Early applications are in, the first decisions are coming out, regular deadlines are approaching, and the long college checklist doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter. Thankfully, our seniors are balancing any anxiety with confidence gained from BASIS Independent Manhattan’s college prep programs and supportive environment.
With personalized guidance from our dedicated faculty, expert resources, and custom events, the Class of 2025 is not only applying to the finest educational institutions but also cultivating resilience and independence – qualities that will serve them well in their future academic journeys.
Here’s a glimpse into the incredible work our students have been doing.
Personalized Preparation
While traditional high school students might begin preparing for college in grade 11 or 12, our students begin their college preparation in grade 9. This early start allows our College Counselor, Mr. Tejada, to take the time to get to know each student’s interests and strengths.
He says, “I ask students about their career interests, potential major, passions, and hobbies and work with them on ways they can demonstrate them in meaningful ways.”
For Mr. Tejada, it’s not just enough that our students are prepared to apply to college. They must understand the connection between their strengths and the varying opportunities that each university has to offer.
To help students uncover this connection, Mr. Tejada works with seniors in a daily 45-minute College Counseling class to learn practical skills, such as navigating the application process, resume building, and essay writing, while also having them explore future degrees that might be a good fit.
A Standout Program
At many other schools in NYC, college counseling is part of a general guidance counseling program where the onus is on the student to ask for support and meet application deadlines. At BASIS Independent Manhattan there is a balance of independence and accountability. The College Counselor works one-on-one with juniors and seniors on a weekly basis, challenging them to complete goals and following up on their weekly progress.
Another factor that has empowered the older students at BASIS Independent Manhattan is our commitment to small class sizes and expert educators. This model has made it possible for our teachers to really impart a deep understanding and mastery of content in the sciences, mathematics, literature, history, world languages, and AP Courses. Personalized teaching makes for proficient learning and is one of the contributors to our legacy of outstanding test scores.
Bringing Experts to You
BASIS Independent Manhattan is committed to sharing what we know with parents, recognizing the significant role they play in their children’s educational journey. Our insightful “College Admissions 101” classes are a series of monthly workshops for high school parents/guardians hosted by Mr. Tejada. Each of these exclusive virtual sessions features knowledgeable panelists who provide valuable insights into various steps or specific topics within the college application process. Topics covered include:
- The benefits of pre-college programs
- Testing with the SAT & ACT and using those tests in the college application process
- A guide to University of California Admissions
- Financial aid
- The benefits of public honors colleges and programs
And so on. Below is a simplified list highlighting some of the more impactful elements of our college preparation program.
Grades 9 & 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
---|---|---|
College Counseling Newsletter | College Counseling Newsletter | College Counseling Newsletter |
Encouraged to attend college rep visits | Required to attend college rep visits | Encouraged to attend college rep visits |
Open access to counselor | Open access to counselor | Open access to counselor |
Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians | Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians | Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians |
Student “Boot Camp” Workshops (Spring) | Weekly one-on-one scheduled meetings with counselor (Spring) | Weekly one-on-one scheduled meetings with counselor |
Daily College Counseling Class for two trimesters in length | ||
Life-Skills Mentoring |
Impressive Results
Already, there is good news to celebrate. Four of our seniors received Early Decision acceptances, and we are thrilled to announce they will be attending:
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Lehigh University
- Babson College
One could attribute success in the college application process to our advanced curriculum, your child’s innate talents, or a myriad of other factors. However, the effectiveness of the approach at BASIS Independent Manhattan truly stands out, showcasing the remarkable results we achieve together.
Setbacks are inevitable, but our students are well-equipped to overcome them with the right mindset. Our robust college counseling program plays a crucial role in this process. With personalized support, dedicated resources, and daily classes, our students confidently navigate obstacles and are empowered to make informed decisions about their future.