So you've made it to your senior year, congratulations! You're now entering the mysterious and anxiety ridden world of college applications...
First, relax. Applying to college is actually pretty straightforward, and if you do a little planning in advance, keeping track of the details is well within your grasp. Start a spreadsheet (here's a start) and be diligent about updating it as you gather the things you need: drafts of your college essay, your letters of recommendation, transcripts that you've ordered or sent, all the little details. While most colleges now have a portal where you can check on the status of your application, it's no replacement for keeping track of all your applications yourself.
Useful Details
The CEEB code/School Code for Gibson Ek is 480002
If you use Common App or Coalition, Please use my district email address when you invite me to your application.
Commonly Asked Questions
What do I do if my application asks for GPA?
It depends. If it's not a required field, like in the Common Application, you should leave it blank. If there's an option that says something like "my school does not report GPA" select that. Most applications have a section for additional information, and it's appropriate to use that space to explain that Gibson Ek does not award, record or report grades or GPA. Some schools, for example Central Washington University, ask that Gibson Ek students select 2.9 for GPA so that you are automatically prompted to complete a personal statement. If you are still in doubt, reach out to the admissions department at the school you are applying to and they will help you. Don't feel funny about this; they WANT to help you. It's ok.
How do I self-report my academic history?
This is arguably the trickiest part of the application. Because Gibson Ek does not have classes in the traditional sense, it's up to you to connect the dots. You'll want to have your Mastery Transcript handy for this. The goal is to complete your academic history using the language that is on your transcript, so that when they review your application your self-reported academic history corresponds to your transcript. For coursework like English, it's pretty straightforward: Writing Portfolio 101 for 9th grade, Writing Portfolio 201 for 10th grade and so on. For social studies and science, you'll need to cite competencies along with whatever Design Labs or Projects you completed to earn them. For example, for Science you might put "Empirical Investigation: [DLab or Project name]" When self-reporting your academic history, remember that each item (English, Science, Social Studies, Math...) aligns to a specific College Admission Distribution Requirement, so those are the core academic subjects that must be complete for a valid application, so don't leave any of those blank. If you get stuck, see your counselor or advisor for help.
What if my college says they won't accept an interactive transcript?
While the Mastery Transcript is a live, online document, it is still possible to submit a static PDF of the transcript. If your college tells you this, let your counselor know so that a static PDF can be submitted. Be sure to provide complete information on how your counselor should submit this.
What do I do if my college asks for my senior schedule?
Most colleges will want to know what your plans are for senior year. Make sure you include 401 after each entry. Also, don't say 'Exploration'. You are working on your senior project, so say that instead. For example:
Advisory 401, Writing Portfolio 401, Algebra 2, Senior Institute: Capstone Project (add a brief descriptor if you want), SPAN 121 Spanish II, etc.
How do I handle Letters of Recommendation?
Start early. Determine who you want to provide your recommendations. Some colleges ask for specific people, like your school counselor or a teacher, others will accept letters of recommendation from a wider range of people, like a mentor. 2-3 weeks before you need your letter, ask your recommender and provide them with a copy of your completed Gibson Ek Letter of Recommendation packet. The packet is intended to capture information for your recommender to use in your letter so be as specific as you can. The more detail you provide, the better your letter will be. Be sure to let your recommender know how to submit your letter.