How To Find Health Shadowing Program And Opportunities

We know it is difficult searching how to find health shadowing program. Hello everyone, my name is Pranshul and I am one of the Biological and Health Sciences mentors at ReadyEdgeGo. In this blog, I will discuss one of the biggest topics in high school for students interested in health sciences, shadowing. When you hear this word, it may make you stressed as your peers may have shadowed but you haven’t had a chance yet. First thing, do not be stressed if you haven’t shadowed or don’t get a chance to shadow in high school. The main reason for shadowing should not be to check another box for your application, but rather as an opportunity to explore if the career you are interested in is actually the right fit for you.

Health Shadowing Tips

During shadowing, you should act like a sponge. This isn’t a chance for you to speak too much. (although, if you’re asked a question or spoken to, don’t be afraid to speak.). However mainly a chance for you to absorb knowledge and gain an understanding of what this profession is like on a day-to-day basis. This applies to all careers, not just healthcare. You should come out of your shadowing experience with a better understanding of whether you can see yourself in that role for the rest of your life!

With that being said, here are my tips to acquire shadowing experience, with an emphasis in healthcare fields.

Who Should I Reach Out To In Health Shadowing?

Shadowing in hospitals has changed significantly. (as did most things.) After COVID and it has become harder to find these experiences as hospitals have lessened their acceptance of high school students. With that said, make sure you reach out to clinics/offices that don’t handle COVID patients. This mainly includes any health clinic that doesn’t have urgent care or an emergency room. Think of your primary care physician’s office. Most likely, they do not work in a large hospital and they are a great person to reach out to initially. Next time you are getting a physical or a check-up, bring up the idea of you shadowing them and see how they respond. Most likely, they will be happy with your interest in medicine. Another great resource is family or friends that are in healthcare and can get you in touch with people that are willing to take high school students.

Shadowing A Doctor. What If My Primary Care/Family Friends Say No?

Then it’s time to start “cold-emailing.” Perhaps ask any peers if they have had shadowing experiences and see if you can get contact information from them. Use Google and search for healthcare professionals in your area that mainly work in clinics and email them. You may have to send out 20-30 emails before you finally get a response. It is a tedious process, but worth it for that one response.

What Should I Do When I Get Into A Health Shadowing Program?

Make a good impression! Dress professionally (doesn’t have to be a tuxedo, but don’t come in jeans and a tank-top). Act professionally, don’t make the doctor’s day harder. You should act like a fly-on-the-wall, make it so you are observing them but not getting in their way, save questions for when they have time! And if possible, schedule a few days to shadow them. The more time you spend with the physician, the better idea you will have for if you actually like the profession!

Lastly, have fun! This should not be a stressful time but rather a chance for you to see if this is your passion. Do you want to spend the rest of your life in the position you are health shadowing? Do not feel as if you have to shadow during high school, it doesn’t hurt if you do or don’t. But, it is expected that you shadow at least one doctor in undergrad if medicine is your path in biological sciences that you wish to pursue!

About ReadyEdgeGo

We specialize in youth mentorship and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. We also have great summer programs. Also summer health shadowing programs for you in correlation with many of today’s top universities. Schedule a free consultation with us here.

We are always posting more helpful tips and tricks to help reduce the stress of college application season. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

See you soon!

A Closer Look: UC SAT requirements for 2021 – the Settlement Banning

UC SAT requirements for 2021 – Earlier this month (May 2021), the University of California reached a settlement that prohibits its use of the SAT and ACT scores when evaluating students for admission. Let’s take a closer look at the terms, and what this means for high schoolers both now and later.

It is not a Permaban

While the settlement bans the UC’s from using the SAT and ACT. And though UC is one of the colleges not requiring sat or act for class of 2021, the ban ends after Spring 2025.

For students applying for entry between Fall 2021 and Spring 2025, no University of California (“UC”) campus will consider SAT or ACT scores in determining whether to offer admission. SAT and ACT scores, if submitted by students, will not be provided to admissions readers

In other words, this isn’t a permaban, and it makes sense. What spawned the ban in the first place were complaints that students with disabilities did not have equal opportunity or access to take the exam during Covid.  Hence, at Covid’s conclusion, which the settlement assumes will likely be in 2025, test taking access will return to normal, theoretically providing all students with equal access once again.

Subject Tests Not Included

The College Board announced it will be discontinuing Subject Tests after June 2021. Students who have taken them already can still report them on the UC Application. In other words, Subject Test scores may still be used in UC admissions, as they are not included in the settlement ban. Term 1a.iv states specifically:

Nothing in this Agreement prevents the REGENTS from considering scores on SAT Subject Tests in admissions or scholarship decisions if students choose to submit them.

This seems to contradict the premise of the “unequal access” argument, since students with disabilities had a hard time gaining access to both the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. So why the ban applies only to SAT’s and not Subject Tests is strange. Nevertheless, take it as an opportunity to report a strong Subject Test score if you have one, usually in the 700’s to be considered strong (refer to the score distributions.

The Possibility of a New Test

It’s a long shot for UC Regents to develop its own version of an SAT or ACT, the settlement keeps this door open. Term 1e states:

If the REGENTS chooses a new exam for use in undergraduate admissions in the future, it will consider access for students with disabilities in the design and implementation of any such exam.

In fact, the UC system can simply choose a different exam, either one that already exists or one that has yet to be developed. In other words, just because the SAT and ACT have been banned through Spring 2025. It doesn’t mean that the UC system can’t implement another similar test. The College Board, for example, already owns another test called the Accuplacer, which can be adapted for this purpose. And there’s always tests like the GMAT and other examinations of aptitude that can substitute for the SAT and ACT.

UC SAT requirements 2022

As previously mentioned, the current settlement is in effect until 20205. therefore currently there are no SAT requirements for the 2022 school year. This however could change with other local college mandated testing. 

UC SAT requirements 2021 closing thoughts

While UC’s are banned from using the SAT and ACT through Spring 2025, standardized testing is still very much alive. UC’s have already hinted at developing its own test. And if not, they can simply adopt a different test that’s similar to the SAT.  For now, however, students would be wisest to focus on GPA and AP exams, since the numbers weightage now falls entirely here for those applying to the UC’s.

 

We specialize in youth mentorship and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. Schedule a free consultation with us here.

 

We are always posting more helpful tips and tricks to help reduce the stress of college application season. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 

See you soon!

 

 

The Waitlisted Meaning And Definition. How to Manage Waitlist Acceptances After You’ve Already Committed

The Waitlisted Meaning And Definition. Let’s face it, though being waitlisted is a good thing because Your university is interested in you. You did receive a waitlist acceptance letter or email. However, it is also stressful because You have already committed, and there is a lack of stability and some uncertainty. 

Say you’ve done your part and committed to a college by the May 1st deadline. However, you are still waiting for that one or two waitlist decisions that could turn the tide. Many people have been asking us whether it’s possible to de-commit. And/or retract their SIR in order to recommit and enroll at a school they’ve just been accepted to off the waitlist. The answer is yes, it’s very possible. However, it’s important to follow the correct order of actions to ensure a smooth transition.

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When do waitlist decisions come out?

You received a waitlist letter meaning your college wants you. And though you have another hurdle, Waitlist letters are common practice. It is important how you respond to it. The waitlist acceptance does not come out before the May 1st deadline. They wait for all the HS seniors to submit their deposits.  However, they can take the entire summer before their decision. So these 5 Tips on managing a waitlist acceptance are extremely important.

Don’t Panic

We understand the uncertainty of being waitlisted meaning there is not yet a clear path to follow yet. Therefore it is important to not jump to any conclusions or cause any additional stress. Speak with ReadyEdgeGo or your local college counseling representative if you need to talk through this. Being waitlisted does not mean you are not worthy of a solid education at the college of your choice. Just the opposite. You are qualified. They noticed Your hard work and what it took to get there. And they know that.

If You Choose to Wait After Being Waitlisted Meaning You Will Want to Wait As Long As Possible

You can choose to move on. Or you may choose to wait after being waitlisted meaning this college is still where you want to go. Before immediately enrolling at the next university, you’ll want to wait until you near the enrollment deadline. This is to give yourself time to coordinate with the current university you’re enrolled for. And to give your other waitlisted universities time to release their results as well.

On the other hand, do not wait too long. Don’t miss deadlines or opportunities at other universities that you have chosen. Sometimes a waitlist letter of continued interest is required or a good idea. It is wise to coordinate this with ReadyEdgeGo or your local college counseling representative.

Check the College Website for Withdrawal Instructions

Some colleges have a webpage that specifically outlines instructions on how to withdraw. For example, as UC Davis explains on its website, you can complete your withdrawal before classes start by making the cancellation in your MyAdmissions portal. Be sure to check the college website for specific instructions on how their withdrawal process works.

Write the Admissions Office

Whether or not there’s a formal procedure in place to withdraw your enrollment, you should write the Admissions Office via email. Notify them of your intention to withdraw, along with your reasoning. Be grateful in your opening and closing statements. And if possible, direct your email to an existing point of contact who’s familiar with you. From our experience, colleges are very understanding and will help you complete your request for Waitlist Acceptances.

Notify the Next University

After you’ve completed the above two steps, write the Admissions Office of the college to which you plan on enrolling. Let them know that you will be enrolling once you’ve successfully withdrawn from the current university. And again, be grateful in your words.

Hopefully, this doesn’t happen more than once, but if it does, simply repeat the above steps.

The Waitlisted Meaning And Definition Recap

Feel free to wait until the enrollment deadline to accept a position off the Waitlist Acceptances. If you are planning on withdrawing from the school you are enrolled to:

• Don’t Panic. Do Not Stress.
• Wait as long as you can. But do not miss other deadlines.
• Check their college website for a formal withdrawal procedure.
• Additionally, notify the admissions office to withdraw your enrollment and make sure to provide the reasoning as well.
• Lastly, notify the school you’re enrolling to that you will accept their offer. After you’ve successfully been withdrawn from the previous university.

We hope that this provides some valuable insight while making your college application profile even stronger. We specialize in youth mentorship and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th grade, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. Schedule a free meet and greet with us here.

We are always posting more helpful tips and tricks. To help reduce the stress of going to the college of your choice. Follow us on  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube.

How Colleges Use AP testing Scores During COVID-19

AP testing Scores During COVID-19. A lot has changed since COVID started, especially as it concerns the way colleges evaluate candidates numerically. For one, the SAT has largely been relegated to either an optional component. In some cases like that of the UC and CSU system, it isn’t even allowed to be considered during the college admissions process. Furthermore, SAT Subject Tests have also been cancelled entirely by the College Board. With no news of its return, the SAT test dates are still consistently being cancelled.  There’s one test that has remained steady in both its administration. AP scores 2021 and AP scores 2022. 

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AP Testing Has Grown in Importance

Simply put, college admissions evaluators need data in order to make informed decisions. Numerically, that historically meant a combination of:

• GPA.
• Weighted coursework.
• SAT or ACT.
• The PSAT/NMSQT.
• SAT Subject Tests.
• AP test scores.

GPA has always taken a huge weightage from that combination. It was helpful for colleges to gauge additional data points for confirmation or even compensation (think: the student who got a 3.5 but a 1590). Today, however, the COVID environment has reduced the reliably available metrics to just the GPA and testing AP scores 2021. And AP scores 2022 look to continue on with the same policies. In other words, while GPA has retained its weightage in the sphere of numbers, AP test scores have ballooned in importance in the absence of all the other numbers.

Is sending AP scores a good idea. A Way to Gauge Readiness for a Major

Say you have two students with A’s in AP Calculus AB who both attend the same high school. One chose the process of sending AP scores and has reported a 5 on the AP Calculus test. Whereas the other does not. All other things held equal, a college admissions reader would be inclined to give the edge, at least as it concerns Academic Potential, to the candidate with a 5. Are final decisions made this way? Absolutely not! Because all other things are never equal. Especially if these two students in question are applying for different majors.

Do colleges look at AP scores for admission?

As much as colleges like to say they don’t take majors into consideration when making final decisions, this is quite frankly impossible. From a purely mathematical point of view, every university has a limited number of seats in each department. UC Berkeley has only so many seats available for freshman applicants of EECS; Stanford has only so many seats available for Economics; and Michigan has only so many seats at its Ross School of Business. The point is, AP test scores can start mattering in highly competitive scenarios like the ones I just mentioned. While it is certainly this remains only one factor of many.  Any AP testing edge a student can get over other applicants can be beneficial. When combined with other differentiating factors, an AP testing score that is relevant to one’s major can make a difference. Though likely not the only difference.

Returning to the hypothetical 5 on the AP Calculus AB test. That would help any student applying for a major that is quantitative in nature. Be it Computer Science or Economics. At the same time, however, it’s not necessarily important to get a 5 on AP Calculus if one is applying as an English major, or a Political Science major, etc. Hence, we recommend students prioritize the AP’s that matter – and deprioritize the ones that don’t. Remember: 5’s are what colleges want to see, since 5’s correspond with A’s and proficiency. So, we’d rather have students earn 5’s on a few tests. (the ones that matter.) Rather than 4’s and below on many tests. (including the ones that don’t matter).

Do you have to send AP scores to colleges.

Lastly, remember that you are not required in sending AP scores to colleges. Also you don’t have to report AP test scores on your college application, unless explicitly stated. Usually, there’s a field where you can enter exam results.  However, in the event that you earned a bad score on a test, you almost always don’t need to report it. And while it’s common knowledge to many, it’s also worth noting that you won’t be able to report any AP test scores from the 12th grade.  Because they won’t arrive until months after your application has already been submitted.

AP testing Recap & Conclusion

AP testing scores have vastly grown in importance with the absence of other scores and numbers. Students should make the most of their opportunity to perform well in these tests. And if done so, you show colleges their readiness for the major they are applying to. If a student earns a bad score on a test, they don’t have to report that AP test score on their college applications. Unless it is explicitly stated in the application, do not submit a bad score. 

We hope that this provides some valuable insight into how colleges view AP test scores while making your college application profile even stronger. We specialize in youth mentorship and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. Schedule a free consultation with us here.

We are always posting more helpful tips and tricks to help reduce the stress of college application season. Follow us on  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube.

See you soon!

What Does Waitlisted Mean And How to Respond When You’ve Been Waitlisted?

What does waitlisted mean? And How do I respond or get accepted off a waitlist? The waitlisted result has become one of the most common results in college apps. Yet, very few people know how it works or why colleges even do it in the first place. Let’s take a look at why a mechanism that was historically used primarily by private colleges. It is now one of the go-to solutions for all colleges in the United States.

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Why Do Colleges Waitlist? 

Why do colleges waitlist? To understand what waitlisted means, we first have to understand things from the college perspective. Let’s say you’re UCLA, and you have 113,761 applicants for just 6,240 seats. How do you get that number down? Well, it’s not as simple as you might think.

So what does waitlisted mean for UCLA as an example? Most people think UCLA just has to look for the most qualified applicants. Then they send them acceptance letters, and then the whole process is over. Wrong. On so many levels.

For one, UCLA probably has too many “qualified” and “overqualified” applicants to choose from. For instance, even if you took the top 10% of applicants, you’d still have 14,000 students. Secondly, who’s to say that those top applicants would even be interested in going to UCLA? After all, top applicants to any school have other choices. Whether it’s UC Berkeley, Stanford, or any of the Ivy League colleges.

The Yield Problem.

That’s the problem,  the yield problem. UCLA doesn’t know how many students they accept will actually decide to enroll. Let’s say UCLA accepts its top 10% of applicants. However, they wish to define “top 10%.” Out of that number, say that 7,000 of those students decide to enroll at UCLA.

Well, then UCLA would have accomplished its job and filled all 6,240 seats. (with the delta being over enrolled). But what happens most of the time is the opposite: UCLA under enrolls by some margin.

UCLA will accept students not in one wave, but rather, in two or more. In its first round of acceptances, for instance, UCLA may accept 10,000 students, wait listing another 10,000.

From the first 10,000, they see that 5,000 students have decided to enroll. Well, that leaves another 1,240 seats to fill, during which time UCLA begins accepting students from its waitlist until they’ve filled the remaining seats.

What Percent Of Waitlisted Students Get Accepted Off A Waitlist

To predict what percent of waitlisted students get accepted. It is impossible. Not all universities publish their waitlist figures, but from our experience, it’s 50/50. Students usually have better odds for less selective schools and lower odds for highly selective schools.

For instance, from our years of counseling at ReadyEdgeGo, we’ve noticed students usually get accepted off the waitlist for UC Santa Cruz, whereas it’s much rarer for Harvard. That said, most of our students who’ve been waitlisted to UC Berkeley over the years have gotten accepted. Although at best this is purely anecdotal. 

How to Respond To Being Waitlisted

The university in question may ask whether you wish to accept a spot on the waitlist. Respond with an affirmative “yes”. Secondly, if the university requests a formal essay, then you’ll want to address the specific prompt. We generally see waitlist essays mirroring a common supplement: “Why are you interested in our university?” Hence, we recommend our students approach it the same way we trained them for that question.

If the university doesn’t have a formal essay to respond to the waitlist, we generally encourage students to write a letter of continued interest: often emailed to the regional admissions representative or the general admissions office. A letter of continued interest is basically “Why our college?” essay, with a little bit extra. We’ll be including a detailed instructional guide on how to write such things within GoPath. Find us here if you have an issue with waitlisted.

What Does Waitlisted Mean? The Recap and Conclusion

What does waitlisted mean? Waitlisted is a good thing. It means the university likes you and is just waiting on their other acceptances to enroll. That said, you should never count on a waitlist result. Therefore keep that door open by letting them know how interested you are, but don’t make a decision until all your other results are out.

We hope that this provides some valuable insight into how to release some of the stress you may have while making your college application profile even stronger. We specialize in youth mentorship and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. Schedule a free consultation with us here.

We are always posting more helpful tips and tricks to help reduce the stress of college application season. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube.

See you soon!

Supplemental Essays or Questions – What to do when a college reaches out for more information.

Hello folks. Today we will be talking about the steps to take when a college reaches out to a student for supplemental essays or questions. It’s fairly common for colleges to do this during the evaluation process. It is almost always a good sign, since it reaffirms their interest in you as a candidate. We will discuss how to make the most of the continued interaction.

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What is an Additional Information Request Letter

Pro-Tip: Check your application portals once a week to stay updated on the status of your application, and to respond to any time-sensitive requests like supplemental essays.

Colleges will reach out for more information. Either through a format of supplemental essays or simple questions. For example, UCLA may take a talent/skill or academic achievement you mentioned earlier in your application and ask you to share more information about it. Be it on the level of your achievement, depth of participation, or passion for the particular area, they want a more detailed explanation of its impact on you. UCSD may ask about personal circumstances that have significantly impacted your ability to achieve or succeed academically. Then, even follow it up with a question on how your experience has prepared you to overcome personal challenges that may occur as a student at UCSD.

It’s always best to answer these prompts straight forward – not storied like personal statements. The first tip we have is to provide updates on engagements outside of class. For example, what have you learned for fun recently? Which grous or organizations have you been a part of, and how has your engagement gone since applying? 

Pro-Tip: Unless told otherwise, do not repeat what you already wrote in your application or supplemental essays.

It’s generally good to refrain from putting anything down if there are no updates or developments since applying. But, do not underestimate activities outside of class you’re doing in your free time.

Next, emphasize and elaborate on any significant challenges. Things you may have  you encountered in your path to academic success on your supplemental essays. This can include family circumstances, personal circumstances, and even the learning environment with classes going virtual. Do not be afraid of telling a “sob story.” They want to know what is genuine. And what affected your ability to perform academically. 

Pro-Tip: Follow up your story about obstacles with HOW you overcame it and HOW you are now.

This provides the reader with a sense of security and confidence that you are now ready for their university life. 

Letters of Recommendation

Students need to submit a letter of recommendation when requested for. This gives colleges another point of view about who you are in the classroom and in the school environment. These recommendations usually come from a counselor, teacher, employer, religious official, etc. 

Pro-Tip: Ask someone who’s written one for you before.

Though, you might have to tell them to change the name of what they’re recommending you for.

Pro-Tip: Provide talking points.

When you answer college questions or a supplemental essay, provide key talking points. this essay can set you up nicely for any future interviews. This also allows for control over what’s written about you.

Change in Application Status

Whether you’re deferred from Early to Regular or you’re waitlisted, there are many different kinds of status changes to your application that can occur. Here are a few examples:

Being Deferred from Early Action/Decision to Regular Decision

This happens when a college likes you but not enough to accept you in the Early Round. They are waiting for a larger pool to compare you with before making a final decision.

Being Waitlisted for a class

This happens when a college likes you but has run out of space in terms of who they’ve accepted. Now, it’s the waiting game. For you, it means waiting for colleges’ final decisions. For colleges, it’s waiting for students’ final decisions on where they’ll enroll. 

In the case of being deferred or waitlisted, draft a letter of continued interest to send to the college admissions office (via email). This should reaffirm your interest in enrolling. Use this opportunity to also provide any updates on your life or activities since applying.

Being Rejected

It happens. Move on. But for the stubborn, there may be a way to appeal. In the event you wish to appeal a rejection, check the college’s policy and procedures. If there is no policy or set procedure, put together a formal packet of information. Include a personal statement and new information that might shed light on your candidacy to prove they made a mistake. 

Supplemental essays and questions recap & conclusion

1. Additional Information Request
2. Supplemental essays and questions
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Change in Application Status

Always remember, it is a good sign when a college reaches out to you. Stay calm and respond with gratefulness and professionalism. We hope that this provides some valuable insight into how to release some of the stress you may have while making your college application profile even stronger.

We specialize in youth mentor programs and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. We can coach you in applications, questions and in supplemental essays.  Schedule a free consultation with us here.

We are always posting more helpful tips and tricks to help reduce the stress of college application season. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube.

See you soon!