Tips of the Week - November 12, 2012

For students with the graduation year of:

2015 & Above: Volunteer. With the holiday season upon us, now is the perfect time to give back (and add to your resume!). Volunteering at soup kitchens and food banks are often the first thing to come to mind, but there are countless ways students can give back during the holidays. Look for opportunities in your area at hospitals, shelters, and other non-profit organizations.

2014:  Look at the mid-range scores for your schools of interest. The mid-range scores are the scores that the middle 50% of last year’s incoming class scored on their college entrance exams. Knowing these about your schools of interest will help you know what you need to shoot for as you attempt the SAT and ACT. You can find this information on Collegeboard, and sometimes on the college’s admissions webpage.

2013:  Be on the lookout for local scholarships. Your guidance office will be a great resource for finding these. Check with the local businesses, Historical Societies, or Academic Booster clubs for awards in your town. These will usually be in the $500-$2,000 range, which can really help in the financing of your education.

2012 & Below:  Create Inner Motivation. Recent research studies indicate that lack of motivation is the number one barrier to student success. Overcome these barriers by being thoughtful about what you choose to study so you know why you are studying it. Research your educational and career options carefully and understand how the courses you take will help you fulfill your goals. This will help you stay on track and motivated since your work will always have meaning in a larger context.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Ensphere College Planning Services.