Counselor Corner
From the Indian Hill High School Counseling Office
The Colleges are Coming! The Colleges are Coming!!!!
To find the list of colleges that will be visiting Indian Hill High School this fall, log onto Naviance. Under the "Colleges" tab, Click the "Home" link and the list can be found on the bottom of that page.
On the campus of Emory University
University of Pittsburgh Library
Ohio State University's Student Union
Counselor Coffee
Thursday, Sep 12, 2019, 09:00 AM
Indian Hill High School MP room
NACAC National College Fair
Saturday, Sep 14, 2019, 01:00 PM
Duke Energy Convention Center, Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH, USA
College Night for Juniors and Parents
Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019, 06:30 PM
Indian Hill High School various locations
Presenting Your Total Package to Colleges
The Application – Be sure to apply through the school’s website to ensure that you are completing the correct application. The Common Application and the Coalition Application are alternate ways to apply to a few colleges at once. If you have college/universities on your list that are members of the Common Application, or the Coalition Application you can apply through their respective websites.
The Resume – If a college allows you to submit a resume, please be sure to do so. Your resume should begin with the most meaningful experiences. Be sure to briefly explain what the group is, your position, how often you participate and any highlights that you want the admissions representatives to notice. If attaching a resume is not possible, be sure to provide a list of your activities on the application in the order of significance.
The Transcript – When a transcript is sent to a college/university, included with the transcript are current year schedule, Secondary School Report, School Profile, and Letters of Recommendation. Indian Hill High School seniors must request their transcripts through Naviance. Be sure to enter the correct deadline so that your package will be sent by the correct deadline.
ACT/SAT testing scores – All scores must be sent to colleges directly from the testing agency to the colleges. While some colleges require that you send all scores of every test that you have taken, some will only consider your highest scores. You should be sure to research the college’s policy on testing and send your scores as they request. Visit www.act.org and www.sat.org/register to have your scores sent. These scores should be sent to the colleges by the application deadline.
The Application Fee – When paying your application fee, you should be sure to get a confirmation of payment. If you are on free/reduced lunch or feel that your situation warrants the need of a fee waiver, please contact your counselor to request a fee waiver.
The Essay
A very intricate part of the college application process that cannot be overlooked is the college essay. Most colleges across the nation require at least one essay. These essay topics may range from describing a significant experience in your life, to selecting a topic of your choice. Whatever the topic, the college essay is a significant and reliable source of information about the applicant. Admissions committees use the essay to get to know the applicant in a more reliable, specific, and personal way. A way that cannot be shown through SAT or ACT scores, grade point averages or even through extracurricular activities. The essay adds a personal, human element to the application. When writing your college essay, look at it as an opportunity to stand out from the applicant pool.
The college essay has many purposes in the college application process. It helps in determining if there is a fit between the applicant and the college, it shows your writing abilities and the essay is important for borderline applicants. In such cases, a well put together essay can be known to tip the scales for students whose grade point averages and SAT/ACT scores are considered questionable for admission.
Make the essay yours. College admissions representatives expect for students to receive some help with their college essay. Counselors may offer ideas on choosing a subject and your parents or teachers might help proofread a final draft, but only you can write your essay. The essay is your voice speaking to certain topics and only you can speak for yourself.
Tips for editing:
*Good writing has a natural, easy-to-read quality.
*Strike a balance between a personal and formal tone.
*Remember your audience- be intelligent and be yourself.
*Avoid clichés and make every sentence count.
*Avoid worn-out literary sources.
*Don’t use words carelessly or inaccurately.
*Use active verbs and vigorous expression.
*Avoid empty words, “really,” “special,” “meaningful.”
*Avoid vague and predictable conclusions.
*Proofread, proofread, proofread, proofread, proofread!!!
McGinty, Sarah. Writing Your College Application Essay. New York: The College Board, 1986
Upcoming Events
Throughout the months of September and October we will be meeting with juniors and seniors during Flex for College 101 (juniors) and College 201 (seniors). To view topics for these sessions, visit your Canvas account to view the schedule. We will also meet with students in grades 9 & 10 this fall.
September
4 - Freshmen/Sophomore Parent College Night
4 - Naviance Night for Parents
6 - Deadline to register for October SAT exam
11 - Suburban Cincinnati College Fair (CCDS)
12 - Counselor Coffee Hour
14 - ACT exam at Indian Hill High School
20 - Deadline to register for October ACT exam
24 - College Planning Night for Juniors
25 - Parent-Teacher Conferences
October
5 - SAT exam at Indian Hill High School
7 - Paying for College Night
11 - 14 - No School - A great college visit opportunity
16 - PSAT exam for grades 9 - 11
24/25 - HS Conferences (no school on 10/25)
26 - ACT exam at Indian Hill High School
View the alphabet assignment and contact information for your counselor below.
(513) 272-4565
Nollis Cottrell (F - La)
(513) 272-4563
Lindsay Kearns (Lb - R)
Lindsay.Kearns@ihsd.us
(513) 272-4568
Donita Jackson (S - Z)
(513) 272-4506
Ester Hall (College/Career/Testing)
(513) 272-4544
www.calendly.com/ester-hall - to schedule a meeting
Amy Van Strien (School Psychologist)
(513) 272-4564
Karen Post (Registrar)
(513) 272-4566