NYSAIS Conference Mohonk Mountain House May 8 2018

NYSAIS Conference Mohonk Mountain House May 8, 2018 @ 10: 45 AM - 12: 15 PM Counselor recommendations Refreshing our process Bernadette Condesso Carolyn Middleton Jennifer Gayles Solomon Schechter School of Westchester Berkeley Carroll School Sarah Lawrence College

“Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light. ” -Joseph Pulitzer

Learning Objectives ● A look at the Basics, the tools, and the intent ● The Variations: writing an effective letter ● Explore the view from the College side, with differences in reading processes ● Share ideas and best practices

The basics floodlight vs. spotlight Give context Highlight achievements Tell a comprehensive story

Gathering resources Questionnaires ✔ Interviews ✔ Non-recommender teacher comments Activities form or resume Other methods?

Reassessing Questionnaires Where and how we use them Initial intake vs fodder for recs Encouraging reflection

Contemplating Questions that might lead to a deeper reflection For Students ● What accomplishment (academic/extracurricular) over the last four year has made you the most proud? ● Where have you committed most of your time outside of academics? ● What are your strongest personal attributes? ● What are your favorite quotes, sayings, or expressions? ● What new experiences do you want in college? ● Are there outside circumstances that may have interfered with your academic performance? ● What was the most rewarding thing you have done for someone else? ● Are there a few things you feel I should emphasize in a letter of recommendation? ● What’s been your most rewarding intellectual experience?

● What makes you most proud of your student? ● Is there a character in literature, a movie, or public service that reminds you of your student? ● Is there something important to know about your student that is not readily apparent? ● What kind of adult would you like your child to be? ● Is there an aspect of your family’s background that is important to acknowledge during the process? ● How would you describe your child to someone who does not know him or her? ● When and where is your child happiest? Why? ● Free association: share any stories , anecdotes, concerns and or triumphs as they pertain to your child. Contemplating Questions that might lead to a deeper reflection For Parents

The Interview ● How many years at BC? Describe your experience. Transition into high school. Overall, where have you grown the most? . ● Academic strengths (subjects or skills)? Favorite classes? ● Relative academic weaknesses? How have you challenged yourself/grown in these areas? ● Is there a project, paper, topic that has inspired you intellectually or been instrumental in your academic development? ● What are your areas of talent (outside of academics)? Are there activities that define you or that you enjoy the most? ● In a group project or discussion-based class, what role do you take? How about in extracurriculars? ● Family composition (parents, sibs, etc) Who are you in the dynamics of family? Who are you in the dynamics of your friendship group? ● How would others describe you and why (three adjectives - your closest friends, your parents, your teachers)? ● What wouldn’t I know about you (anything not in your records, questionnaire, or outside the BC community)?

Traditional narrative Introduction Academics Extracurriculars Academic potential conclusion

Bullet point format

Introduction Narrative Middles 3 -5 bullet points 3 sections Academic Highlights Extracurricular Involvement Personal Details Conclusion Superlative comment

Challengin g letters

The FIVE W’s and an H

Who is reading?

What do (Don’t) colleges want to read?

When are colleges using the information provided?

Where does the counselor letter fit in the overall application?

Why is the counselor letter important?

How are colleges using the information?

Do ● ● ● ● Dos and don’ts? Connect the dots Provide evidence to support your argument Be both honest and supportive Draw conclusions Tell a story: a word picture Explain extenuating circumstances (with permission) Be brief if possible Don’t ● Repeat your school profile ● Rewrite the resume and transcript in prose ● Overquote teachers, parents, the student ● Assume the colleges will get what’s obvious to you ● Use the boilerplate approach ● Worry too much about general checkboxes

Questions and best practice?