College workshop for gifted students scheduled

Competition for entrance into top universities is at its highest level in years and to win acceptance to sought-after public and private schools, students must have a plan, experts say.

Gifted students, said Susan Goodkin, a Harvard University graduate and Rhodes Scholar who now runs a business for gifted children and their families, may have a more difficult time than typical students deciding on a school.

A workshop, "Getting In: College Planning for Your Gifted Student," should help with the process, said Judy Wiener, a psychotherapist who specializes in the social and emotional needs of gifted children. The program will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Tues., May 12 in room G9 at Oak Park High School.

"As many disappointed seniors recently learned, selective colleges today are looking for more than top grades, high SATs and leadership in high school activities," Goodkin said. "These schools also want students to demonstrate the passion and talent to pursue their interests well beyond this level."

A panel of experts will outline what students can do to improve his or her chances of getting into top colleges and will discuss what private colleges want to see on student applications.

Wiener said many gifted kids are perfectionists and set unrealistic goals for themselves in terms of academics and extracurricular activities. Students who are gifted in many areas often become overwhelmed by having too many choices, which results in procrastination, avoiding challenges or self-destructive behaviors. Wiener will discuss how students can manage these kinds of stress.

Goodkin said on the opposite end of the spectrum are students who are "very ambitious and are accustomed to being academic superstars, so their college planning has focused solely on Harvard or Yale."

"While we talk about what students can do to improve their chances of getting into an Ivy, we also think it's important to discuss options gifted students should consider apart from the Ivies and why those options may in fact be a better choice for them," Goodwin said.

Other topics to be covered include a discussion on which private colleges gifted students should consider apart from the Ivy Leagues, how to afford college tuition and how to reduce stress during the college application process.

Sonja Montiel, a former college admissions officer at UC Santa Barbara and owner of a college admissions counseling firm, and Hoby Pearce, a financial planner, will also speak on the panel.

For more information, send and e-mail to Susan.Goodkin @LearningStrategiesCenter.com.