Spotlight Story

By Meg Booth, Director of College Counseling

 

Winter Reflections

While the focus this school year in The Harvey School College Office has been on the Class of 2025, we are now happily welcoming a steady flow of 11th graders. Just the other day, I passed by Ms. Carrozza’s office and saw a junior and senior sharing her cozy couch (just big enough for 2 students, not quite enough space for 2 parents) - one working on a deferral continued letter of interest while the other registering for the SAT. It was a wonderful reminder of the important balancing act that we do in the College Office this time of year. But, mostly it is a reminder that while we are shifting to work with and get to know the Class of 2026, the doors are certainly not closing on the Class of 2025!

Seniors, we are still here for you as you approach the High School Finish Line and the College Starting Line!  And in doing so, we want to remind you of the ways for you to stay engaged with our office and high school in these final months at Harvey. We are all too familiar with the shift toward “Senioritis” and want to share five tips to keep you on track during what can be a bumpy and bittersweet ride. The end will be here before you know it, so hang on tight!

1. Keep Studying

While you might be feeling burned out academically, it is important to stay afloat! You will be required to send a final transcript to the college where you are enrolling. And while a slight dip in grades is acceptable, major dips are not. As we always say, where you end academically senior year is where you will start off in college. Be ready to take on college with confidence in your studies!

2. Embrace Your Senior Independent Learning Projects

Instead of stressing about completing your Independent Learning Project, embrace that you have been given the opportunity to choose something new to learn. This is a chance for students to take ownership of a hands-on project and showcase newly discovered interests or talents. Not to mention, it is also a great talking point if you need to update a college on what you’ve been doing since you submitted your application.

 
3. Cherish the “Lasts”

Instead of counting down the days, recognize that many of the experiences you do regularly may now be the last time you participate in them. Embrace that last basketball game, that last high school play performance, the last dance recital or even your last two-week-long spring break (which is less than 50 days away, but again, who is counting?!)
 

4. Mentor Younger Students

Next year, you will, once again, be the youngest on campus. If you can think back to 9th grade, you may recall the feelings of intimidation, nerves, and inexperience. As a 12th grader, you are now the older and the wiser!  Lean into the opportunity to serve as a mentor to your younger peers no matter the setting.

 
5. The Glass is Half Full: Stay Positive!

The days are officially getting longer and brighter. On January 23, the sun actually set at 5:00 p.m. EST in Katonah, New York, and will only set later each day of your senior year from here on out. You’ve got this!

Keep stopping by the Harvey College Office and sharing all your college news with us!  The pennant flags in the Commons continue to fill up, celebrating your many accomplishments. Let’s Go, Harvey Class of 2025 - you have many warmer adventures ahead!

 

The Harvey School is a college preparatory school for grades 6-12 located in Westchester County, NY.