A s p e c i a l s e c t i o n o f T h e R i v e r t o w n s e n t e r p r i s e - J a n u ar y 1 8 , 2 0 1 3
bound for college
Building a meaningful rÉsumé and Transcript By JAckie Lupo
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ome years ago, it became standard practice for high school students to attach a résumé or brag sheet to their college applications. The inevitable happened: kids (and their parents) began to obsess about how their résumés would look to admissions officers. And somewhere along the way, the high school résumé became not a document where students could highlight the activities and interests that were important to them, but an end in itself. Kids began worrying about whether they would have enough to brag about on their résumés, or whether their accomplishments were ones that admissions officers would be interested in. Not surprisingly, there has been a backlash to all this “résumé building.” Colleges, already inundated with paper because of the increase in the number of applications they were receiving, began to balk at all these extra documents being sent. College admissions advisers were stunned a few months ago when representatives of the Common App announced that beginning next year, they will no longer allow students to upload résumés as attachments to their applications. In fact, students will no longer be able to upload anything as an accompanying document; either you fit what you want to say about yourself into the existing questions on the Common App, or you don’t say it at all. Of course, the résumé is just a document. Even without that separate piece of paper to agonize over, students and parents still want to know what classes they “should” be taking, what activities they “should” be doing. What are schools looking for? “People ask me, what are colleges looking for?” said Maxene Mulford, owner of Uniquely U College Essay Consultants in Stamford. Mulford has a contrarian attitude: she believes “they’re looking for Continued on page 8A
Inside
Preschool Perfect: Different children, different needs By LAURIE SULLIVAN
Learning in the 21st Century: Communication skills are key......3A Learning in the 21st Century: Technology skills for every age...4A Volunteer work or internships? Sincerity, growth important.........6A Education Notebook....... 16A-18A Endpaper: No matter the start, a strong finish is essential............19A
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inding a nursery school that’s the best fit for your child, especially if this is your first, can be a daunting task. How do you find the best possible learning environment for your child? An environment that will hopefully spark his or her lifelong love of learning? Will she be comfortable and secure? Will he make friends? What school will best prepare her for kindergarten? And is it the right school for YOUR child? Barbara Schainman, director of Mohawk Country Day School in White Plains, described the process as a “research project.” And
indeed it can be! Start by asking friends and neighbors which preschools they choose and why, but don’t rely on their opinions alone. Ask your pediatrician for advice. Check out the Internet for schools and the programs they offer. Then make a list of schools that interest you. After all, you know your child best. Is he shy? Is she outgoing and social? Make a list of questions specific to your child and the educational and social experience that might suit him best so you are prepared for a “campus” visit. When calling schools ask first if there’s room for your child for the fall program. If not, is there a waiting list? How long is it and Continued on page 13A