FAQ
ASCRIBE Educational Consulting assists parents and students with planning for the future. Ideally, we would like to match students with programs based on interest, values, finances and academic goals. ASCRIBE is in the business of navigating a sometimes confusing road, including but not limited to the following:
letters of recommendation volunteerismSelecting the right high school courses, staying on top of required deadlines, getting applications for colleges completed are only a few of the many things that take place during your child’s high school experience. We can assist families with all of this. One on one consulting can help you mange these very important tasks. Personal interviews with family and students begin the process.
Q: Why hire an Educational Consultant?
A: Outside of purchasing a home, planning for your child's future will be the second biggest investment you will make. Applying to and selecting the “right” college; as well as, preparing to enter the world of work can be very difficult. Keeping up with the current demands of the application process, the changes in requirements, the additional “recommended” or “suggested” coursework, extra-curricular activities, and exams can make this process very stressful. Furthermore, the high school guidance counselor no longer has the time to tend to college admissions assistance and career planning.
According to 2005 statistics by the American School Counselors Association, the national student- counselor ratio is 482 to 1. In our home state of California, the average is 972 to 1, while the recommended ratio is 250 to 1.
Q: When should we begin the college search or career planning?
A: The discussion should begin as early as your youth begins to think and talk about college or working. However, it is essential that parents lay the ground work and plant seed in the minds of their youth, if you want them to consider college down the road. As your student enters high school, course selection and grades will determine later options. Discussing college possibilities with your student's school counselor is extremely important. One might even consider purchasing a college guidebook or research career requirements. Consider the search for programs and colleges, as one might approach a shopping spree...it should be a fun exploration.
Q: What if my student is college capable, but not yet looking?
A: While the future is your students to own, parents should keep the lines of communication open so that the process is led by their personal interest and goals. If you begin "handling" the entire process, your student has no ownership in the process. Eventually, your student will be responsible for getting up for classes, attending classes, taking notes, studying, while managing their personal life. If parents over involve themselves in the process, you could potentially cause your student to feel more pressure, as well as, your student loses out on the grandness of owning their destiny.
Q: How has the college search and career planning process changed since I went to school? A: Plain and simple...everything has changed. From testing and scoring to early admissions, the process has become more complex in the last 20 years. Financial aid, scholarships, FAFSA forms, SAR's, SAT's, ACT's or SAT II's are all important aspects of the process. Those who desire to enter the world of work, must face the competition, especially considering the current economic times. ASCRIBE Educational Consulting is committed to helping you sort through these options and customize a plan of action that will meet the goal of your student.
Q: Is our student enrolled in the right courses?
A: It is extremely frustrating understanding teen talk, much less reaching school administrators. When it comes to college required courses like extra math, science and language, as well as what colleges look for in regards to community service and extra curricular activities, the stress and frustration can mount. Families must understand that requirements for state colleges, universities and private institutions vary. Adding to the confusion, families must consider the field their student desires to study The process is not an easy road to navigate, but our team at ASCRIBE has been in the education field and worked with youth for over 30 years combined, and we feel confident in assisting your family through this maze.
Q: What about sports, extra-curricular activities, community service and jobs? A: Some students have been juggling busier schedules than their parents since the 2nd grade. You should know that balance is key. While colleges and universities look for the well rounded student, grades and test scores are the most important determining factors, thus the balancing act is essential. Colleges generally prefer students to be involved in fewer activities, so that the student can exhibit passion and commitment; first to school and then to the activity they love the most. It is imparative that students are not overwhelmed with fitting in and following in the foot-steps of their parents when it comes to extra curricular activities and sports. It is not recommended to fill a student's schedule with too many activities, while leaving less time for academics.
Key things for every student to consider...
the road you choose should depend on what you want to do and what you/family can afford
never close "a" door to your future...this means take the extra course, consider spending extra time volunteering and know that hiring a tutor doesn't make you a failure
January of your sophomore year is the perfect time for you to consider "thinking" about your future and the options in front of you...timing is everything, but varies for everyone. While the thought process may begin during the sophomore year, one must begin to act during their junior year; as every student needs time to choose what is best for them.
plan out the calendar year of your junior and senior years, considering test registration and testing dates are different...plan accordingly. If you are considering test prep courses take that into consideration when planning your calendar year, as it is not an over night process.
research what is expected on college application for that specific college, as every institution creates their own guidelines. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE!
research and know the company you are applying for a job, let that information show on applications and during interviews.
continue to practice vocabulary and writing, as those elements are critically reviewed on applications and test...for college admissions and for the world of work.