Junior Class Participates in Focus 11
February 23, 2017
Photo Credit: Emily Pantelis (used with permission)
Junior Alisha Sanchez says, “I thought it was really insightful, and it changed my preconceived notions of what applying to college would be like.”
On February 22, 2017, the junior class had their official college retreat day also known as Focus 11.
The students listened to guest speaker Peter Van Buskirk of Best College fit. Van Buskirk talked to the students about a variety of college related topics from finding a college that is right for you to how to write your college essay.
To begin, he introduced the idea of creating a compelling college application, beyond just a robotic list of activities and grades. He explained to the juniors how the application process of college that they are entering into works. Then, he asked the class to self-reflect on the message they want to send about themselves, the means by which they wish to create their personal profile. Van Buskirk ended with the role a college essay plays in any application and how to go about creating ideas for one.
While discussing “Creating A Personal Profile” he chose three volunteers to answer all of the questions that are important to think about when applying to a college. The two most important questions he asked the students were “What do you want to get out of the college experience?” and “What do you want colleges to know about you (including irregularities in program or performance)?”
Junior Jules LaVoy says, “I enjoyed how deep the questions that Mr. Van Buskirk asked were because I it gave me a chance to learn more about my sisters.”
The day ended with a panel of about 13 seniors who came to answer any questions juniors had about senior year curriculum and applying to colleges.
Junior Macy McConnie says, “I don’t have any older siblings, so I didn’t know how to go about the college process. After yesterday, I understand how everything works way better than I did before. I know that college visits are very important and how a college essay should be different from a school essay. I think yesterday was very helpful.”
