Many Universities seek students who are driven to be a leader. This is because they want a student who can improve their school’s environment by leading a team in an efficient and positive way, for both students and teachers. They are interested in students with optimistic attitudes who can take on responsibility and guide their team in a clear direction. A leader is someone who is reliable and can motivate their team to achieve…
As fall approaches, the days get darker, the weather colder, and a new class tackles the Common App, and gets a jumpstart on college applications. While choosing which schools to apply to can be an exciting time, anyone who has been through it will tell you that it is also overwhelming and at times confusing. Which is the perfect school? What is the school where I will be the happiest? Where should I go? There…
Public speaking very commonly causes discomfort and anxiety. Most students who are not required to take a public speaking course try to avoid it all together. The truth is a public speaking course may come off as intimidating, but is known to help build someone’s confidence. Many students assume presenting in the classroom will be the only time public speaking is necessary, but it’s usually just the beginning. Public speaking can be an essential qualification…
The ACT Writing Section Is Changing Reasons for Changing: Colleges complain that students can’t write in a sophisticated manner, so the ACT Writing section is being redesigned to more accurately assess writing skills. With these changes, colleges will have access to new information about a student’s strengths, allowing students to demonstrate their “analytical writing ability” through their scores in the 4 domains. Changes: Prompts are longer, more complex and focus on “contemporary issues” rather than school-themed…
Beginning next Spring, there will be new changes to the 2016 SAT exam for students to be aware of. Components for the redesigned SAT will include a new evidenced-based Writing and Language Test, along with a Reading Test. The Math Test has also been streamlined to focus on fewer subject areas. To test college readiness, more emphasis will be placed on the student’s reasoning skills and knowledge. Use of modern language commonly encountered in college…
It may be only 500 words, but the admissions essay portion of a college application can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. How you write your personal essay shows the admissions committee why you are different from everybody else. It provides information about you that test scores, grades, and extracurricular pursuits just cannot. You can use the essay to describe a favorite activity, to tell a story about yourself, or even a story about…
These are factors to consider when beginning your college list. Some will be of higher priority to you than others. What is important is figuring out what you care the most about, and then using that to narrow down your options. These are also great questions to think about on campus visits. Admission Requirements What high school courses are required? Are entrance tests required? SAT or ACT? What scores are acceptable? Is a certain grade…
The College Application Process is not as difficult as it might seem. These suggestions can help guide you. Collect information about colleges You can gather information from a lot of sources to begin your search. College catalogs, information bulletins or videos College representatives Parents, students and alumni School counselors and teachers College websites and Internet searches Directories and computerized information systems Professionals in the field College planning section of your ACT score report Your high…
There’s a lot to consider when taking pre-college exams. Reference this material for your exam questions. Advanced Placement Exams You should consider taking Advanced Placement Exams or CLEP tests in your Junior and Senior years. This allows you to test out of some college courses that can save you time and money. The exams are administered each year in the Spring with some preparation required prior to the exam. Check with your school for…
11th Grade: College Planning Timeline This is a key year in the college planning process because you’ll be taking standardized tests, narrowing down your college list, and learning more about financial aid. In addition, you’ll need to stay involved in your high school courses and activities. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fall Stay on track with your classes and grades. Meet with your counselor to see what you still need to take. Check on your class rank and your…
