This year's gala was particularly special because HEAF celebrated 20 years of touching lives and helping our most promising public school students go to college. Gloria, who holds an Master of Education degree from Columbia University shared how HEAF helped to keep her focused and defy the odds. Sean, a pediatrician in Philadelphia, talked about the first day he walked out onto the Yale University campus and knew that his life would never be the same. Tanasha, a 3rd year student at Temple University's School of Law, told our guests that failure was never an option once HEAF got hold of you. With help from our incredible HEAF Board of Directors and our distinguished honorees Fareed Zakaria of CNN and Judith Aidoo of Caswell Capital Partners, HEAF raised over $600K to continue our high impact work in creating a surefire college pipeline to high-potential under served young people in New York City. Judith reminded everyone of what a key role education can play in changing the trajectory of a young person's life. Fareed reminded us that investing in HEAF was one guaranteed way of making sure that in the future America has the intellectual capital to solve complex social, environmental, and economic problems like the ones we've faced in the last year. If you're not already supporting HEAF, visit us at www.heaf.org to learn of a few good reasons you should.
Monday, October 5, 2009
HEAF 20th Anniversary Gala 2009
This year's gala was particularly special because HEAF celebrated 20 years of touching lives and helping our most promising public school students go to college. Gloria, who holds an Master of Education degree from Columbia University shared how HEAF helped to keep her focused and defy the odds. Sean, a pediatrician in Philadelphia, talked about the first day he walked out onto the Yale University campus and knew that his life would never be the same. Tanasha, a 3rd year student at Temple University's School of Law, told our guests that failure was never an option once HEAF got hold of you. With help from our incredible HEAF Board of Directors and our distinguished honorees Fareed Zakaria of CNN and Judith Aidoo of Caswell Capital Partners, HEAF raised over $600K to continue our high impact work in creating a surefire college pipeline to high-potential under served young people in New York City. Judith reminded everyone of what a key role education can play in changing the trajectory of a young person's life. Fareed reminded us that investing in HEAF was one guaranteed way of making sure that in the future America has the intellectual capital to solve complex social, environmental, and economic problems like the ones we've faced in the last year. If you're not already supporting HEAF, visit us at www.heaf.org to learn of a few good reasons you should.
The Admissions Season is Upon Us
With the school year underway, many New York City parents are about to embark on an exhausting admissions season as they struggle to identify the best high schools and colleges for their students. The journey can be an exhausting one as parents try to match the dreams they have for their children, with their children's academic and social needs. Diligence and a strong dose of reality are the requirements of the day. Here are some fast and hard HEAF tips to help you on your way.
1) Explore school that represent your ideal, but don't leave out schools that realistically match your child's academic record, test scores, and temperament. If your child lacks the maturity to manage boarding school, then you probably should not be applying to boarding school. If your child is easily distracted, don't choose a college known for heavy partying. You are looking for a school that can meet your child where he or she is, and then help them to soar academically, intellectually, and socially.
2)Visit every school, high school or college, that you are interested in to the extent that you are able. Most schools have good websites. But, visiting a high school or college campus and speaking with current students can open up a perspective you would never have gotten on the net or in a high school catalog. Catalogs are intended to entice you, not give you a well-rounded view of life at a school.
3) Never apply to a reach school without scheduling an interview if one is available. With more students applying to college every year through the Internet, your face-to-face encounter may be the missing link that puts your child ahead of the competition. Be prepared to ask questions, to speak eloquently, and to dress professionally.
4) Be true to your budget. It's safe to say that if you make more than $40K a year in household income, you will be expected to make some kind of family contribution. Federally subsidized loans may be required but I strongly urge families to stay away from high interest private loans. Be assured, that if your student enrolls in a school that you cannot afford, transcripts will not be released until bills are settled should you need to withdraw. If you're aiming for independent schools, remember that the financial aid package is based on their ability to provide support - not on what you think you need. Additionally, all packages for high school and college must be renegotiated every year. Finally, explore all avenues for scholarships. I was stunned when a parent admitted not completing a scholarship application because "it was too long". If you know you need financial help, make it your business to visit The Foundation Center and explore every avenue of support.
5) Parents need to stay in control and to be highly organized. Buy a special calendar, folder, and notebook to help you manage all the information required during this process. Take notes on college tours, remember important dates, and adhere to all deadlines. Do not leave anything to guidance counselors, who are often overworked and overwhelmed with the number of students they are required to assist. Parents!!! This is your responsibility.
6) Students deserve a say, but parents have to use their experience and knowledge of their children to make the final decisions.
7) Most Fortune 500 CEO's did not attend Ivy League institutions. That doesn't mean that Ivy's are bad. But it does remind us that no matter how stressful and emotional the process of acceptances and rejections can be, you will ultimately be judged by what you do with your education not necessarily by where you went to school. Aim high, but remember who you are and what your worth is in the process.
8) Getting into the high school or college of your choice is not the end game. It is the beginning of a new journey. High school students should hit the ground running in preparation for college admissions. College students should keep their eyes on graduate school admissions and take advantage of everything their schools have to offer. Even once you're in...you've only just begun.
1) Explore school that represent your ideal, but don't leave out schools that realistically match your child's academic record, test scores, and temperament. If your child lacks the maturity to manage boarding school, then you probably should not be applying to boarding school. If your child is easily distracted, don't choose a college known for heavy partying. You are looking for a school that can meet your child where he or she is, and then help them to soar academically, intellectually, and socially.
2)Visit every school, high school or college, that you are interested in to the extent that you are able. Most schools have good websites. But, visiting a high school or college campus and speaking with current students can open up a perspective you would never have gotten on the net or in a high school catalog. Catalogs are intended to entice you, not give you a well-rounded view of life at a school.
3) Never apply to a reach school without scheduling an interview if one is available. With more students applying to college every year through the Internet, your face-to-face encounter may be the missing link that puts your child ahead of the competition. Be prepared to ask questions, to speak eloquently, and to dress professionally.
4) Be true to your budget. It's safe to say that if you make more than $40K a year in household income, you will be expected to make some kind of family contribution. Federally subsidized loans may be required but I strongly urge families to stay away from high interest private loans. Be assured, that if your student enrolls in a school that you cannot afford, transcripts will not be released until bills are settled should you need to withdraw. If you're aiming for independent schools, remember that the financial aid package is based on their ability to provide support - not on what you think you need. Additionally, all packages for high school and college must be renegotiated every year. Finally, explore all avenues for scholarships. I was stunned when a parent admitted not completing a scholarship application because "it was too long". If you know you need financial help, make it your business to visit The Foundation Center and explore every avenue of support.
5) Parents need to stay in control and to be highly organized. Buy a special calendar, folder, and notebook to help you manage all the information required during this process. Take notes on college tours, remember important dates, and adhere to all deadlines. Do not leave anything to guidance counselors, who are often overworked and overwhelmed with the number of students they are required to assist. Parents!!! This is your responsibility.
6) Students deserve a say, but parents have to use their experience and knowledge of their children to make the final decisions.
7) Most Fortune 500 CEO's did not attend Ivy League institutions. That doesn't mean that Ivy's are bad. But it does remind us that no matter how stressful and emotional the process of acceptances and rejections can be, you will ultimately be judged by what you do with your education not necessarily by where you went to school. Aim high, but remember who you are and what your worth is in the process.
8) Getting into the high school or college of your choice is not the end game. It is the beginning of a new journey. High school students should hit the ground running in preparation for college admissions. College students should keep their eyes on graduate school admissions and take advantage of everything their schools have to offer. Even once you're in...you've only just begun.
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