about Using the SAT in College Admissions
A debate is brewing over the use of the SAT I for college admissions. Richard C. Atkinson, a well-known psychologist and president of the University of California system, is leading the attack. He contends that the SAT I is a poor gauge for predicting college success and is “compromising our educational system.” … [Read more...] about The Debate about Using the SAT in College Admissions
Money for College: Scholarships and Merit-Based Aid
You have guided your gifted children through many important accomplishments, and the next step is to help them prepare for college. There is good news: as college costs have risen, so have the monies designated for scholarships, many of them available to gifted students whose families do not qualify for aid based on financial need. Merit scholarships are based not just on high SAT and/or ACT scores and high grade point average but also on class ranking, letters of recommendation, quality of … [Read more...] about Money for College: Scholarships and Merit-Based Aid