Weekly Column Patrick OConnor Give Semester Advice the Old College Tri
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Last week’s column on scheduling brought a response from a family where the high school is on trimesters, so classes (and grades) switch in November, March, and June, not at all like the January-June semester schedule. Their two main points were: -Telling us to mail first semester grades in January doesn’t help, since we already sent first trimester grades in early December. -Ditto for schedule changes. Since trimesters started in December, it is what it is—and since trimesters are harder to schedule, juniors have already scheduled their classes for next year. Trimesterites, lest you think the last two columns are merely kindling to fan the flames of your cozy Valentines Day fire, uncrumple those two fine tomes, and go with the flow as follows: If a college has deferred you, students on trimesters sent updated grades in early December, long before most colleges decided on their Early applicants. Even if you sent a note and your grades were en el fuego back then, it will be 3 or 4 months between the time you last contacted the deferring college that said “tell us more”(which really means “show us how much this means to you”) and the time they review your file again. Tell me—does this time warp translate as showing genuine interest? The solution here is simple, Danny Zuko—tell them more, one more time! If your high school sends home mid-trimester grades, passing those good grades along to colleges will show that not only were you good in December, but you’re still good now, and their college is where you still want to be. Some high schools may even finish the second trimester in mid-March, which could be enough time to send some colleges the good word just as they’re reviewing their deferred applicants. Either way, mid-trimester grades can go out now. Use the occasion to write another very brief note about what’s new in your life and your genuine interest in the school, and they’ll have the latest news—and a refreshed perception—about where you are, and what matters to you. In terms of schedules, I’m sticking to my guns. Whether you’re a senior starting second semester or third trimester, the chance will come—either right now or in a month-- to ratchet your schedule down a notch. If your grades were strong last report card, there’s no reason to do this—just say no. This may be even harder for trimester students, since the start of your last term is that much closer to the finish line; practice in the mirror if you need to, but a little nyet, nein, non, and “as if” now goes a long way later. Juniors, if your school really has asked for your schedule for next year, don’t worry—Like Arnold, they’ll be back. Low enrollment, computer glitches, and last minute layoffs will give you at least three opportunities to pick up “AP Ultimate Frisbee” and drop “Jane Adams and Jane Addams: Common Souls Separated by an Uncommon Spelling”. The goal is to make the most out of the learning experiences you have in high school, and I have a hunch your house has 4 Dyn-O-Glos hanging around, but nary a copy of Twenty Years at Hull House. Keep the challenge high—colleges will notice, and more important, so will you.
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