Juniors, this is your time!!!!

Yes, now -- not August 1, when Common App 4.0 goes live, is the time for high school juniors to take action!

So, what can juniors do, aside from planning for prom and downloading the latest App on their iPhones? Well, here's a short (and by no means all-inclusive) list:

1. Keep Up Your Grades. This is first and foremost on the "To Do" list. For all the talk about grades not meaning what they used to, guess what? They do and they will. If your grades are up there, keep it going. If they need improvement, hit the books. It will be too late midway through your senior year to say, "Gee, I should have put more effort into Chemistry." And believe us when we say that raising that GPA becomes more difficult with each passing semester. Think a tenth of a point doesn't matter? Think Oympics. That squeaker that beat out the other guy by 1/100th of a point makes all the difference in the world!

2. Plan A Rigorous Courseload for Senior Year. Sorry, but senior year of high school is no time to slack off. Basket Weaving 1.0 is out. College level courses (for which you might actually score college credit) are in. That's not to say you should be loading up on five or six APs. In fact, we advise against that. You should, however, make a strong academic showing, challenging yourself, and demonstrating to college admissions officers that you've got what it takes to succeed once inside those ivy-covered gates.

3. Take the ACT and the SAT Once. Then, take the exam on which you scored higher again. In preparation, while those prep courses may provide a good foundation, and private tutors can help shore up weak spots and give you focus, nothing beats practice, practice, practice. 

4. Get To Know Your Guidance Counselor. How many times have you met with your Guidance Counselor this year? Once? Twice? Not at all? Stop in the Guidance Office. Introduce yourself. Make an appointment to sit down and chat. The Guidance office is a gold mine, and yet, it is all too easy to simply pass by the mother load on your way to lunch. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Stir some interest in Guidance and your efforts are likely to pay off, big time.

5. Start Searching and Applying for College Scholarships. Sure, it's tough enough to get high school seniors (let alone those already in college and footing that hefty tuition bill) to apply for scholarships. Still, there's lots of FREE money out there, if you know where to look for it and how to go after it. And the best news is that many scholarship opportunities are available to high school juniors. Strike while the iron is just getting warmed up (and your classmates are consumed by that barely visible zit on their chins). Good places to start? Try scholarship search engines such as Fastweb, MeritAid, College Prowler and Zinch. [They can also help you get started on your college searches.]

6. Take A Look At Colleges. It may be a bit early to pack up the car and head off on a road trip to colleges across the nation (though never too soon to check out those that may top your list), but heck, with the Internet, you can -- and should -- take a virtual tour of almost every college (University of Guam, anyone?) without having to get out of your PJs (like you were ever planning on doing that, anyway :-) or leaving the comfort (and pile of dirty clothes) of your bedroom. Virtual tours are available -- and FREE -- any time of day or night, at websites such as YouniversityTV.com, CampusTours.com and eCampusTours.com(because CampusTours.com was already taken :-). Check 'em out before you spend the time and money to head out to campus! [And when you do head out to campus, let them know you're coming. Schedule a tour. Meet with an admissions rep. Sit in on a class. Stay overnight in a dorm room. And, by all means, try the food. Remember, Mom won't be cooking for you while you're away at college!] Want to get a rough guesstimate of your "chances" of gaining admission to a particular college or university? VisitCollegeData.com.

7. Look Over The Common App. While the times they are a changin' at Common App (a new version hits the web August 1), you can still get a pretty good idea as to form and format, which will help you prepare, organize and gather data and information needed to complete the required forms. [HINT: When the new version is unveiled, be sure to read the instructions and content carefully, as certain critical aspects, including the all-important essay prompts, will have changed!]

8. Avoid The College Fiscal Cliff. While we discuss financing college education elsewhere -- and everywhere -- in this blog, it is critical that a plan to pay for college be put in place as early in the game as possible. [By "early" we mean right out of the womb!] That said, it's never too late to start saving -- and keep saving -- for college. For starters, think 529 Plan!

9. Get Involved and Stay Involved! Nothing speaks of a student's character like involvement in the community. Nothing. And saying, "woulda, shoulda, coulda" in your senior year just doesn't cut it! Yes, you may be active on the playing field, but there's so much more to the game of life than Lacrosse and Track. Volunteer. Roll up your sleeves. No such thing as "once and done." Make a commitment to a single activity that in some way improves your community. It will be so much more than a resume builder (which is another topic for another post).

10. Give Some Thought to Your Personal Statement. Sigh. The "Topic of Your Choice" may elude the new version of Common App (as will any attempt to exceed the soon to be strictly enforced 500 word limit. Still, you should be thinking about -- if not putting pen to paper (paper?) the essay, creating a brief outline, and developing a theme that -- within the context of the stated topics and the confines of 500 words -- will tell college admissions who you are and what you will bring to campus. Keep it simple. Write about what you know and what you are passionate about. And don't stress out. It's only an essay!

11. Hone A Unique Talent, Skill or Interest. You never know when a college may be in desperate need of a bassoon player, baton twirler or robotics whiz. Then, too, there may be a scholarship in there for you -- sometimes even a full ride. If you've got it, flaunt it!


Source: http://collegeconnection.yolasite.com/the-college-whisperer/high-school-juniors-this-is-your-moment-

Common App Essay Options

Summer Time is a good time to get a head start on your college essays. Here are the options found in the Common App. Even if you do not use the Common App, practicing essay writing is alwyas a good thing.


Option #1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
Note the key word here: evaluate. You aren't just describing something; the best essays will explore the complexity of the issue. When you examine the "impact on you," you need to show the depth of your critical thinking abilities. Introspection, self-awareness and self-analysis are all important here. And be careful with essays about the winning touchdown or tie-breaking goal. These sometimes have an off-putting "look how great I am" tone and very little self-evaluation.
Option #2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
Be careful to keep the "importance to you" at the heart of your essay. It's easy to get off track with this essay topic and start ranting about global warming, Darfur, or abortion. The admissions folks want to discover your character, passions and abilities in the essay; they want more than a political lecture.
Option #3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
Be careful because of the wording: "describe that influence." A good essay on this topic does more than "describe." Dig deep and "analyze." And handle a "hero" essay with care. Your readers have probably seen a lot of essays talking about what a great role model Mom or Dad or Sis is. Also realize that the "influence" of this person doesn't need to be positive.
Option #4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
Here as in #3, be careful of that word "describe." You should really be "analyzing" this character or creative work. What makes it so powerful and influential?
Option #5. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
Realize that this question defines "diversity" in broad terms. It's not specifically about race or ethnicity (although it can be). Ideally, the admissions folks want every student they admit to contribute to the richness and breadth of the campus community. How do you contribute?
Option #6. Topic of your choice.
Sometimes you have a story to share that doesn't quite fit into any of the options above. However, the first five topics are broad with a lot of flexibility, so make sure your topic really can't be identified with one of them. Also, don't equate "topic of your choice" with a license to write anything (you can submit such things via the "Additional Info" option). Essays written for this prompt still need to have substance and tell your reader something about you.

Source: http://collegeapps.about.com/od/essays/a/EssayPrompts.htm

Semester Exams are Coming Soon!

1. Manage time

* Students should write a study schedule in their planner; be specific!

* A Five-Day Study Plan is proven to work well; studying too early is inefficient; too late means too little retention

* Space studying out:

·         Study one “chunk” of material per session and include a review of the previous section studied during that session.

·         Cramming many chapters into one long session will not help retain complete knowledge of the material

·         Multiple study session increases retention of material

* Split the day to prepare for different exams

·         Once you have a study plan – keep to it!

·         Cover one subject for a period of time; take a break; study another subject for a period of time; change subjects again; go back to the first subject, etc.)

·         Schedule short breaks, and keep your scheduled list of things to do near to keep you focused.

·         Study session are best at 50 minutes or less per subject with a 10 minute break in-between sessions

2. Academics is a priority

* Decide what you will give up until after exams. Once exams are over, your life will get back to normal.

* Break down tasks. Students should write the “chunks” on their agendas or planners.

* To maintain your motivation, plan rewards/breaks. The few minutes of a break offers one a chance to stretch, allows one to focus and concentrate on a reasonably sized “chunk” of information, and allows for some sense of progress on a regular basis.

 3. Set priorities for semester exams

* Look closely at how well are you performing in each class; determine which exams need more effort.

* Know what score you need to earn on the exam to achieve the goal. (Some will need to find a concrete goal in terms of a grade to shoot for on the exam and this helps them focus and begin study with better

concentration.)

* NEVER give up on any class!

4. Reduce test anxiety

* Some anxiety is normal.

* The more prepared you are for the exam, the less anxious you will feel. Exam anxiety comes from a fear of poor performance. If you can prepare well for the test prior to the exam you will find your stress level diminishes.

* Try to eliminate negative statements such as "I'm going to fail this exam.” This negative thinking may limit your ability to perform on an exam. Replacing negative statements with positive statements will improve your test performance.

·         Focus on the task at hand. That is, focus on the activities of studying for and responding to questions on the exam rather than on potential negative consequences. 

For Seniors 2014!!!! We have work to do!!!

Here is a to do list for you! Please click on the link below for more details.

Next week, you have to check for your individual career counseling meeting!

Prepare a challenging schedule for senior year. 
Meet with your counselor to determine what classes you’ll take next year and to make sure you’re on track for graduation. When you pick your classes, don’t load up on easy electives. Colleges do consider your senior year courses and grades, so stick with a schedule that challenges you.

Start a scholarship search. 
There are lots of scholarships out there; you just need to spend a little bit of time and effort to find them. Check with your guidance office for scholarships from local organizations and use online scholarship search tools to find a wider range of options. The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the easier it will be to select some to apply to during your senior year.

Contact your recommendation writers. 
Teachers and guidance counselors are often asked to write recommendations for lots of students. Consider whom you want to ask now and let them know so they’ll have time to prepare before getting tons of requests in the fall. Ask teachers who know you well and who will have positive things to say. Letters of recommendation from a coach, activity leader, or adult who knows you well outside of school are also valuable.

Apply for a summer job or internship. 
Summer employment and internships in fields you’re interested in will look appealing on a college application or resume. The money you earn can also be used to help pay application and testing fees in the fall.

Organize your financial aid information. 
Develop a plan that includes a list of the aid sources, requirements for each application, and a timetable for meeting the filing deadlines. Getting organized will make the process of applying a lot easier because you’ll know where to find important information.

Start working on your application essays. 
Compose rough drafts of the essays you’ll need for your college applications. Have a teacher read and discuss them with you so you can see what to work on. Make any revisions to your application essays and prepare final drafts. Don’t forget to proofread your final essays a few times.

In the link below you can see about colleges - 

http://www.petersons.com/college-search/~/link.aspx?_id=77A11532049B4189AB562726F2072D94&_z=z

Seniors 2014

Here is a to do list for you! Please click on the link below for more details.

Next week, you have to check for your individual career counseling meeting!

Prepare a challenging schedule for senior year. 
Meet with your counselor to determine what classes you’ll take next year and to make sure you’re on track for graduation. When you pick your classes, don’t load up on easy electives. Colleges do consider your senior year courses and grades, so stick with a schedule that challenges you.

Start a scholarship search. 
There are lots of scholarships out there; you just need to spend a little bit of time and effort to find them. Check with your guidance office for scholarships from local organizations and use online scholarship search tools to find a wider range of options. The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the easier it will be to select some to apply to during your senior year.

Contact your recommendation writers. 
Teachers and guidance counselors are often asked to write recommendations for lots of students. Consider whom you want to ask now and let them know so they’ll have time to prepare before getting tons of requests in the fall. Ask teachers who know you well and who will have positive things to say. Letters of recommendation from a coach, activity leader, or adult who knows you well outside of school are also valuable.

Apply for a summer job or internship. 
Summer employment and internships in fields you’re interested in will look appealing on a college application or resume. The money you earn can also be used to help pay application and testing fees in the fall.

Organize your financial aid information. 
Develop a plan that includes a list of the aid sources, requirements for each application, and a timetable for meeting the filing deadlines. Getting organized will make the process of applying a lot easier because you’ll know where to find important information.

Start working on your application essays. 
Compose rough drafts of the essays you’ll need for your college applications. Have a teacher read and discuss them with you so you can see what to work on. Make any revisions to your application essays and prepare final drafts. Don’t forget to proofread your final essays a few times.

In the link below you can see about colleges - 

http://www.petersons.com/college-search/~/link.aspx?_id=77A11532049B4189AB562726F2072D94&_z=z