#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday October 18, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream or better yet; join us!
starting now! "College Planning for Teens"
hope helps to distract you for a bit! Fight the Fight! You are a rockstar!!
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “College Planning for Gifted Teens” with guest, Dr. Gail Post
Thanks for coming out! Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are & where you’re from! https://t.co/foXUzqNmAf
A bit far off for me but here I am. Please say you're going to talk funding options...
Hi. Gail Post here. Clinical Psychologist, blogger, parent from outside Phila. Thrilled to be able to participate with
I Hope by the time you get to college funding will be far less painful...
Ruth, GT Coordinator from Maine
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ advocate, presenter, blogger, Parent Editorial Board member & mother of 2 gifted young adults in Pittsburgh
Heather Vaughn, UT Austin, serving gifted students and their families
Looking forward to having you as a guest host!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
Carol Bainbridge, Indiana.. mom of gifted young adult, blogger, advocate for verbally gifted kids.
than you for lendin your expertise to the community!
Thanks! I hope I can offer some ideas!
We will touch on it with necessary qualifying tests!
Greetings from Dylan in Ontario to , special guest , & everyone else at . Mostly listening to learn tonight!
Question 1 is coming up; time to chat!
me, too Eldest has full rides 4 all her grad degrees, but even with 1/2 needs aid & us paying 1/4, she owes a LOT>
A1) the kids themselves, at 9th grade, whatever age that is. IMHO
A)1 when they become teenagers
A1) Agree - by 9th grade - start paying attention to interests, grades, extracurriculars
Gifted teens need to explore their interests, not be specific about colleges at first.
A1) Never to early for the college mindset, Ss should be exposed to college fairs & campus visits throughout all years of schooling
A1) We started college tours when our kids started high school. Felt more confident in final decision.
A1) Even with college as a goal - make sure to enjoy HS
Agreed, but with the idea that they are furthering their exposure to experiences, not tied to one track.
A1) Gap years, technical training should also be introduced
A1: One of my children started thinking and saving when she was 9... I thought it was funny. She ended up with a scholarship.
A1: early college reduces the odds of scholarships, but for some kids, hanging out in K-12 is far too painful.
A1) Important not to get too focused on a particular college, major, location, degree, etc.
A1) There are SO many small colleges out there that never get the credit they deserve. College is about the experience not the name
A1) Focus on what is meaningful; avoid resume padding, club hopping, expensive service trips
Sorry if I'm jumping the gun but how does this work if the kid ends up taking college-level classes before college age?
I wish we could have done a gap year ... but no health ins if not in college ended that idea. Different now.
Me TOO!! I am considering a mid-life gap year!?! Acceptable??
Absolutely and learning to find mentors makes the difference between getting what you need and getting a degree.
Many gifted children stress because of high expectations. Shouldn't we prepare them for college by helping them follow happiness?
Particularly with how fast the working world is changing.
Yes! The do-everything-right stress is NOT good for our kids.
A whole multitude of issues! Good & not so good.
MENTORS! So very important! Great point
Many schools permit dual enrollment with local colleges
A1) Be realistic about chances: missed opportunities - not shooting high enough, and disappointments - expecting too much
It's also about finding a place that feeds the path of that child! https://t.co/hXYw8ozAdA
A1) Focus on what is meaningful; avoid resume padding, club hopping, expensive service trips
Thanks, Tanya! PA has lots of good info!
Gotta pair that with giving them safe places to fail, IMO. Stress their freedom to try and abandon stuff
Sorry - joining late. Nicole Shannon, Advanced Academics Specialist from Austin, TX
A1) I have seen too many disappointed teens/families in my office, bemoaning not knowing enough soon enough
A1) The WORSE thing I did was graduate college early...so much to learn, wish I focused more on learning than a degree
But that kills any chance at scholarships, I imagine?
Keeping a portfolio of accomplishments and thinking work is always a good thing, if only for remembering.
<-- Advisor! Welcome, Nicole!
A1) Teens and parents need to start college planning early; especially when it comes to finances.
When they've taken all the math, science, & most everything else that high school offers, how not to graduate?
Ok..maybe not the WORSE thing but...you get my point ;) Wish I had traveled abroad, taken a language, etc. https://t.co/IhlaWbeqGJ
A1) The WORSE thing I did was graduate college early...so much to learn, wish I focused more on learning than a degree
How young were you if I may ask?
Colleges That Change Lives was a true life-changer for my daughter. https://t.co/8jM2OBUYcP Group of 44 small liberal arts colleges
Dual enrollment can actually help with admissions - increases desirability in eyes of many colleges
I did college in 3 years. The day I turned 21, I was teaching students...drinking age should = teaching age ;)
A2) Being well rounded and exploring interests without being tied to gifts or talents is critical.
A2) High school course selection should take into consideration S’s interests/passions in addition to rigor.
A2) The most challenging courses available; AP, IB, honors, dual enrollment at local colleges
A2: This depends upon the child. I don't think there is a one size answer.
A2) well said! Totally agree! Visit museums, travel, watch documentaries, listen to lectures, hear live music
A2) Extracurriculars that are meaningful, challenging - go for depth of learning
A2) When available, gifted teens should consider taking intro college classes at local colleges/universities or online options.
Do colleges still offer free tuition to families of employees? I heard public ones don't usually anymore
A)2 Yes, Dual credit/enrollment is a great way to get to know more about college
A2) highest level classes avail especially in math/sci. Even if not going into math/sci, take Calc for admit anyway (hard learning)
Many here do or at least reduced tuition.
A2) Volunteer activities in areas that are meaningful, research, sports, creative arts, competitions, community efforts
Some do - and offer reciprocity at similar colleges
Good advice! The challenge is a good preparation for college. https://t.co/gXJlIwx3Dg
A2) highest level classes avail especially in math/sci. Even if not going into math/sci, take Calc for admit anyway (hard learning)
A2) Ss have options to attend a technical school. What they offer is amazing! We need to change the mindset of technical schools
A2) Leadership activities that truly invoke leadership abilities, not just running a club
A2) Take leadership roles in areas that are meaningful to the student!
totally agree. technical knowledge in combination with intelligence knows no limits. https://t.co/6LgqBEa5DE
A2) Ss have options to attend a technical school. What they offer is amazing! We need to change the mindset of technical schools
AP credits allow you to learn how to be a good Ss. We need creative producers.
A2) Get ready emotionally - asynchronous gifted kids need to develop socially, have fun, take soc/emotional risks
not just for challenge. Admission. My brother (dd's age) didn't take calc, going into law Not admitted to top schools b/c
1 daughter graduated college at 19 & started teaching when she was 20. Other daughter would not have enjoyed early responsibility.
Evening Blessings everyone! Joining for a few...
A3) know if your choices of colleges require SAT subjects in advance, so you can take them as you take the classes. Later is TOUGH!
A3) Most schools don’t tell families about importance of preparing for PSATs and SAT subject tests
A3) A high score above state cut-off on PSATs in 11th grade will open up several opportunities
A3) I was happy to hear that schools like Harvard are focusing more on community service rather than scores.
Ss need to understand the difference between achievement and giftedness. Still need to learn to take stndrdzd tests.
A3) Parents need to learn about financial implications of PSATs.
A3) A high PSAT score can result in National Merit Finalist status
Q)3 Read side and deep, fiction and non fiction, start early...cramming/studying is not the answer
A3) Being an NMF helps a LOT with college admissions, scholarships, and some “free ride” offers from colleges
great point! Scores do not define us
Learning Coach, MBA - passionate about emotional needs, & for gifted students.
A3) kids need to know that PSATs count. My dd didn't take them seriously, didn't get good night's sleep, eat good breakfast.
Can u elaborate or provide link w/more info
Showing GT kids how to get a good education regardless of scores is the key to success. Bloom where you are planted.
currently going through chemotherapy can i get a clap and a half?
What we did in the 'old' days! I never prepped for a standardized test. https://t.co/2lwDr541my
Q)3 Read side and deep, fiction and non fiction, start early...cramming/studying is not the answer
isn't this somewhat similar to being a professional athlete? Do we know what % of Ss are offered $$?
A3) Parents need to be aware of how timing of taking tests can affect financial decisions.
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing!
What would you like to know
However tests are still same, but options for reading vary significantly. Testing is around classics. vocab is critical
A3) Take SAT subject tests at end of the school year that corresponds with the subject matter - don’t just wait until 11th grade
A3) Some teens do better on ACTs or SATs - take both to see which is best reflection of abilities
A1: As soon as possible. Easy, ongoing talks/discussions coupled w/other ways to learn: , , .
A3) But make sure the SAT subject tests are accepted...don't have students take them if it isn't necessary https://t.co/MHxVO7C1WX
A3) Take SAT subject tests at end of the school year that corresponds with the subject matter - don’t just wait until 11th grade
A4) Parents should always look at a school’s endowments as part of the broader school selection process.
A4) with needs-based aid, fancy private school may cost the same as state U (especially if you live in PA, most expensive state U)
Gifted teens and college students should follow websites like https://t.co/YzBD3z2ht2 to stay current and interested in the world.
A4) The university brand is not worth a debt that you can't handle.
A4) GO PUBLIC!! Undergrad is a small portion of what you will do. Save the $$ for masters. Look for mentors in a field.
So true - especially for PA!
A4) Cost is absolutely critical - parents MUST BE CLEAR from the start about what they can afford
A4) but be careful where you go, if it's not good in your major, you won't get IN to good grad school!!
A4) No one should go into debt for a particular school. Stress of debt trumps all anxieties. No good education comes out of panic.
A4) AmeriCorp offers great after college experiences that help pay down student debt
A4) Don’t assume the college will come through with merit scholarships that will put a big dent in the cost - plan accordingly
A4) Few colleges are “need-blind” - many are “need-aware” and that can affect your chances for acceptance unfortunately
A4) Get college credit with qualifying AP scores and save $$
Extremely important distinction!!! https://t.co/1Wt05JjQ3V
A4) Few colleges are “need-blind” - many are “need-aware” and that can affect your chances for acceptance unfortunately
I stand firmly on the terrain of "an education can be good at any college. The best is not always best for every kid."
A4) There are many added costs to consider when selecting a school – travel expenses; cost of living in college locations.
A4) Agree, No college is worth years of extreme debt - even gifted kids can find their niche at any college
A4) If a state school is what is affordable, an honors college at the school can be a great option
A4) costs including new clothes if different environs from home. Snow boots! And extra-curricular activities. Enjoy ALL of college
However ... not all schools good for every student. We learned the hard way when not a good fit.
A4) wish we knew about Honors Colleges!!
for every student is personal to every student! https://t.co/Hj3EuVM2Xg
I stand firmly on the terrain of "an education can be good at any college. The best is not always best for every kid."
21st C anxiety kills Ss right and left in lots of ways. We need to teach kids to stay in a budget, find a mentor, be well rounded.
That was what was bad about bro's lack of Calc. Didn't get into choice schools, went somewhere kids didn't want to study.
, thank you for a SIG-credible ! The was wonderfully non-stop and we met so many great . See you in '17!
Transferred, but transfers get NO fin-aid. He is still paying dearly, even as a lawyer now.
A5) get into a school with like-minded peers. Similar SAT scores, similar interest activities.
My sister gave up a FULL $$ to transfer to a college that was a better fit. She worked hard to make $ work
From the voice of experience! https://t.co/NzqY6o11un
A5) get into a school with like-minded peers. Similar SAT scores, similar interest activities.
A5) Teens should visit colleges, sit in classes & extracurriculars of interest, meet students, get sense of whether it's
a good fit
It can be done, but it's not for everyone. You have to know yourself. That's what's important. Teach self-understanding.
Yup, same as bro. Gave up full ride for transfer to Emory, he got in after a year elsewhere (still no calc)
A5. Gftd Ss want hands on own steering wheel, may need new level of “final say” on matters. Wise parents will offer sounding board.
A5) Visits are essential!
A5) Find the school where they don't feel like a number- no matter the size of the school
A5) Teens need to take the time to visit schools beyond initial visit when making final decision.
A5. I might be thinking: “My gifted teen is close to a few, very special confidantes. How will they stay in touch?”
A5) Visits are essential! <-- and rule out the low-middle- and lower-income students. How do our kids do it?
A5) Consider honors programs, elite schools, or substance-free, social justice or special interest dorms to find similar peers
good point...virtual is always an option. Looking back, I didn't venture that far away.
Thanks Jerry! Adding to resources now!
A5) elite schools help. Oddly, "spring admit" helped - smaller class, more focused on school b/c of semester break before college
The Cathedral of Learning!
A5) Identify a list of needs related to fit and prioritize them
A5 Spend time engaged in high school, it will lead to successful engagement in college
that was actually in reply to you :)
A5) Consider soc/emotional needs - proximity/travel to home, school size, partying or Greek culture, quirkiness/traditional factors
A5) virtual only for PART of college. DD says being on campus, experiencing ALL of college, important to growing up
A5: Get to know the college & gifted teen. Check into campus support systems in advance.Know emotional needs/ teach .
A5) Teens should monitor social media outlets of colleges they are considering.
ah, thanks . Misread virtual tour as virtual college ;-)
A5) Prepare for an adjustment - small fish-big pond, learning how to study for the first time, needing help, not fitting in
A5) used to be CollegeConfidential for the teens to talk about college. Is that still the place?
CC is still there - popular with parents also!
I have to run ! Will check what I missed later. Night! ☺
You can minimize the importance of this. Parents often seem to forget! https://t.co/0BA1LKs8tk
A5) Prepare for an adjustment - small fish-big pond, learning how to study for the first time, needing help, not fitting in
A5) Discuss these scenarios in advance and how teen plans to manage them (necessary - despite resistance, eye-rolling!)
A5) Set goals to take risks, try new skills, join activities, ask for help if needed
Final question coming up!
A6) Traditional college info sites: usnews, collegeniche, college confidential, petersons, collegenavigator, collegedata
A6) All schools have websites and social media accounts – a good first step.
A6) talk to other gifties, mentors. We missed much b/c we were somewhat isolated. And we had gt community just didn't use it well
A6) Make use of your own high school counselor and your possible colleges' admissions teams
A6) See if HS guidance dept. has Naviance, which lists GPA and SATs of former students’ acceptance and rejection from colleges
A6) Visit - go on tours, read course descriptions, curriculum requirements, options for internships, research, extracurriculrs, etc.
A6) If you cannot visit - view website, virtual tours, read reviews, speak with school counselor
A6) When finalizing decision, visit again if possible - teens should sit in on several classes - do they see themselves there?
A6) support but don't smother. Saw parents hanging around long after dropping both kids at college.
A6) college tours where the kids could care less, parents asked all the questions. Parents should only ask financial ??s
A6) When finalizing decision - also, visit extracurriculars they plan to pursue, speak with students, etc.
Ack! Did you see me! Know kids went to diff schools!
We’re nearing the end of today … final thoughts/takeaways?
This will be archived at & the link will be shared via later today
Thanks to our guest, Dr. Gail Post
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thank you Lisa, for letting me be part of this. I SOOO enjoy chatting about teens and college!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here today at to continue the convo!
