Dear VIth Form Parents,
Here we are on the last leg of what has been an incredibly successful school year! It is now that we would like to officially begin our dialogue concerning the selection of an appropriate secondary school. This past year was business as usual in admissions offices. Please understand that “business as usual” does not mean simple or easy! With your cooperation and open communication, we can make this process fruitful and satisfying.
I am eager to see you tomorrow at Upper School Parents Day! As mentioned in April’s Counseling Newsletter, there is a VIth Form Parent Meeting in The MAX at 12:30 p.m., following the Upper School Assembly in the Magnoli Gymnasium.
We look forward to working with each of you as together we chart the course for your child’s future. Educational planning is ever dynamic as is your student’s development. We will utilize this Newsletter format to communicate the most general information throughout the process. For family-specific exchanges of information, it is best to schedule calls or Zoom conference meetings to best yield results and clear understanding.
The selection of a secondary school can be a fun and exciting process when carried out in a thoughtful manner. For this to be a successful experience, a great deal of input, effort and support are required from three sources: the student, the parents, and Rumsey Hall. If one of the parties is lax or not involved, the task becomes more difficult and the chances of admission diminish. It is absolutely essential that we work together in this very important stage of your child’s education.
Thank you!
Best,
Clayton Ketchum
Director of Secondary School Counseling
Student Feedback
During the Spring Term, we will be soliciting members of VIth Form to help them complete a self-assessment of personal and academic needs and interests. This will also consider extracurricular, athletic and social interests. This is an opportunity for students to begin investing and taking ownership in this important process. This will be completed in each student’s 3C class this spring.
Parent Feedback and Forms ~ Due Friday, May 31
Attached is a brief Parent Questionnaire. Please fill it out and return it to us as soon as possible. We cannot move forward with making recommendations of schools until we have this information in hand. The Parent Questionnaire, the Student Questionnaire, your child’s academic and testing record, and input from teachers will aid us in formulating a list of suggested, appropriate school options. There is a wide range of school options in terms of size, location, curricula, philosophy and financial aid. If you will apply for financial aid, be of the mindset that you must cast a wide net. Please be sure to sign the attached General Release for School Records Form and return it as well.
SSAT Testing - April 20 follow-up and Other Test Dates
VIth Form Families whose child took the SSAT at Rumsey on April 20 should acknowledge the Test Experience Statement which can be found under the Scores Tab on your SSAT account. This is a fairly new policy requiring a parent / guardian to submit this Statement. EMA will not release scores to the family or Rumsey until this is done. When the question is asked if there were any irregularities, please answer “no”.
If your child has taken, or will take the SSAT on a date other than April 20, please be sure to assign Rumsey as Score Advisor so we can view your child’s scores. While we will not send any scores on to schools, this does give our Counseling Office access so we can continue to work on your child’s behalf. These scores are just one tool which aids us in determining your child’s course of study for next year as well as determining which secondary schools might be a good fit.
Consider these links to get information about upcoming SSAT test options as well as practice
http://www.ssat.org/testing/about-the-test#testing-options
http://www.ssat.org/prepare/practice
List of Recommended Secondary Schools - Coming to Your Email in July
After gathering all of the information pertinent to your child’s placement, we will formulate a list of approximately 6-10 recommended schools. You will receive the list via email on Friday, July 12th. If you wish to conference with me over the summer months, please feel free to schedule a time through Julie in the Main Office. After completing some research on the schools through their catalogs and websites, families will schedule interview visits/ video conferences over the Senior Weekend (see Timetable link) with as many of the schools as possible. You may also find time on weekends. After the visits, you / we will be able to select schools to which you will make application.
TO DO:
- TOMORROW!! Saturday, May 4 - Be sure to attend the VIth Form Parents’ Meeting at 12:30 p.m. in The MAX.
- Acknowledge the Test Experience Statement if your child took the April 20 SSAT so scores are released to you and Rumsey.
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Complete the Parent Questionnaire ~ due May 31
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Complete the General Release Form ~ due May 31
Other Links of Interest:
Placement Timetable for the Class of 2025
Class of 2024 - Acceptances
Value of the 9th Grade Year
