Guide to the Israel Yeshiva & College Application Process

1. Guide to the Israel Yeshiva & College Application Process MesivtaAteres Yaakov November 12, 2013

2. Guide to the Selection Process of Post High School Yeshivos in EretzYisrael Rabbi Elysha Sandler

3. What is it about? Advancing in Learning • Opportunity to significantly improve ability and proficiency in learning skills • Instills a greater appreciation and love for learning • Inspires a lifetime commitment and discipline to Torah study

4. What is it about? Spiritual Growth • Expands horizons and deepens connection to Yiddishkeit • Stresses self-awareness and self-identity as a Ben Torah and a Yid • Inspires a love and connection to EretzYisrael

5. What is it about? Side Benefits • Tiyulim – Seeing and experiencing many parts of the Holy Land • Shabbatons - Often in various locations around EretzYisrael • Forge lifetime healthy relationships with newfound Chevra/friends

6. Why now? Capitalizes on this unique stage of life… • Draws on awakening maturity of post-high school years • Draws on rare window of uninhibited time to focus on the growth and progress • Draws on emotional pull of EretzYisrael • Draws on unique setting and environment ideal for introspection and for raising self-confidence and self-expectation • Draws on significant personalized individual instruction

7. Where to? • Currently have alumni in 20 different yeshivos in EretzYisrael! • Have had boys in over 30 different yeshivosin EretzYisrael!

8. For Whom? • Virtually all our talmidim stand to benefit invaluably from this experience • Downside to not going: - Not being sufficiently prepared at this pivotal stage of life - Losing out on a tremendous, invaluable lifelong gain

9. Crucial factors that play a significant role: • Individual strengths & weaknesses • Level of skill • Maturity • Self-motivation

10. Crucial factors that play a significant role: • Long-term & short-term goals • Desired proficiency • Independence in learning • Fulfillment from learning • Growth in AvodasHashem • Family orientation & considerations

11. Crucial factors that play a significant role: • Size and style of Yeshiva & of individual shiurim • General Hashkafa • Educational philosophy • Language of instruction • Curriculum • Extra curriculum • Rebbe/Talmid ratio • Warmth of Rebbeim • Madrichim • Location • Facilities • College credits

12. How the process works Recommendations • Meet privately with each individual Talmid and his parents to explore, gauge, evaluate and recommend the various options available and suitable to each boy • Encourage all parents to be in touch with us so that we can work together as a team

13. How the process works YeshivosWhich Conduct Two Interviews Preliminary Interview • Throughout the months of December, January and February, they will send a representative - a Rebbi, Mashgiach, Menahel or Rosh Yeshiva - to make a brief presentation and then conduct brief interviews to exchange information and distribute applications • Candidates should send applications directly to the Yeshivos in a timely fashion

14. How the process works YeshivosWhich Conduct Two Interviews Serious Interview/Bechinah • Only available to boys who have already submitted their applications • It is at this time that parents generally meet with the representatives upon request • We will be in touch with the relevant parents to schedule up these meetings

15. How the process works YeshivosWhich Conduct One Interview • Some Yeshivos conduct serious interviews and give bechinos right away • They also usually make at least one more trip to solidify their gains and determine who is serious about coming and who is not • It is usually at that time that interested parents meet with the representatives

16. How the process works Registration • It is necessary to then register your son. This will ensure that he has a place in the coming year • Tuition, scholarships, YU/Touro Israel Options as well as medical insurance information and arrangements are generally facilitated and dealt with by the offices of the respective Yeshivos themselves Finances

17. Guide to the CollegeApplication Process Rabbi Yossi Bennett

18. The college application process is one of those turning points in a student’s life where school becomes life. It is a pivotal period of time that determinesthe next few years of a student’s life and, potentially, much more than that. We approach this time with care and concern but, at the same time, with straightforward guidance and counseling.We strongly recommend minimally one year of devoted limud Torah in yeshiva before beginning college.

19. The 2 Most Important Factors:1. Grade Point Average (GPA)2. SAT | ACT Score (English and Math) Other factors:3. Essay(s) and Letter(s) of Recommendation4. Extracurricular Activities (Teams, Clubs, Awards, etc.)

20. Meetingat which your son will: • Apply for SAT/ACT if not already done so • Review transcript for errors • Bring failed or incomplete courses to the attention of the Principal • Receive advisement on college options Your son will NOT: • Have his college application completed for him

21. SAT Studying Tactics Most boys understand the importance of studying for the SAT’s or ACT’s. Obviously, if your son doesn’t, this must be impressed upon him. • Optimal method of study is a private SAT/ACT tutor • There are various group review courses offered from review course companies (Princeton, Kaplan, Revolution, to name a few). Courses can be in classroom settings or on-line.

22. SAT Studying Tactics (continued) • Devoting a small portion of each evening to practice questions from practice SAT’s, etc. which can be found at your local book store • The College Board website offers different helpful tips and methods for studying. It is recommended that students familiarize themselves with the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com

23. myroad.collegeboard.combigfuture.collegeboard.com • Take a validated personality assessment to get a detailed report on your personality type • Explore a list of suggested careers and majors that fit your personality and strengths • Get tips on applying to college and succeeding in high school and beyond • Create an online portfolio for college and career planning

24. Applying • Most college applications are available online. Students will need a credit card number to pay the application fee when applying onlineand a check when applying through a written application. • Many colleges require an essay or personal statement. • Many colleges will require up to 2 recommendations, often written, from teachers or counselors. • When applying to CUNY, can apply up to 6 schools with one application (& one application fee).

25. Applying (continued) • After an application is completed, the Transcript Request Form is submitted to Rabbi Bennett • Rabbi Bennett is available to review an application before it is submitted and for any questions that may arise

26. FAQ’s • Why apply to college now if I am going to be learning in EretzYisrael next year? • Will I receive college credits for learning in EretzYisrael? • What is an Israel Option program? • Can I defer my acceptance to a college for more than 1 year? • If I don’t meet the requirements, should I still apply?