Admission and Scholarship Deadlines
When applying to college make sure you look at both the admission deadline and the scholarship priority deadline. For many colleges the deadlines are the same, but for some colleges the scholarship deadline is sooner than the admissions deadline, in some cases it is months sooner. As with all financial aid, merit scholarships are awarded on a first come basis. If you submit your application after the scholarship priority deadline, there may not be funds left to support the maximum scholarship you qualify for. A little internet searching on the college's website could save you from losing thousands of dollars in scholarship money, so sign on and do a little extra research today.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
TIP OF THE WEEK – September 20, 2010
Close Reading – Tips for Success
Article By CollegeBoard
Much has been written for students on the topic of improving writing skills, but few articles discuss how to become a better reader. Of course, reading and writing go hand in hand; the better you comprehend a text, the more likely it is that you will successfully put your thoughts about it onto paper. So it's important to develop both strong reading and writing skills. With that in mind, check out the following suggestions on how to improve your reading comprehension:
Annotate
Be an active reader. Instead of passively reading a text, sit with a pen or a pencil in hand. Be ready to take notes in the margins of your book about important story elements, key factual information, and significant ideas in the text. If you don’t own the book, you can jot down your thoughts on Post-it Notes and stick them on the appropriate pages.
Be Aware of the Author’s Writing Style
Every author writes with a purpose. So he or she deliberately uses methods to successfully relate specific information to the audience. When you’re reading, look for patterns in the author’s writing. For example, you may notice a repetition of key words, phrases, or symbols or the use of a distinct type of sentence structure. Authors employ these writing strategies to help readers comprehend a central argument or theme, so be sure to explore how these techniques create meaning.
Do Research
Remember when you’re reading that you are never alone. The odds are that many people before you have read the assigned text, and more than likely, many people have researched it as well. Literary critics have written vast numbers of analytical and critical pieces on countless books. If you’re having trouble understanding a particular text, do some research and see what knowledgeable sources have to say about it. In addition to increasing your comprehension, you’ll also be showing initiative, something teachers always like to see. As a note of caution, though, always use legitimate and scholarly sources. SparkNotes and CliffsNotes don’t count.
Use a Dictionary
Invest in a small dictionary, and keep it with you when you’re reading. Many times, you can figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by using context clues, but at other times, you can’t. Rather than simply skipping over the words you don’t know, take the time to look them up. The results will be well worth the effort. Your comprehension will increase greatly, and you’ll build up your vocabulary at the same time.
Keep a List of Questions
When you’re reading and feeling confused, write down any questions you have. Sometimes as you read further, your questions will be answered. If not, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teachers. That’s their job. Remember, teachers give the assignments, so they’ve read the texts and understand them. When you have specific questions, your teachers can provide answers that will help you better understand the material.
The philosopher Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.” Improving your reading comprehension is the key to gaining important knowledge and making the most of your education. So pick up a book … and a pen.
Article By CollegeBoard
Much has been written for students on the topic of improving writing skills, but few articles discuss how to become a better reader. Of course, reading and writing go hand in hand; the better you comprehend a text, the more likely it is that you will successfully put your thoughts about it onto paper. So it's important to develop both strong reading and writing skills. With that in mind, check out the following suggestions on how to improve your reading comprehension:
Annotate
Be an active reader. Instead of passively reading a text, sit with a pen or a pencil in hand. Be ready to take notes in the margins of your book about important story elements, key factual information, and significant ideas in the text. If you don’t own the book, you can jot down your thoughts on Post-it Notes and stick them on the appropriate pages.
Be Aware of the Author’s Writing Style
Every author writes with a purpose. So he or she deliberately uses methods to successfully relate specific information to the audience. When you’re reading, look for patterns in the author’s writing. For example, you may notice a repetition of key words, phrases, or symbols or the use of a distinct type of sentence structure. Authors employ these writing strategies to help readers comprehend a central argument or theme, so be sure to explore how these techniques create meaning.
Do Research
Remember when you’re reading that you are never alone. The odds are that many people before you have read the assigned text, and more than likely, many people have researched it as well. Literary critics have written vast numbers of analytical and critical pieces on countless books. If you’re having trouble understanding a particular text, do some research and see what knowledgeable sources have to say about it. In addition to increasing your comprehension, you’ll also be showing initiative, something teachers always like to see. As a note of caution, though, always use legitimate and scholarly sources. SparkNotes and CliffsNotes don’t count.
Use a Dictionary
Invest in a small dictionary, and keep it with you when you’re reading. Many times, you can figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by using context clues, but at other times, you can’t. Rather than simply skipping over the words you don’t know, take the time to look them up. The results will be well worth the effort. Your comprehension will increase greatly, and you’ll build up your vocabulary at the same time.
Keep a List of Questions
When you’re reading and feeling confused, write down any questions you have. Sometimes as you read further, your questions will be answered. If not, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teachers. That’s their job. Remember, teachers give the assignments, so they’ve read the texts and understand them. When you have specific questions, your teachers can provide answers that will help you better understand the material.
The philosopher Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.” Improving your reading comprehension is the key to gaining important knowledge and making the most of your education. So pick up a book … and a pen.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
TIP OF THE WEEK-SEPTEMBER 13, 2010
When touring schools it is important to check the Safety on Campus…
One of the most important issues in choosing a college is often the most overlooked: the safety and security of your collegiate environment. Different universities handle safety differently, depending on their location and campus size. A college located in a major city might be more aggressive about safety than a school in the suburbs. (However, don’t assume that safety is a non-issue in suburban locations.)
Most colleges devote a significant amount of resources to issues of safety and security, and several safety measures have become standard on most campuses.
Call boxes
Most campuses have a number of call boxes prominently situated on campus that can immediately signal the campus police department. The phones tend to be located near buildings that receive a lot of late-night traffic – the library, student center, dorms. Once activated, police response time is usually very fast. Ask your school if they have a call box system in place.
Campus police
Whether as a fully commissioned police force or an auxiliary police force, campus police are usually a strong presence at universities. The department usually has a working relationship with the local city police, and most campus officers have full arresting powers.
Campus escorts
These student volunteers will meet you wherever you are on campus (library, class, another dorm) and actually accompany you back to your dorm. They are usually available throughout the evening. This is an excellent option if you’re planning to take an evening class or have evening study sessions.
ID checks
Student ID checks are becoming increasingly common, particularly on weekends when students have more visitors to campus. You may be required to show your ID when entering dorms and other campus buildings, as well as at sporting events. Many campuses also require all visitors to sign in when entering a campus building.
Self-defense and safety classes
These free classes are usually offered through the campus police department. Most safety classes occur during orientation and self-defense classes are often available throughout the course of the semester. Resident advisors should have information on the kinds of safety classes available on campus.
These are just some examples of security measures on college campuses. Before you commit to a college, you should investigate that school’s security measures, as well as recent crime statistics (available in an annual report that all colleges and universities are required to produce). Give campus security the same attention you give to academic programs and professors, and make sure that you’re in a comfortable and safe environment.
One of the most important issues in choosing a college is often the most overlooked: the safety and security of your collegiate environment. Different universities handle safety differently, depending on their location and campus size. A college located in a major city might be more aggressive about safety than a school in the suburbs. (However, don’t assume that safety is a non-issue in suburban locations.)
Most colleges devote a significant amount of resources to issues of safety and security, and several safety measures have become standard on most campuses.
Call boxes
Most campuses have a number of call boxes prominently situated on campus that can immediately signal the campus police department. The phones tend to be located near buildings that receive a lot of late-night traffic – the library, student center, dorms. Once activated, police response time is usually very fast. Ask your school if they have a call box system in place.
Campus police
Whether as a fully commissioned police force or an auxiliary police force, campus police are usually a strong presence at universities. The department usually has a working relationship with the local city police, and most campus officers have full arresting powers.
Campus escorts
These student volunteers will meet you wherever you are on campus (library, class, another dorm) and actually accompany you back to your dorm. They are usually available throughout the evening. This is an excellent option if you’re planning to take an evening class or have evening study sessions.
ID checks
Student ID checks are becoming increasingly common, particularly on weekends when students have more visitors to campus. You may be required to show your ID when entering dorms and other campus buildings, as well as at sporting events. Many campuses also require all visitors to sign in when entering a campus building.
Self-defense and safety classes
These free classes are usually offered through the campus police department. Most safety classes occur during orientation and self-defense classes are often available throughout the course of the semester. Resident advisors should have information on the kinds of safety classes available on campus.
These are just some examples of security measures on college campuses. Before you commit to a college, you should investigate that school’s security measures, as well as recent crime statistics (available in an annual report that all colleges and universities are required to produce). Give campus security the same attention you give to academic programs and professors, and make sure that you’re in a comfortable and safe environment.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
TIP OF THE WEEK - September 7, 2010
Time Management Tips
Does it seem like there's never enough time in the day to get everything done? Feel like you're always running late? Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.
1. Make a "To Do" List Every Day.
Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. If it's easier, use a planner to track all of your tasks. And don't forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.
2. Use Spare Minutes Wisely.
Get some reading done on the bus ride home from school for example, and you'll kill two birds with one stone.
3. It's Okay to Say "No."
If your boss asks you to work on a Thursday night and you have a final exam the next morning, realize that it's okay to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.
4. Find the Right Time.
You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.
5. Review Your Notes Every Day.
You'll reinforce what you've learned, so you need less time to study. You'll also be ready if your teacher calls on you or gives a pop quiz.
6. Get a Good Night's Sleep.
Running on empty makes the days seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.
7. Communicate Your Schedule to Others.
If phone calls are proving to be a distraction, tell your friends that you take social calls from 7-8 p.m. It may sound silly, but it helps.
8. Become a Taskmaster.
Figure out how much free time you have each week. Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities accordingly.
9. Don't Waste Time Agonizing.
Have you ever wasted an entire evening by worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing? Was it worth it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.
10. Keep Things in Perspective.
Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it's good to set high goals for
yourself, be sure not to overdo it. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable.
Consider these tips, but personalize your habits so that they suit you. If you set priorities that fit your lifestyle, you'll have a better chance of achieving your goals.
Does it seem like there's never enough time in the day to get everything done? Feel like you're always running late? Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.
1. Make a "To Do" List Every Day.
Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. If it's easier, use a planner to track all of your tasks. And don't forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.
2. Use Spare Minutes Wisely.
Get some reading done on the bus ride home from school for example, and you'll kill two birds with one stone.
3. It's Okay to Say "No."
If your boss asks you to work on a Thursday night and you have a final exam the next morning, realize that it's okay to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.
4. Find the Right Time.
You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.
5. Review Your Notes Every Day.
You'll reinforce what you've learned, so you need less time to study. You'll also be ready if your teacher calls on you or gives a pop quiz.
6. Get a Good Night's Sleep.
Running on empty makes the days seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.
7. Communicate Your Schedule to Others.
If phone calls are proving to be a distraction, tell your friends that you take social calls from 7-8 p.m. It may sound silly, but it helps.
8. Become a Taskmaster.
Figure out how much free time you have each week. Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities accordingly.
9. Don't Waste Time Agonizing.
Have you ever wasted an entire evening by worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing? Was it worth it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.
10. Keep Things in Perspective.
Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it's good to set high goals for
yourself, be sure not to overdo it. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable.
Consider these tips, but personalize your habits so that they suit you. If you set priorities that fit your lifestyle, you'll have a better chance of achieving your goals.
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