New this year in the blog is the Founder’s Feature. Throughout the academic year, Melinda Giampietro, Options Founder/President, will share some of her favourite things. Melinda loves reading, data, research, and following academic and adolescent news around the world.
Melinda’s February Book Pick:
I have always loved Ann Patchett. My favourite girlfriend gift is her memoir, Truth and Beauty. I find the story touching in how we choose to support the people who we love, even when they make it really difficult to do so. I finally read her novel, Commonwealth, over the holidays. It represents Patchett at her best. Patchett also owns a bookstore, Parnassus, in Nashville, TN. It’s on my bucket list to visit.
Melinda’s February Recipe:
I find nothing makes me happier in January than a third cup of coffee in the morning, and recently, that has been paired with a biscotti. I have been experimenting with all different versions. Here is a link to my most recent favourite. It’s very simple and very good. You can add anything you want to it (almonds, chocolate chips, and dried cherries are my favourite).
Melinda’s Data Focused Feature:
The first reliable information (there is LOTS of speculation) we get about the Canadian admission cycle each year is from the OUAC data. It releases the information for the patterns of Ontario applicants applying to Ontario universities (their deadline was January 13, 2022). It shows which universities gained in applications (Waterloo, Queen’s, Ontario Tech) and which programs (psychology, computer science/IT, and health professions/nursing). Those of you who have been following along know I love a good data sort! Click here to read.
Melinda’s Sport Featured Articles:
I found this article about Covid’s toll on USports athletes in Canada impactful. It looks at how the constantly changing cancellations and rules regarding university sports have affected both male and female athletes.
The NCAA is working its way through new rules regarding trans-athletes in college sports. I have been following this topic around the Penn women’s swim team closely. I think this article attempts to recognize the many sides of the issue.
Melinda’s Featured Resource for US Admission:
The College Board, owner of the SAT exam, made an important announcement in January: the SAT is going digital. It is also making some major changes in the length and format of the exam. Read the College Board press release here.
