Class of 2021- Covid 19 Crisis

By DEC Network On April 24, 2020 · Add Comment

Dear Student and Families,

I hope you are healthy and staying safe at home amidst Covid- 19. These are challenging times as you navigate your high school curriculum, the college process and more but it’s important to remember above all- it’s about maintaining your health. All else will fall in place.

There have been several past disruptions to the college journey for families over the years yet ultimately, everything works out for the best because of the team of professionals that surround you- those looking out for your future.

With that being said, I want you to know that I am keeping on top of all of the consequences of the crisis as it relates to the college process. Here are some reminders and updates:

College Admissions Visits and Interviews

Numerous colleges have closed their doors, possibly for the remainder of the year. You most likely will need to delay your college visits until over the summer. To keep on top of campus visit policies for each individual college, check their websites.

You will still have plenty of time to visits schools before applications are due so no worries. In fact, colleges may extend early deadlines in the fall or even remove the requirement for “demonstrated interest” with the understanding of time and financial constraints experienced by many families.

In the meantime, what can you do? The next best thing- Surf the college websites of the schools on your college list. Have fun studying all aspects of the colleges from academics to campus life. Enjoy YouTube to check out campus videos that provide additional glimpses of the personality of a college. Continue to complete your Why College X forms- and share them on Google Docs.
ACT and SAT Test dates- Information and Recommendations from Lynn Carnegie of Carnegie Prep (my go-to expert)

From Lynn,

Here is what you need to know about test dates right now:

The April 4th ACT has been rescheduled to June 13th. We are strongly encouraging students to register for the July 18th ACT to keep their options open. As of today, there are still openings in West Hartford. Registration for the September 12th ACT typically opens in early July.

From the ACT: “ACT will communicate directly with all students currently registered for the April 4, 2020 ACT test. All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for next steps.”

The May 2nd SAT and Subject Tests have been canceled with no makeup dates. The March 28th makeup exams for the March 14th SAT (available to some students) have also been canceled. Students should register ASAP for the June 6th test date. Registration for the August 29th SAT typically opens in mid to late April.

From the College Board: “College Board will provide future additional SAT testing opportunities for students as soon as possible in place of canceled administrations.”

We’ll have news about the AP exams after March 20th, when the College Board will offer more information.

If you have any questions about your test plan, please reach out to me as soon as possible.
Summer Academic Planning- Silver Lining- Travel, Enrichment, Shadowing Opportunities

Many students have plans to participate in programs that are located abroad or on college campuses in the US. Although a potential disappointment if cancelled, at this point, it is hard to forecast what ultimately may happen.

What could be the silver lining? Popular summer programs may transition to online programs. Here’s a Top 100 list of summer programs from Teen Magazine (see link below). If something looks interesting, check their website to learn how they might be responding to what’s ahead related to the Covid- 19 crisis.

https://www.teenlife.com/blogs/summer-programs-high-school-students

Essay Work– Get a jump start on brainstorming about college essay themes. See below Common Application 2020-21 Prompts.

For the Common Application essay requirement, you will need to choose one of the prompts and write a response of not more than 650 words. I recommend that you think about ideas for each prompt and then determine which one draws the most content from you as you create outlines or drafts. If you’re sitting around the kitchen table, talk through your ideas with your parents and siblings.

CA 2020-21 Essay Prompts (Choose 1)

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma — anything of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Social Distancing- It’s difficult, for everyone. With school closed and activities cancelled, here’s a new plan.

Enjoy your family, listen to music, dance, watch movies, exercise, do yoga, read books, try a new recipe, paint, create a blog, write a letter to someone you care about, spend time outdoors, spend time taking care of yourself…slowdown…

Time is a gift. Take advantage of social distancing with enriching your life in another way. You’re free to explore in all directions. It might give you an opportunity to find another passion- to discover another way that makes you happy.

I’m thinking of you and I’m here to help you in any way. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Debbie Davis

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“We cannot thank you enough for guiding our child and us through one of the most important exercises in her life, and teaching her the importance of preparation. Many thanks also for your warm personal focus and outstanding professionalism.”

“The absolute best thing about Debbie Davis was that she kept me organized and on track with my college forms, essays and applications. I was on top of my college work at all times. My essays were completed months before their deadline. She saved me from any unnecessary stress in my senior year. Thank you, Mrs. Davis- my senior year has been amazing.”

“You are truly the best and most supportive career and college mentor out there. Every single involvement with our kids is the most positive and supportive possible- you help me be a better parent.”

“I truly felt that you treated my daughter as your own child, ascertaining every step of the way what the right course of action would be for her and where she would be happiest. Something that at first seemed daunting gradually unfolded into a fun adventure. We are left with wonderful memories and a very exciting future.”

“Your expertise, diligent support, consistent follow-through, and careful attention to our son’s individual profile, style, strengths, and needs were pivotal to keeping progress on track. I am very confident in his bright future and want you to know that you have our gratitude for your part in supporting his success.”

“Hey Ms. Davis, I got into college with a Presidential Scholarship last night! I hear about the Honors program and the 5 year MBA in March. Thanks so much for everything you did for me. I really appreciate it.”

“Thank you for all you do for our family. Your support, professionalism, positive attitude and many, many hours of work have helped us all so much. Your efforts will continue to make such a difference in our lives for a long, long time.”

“I have to tell you, working with you has been so inspiring. I’m transitioning back into the working world (I am interviewing now) and watching your energy and how you run your business makes me so excited to jump back in. Thanks again for all of your compassion with the kids, your enthusiasm, and expertise.”

“Our experience with Debbie Davis was one of total satisfaction. She spent hours explaining to us every facet of the college search. Her attention to detail, her positive and enthusiastic personality, and her accurate knowledge of her business is impressive.”

“Debbie has been a tremendous help throughout my search for employment. She advises on all aspects of the job search process from cover letter, to resume, to interviewing skills to correspondence etiquette. She stresses the importance of organization, positive attitude and endless commitment. Debbie is a great mentor and I am extremely appreciative of everything she has done to help me with my job search.”

“You listened, customized your responses to meet my needs and checked in with me to make sure that you understood what I was saying and that I understood what you were suggesting. You made a chore and fear of the unknown into something positive.”

“I committed to college today! The campus was absolutely gorgeous, the dorms were incredibly impressive, I love the atmosphere and environment of the school and was just overwhelmed with everything they offered. Thank you so much for all of the help you’ve been over the past year. I’m so happy with where I’m ending up and really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“I am truly grateful for your genuine commitment and enthusiasm working with me and all of your clients. It is amazing seeing that everything we worked so hard on together finally paid off. And I am forever thankful for the bond we share 🙂 other than my parents, you were my biggest supporter and really made me understand the value of my achievements as a student and a person.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your invaluable assistance over the past four years. It seems like …

“There are questions that come up every day, (it seems), and it calms me to know you are always there for me. Your support of the boys runs deep- your positive and fun attitude- your cards- your expertise- and now your true interest in their future. I am grateful for all you do for us.”

“With the help of Debbie Davis, I was able to narrow down a college list that included schools I hadn’t thought of applying to before, draft sincere college essays that were representative of my life experiences and plans, and, ultimately, get into my dream school. I am happier than ever with my college choice, and that is all thanks to Debbie Davis. Thank you, Debbie, for changing my life!”

“We worked with Debbie to guide us through the college review, selection and application process for our son. We could not have been happier. She established and kept us on a proactive and tight timeline resulting in completion of the process well in advance, relieving us of most of the turmoil, anxiety and stress associated with launching a child into college. She is now guiding our second through the journey.”

“Thank you for the beautiful, encouraging note you sent. I don’t know if you do that kind of thing for all of your students, but it is an outstanding touch and I applaud your style!”

“You are such a cheery and positive spirit–just what we needed! You have made all of my kids recognize their potential and believe in it themselves! What a gift you are. Thanks for all the encouragement and guidance. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.”

“Our son really respects and values your opinions, and you have been so good about empowering him and making the final decision his own. He is thrilled about his offer which he accepted yesterday; his top choice. I want you to know how grateful we are to you. You have been a crucial part of our boys’ lives.”

“Your support of the boys runs deep- your positive and fun attitude, your cards, your expertise- and now your true interest in their future. I am grateful for all you do for us.”

Class of 2021- Covid 19 Crisis

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