Lead / Create / Contribute
235 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724  /  732.542.4777

More Stories

List of 10 news stories.

Ranney Hosts 10th Annual College Alumni Panel and Luncheon

Alumni from the graduating classes of 2009 through 2012 returned home to visit their alma mater for Ranney’s 10th Annual College Alumni Panel and Luncheon in January. Upper School students asked candid questions about college life, while Middle School students heard a preview about the challenges of high school and took in words of wisdom. Lower School fifth graders were eager to speak with the former Panthers as well about their Ranney memories.

In the Upper School session, Co-Director of College Guidance Adam Materasso led the panel of nine alumni: Hannah Simpson ’12 (Ohio Wesleyan University), Jaya Sondhi ’12 (Barnard College), Cierra Horsting ’12 (University of Maryland), Walter Cuje ’12 (Babson College), Patrick Glodkowski ’12 (New York University), *Jonathan Rosenthal ’12 (New York University), *Nicole Auletta ’11 (George Washington University), Keith Chiarello ’12 (Bowdoin College) and Philip Allen ’12 (Villanova University). After answering questions from Mr. Materasso, which ranged from coursework load to organization and time management, the panel answered questions from current students about life after Ranney.

In speaking about preparation for college, alumni voiced their appreciation for the advanced curriculum at Ranney. “Although I am not a pre-med student, I was able to help my friends in college who are studying pre-med with their courses,” explained Jaya Sondhi. “Taking AP Chemistry in high school was extremely helpful. In fact, most all of the AP classes taught at Ranney are similar to the classes you will take in your freshman year of college.” Jaya also advised students to take their notes with them to college. Other members of the panel discussed the strong writing abilities Ranney students possess along with the benefits of the Capstone Project, an integral component of the comprehensive education at Ranney School that requires students to experience self-motivation and independent research. “Everything you do here prepares you for college,” assured Hannah Simpson. “By the time you graduate, you are ready.”

After working hard to achieve high scores on standardized tests, write college essays and complete the application process with the College Guidance Office, seniors are now hearing from colleges or universities in which they applied for “early action” or “early decision.” The Class of 2013 has demonstrated more interest in schools in the Southeast region of the country, including the College of Charleston, University of Miami and University of Virginia. Other schools on the matriculation list include Cornell University, New York University, Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University. For a full list of institutions that Ranney seniors have been offered admission, please visit From the Desk of College Guidance.

“For the past 10 years, the College Alumni Panel has become a cherished event at Ranney School,” explained Mr. Materasso. “Students and teachers welcome our alumni back to campus and look forward to hearing their success stories. They share anecdotes about their college experience and give honest advice to our Upper School students. It’s less about the colleges they attend and more about life as a college student.”

Following the panel discussion, the alumni joined their fellow graduates, current Ranney seniors, faculty and Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff, for lunch and conversation in RSPA Panther Hall. Alumni were able to reunite with their former teachers and school leaders to discuss their college experiences in further detail.

Graduates from the class of 2012, *Jood Ani (Skidmore College), *Caitlin Klein (Tufts University), Hannah Simpson (Ohio Wesleyan University), *Neha Nayyar (George Washington University) and *Christopher Schwake (Bucknell University) headed to the 5th-grade classes to speak with students who will be transitioning into the Middle School next year. As a biochemistry major, Christopher Schwake was delighted when a 5th-grader asked what he learns in his college biochemistry courses. “They also had a ton of questions about food and what we get to eat at college,” he laughed. Christopher also shared that, unlike most of his peers, he feels that high school doesn’t seem all that different to him, even though he has been studying 200 miles away in Pennsylvania. “I am still doing the same things I was while at Ranney and am still friends with many of the same people I was while I was in high school,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the Distance Learning Center (DLC), 8th graders attended another alumni Q&A session moderated by Head of Middle School David Fischer. The panel, featuring Sarah Bartosh ’12 (University of Colorado at Boulder), Kaitlyn Bovino ’12 (Providence College), *Jonathan Rosenthal ’12 (New York University) and *Christopher Lombardi ’10 (George Washington University), discussed a variety of topics ranging from workload in high school, extracurricular activities and pursuing academic interests to the college selection process. When the group of alumni was asked why they chose Ranney for high school, all agreed that the small classroom sizes and spectacular College Guidance Office played a huge role in their decision. It was then time for the students to ask questions such as, “What was your favorite year in high school?” and “How much harder is college compared to high school?” Students also asked the alumni to recall some of their favorite and proudest moments at Ranney, which included participating in sports, organizing the semi-formal dance and making lasting memories with their friends.

As in the past, this year’s College Alumni Panel and Luncheon proved to be a very special day for everyone involved. The ongoing tradition is not only an information session, but a way for alumni to stay connected with Ranney—something that the school values and hopes to continue with future graduates.

* Indicates Ranney “Lifer” (a “Lifer” student started their education in the Lower School and has been part of the Ranney School community for 10 years or more.)
Back

Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.