Tip of the Week - September 10, 2012

For students with the graduation year of:

2008-2012: Go to class.  Obvious, right?  Maybe, but sleeping in and skipping that 8am class will be tempting at times.  Avoid the temptation.  Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the professors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc.  Know each professor’s attendance policies.

2013 & 2014: Divide the college process into manageable pieces.  The college process is best approached by dividing tasks into manageable pieces.  One very important piece is the admissions essay.  In developing your ideas for an essay remember to talk from your perspective, bring out ideas and insights that describe who you are and how you feel about the subject matter.  An essay is not something you come up with overnight, but rather, over time.  During your Junior and Senior years you should begin to develop your unique perspective that helps the admissions officer get a glimpse of who you are as a person.  We suggest starting this process by creating an “Essay Folder” where you jot down potential ideas.  Great topics may include experience in service, leadership, clubs, special projects you have undertaken, among others.  Try to develop some ideas and see which ones are easiest for you to write about.

2015: Practice good time-management.  The world we live in today offers a lot of opportunity for distraction.  Don’t spend hours each night on Facebook, Twitter, or playing video games.  Now is the time when your grades matter more than ever, so stay on top of your schoolwork and other responsibilities.

2016 & Above: Get involved in your community.  Participate in groups at school or in your community to acquire community services hours.  Community service and participation in school activities in conjunction with good grades will show colleges that you are a well-rounded student.


Sincerely,

Your Friends at Ensphere College Planning Services

Tip of the Week - September 3, 2012

For students with the graduation year of:

2008-2012: Stay alert to stress, anxiety, and emotions.  It is very easy to become overwhelmed by a rigorous course schedule, money problems, or by time commitments for clubs or sports.  If you begin to have problems managing your stress and are falling behind visit health services for help getting back on track.

2013: Stay organized.  Throughout the next few months you will need to keep track of application deadlines and what information has been sent your schools.  Create a list or chart for yourself to keep track of what information has been sent to your schools and what still needs to be sent.

2014: Check-in with your guidance counselor.  Make sure your course credits will meet college requirements at the type of schools you want to attend.  You should also inquire if any college representatives will be visiting your high school or your community this fall.

2015 & Above: Make your ideas about your future known.  If your parents and teachers are aware of your ideas about college or career possibilities then they will be able to help you explore your ideas.  By exploring your ideas now you will be able to have a good idea of what you would like to study in college.


Sincerely,

Your Friends at Ensphere College Planning Services