Students learn about college

Information about the ever-changing world of college was exchanged at a forum called Preparing Yourself for a Top College, held at Sisters High School last week.

The forum was coordinated by Merry Ann Moore, and involved a panel of experts who discussed new admissions standards to "selective colleges," or those with high admission standards.

"I organized the preparing for select colleges evening to get middle school kids who may have an interest in those schools thinking about it now, as they prepare to enter high school," Moore said.

The forum was led by counselor Dan Saraceno, along with Harvard interviewer Claudia Hines and college advisor Theresa Wadden. They were assisted by a panel of three students, seniors Wes Ford, Kathleen Greaney and Jared Henderson.

Wadden, from the high school ASPIRE program, owns a private college advisory practice in Bend. She describes "selective colleges" as those where admission is "competitive," requiring a higher minimum GPA and test scores as required by each institution.

When searching for colleges, Wadden suggests students keep an open mind and explore widely. By the start of senior year students should narrow down their preliminary choices. She strongly recommends visiting campuses to "get a vision of yourself there."

She notes the importance of challenging student applicants to advanced classes and stretching one's comfort zone academically. Wadden stressed that colleges are looking not only at a student's GPA but also at their community involvement and activities beyond the high school. She suggests that students not overextend themselves in school activities, but rather "do a few things well."

Claudia Hines, who volunteers for Harvard as an admissions interviewer, emphasized that "well-rounded" students are more likely to be accepted to a top college, and that it's "not about demonstrating just on paper but also in other aspects of life. It's not just about résumés but the fact that a student has constantly challenged themselves in a variety of situations and taken advantage of every opportunity and excelled."

She seconded the idea that standardized tests and GPAs are not weighed as heavily as they have been.

Application essays are equally as important as standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT and grades, Wadden added. Taking time to write thoughtful essays is of great importance.

"Very few people pay the 'sticker price' for a college," Wadden said, since there are a plethora of aid options, including scholarships, grants and loans available for all types of students.

The bottom line, she said, is to "enjoy the next four years (of high school), do your best work, get involved and work with a councilor and the ASPIRE program."