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From the Desk of College Guidance – A Ranney School College Guidance Series

Pull up a chair at the desk of Ranney’s College Guidance Office, as its new series, From the Desk of College Guidance, takes an in-depth look through the eyes of Ranney’s very own college counselors and out into the ever-changing world of college admissions. This informative series will include articles on such topics as the Ranney college guidance process, specialized schools, the value of community service and more.
The Making of a 21st Century College Applicant
Ranney’s College Guidance Office marks the first stop along every Panther’s lengthy and multi-layered journey to finding the right college that best suits his or her interests and abilities. This four-year process in the Upper School culminates with 80% of students earning acceptance at their first or second ranked college choices.
 
According to Director of College Guidance Myra Simpson, the primary goal of the College Guidance Office is to help students find schools that perfectly match their individual goals. Along with Ms. Simpson, Ranney’s team of expert counselors is there every step of the way, providing advisement to ensure that students and their families maximize each opportunity for success beyond the gates of the school they call home. “My college counselor made the whole process completely stress-free,” said senior Kaitlyn Bovino. “They really listen to you and try their absolute best to help you pick the perfect school.”
 
Upon entry into the Upper School, students are encouraged to discover their true passions and life goals, spending the freshman and sophomore years enrolling in challenging, yet appropriate, courses, continuing their involvement in extracurricular activities and pursuing other leadership opportunities. At the start of the junior year, students begin seeking answers to the age-old questions: “What do I want?” and “Who do I want to be?” Here to help its 11th graders discover what lies within is Ranney’s highly successful College Guidance Office, which requires that each pupil first evaluate his or her inner self before effectively evaluating a target school.
 
In addition, the College Guidance Office offers year-round information sessions with a pre-college focus. These include a ninth and 10th grade College Information Night, Financial Aid Planning Workshops and a Mock Admissions Evening (for a full list of upcoming events, please refer to the College Guidance page). “Ranney’s Mock Admissions Evening helped me realize that the college admissions process is about so much more than grades,” said soon-to-be graduate Sarah Bartosh ’12.
 
By the time the process formally commences in their junior year, students and parents are well informed and prepared to begin the college selection journey. Aside from visiting several colleges junior year, students are also required to attend a mandatory family college conference, during which an action plan is created based on a student's college criteria, grade point average, courses and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT). Individual and group meetings and college visits continue throughout the senior year, guiding students through the critical selection process. “Our focus throughout is on the journey, not the destination,” said Ms. Simpson.
 
What is truly impressive is that Ranney seniors are gaining admittance to selective four-year colleges at a 2:1 and 3:1 rate, above the national average at those same schools. Whether because of its small class sizes, dedicated and talented faculty members, enriching educational and extracurricular programs, 21st century planning, or state-of-the-art facilities, students are graduating Ranney well prepared for their future.



Read more articles in this series on the College Guidance page.
 

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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.