A recent story in USA Today reports, “Average scores on the ACT from the high school graduating class of 2022 dropped to their lowest point in 30 years. … The national average composite score for the graduating class of 2022 was 19.8 out of a possible 36, down from 20.3 among the graduating class of 2021. It marks the lowest average score since 1991, according to the ACT organization.”
The AP reported scores “show 42% of ACT-tested graduates in the class of 2022 met none of the subject benchmarks in English, reading, science and math, which are indicators of how well students are expected to perform in corresponding college courses.”
Most of the evidence points to the pandemic as being the cause of the huge drop in scores.
For students who are getting ready to head to college or enter the workforce, the thought of creating a resume, building their professional network, or finding a job can be a bit intimidating. To help them solidify where they want to go and how they feel they can add value to their industry, a personal brand statement can be extremely helpful.
A personal brand statement is a one to two-sentence summary that highlights how you can add value to your industry based on your skills, your experience, and your passions.
This can be extremely beneficial to high school students making the transition to college as it can help them:
Find a job
Expand their professional network
Attract additional opportunities
Find other people in their field of study
6 Steps to Crafting a Personal Brand Statement
Now that we know what a personal brand statement is, let’s go over the steps you can take to help your students craft theirs.
1. Have them make a list of their skills
The first step in crafting a personal brand statement is to make a list of skills. Have your students start by creating a list of what they think their unique skills are—soft and hard skills. These skills should be specific, so have them focus on ones that relate to the industry they’ll be studying in college, a job they hope to land, or a club or network they hope to join.
2. Have them define their audience
They’ll likely already have an audience they want to target in their mind, so have them pinpoint it so they can craft a statement that will speak to that industry. You want to avoid a general statement so you can stand out amongst others.
3. Have them research what others are saying
Have them research what other people in their industry are saying. Are they specific buzzwords they’re using? Is there a gap in knowledge that they know they can fill with their experience? Discovering this can help them better understand what to include in their statement.
4. Have them start building their sentences
It may take a few rounds, but have them start crafting their sentences once they’ve completed steps one through three. These sentences should be clear and concise, speak to their target audience, reveal how they can add value, and any unique skills they have that can help them stand out.
5. Help them revise and simplify their sentences
The more clear and consise, the better. Help them remove the fluff and trim down anything that isn’t necessary.
6. Have them add their statement to professional platforms
Once they’ve got their personal brand statement finalized, it’s time to start marketing themselves! They can add this to their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, email signatures, and any other platforms that are going to help them receive more opportunities.
To help students build a personal brand statement, check out this downloadable worksheet that can help them brainstorm ideas and craft the perfect personal brand statement that will help them in their future endeavors.
I cringe when I hear parents, teachers, students, and counselors talk about the importance of being “unique” in a college essay.
Why? Because it’s not true. Because too many people believe it. Because at Wow, we are so committed to accuracy, and no matter how many times we tell people this is a myth, it just won’t go away.
Ugh!!!
We’d like to dispel this myth, once and for all. And we’ve got some great info to help you do that, direct from one of our favorite sources, Shawn Felton, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Deputy Chief Admissions and Enrollment Officer at Cornell University.
In a foreword to the second edition of our popular guide, How to Write an Effective College Application Essay, the Inside Scoop for Students, Shawn discussed why focusing on unique stories or experiences should not be our students’ goal. Stay tuned! The book will be published early next year, and we’ll give you a link to get free e-books for your students!
Here’s what Shawn had to say:
I’ve been working in college admissions for a few decades. In this time, I’ve noticed that students spend too much time searching for stories they believe will make them sound different or unique.
Please don’t do that. It’s a waste of your time. I don’t want different. I don’t want unique. I just want to know what makes you the person you are. I want to know what matters to you. I want to know what you care about. I want to know what you dream about.
If you want me or any admissions decision maker to notice you, try to worry less about standing out, and focus instead on standing up. There is a preoccupation with being different and unique among college applicants. I get it. The stakes are high, and there are so many applicants to so many schools these days.
But the reality is, most college applicants are much more alike than they are different. The search for something unique to share is a long, windy road going nowhere quickly. Instead, worry less about being unique and just be you and show admissions readers who you are.
I hope this insight helps you and your students. Please share Shawn’s words with your families and colleagues. The more we can lower the stakes at this high-stakes time, the calmer our students will be. And calm students write stronger college essays.
Here’s a link to get free resources for you (including a book for counselors and a free monthly Pro Chat)!
About the Author
Perceptive, resourceful, and curious, Kim Lifton, President of Wow Writing Workshop, can get a story out of anyone; she helped create the brainstorming process used in the Wow Method. Wow provides students and educational professionals a simple, step-by-step process for writing effective college essays, so students can stand out and tell their stories. We’re transforming the college essay experience from daunting and frightening to calm and empowering.
Kim’s articles on the college essay appear regularly in print and on the web, and her work has been featured in a variety of newspapers, magazines, and online publications. Kim is a former newspaper reporter and corporate communications manager with a BA in Journalism from Michigan State University.
Part of your role as a counselor sometimes includes motivating your students to push through the slog of study towards achievement. This often needs to happen in very practical ways. Students that don’t maintain standards in a few key areas can be severely hampered from entering college or accomplishing the goals they have for themselves. Math skills are one of these areas. Because of this, it can sometimes make or break a student’s chances at being able to study and pursue what they want.
With a bit of encouragement, many students can keep on task and get the math scores and proficiencies they need before any of it slips out of reach or becomes too daunting while in high school. A few tips and tricks can make this much easier. These strategies can easily be incorporated into your office, meetings, and plans with the students you serve.
Help Your Students See the Wide Breadth of Math-Related Skills
So often, classroom math seems arbitrary and pointless. It doesn’t help that many math curriculums don’t do a good job of making it clear to students why they’ll need those skills and what they’ll do with them once they’re finished with school.
Showing the link between math skills and other real-life aptitudes is a great way of helping motivate your students to engage with their math homework. Math skills can feed directly into larger, more all-encompassing skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and strategy. These skills are valuable in just about any profession.
Helping your students understand this connection can make them value their math classes just a little bit more and can encourage them to engage when they might not have otherwise.
Help Your Students Understand the Advantages of Good Math Skills for College
Math grades, proficiencies, and scores on standardized testing can sometimes carry more weight in the application and matriculation process for colleges and universities than other skill sets. Some schools offer more scholarships for engineering, mathematics, or STEM proficiencies even when a student isn’t necessarily pursuing a degree in any of those subjects.
And scoring well on math entrance exams can save quite a bit of time, stress, and money by allowing students to opt out of fundamental math courses. Investing time in keeping math levels high can be well worth it in the long run.
Have a List of Online Math Resources Available
Though most school districts are racing to incorporate more technology into their classrooms and curriculums, sometimes students still need alternative resources that might better fit their learning style. Many solid math teaching resources exist online that students often never learn about. Sometimes, having an additional tool or two available can make all the difference for a student trying to master a tougher math class or subject.
To help make your students aware of additional tools and aids they can use while taking on math classes, try simply gathering a list of online math tools and teaching aids that you can hand out to students that are struggling with math. You could include these suggestions in hand-outs or resources that all your students receive, or simply have them available in your office when needed.
Gamify Math Skills with Your Students
Gamification is the process of introducing competitive or game-like elements to things that wouldn’t normally include them. Gamification can make difficult subjects more fun and interesting. It can also help increase engagement from students who might not otherwise be motivated to learn.
One strategy for this is to use communal or interpersonal gamification. This might look like setting up a leaderboard or point system in your office for students to compete against each other. Be careful with your setup – students shouldn’t compete over things like grades or test scores. However, things like study hours, units completed, extra credit assignments, or number of flashcards answered on an app or online platform could be good objects to use for friendly math-related competition.
Another way of incorporating gamification is to help your students set individual goals for themselves. This could be any of the examples above or could also be a grade or level they’d like to reach for themselves. You could create handouts, punch cards, medals, and other aids that make these goals more exciting. The only limit is your creativity. Badges, prizes, and more could all motivate your students to engage more seriously with their math studies if you incorporate them into gamified structures.
Give Examples of How Math Is Used in Real Professions Your Students are Interested In
Finally, one of the most motivating tools you can utilize to help your students focus on their math skills is to help them more readily understand how those math skills translate into usable tools for the professions they’re interested in pursuing.
Posting charts or stories of how math can be utilized in professions your students are interested in can go a long way to help motivate them to continue focusing on their math classes and not give up on learning those skills.
By helping your students make math more approachable, you’ll help them stay motivated and engaged as they complete their high school studies.
The 1 for 2 Education Foundation is seeking highly motivated applicants of accredited U.S. four-year colleges and universities.
For the 2022 academic year the Foundation selected a diverse group of four scholars who attended both public and private high schools from four states. Grants of up to $20,000 per academic year were made to attend both public and private colleges and universities across the U.S.
For the 2023 academic year the Foundation intends to award at least two merit-based scholarships. The size of the individual grants is determined on the basis of tuition remaining after considering all other forms of tuition assistance obtained by the scholar.
Requirements to Apply:
● An up to date official transcript from current school
● Indicate a commitment to the Foundation’s Pledge
● All required application questions must be answered and fields completed
● Applicant must be living in the United States but is not required to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
● The college or university must be in the United States
● GPA must be at least 3.7 unweighted, 4.0 weighted
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023
The Foundation considers the applicant’s high school academic record, leadership and community service activities, and letters of recommendation. Applicants are also assessed on the alignment of their values with the Foundation’s values as it relates to their intention to fulfill their Pledge to the Foundation. While receiving a scholarship from the Foundation, scholars are required to attend the Foundation’s annual Gathering. During this event, scholars will have a chance to meet other scholars, graduates, and directors. They will also participate in personal development and learning sessions aimed at preparing them for academic, career, and life goals.
The 2023 Gathering is planned for July 27 – 31, 2023, in Michigan. All reasonable costs to attend the Gathering are covered by the Foundation.
Applicants are required to make the following pledge: In consideration of the 1 for 2 Education Foundation (“the Foundation”) making this scholarship grant I pledge to support the mission of the Foundation to build a community of scholars who are dedicated to being life-long learners by: a) participating in the annual Foundation Gathering while receiving my scholarship, b) supporting my fellow Foundation Scholars’ academic and career goals during my lifetime, and c) paying for a comparable scholarship grant for two persons, who are not related to me by blood, adoption, or marriage, during my lifetime.
A new survey (sponsored by Discover Student Loans) was just released and focused on sentiment and awareness surrounding the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The insights in this survey are particularly timely given that the FAFSA application opens next Saturday, October 1.
Here are a few of the highlights from the survey results:
Over 70% of parents with college-bound children say they plan to fill out the FAFSA this year.
58% of parents with college-bound students didn’t plan on applying for federal aid, but now have changed their minds.
Nearly half of parents (47%) have never spoken to their child about the FAFSA or have only spoken to them about it 1-2 times
55% of parents say they intend to use online FAFSA guides and resources, up five percentage points from 2021.
Over a quarter (26%) of parents said that understanding how to pay for college gives their child the most anxiety.
These are some great stats to discuss with your students and make sure they are discussing filling out the FAFSA with their parents.
Here is a brag sheet template your students can use to keep track of their accomplishments all year long in one document. Completing this will keep their pertinent information for their college applications in one place. This was posted to the HS Counselors Group on FB by Allison Gibbons Tokar, a Counselor in Georgia who got it from one of her colleagues. Feel free to adapt and use for your students.
A Brag Sheet is a student resume and is sent to people who will write letters of recommendations (LOR) on your behalf. LORs are needed for college applications, jobs, and scholarships.
The golden rule of Brag Sheets:
THE BETTER THE BRAG SHEET (that’s your part),
THE BETTER THE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (that’s our part).
READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE STARTING
Directions: Save a copy for yourself by naming it “YourName YourSchool Year”. Begin filling out the highlighted blanks with the appropriate information. Do not skip anything. Instead, delete lines that do not apply to you by right-clicking on a row and selecting “delete row”. You can add lines if you have additional accomplishments you want to highlight by right-clicking on a row and selecting “insert row below”.
TIP: Every time you accomplish something (win an award, start playing a new sport, get a new job) add it to your Brag Sheet. That way nothing important is left out.
When you need a letter of recommendation written for you, you need to make this doc into a pdf. Go to > file > download > pdf Document (.pdf) and it will save in your downloads.Then email it to the person you are asking to write a letter of recommendation. Your School Counselor will also need one if you are using CommonApp. Please email the pdf to School’s Counselor email at least 2-3 weeks before your first application is due.
Typically, you can expect a two-week turnaround time for your letters of recommendation. Any less and we will have to rush, which means you may not get the most-comprehensive letter possible.
Class of
Last name
First name
Middle initial
Preferred Name
Student ID:
Date of birth:
Career Goal:
Future Plans
Delete any rows that do NOT apply by highlighting that row, right-clicking, and selecting “delete row.”
Name of schools/programs being considered
Intended major
4-year university
2-year university
Vocational/tech school
Apprenticeship program
Intermediate employment
Armed services
Branch of service:
Other
Awards, Recognition, and Accolades (Reflect on your personal achievements. Consider SAT scores, honor roll, Student of the Week, and any other awards you have received. Add your information to the table below, and add more rows by right-clicking on a row and selecting “insert row below”.)
Award or recognition
Year(s) of achievement
Description of award
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
Paid Work Experiences (please indicate self-employed ventures, such as babysitting, tutoring, lawn mowing, etc.-add more rows by right-clicking on a row and selecting “insert row below”)
Dates (most recent first)
Employer
Hours/week
Duties
Classes that have helped you prepare for work or further education (Pathways, Dual Enrollment, Work-Based Learning, etc.)
Name of class
Year(s) of involvement (highlight)
Description of class
How has it helped prepare you for work or further education?
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
Athletics/Band
Sport (state JV, Varsity, or Club) or Band
Year(s) of involvement (highlight)
Positions or instrument played
Awards or recognition received with year
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
Out of School Activities that have helped you prepare for work or further education (travel, community service, church activities, workshops, etc.)
High School Extracurricular and Community (Specify which extracurricular activities, events, and volunteer work you have participated in outside of classes and sports that have helped you prepare for work or further education. This can include travel, community service, church activities, training and workshops, school clubs, local organizations, etc. make sure to indicate what, if any, leadership positions you have held in these activities. Add more rows by right-clicking on a row and selecting “insert row below”).
Name of organization or event
Year(s) of involvement (highlight)
Description of activity and positions held
Hours of service and participation
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12
Write in this section like they are mini essays. We want to hear your voice and feel your personality come through. The more details, the better!
Which extracurricular activities have meant the most to you and why?
What words immediately come to mind that best describe you?
Do you have a unique skill set you wish to share? (Consider unique skills like computer programming, tutoring, carpentry, arts and crafts, cooking, etc.)
Character (Reflect on your personal character and experiences)
What hobbies and personal interests do you have?
What obstacles have you overcome during high school?
Name some personality traits and characteristics that best describe you, and explain.
Anything else you think we should know, or that you’d like to share?
Proof-read your work. Check for grammar and punctuation errors. Then follow directions above to save and send to your LOR writers. Remember, allow your writer enough time (2-3 weeks) so that you can get the best letter possible. Waiting until the last minute to submit your Brag Sheet will result in either being turned away or a meager LOR. And a meager LOR never got anyone anything! 😉
U.S News and World Report recently released its Annual “Best College” Rankings. There is a lot of controversy around these rankings as they seem to favor a certain type of school. The top ranked schools typically cost around $60k per year. Nineteen of the top 20 national universities cost $55,000 or more for a year’s tuition and fees. Schools have been shown to manipulate their data to receive a higher ranking. For example, U.S. News & World Report “ranked Columbia University No. 18 among national universities for 2023, after having pulled the Ivy League institution’s numerical rank in July because of alleged data-accuracy problems. Before it was unranked, Columbia was No. 2.
The Washington Post (9/12) reported college rankings face “mounting questions about the data that underlie them, the methods used to sort colleges and universities and the intense competition from other publications that churn out best-this and best-that lists in search of clicks from college-bound teenagers and parents.” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona last month declared that any system of ranking colleges that values wealth, reputation, and exclusivity more than economic mobility is “a joke.” Nevertheless, research indicates “rankings can sway college-bound students. A 2019 survey of college freshmen by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA found 15 percent said rankings in national magazines were ‘very important’ in choosing their school. That was up from about 10 percent in 2000.” Moreover, the Post says college and university leaders “are often of two minds about rankings: Dismiss them publicly; obsess about them privately.”
Rankings can be used to get a general guideline about a school, but parents and students should use their own investigation to determine which school is best for them.
The cost of tuition continues to rise and college. Many colleges are searching for ways to help students that are qualified but don’t have the necessary funds to pay for it to attend. Fox News reports that Princeton University is embarking on a major expansion of its financial aid policy for students from families earning less than $100,000 annually, meaning they will pay nothing for tuition, room, and board.
In addition, many students from families with income over $100,000 will also receive additional financial support, including families at higher income levels who have multiple children in college. The university noted that most of the additional scholarship funding will benefit families earning less than $150,000.
The new financial aid policies will take effect for all undergraduates starting in fall 2023.
The university estimates that roughly 25% of undergraduates or 1,500 students are expected to receive the aid that will cover the entire cost of tuition, room, and board. The university’s website boasts that 83% of its recent seniors graduated debt free.
