Welcome to October! Thank you for taking the time to read these updates. If you have any feedback to share, please contact Darby Neff-Verre.
In the past update email, one of the attached FAQs 'Whom To Call When at BHS” indicated that parents/caregivers would have observer access to their student’s CANVAS account. This was not accurately updated and parents do not have this access. The newly updated document is attached with this update.
The goal for our high school students is to help them build responsibility and independence as learners and young people in our world. Students should be learning to use these attributes to they are ready for life after high school. However, you are concerned about your student’s follow through with school work, first talk to them. Find out what is working (and not working) from their perspective. As a way to keep communication flowing between teachers, students, parents/caregivers, and support staff, BHS teachers will be completing the first of two IPRs (Interim Progress Reports) for every student during this 1st quarter of the school year. This IPR #1 will be shared on the Parent and Student Portal by tentatively this Friday 10/9/20. More information on this IPR initiative will be forthcoming from the BHS Head of School, Anthony Meyer, and the Assistant Head of School, Hal Mason, soon.
Lastly, a reminder that student schedules overall should be getting finalized by this week for any unresolved issues.
Counselors are here and ready to support EVERY BHS student. Students should not hesitate to contact their counselor for any questions or concerns – school related, post high school planning related, extracurricular activities related, or life related!
In the past update email, one of the attached FAQs 'Whom To Call When at BHS” indicated that parents/caregivers would have observer access to their student’s CANVAS account. This was not accurately updated and parents do not have this access. The newly updated document is attached with this update.
The goal for our high school students is to help them build responsibility and independence as learners and young people in our world. Students should be learning to use these attributes to they are ready for life after high school. However, you are concerned about your student’s follow through with school work, first talk to them. Find out what is working (and not working) from their perspective. As a way to keep communication flowing between teachers, students, parents/caregivers, and support staff, BHS teachers will be completing the first of two IPRs (Interim Progress Reports) for every student during this 1st quarter of the school year. This IPR #1 will be shared on the Parent and Student Portal by tentatively this Friday 10/9/20. More information on this IPR initiative will be forthcoming from the BHS Head of School, Anthony Meyer, and the Assistant Head of School, Hal Mason, soon.
Lastly, a reminder that student schedules overall should be getting finalized by this week for any unresolved issues.
Counselors are here and ready to support EVERY BHS student. Students should not hesitate to contact their counselor for any questions or concerns – school related, post high school planning related, extracurricular activities related, or life related!
ALL STUDENTS
New Community Service opportunities at BHS-
Join Dance Marathon, a national non-profit organization that plans and hosts events with the purpose of fundraising money for the Boston Children's Hospital. We have some leadership positions available to those who feel ready to take on a heavier role. If you are interested, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Yq4qb8uzK4Grh4B66
If you have any questions, contact [email protected]
X block time meetings but can be flexible
We look forward to working with you. For the kids!
Seniors - I thought you might have some way (or a nicer message) to pass along to anxious seniors that asking for a recommendation a month early wasn't a great way to start the school year.
Mental Health supports:
- Thanks for all Gr 9-12 students who completed the recent Back-to-School surveys. This information allows your teachers and support staff to know how you are doing as we start the school year together. Your counselor or other support person may be emailing you to check in, if needed. To do your best school work, we know you need to feel as safe and confident in your life situation as possible. We are always here to support you!
- The Brookline Center has is starting Child/Adol Therapy and Skills Support Groups. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
- Family Support Groups offered by BRYT Central. This organization is restarting the online Family Support Groups they began last spring 2020. As they get up and running this fall, groups will happen three times a week and will remain open to all parents (not just parents of BRYT students). We are working on getting a Spanish language group up and running - stay tuned!
Currently, the times are:
BHS College and Career Center info for all students:
The ACE Mentor program, founded in 1994 is a free, award-winning, after-school program designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering industry, including skilled trades. ACE is a federation of more than 70 affiliates (chapters), operating in 37 states and largely based in metropolitan areas, which deliver the program. A national office coordinates and assists affiliates.
Want to learn more about ACE of Greater Boston visit: https://acementor.org/index.php/affiliates/massachusetts/massachusetts/about-us/
Want to register? Apply here: https://acementor.org/files/6915/3210/0924/Student_Database_Registration_Guide_7_2018.pdf
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Career Counselor, Ms. Kennedy at [email protected]!
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest - Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. To learn more about political courage, visit Contest Information and FAQs. All submissions must adhere to contest requirements. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2020. The contest deadline is January 15, 2021. First-place: $10,000 Second-place: $3,000 Five Finalists: $1,000 each Eight Semi-finalists: $100 each
SENIORS
College Application Reminders:
Help the BHS counselors and teachers support your application process by meeting these deadlines to submit your electronic transcript release forms, your self-questionnaire, your parent/caregiver’s “brag” sheet, and notice to your teachers who have agreed to write recommendations for you:
College Deadline BHS Deadline
October 15 Monday September 21
November 1 Monday October 5
November 15 Monday October 19
December 1 Friday October 30
(includes no school Thanksgiving break)
December 15 Monday November 16
January 1 Monday November 30
(includes no school December break)
January 15 Wednesday December 9
February 1 Wednesday January 6
February 15 Friday January 15
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
BHS will be offering a SENIOR ONLY IN-SCHOOL SAT on Wednesday, October 14. Only a few days left to register! This is an opportunity for any senior who wants to take the SAT and has not yet been scheduled or taken this college admissions test. Please see the attached flyer for specific online registration information. The deadline to register is this Wednesday Oct 7.
MEFA College Financing Seminar With Guest Presenter Jim Slattery, Senior Director of Financial Aid, Northeastern University
Online on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
This webinar, presented with Jim Slattery, Senior Director of Financial Aid at Northeastern University, will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You'll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. To sign up, go to: https://www.mefa.org/events/college-financing-13-10-2020-06-30pm
If you cannot make this date, MEFA is offering this seminar with different guest speakers throughout the Fall. Go to https://www.mefa.org/events
Virtual College Representative visits at BHS continue this week – Seniors can attend any and all college sessions of schools they plan to or are interested in attending. The schedule and REQUIRED zoom link registration can be found on your Naviance homepage. This is a wonderful way to learn more about colleges, ask important questions, and show demonstrated interest!
Some links to many virtual college information sharing events coming up:
* American East Conference Tour Virtual event - Univ of Albany/SUNY, Binghamton Univ/SUNY, Univ of Hartford, Univ of Maine, Univ of MD - Baltimore County, Univ of NH, NJ Institute of Technology, Stony Brook Univ, Univ of Vermont - https://careereco.com/Fair/EventDetails?fairId=ba045064-9139-463a-bca8-ac1e01672e7d
* Fisher College is offering virtual events, in person on campus tours, and on-the-spot decision days for students, virtually. Email [email protected] to learn more.
* Brown University updates - https://admission.brown.edu/applicants-class-2025
* University of Alabama (one of the last holdouts requiring SATs or ACTs) is now test-optional - https://gobama.ua.edu/apply/?utm_content=HSC_Test_Optional_Announcement&utm_campaign=HSC%20Newsletter&utm_source=Sla
* UMass Boston is test-optional and offering virtual information sharing opportunities daily - https://admissions.umb.edu/freshman-students/apply#6-test-optional
* Univ of Miami -HOLISTIC REVIEW considers all aspects of a student's admission application, including grades, the rigor of curriculum within the context of the high school, extracurricular activities, character, fit, and letters of recommendation. In the end, our goal is to admit an academically talented and diverse incoming student cohort that we believe will take the greatest advantage of the unique Miami experience and will offer something meaningful in return to the community. miami.edu/apply
* St John's University has the Great Books Curriculum - check it out - https://www.sjc.edu/academic-programs/undergraduate
* Bentley University offers Admission 101 sessions for any high school student including possible Bentley applicants - https://www.bentley.edu/undergraduate/school-counselors-resources?utm_content=resume&utm_campaign=guidance&utm_source=slate&utm_medium=email
* UConn is offering a virtual New England Night for possible applicants this Monday 10/5 from 7-7:45pm. Register here - https://connect.uconn.edu/register/?id=2217534a-30a6-47ce-ab7b-5cb0832618ac
* Join the nine Massachusetts State Universities for our Virtual College Fair and College Panel (Bridgewater, Fitchburg, Framingham, Mass Art, Mass Maritime, MCLA, Salem State, Westfield State, and Worcester State). During this two night event, there will be an opportunity to meet with, hear from, and ask questions of all nine Massachusetts State Universities.
Day 1- Registration to College Fair
Day 2 - Registration to College Panel
* Becker College in Worcester MA - https://www.becker.edu/admissions/planning-a-visit/
* Smith College in Northampton MA- https://www.smith.edu/admission-aid/virtual-visits
* University of Southern Maine - Free to Apply and 100% Test-optional (including our Nursing Program)- check out their virtual tour - https://usm.maine.edu/#virtualtour
* Wheaton College in Norton MA - Virtual Events: https://wheatoncollege.edu/admission/visiting-wheaton/?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Explore+Fall+Virtual+Events&utm_content=Wheaton+College+Massachusetts+Fall+Update&utm_campaign=ADM2020-HS-Counselor-FallProgramUpdate-+Sep24 and online admissions conversations and interviews: https://admission.wheatoncollege.edu/portal/online-interviews?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Online+Conversation+and+Interviews&utm_content=Wheaton+College+Massachusetts+Fall+Update&utm_campaign=ADM2020-HS-Counselor-FallProgramUpdate-+Sep24
* Duke University - Some application have been extended. Here is their COVID response link- https://admissions.duke.edu/coronavirus/
* University of Toronto in Canada is also test optional - Check out their Freshman Admissions link for International students (that's you!) - https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/future-students-resources/
* Boston University - BU is test optional for fall 2021 and spring 2022 applicants. This includes consideration for all our merit scholarships, including the Trustee and Presidential Scholarships. Even though BU received a record number of deferral requests due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most deferral requests were for January 2021. Therefore, this will not negatively impact the competition for admission for your students applying to BU for fall 2021.
* Colby College in Waterville ME- Recently highlighted on PBS Newshour regarding their handling of COVID 19 on campus - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-maines-colby-college-is-striving-to-keep-covid-19-under-control
* UC Santa Cruz aka their mascot the Banana Slugs CA - https://admissions.ucsc.edu/visit/fall-virtual-events.html
* Brandeis Univ in Waltham MA - Virtual college visits link: https://www.brandeis.edu/admissions/visit/index.html
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
TOMORRROW Monday 10/5 from 7-8pm - College During COVID: LIVE ONLINE EVENT FOR Boston Area HS SENIORS, JUNIORS, & PARENTS
Get the latest facts, stats, and headlines along with practical tools and strategies to navigate everything college during COVID. Hosted by New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen. LIVE Q&A included. Register here: http://harlancohen.com/boston10520
BHS Guidance/Counseling Dept sponsored virtual College Admissions Panel – This Thurs 10/8 from 8-9pm, college admissions representatives from several colleges/universities that are popular with BHS seniors will answer your questions about the admissions process during the COVD-19 pandemic. Our panel includes representatives from
UMass Amherst, Boston University, Northeastern University, University of Vermont and Mass Bay Community College. The night will begin with a short presentation from each school followed by a Q&A session. This event is designed to share both college specific updates, as well as general admissions trends as outlined by the admissions professionals themselves. All juniors and seniors and their parents/caregivers are invited to attend!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/96065638501?pwd=Nk1lbjM2T2NGNXZCNHhWUFM1aFRRQT09
Meeting ID: 960 6563 8501
Passcode: 239978
Interested in a Gap Year?
Check out the Gap Year resources shared in Lenny Libenzon’s powerpoint mentioned above from the 9/17/20 senior parent presentation and also look into https://quakervoluntaryservice.org/
Taking a Gap Year: A Zoom Presentation for BHS Students & Parents – November 5, 6:30-8:15pm
Taking a gap year after high school is becoming an increasingly popular option for students, but how do you know if it's the right choice for you or your child? Join gap year expert Julia Rogers of EnRoute Consulting for a presentation that will cover the benefits, challenges and opportunities surrounding the gap year option in the era of COVID-19. She will guide attendees through the opportunities available in the age of corona - and how plans could evolve based on the global outlook. She will also discuss how to plan for college deferment or reapplication, how to finance gap time and provide tips for designing a meaningful gap year. Please register at this link to join this presentation -
Registration link
Students Taking an AP Course-
If you are not taking an AP course this year, and don't plan to take an AP exam this year, please disregard this email.
The College Board ordering deadline for all exams is November 13th. Any exam ordered after this date will be an additional $40 late fee. Students need to register and pay for their AP exams using our Total Registration website.
Our AP exam registration period is from:
Friday October 2nd - Thursday Nov. 12th. Students will register for their exams on Total Registration and pay online using a credit card.
www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220445
The cost of each test is $98, and students can request financial assistance if needed.
In order to access the new, free online resources provided by the College Board, all students (and teachers) must also register for their class on the Collegeboard website. I've attached a document from the College Board, which outlines the steps for students.
Step #1 - Register for your exam via Total Registration
Step #2 - Join your AP Class Section, using the College Board Website (www.myap.collegeboard.org) and use your College Board student account login, as well as your course join code, and fill out the information needed. (Join codes are given to you via total registration or via your teacher).
Please let Ms Thomas ([email protected]) or Ms Kennedy ([email protected]) know if you have questions. If students do not complete both steps, registering and paying on Total Registration and signing up for MyAP on the College Board website, they cannot order an AP exam for you.
Since BHS could not hold our annual College Fair last spring, we are recommending that seniors attend one of the NACAC Fall Virtual Fairs. The virtual fairs are offered on Oct 12, Oct 18, and Nov 8. Please see the attached FAQ for more information and next steps. The BHS counselors have not personally attended these fairs, but wanted to share as many options as possible to our seniors as they are the first to navigate this "next normal" of the college admissions process.
JUNIORS
BHS is offering the Saturday PSAT on October 17, 2020 for BHS juniors only at the high school. Online registration and more details are available on the attached PSAT flyer. The online registration on RegiSmart started this last week and will end on Monday 10/12. REGISTER NOW!
Lenny Libenzon, the BHS College Counselor, and Darby Neff-Verre, the BHS Guidance/Counseling Coordinator, will join Dean Redding and the Associates Deans for the Junior PTO meeting this Thursday 10/8 from 6:45-7:45pm. A Junior Post High School Planning Timeline Overview will be shared, as well as some critical updates regarding the impact of COVID on college admissions. Please see the Junior Year Road Map attached to this email. Join us for both this presentation and the 8-9pm College Admissions Panel too!
SOPHOMORES
The BHS counselors hope that your 10th grade year has started strong. We look forward to getting to know you more as the year continues. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your new 10th grade counselor for any questions, concerns, etc. We are here to support you!
Want to get involved in clubs, etc? The BHS Club Fair will be coming to you virtually in the next few weeks so stay tuned!
Maybe you want to find a job? Kate Kennedy, who some of you may know as your previous 9th grade counselor and also the BHS Career Counselor has virtual office hours. She can share resources on area businesses looking to employ high school students, plus help you write a resume or take a career interest inventory. Visit her at: Ms. Kennedy Career Counselor office hours on Fridays from 10:40- 12pm.
Ms. Kennedy, Career Counselor: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9629713653?pwd=OXNEL3pSSzc1T3crQmJZS2NRa3FTZz09
Meeting ID: 962 971 3653
Passcode: 424952
9th Graders
Your 9th grade counselors are happy that they are getting to know you as the school year starts. Please find the their Welcome Letter attached to this weekly update.
New Community Service opportunities at BHS-
Join Dance Marathon, a national non-profit organization that plans and hosts events with the purpose of fundraising money for the Boston Children's Hospital. We have some leadership positions available to those who feel ready to take on a heavier role. If you are interested, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Yq4qb8uzK4Grh4B66
If you have any questions, contact [email protected]
X block time meetings but can be flexible
We look forward to working with you. For the kids!
Seniors - I thought you might have some way (or a nicer message) to pass along to anxious seniors that asking for a recommendation a month early wasn't a great way to start the school year.
Mental Health supports:
- Thanks for all Gr 9-12 students who completed the recent Back-to-School surveys. This information allows your teachers and support staff to know how you are doing as we start the school year together. Your counselor or other support person may be emailing you to check in, if needed. To do your best school work, we know you need to feel as safe and confident in your life situation as possible. We are always here to support you!
- The Brookline Center has is starting Child/Adol Therapy and Skills Support Groups. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
- Family Support Groups offered by BRYT Central. This organization is restarting the online Family Support Groups they began last spring 2020. As they get up and running this fall, groups will happen three times a week and will remain open to all parents (not just parents of BRYT students). We are working on getting a Spanish language group up and running - stay tuned!
Currently, the times are:
- Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
- Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
- Thursdays at 12:00 PM
BHS College and Career Center info for all students:
The ACE Mentor program, founded in 1994 is a free, award-winning, after-school program designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering industry, including skilled trades. ACE is a federation of more than 70 affiliates (chapters), operating in 37 states and largely based in metropolitan areas, which deliver the program. A national office coordinates and assists affiliates.
Want to learn more about ACE of Greater Boston visit: https://acementor.org/index.php/affiliates/massachusetts/massachusetts/about-us/
Want to register? Apply here: https://acementor.org/files/6915/3210/0924/Student_Database_Registration_Guide_7_2018.pdf
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Career Counselor, Ms. Kennedy at [email protected]!
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest - Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. To learn more about political courage, visit Contest Information and FAQs. All submissions must adhere to contest requirements. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2020. The contest deadline is January 15, 2021. First-place: $10,000 Second-place: $3,000 Five Finalists: $1,000 each Eight Semi-finalists: $100 each
SENIORS
College Application Reminders:
Help the BHS counselors and teachers support your application process by meeting these deadlines to submit your electronic transcript release forms, your self-questionnaire, your parent/caregiver’s “brag” sheet, and notice to your teachers who have agreed to write recommendations for you:
College Deadline BHS Deadline
October 15 Monday September 21
November 1 Monday October 5
November 15 Monday October 19
December 1 Friday October 30
(includes no school Thanksgiving break)
December 15 Monday November 16
January 1 Monday November 30
(includes no school December break)
January 15 Wednesday December 9
February 1 Wednesday January 6
February 15 Friday January 15
Seniors – When submitting your transcript release forms electronically, please:
- use the updated link shared by your counselor (on their CANVAS page or by email)
- be sure to list your college names and addresses CORRECTLY AS THEY APPEAR OFFICIALLY ON THE COLLEGE’S WEBSITE OR NAVIANCE. The processing of your request is slowed down by not including the official name of the college or putting in wrong information.
- Review your unofficial transcript shared by your counselor. Look for any omissions or errors of your courses/grades before we send your transcript to the colleges you apply to. Note – as we work through systems issues, some unofficial transcripts will have student’s “working” GPA listed on this document. We will not be sharing any GPA information with colleges on official transcripts however.
BHS will be offering a SENIOR ONLY IN-SCHOOL SAT on Wednesday, October 14. Only a few days left to register! This is an opportunity for any senior who wants to take the SAT and has not yet been scheduled or taken this college admissions test. Please see the attached flyer for specific online registration information. The deadline to register is this Wednesday Oct 7.
MEFA College Financing Seminar With Guest Presenter Jim Slattery, Senior Director of Financial Aid, Northeastern University
Online on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
This webinar, presented with Jim Slattery, Senior Director of Financial Aid at Northeastern University, will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You'll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. To sign up, go to: https://www.mefa.org/events/college-financing-13-10-2020-06-30pm
If you cannot make this date, MEFA is offering this seminar with different guest speakers throughout the Fall. Go to https://www.mefa.org/events
Virtual College Representative visits at BHS continue this week – Seniors can attend any and all college sessions of schools they plan to or are interested in attending. The schedule and REQUIRED zoom link registration can be found on your Naviance homepage. This is a wonderful way to learn more about colleges, ask important questions, and show demonstrated interest!
Some links to many virtual college information sharing events coming up:
* American East Conference Tour Virtual event - Univ of Albany/SUNY, Binghamton Univ/SUNY, Univ of Hartford, Univ of Maine, Univ of MD - Baltimore County, Univ of NH, NJ Institute of Technology, Stony Brook Univ, Univ of Vermont - https://careereco.com/Fair/EventDetails?fairId=ba045064-9139-463a-bca8-ac1e01672e7d
* Fisher College is offering virtual events, in person on campus tours, and on-the-spot decision days for students, virtually. Email [email protected] to learn more.
* Brown University updates - https://admission.brown.edu/applicants-class-2025
* University of Alabama (one of the last holdouts requiring SATs or ACTs) is now test-optional - https://gobama.ua.edu/apply/?utm_content=HSC_Test_Optional_Announcement&utm_campaign=HSC%20Newsletter&utm_source=Sla
* UMass Boston is test-optional and offering virtual information sharing opportunities daily - https://admissions.umb.edu/freshman-students/apply#6-test-optional
* Univ of Miami -HOLISTIC REVIEW considers all aspects of a student's admission application, including grades, the rigor of curriculum within the context of the high school, extracurricular activities, character, fit, and letters of recommendation. In the end, our goal is to admit an academically talented and diverse incoming student cohort that we believe will take the greatest advantage of the unique Miami experience and will offer something meaningful in return to the community. miami.edu/apply
* St John's University has the Great Books Curriculum - check it out - https://www.sjc.edu/academic-programs/undergraduate
* Bentley University offers Admission 101 sessions for any high school student including possible Bentley applicants - https://www.bentley.edu/undergraduate/school-counselors-resources?utm_content=resume&utm_campaign=guidance&utm_source=slate&utm_medium=email
* UConn is offering a virtual New England Night for possible applicants this Monday 10/5 from 7-7:45pm. Register here - https://connect.uconn.edu/register/?id=2217534a-30a6-47ce-ab7b-5cb0832618ac
* Join the nine Massachusetts State Universities for our Virtual College Fair and College Panel (Bridgewater, Fitchburg, Framingham, Mass Art, Mass Maritime, MCLA, Salem State, Westfield State, and Worcester State). During this two night event, there will be an opportunity to meet with, hear from, and ask questions of all nine Massachusetts State Universities.
Day 1- Registration to College Fair
Day 2 - Registration to College Panel
* Becker College in Worcester MA - https://www.becker.edu/admissions/planning-a-visit/
* Smith College in Northampton MA- https://www.smith.edu/admission-aid/virtual-visits
* University of Southern Maine - Free to Apply and 100% Test-optional (including our Nursing Program)- check out their virtual tour - https://usm.maine.edu/#virtualtour
* Wheaton College in Norton MA - Virtual Events: https://wheatoncollege.edu/admission/visiting-wheaton/?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Explore+Fall+Virtual+Events&utm_content=Wheaton+College+Massachusetts+Fall+Update&utm_campaign=ADM2020-HS-Counselor-FallProgramUpdate-+Sep24 and online admissions conversations and interviews: https://admission.wheatoncollege.edu/portal/online-interviews?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Online+Conversation+and+Interviews&utm_content=Wheaton+College+Massachusetts+Fall+Update&utm_campaign=ADM2020-HS-Counselor-FallProgramUpdate-+Sep24
* Duke University - Some application have been extended. Here is their COVID response link- https://admissions.duke.edu/coronavirus/
* University of Toronto in Canada is also test optional - Check out their Freshman Admissions link for International students (that's you!) - https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/future-students-resources/
* Boston University - BU is test optional for fall 2021 and spring 2022 applicants. This includes consideration for all our merit scholarships, including the Trustee and Presidential Scholarships. Even though BU received a record number of deferral requests due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most deferral requests were for January 2021. Therefore, this will not negatively impact the competition for admission for your students applying to BU for fall 2021.
* Colby College in Waterville ME- Recently highlighted on PBS Newshour regarding their handling of COVID 19 on campus - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-maines-colby-college-is-striving-to-keep-covid-19-under-control
* UC Santa Cruz aka their mascot the Banana Slugs CA - https://admissions.ucsc.edu/visit/fall-virtual-events.html
* Brandeis Univ in Waltham MA - Virtual college visits link: https://www.brandeis.edu/admissions/visit/index.html
SENIORS AND JUNIORS
TOMORRROW Monday 10/5 from 7-8pm - College During COVID: LIVE ONLINE EVENT FOR Boston Area HS SENIORS, JUNIORS, & PARENTS
Get the latest facts, stats, and headlines along with practical tools and strategies to navigate everything college during COVID. Hosted by New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen. LIVE Q&A included. Register here: http://harlancohen.com/boston10520
BHS Guidance/Counseling Dept sponsored virtual College Admissions Panel – This Thurs 10/8 from 8-9pm, college admissions representatives from several colleges/universities that are popular with BHS seniors will answer your questions about the admissions process during the COVD-19 pandemic. Our panel includes representatives from
UMass Amherst, Boston University, Northeastern University, University of Vermont and Mass Bay Community College. The night will begin with a short presentation from each school followed by a Q&A session. This event is designed to share both college specific updates, as well as general admissions trends as outlined by the admissions professionals themselves. All juniors and seniors and their parents/caregivers are invited to attend!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/96065638501?pwd=Nk1lbjM2T2NGNXZCNHhWUFM1aFRRQT09
Meeting ID: 960 6563 8501
Passcode: 239978
Interested in a Gap Year?
Check out the Gap Year resources shared in Lenny Libenzon’s powerpoint mentioned above from the 9/17/20 senior parent presentation and also look into https://quakervoluntaryservice.org/
Taking a Gap Year: A Zoom Presentation for BHS Students & Parents – November 5, 6:30-8:15pm
Taking a gap year after high school is becoming an increasingly popular option for students, but how do you know if it's the right choice for you or your child? Join gap year expert Julia Rogers of EnRoute Consulting for a presentation that will cover the benefits, challenges and opportunities surrounding the gap year option in the era of COVID-19. She will guide attendees through the opportunities available in the age of corona - and how plans could evolve based on the global outlook. She will also discuss how to plan for college deferment or reapplication, how to finance gap time and provide tips for designing a meaningful gap year. Please register at this link to join this presentation -
Registration link
Students Taking an AP Course-
If you are not taking an AP course this year, and don't plan to take an AP exam this year, please disregard this email.
The College Board ordering deadline for all exams is November 13th. Any exam ordered after this date will be an additional $40 late fee. Students need to register and pay for their AP exams using our Total Registration website.
Our AP exam registration period is from:
Friday October 2nd - Thursday Nov. 12th. Students will register for their exams on Total Registration and pay online using a credit card.
www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220445
The cost of each test is $98, and students can request financial assistance if needed.
In order to access the new, free online resources provided by the College Board, all students (and teachers) must also register for their class on the Collegeboard website. I've attached a document from the College Board, which outlines the steps for students.
Step #1 - Register for your exam via Total Registration
Step #2 - Join your AP Class Section, using the College Board Website (www.myap.collegeboard.org) and use your College Board student account login, as well as your course join code, and fill out the information needed. (Join codes are given to you via total registration or via your teacher).
Please let Ms Thomas ([email protected]) or Ms Kennedy ([email protected]) know if you have questions. If students do not complete both steps, registering and paying on Total Registration and signing up for MyAP on the College Board website, they cannot order an AP exam for you.
Since BHS could not hold our annual College Fair last spring, we are recommending that seniors attend one of the NACAC Fall Virtual Fairs. The virtual fairs are offered on Oct 12, Oct 18, and Nov 8. Please see the attached FAQ for more information and next steps. The BHS counselors have not personally attended these fairs, but wanted to share as many options as possible to our seniors as they are the first to navigate this "next normal" of the college admissions process.
JUNIORS
BHS is offering the Saturday PSAT on October 17, 2020 for BHS juniors only at the high school. Online registration and more details are available on the attached PSAT flyer. The online registration on RegiSmart started this last week and will end on Monday 10/12. REGISTER NOW!
Lenny Libenzon, the BHS College Counselor, and Darby Neff-Verre, the BHS Guidance/Counseling Coordinator, will join Dean Redding and the Associates Deans for the Junior PTO meeting this Thursday 10/8 from 6:45-7:45pm. A Junior Post High School Planning Timeline Overview will be shared, as well as some critical updates regarding the impact of COVID on college admissions. Please see the Junior Year Road Map attached to this email. Join us for both this presentation and the 8-9pm College Admissions Panel too!
SOPHOMORES
The BHS counselors hope that your 10th grade year has started strong. We look forward to getting to know you more as the year continues. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your new 10th grade counselor for any questions, concerns, etc. We are here to support you!
Want to get involved in clubs, etc? The BHS Club Fair will be coming to you virtually in the next few weeks so stay tuned!
Maybe you want to find a job? Kate Kennedy, who some of you may know as your previous 9th grade counselor and also the BHS Career Counselor has virtual office hours. She can share resources on area businesses looking to employ high school students, plus help you write a resume or take a career interest inventory. Visit her at: Ms. Kennedy Career Counselor office hours on Fridays from 10:40- 12pm.
Ms. Kennedy, Career Counselor: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9629713653?pwd=OXNEL3pSSzc1T3crQmJZS2NRa3FTZz09
Meeting ID: 962 971 3653
Passcode: 424952
9th Graders
Your 9th grade counselors are happy that they are getting to know you as the school year starts. Please find the their Welcome Letter attached to this weekly update.