This certainly has been a memorable start to the school year. The period of fully remote instruction is now transitioning to our e-Hybrid instructional model. Educational Services will continue to support students and families both in person and virtually.
We always welcome reader feedback. You can share comments with Dr. Patrick Sassen, Director of Educational Services ([email protected]).
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Wofford College - Spartanburg, South Carolina
Wofford is a small liberal arts college with approximately 1700 undergraduate students. Students take pride in the Wofford Way, combining a well rounded curriculum built on traditional strengths in STEM disciplines with career related internships. Wofford accepted 52% of applicants into its class of 2024, with an average accepted ACT score range of 27 to 31. Popular majors include Biology, Premed, Prelaw, Finance, Business Economics, Accounting and Environmental Science.
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University of Mississippi - Oxford, Mississippi
“Ole Miss” is the Mississippi’s flagship public university with approximately 17,000 undergraduate students. Mississippi and Oxford often rank at the top of annual lists of beautiful campuses and best college towns. School spirit is strong, as are its academic programs. Ole Miss accepts 88% of its applicants with an average accepted ACT score range of 21 to 28. Popular majors include Nursing, Accounting, Marketing, Humanities, Finance, Digital Communications, Psychology and Business.
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Lewis and Clark University - Portland, Oregon
Lewis and Clark is a small liberal arts college with approximately 2000 undergraduate students. It is known for its scenic campus located on 137 wooded acres in Portland’s southwest hills, as well as an education built from the time-tested elements of careful study, original research and spirited debate. Lewis and Clark accepts 74% of its applicants with an average accepted ACT score range of 27 to 31. Popular majors include International Affairs, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Biology, English, and Entrepreneurship.
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Tips from Admissions Counselors |
Chris O’Brien - Boston College:
I get asked very often about what makes a good college applicant. I usually answer that a good high school student puts together a good college application. Then I would explain that a good high school student is not one that puts their head down and seeks out every academic statistic that is achievable. That kind of student blocks out or avoids some of the experiences that makes one a good high school student. Don't get me wrong, I do like to see great achievement in the classroom, but it shouldn't be gained by putting one's head down and grinding it out. A good high school student goes through the school day with their head up, looking for opportunities to connect with their classmates. They should be attentive and productive in the classroom, but also they should engage with their teachers throughout the learning process. They should paint their face for Homecoming, find ways to be accountable in the community and bring a positive attitude to school each day. The word university is derived from the Greek word for community. The expectation at a university is that students contribute in many ways - most of them actually outside of the classroom and just about all of them without a number 2 pencil. So to be the best college student and the best college applicant, be a good high school student. Get your work done, join a club and meet some friends, try not to miss too many games, and smile at your classmates in the hallways and maybe even say "Good Morning" to the principal. You will feel a little better about that college application.
Chris Cowie - Denison:
For students who may not have had the opportunity to take an ACT or SAT and will be applying test-optional, I would suggest highlighting any activities in the extracurricular section. This will allow admission officers to see more of an academic picture. As always, if you don't have anything to highlight, don't panic...this is simply a suggestion to help admission readers get a better picture of you as an individual and student.
Scott Carlson - U of I:
Create a college specific email to use for your college applications. This will allow you to keep all of your college correspondences organized in one email account as we will all email you a lot. My recommendation for U of I specifically is to make sure that you list a second choice major in your application.
Mitch Warren - Purdue:
College admission and the college selection process is not about just “getting in” to a given school. It should be about finding the best place that matches your academics goals, needs, and desires. That would include: cost of the institution, campus size, campus environment, co-curricular activities. And, that certainly includes academics. Just because you might be admitted, it might not be the best “fit” for you. You should also be searching for an institution that “fits” your graduate school and/or career goal also. Just because a school is highly ranked and people speak well of it doesn’t mean that it’s the best place for you. The process is not strictly a mathematical formula that plugs in rankings and places you’ve been admitted. There should be real human components like “feel” and comfort with your selected institution. What are good reasons for choosing a school? The school clearly needs to be one into which you can be admitted, that your family can afford, that has the academic and co-curricular options that are of interest to you.
Camille Walter - University of Wisconsin-Madison:
UW-Madison went test-optional late this summer and will remain test-optional until summer of 2023. We've received many questions from prospective students regarding if sending in scores will benefit their application in any way. Our answer is simply the fact that we identify readiness for UW through academic progression in high school. We want to emphasize that test scores have always been only one factor, from among many factors, in our holistic review process. Again, most of the weight for readiness being on the student's day to day record and progression of rigor. We have never had cut-offs or minimums for test scores, so there is truly not one good or bad score that will guarantee or reject a student's admission to UW. Students will not be disadvantaged in any way if they choose to not have a test score considered. If students believe their test scores will further illustrate a particular talent, skill set, or academic aspiration they have, they can certainly have it considered. It is merely an extra piece of information we will consider if they would like us to.
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Attention Seniors
College Overview
Helpful tips and information regarding the college process.
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College Rep Visits
Each year, over 200 admission officers visit LFHS to meet with juniors and seniors. This year the visits will be virtual. Video offers step by step instructions to sign up for visits and highlights the benefits of attending rep visits.
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Requesting Transcripts
Colleges typically require official transcripts for application review. Video walks students through the request process in Naviance.
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Teacher Rec Letters
Letters of recommendation are often required for college admission. Video educates senior students how to send their letter writers an invite in Naviance.
Sending Test Score
Due to Covid, most colleges are test-optional for this year’s admission cycle. Test submitters can watch the videos, which highlight how to send test scores from the testing agency to the colleges of choice.
How to send ACT test scores
How to Send SAT and AP Test Scores
Financial Aid Info: New Grad Requirement**
The State of Illinois requires students/families to complete the FAFSA form or an opt out waiver form. This is a graduation requirement.
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Attention Juniors
College Rep Visits
Take advantage of meeting with college admission officers virtually this fall.
See the video link above for details.
Campus Visits (virtual, or on site options)
To help determine if a school is the right fit, it’s important to visit a school and get a guided tour. During this time of Covid, many colleges are only offering information sessions and tours virtually. Visit each college’s website for more information.
Standardized Test Plan
Colleges will accept either the ACT or SAT. Most juniors will take the PSAT in October and then an ACT in December or February to compare scores between those two tests and see if they are performing better on one versus the other. There are many opportunities during the spring and summer to take standardized tests. Some colleges will remain test optional for next year.
Develop Your List of Schools
Make sure that your list contains a mix of safety, target and reach schools. Our students typically apply to 5-8 schools, but that number varies per student.
Attention Freshmen & Sophomores
Focus on these items now to make the most of your high school years and help prepare you for college:
- Develop study skills and time management strategies.
- Set reasonable and attainable academic and personal goals.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities and service opportunities.
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Participate in “Open Doors”- a career exploration program.
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LAKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELING
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