High School Resources

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Time Management Tips For High School Students

It's 10 P.M.—Do You Know Where Your Homework Is?
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 day 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.

(Source:  Petersons.com)

Questions to ask while visiting | Top

So, you’ve narrowed down your choice of colleges. The next step is to visit them.  In many cases, the campus tour is a deciding-factor for students.  The tour allows you to get a feel of whether you can live on that campus or in the surrounding area for the next four years, and helps you to decide the best fit for you – socially and academically. 

In order to compare colleges more easily, ask faculty and students a variety of questions that are important to you – and don’t forget to bring a pen and paper to take notes.  You may want to consider bringing a camera, if images help jog your memory and put decisions in perspective.

Here are some suggestions for questions you can ask while on your visit

Questions to ask admissions officers:

• How many of my courses are taught by graduate assistants?
• What is the student/teacher ratio in my area of study?
• What are the statistics on resources on campus for first year students: library, computer labs, cafeterias, study rooms etc.?
• What percentage of students receive financial aid?
• How much financial aid am I eligible for?
• What percentage of students live on campus?
• Is housing guaranteed all four years?
• What meal plans are available?
• Are there any safety issues that I should be aware of?

Questions to ask current students:

• Why did you choose this college?
• What do you like best about going to school here? Least?
• Do you feel safe on campus?
• What is the social life like?
• Are there many fraternities or sororities?
• Do most students stay on campus during the weekends?
• What are some popular extracurricular activities?
• How is the food on campus?
• Were you able to register for all the classes you wanted?
• Did you receive an adequate amount of financial aid?
• Are most students from out of state or in state?

Aside from speaking to faculty and students, ask yourself whether you would feel comfortable living in the dorms provided, if you like the facilities on campus, if you would prefer to live in a city or rural setting, and if you can enjoy a full social and academic life at the school you are visiting. After all, your college years should be some of the best.

(Source:  www.Collegbound.com)

What do colleges look for in a candidate? | Top

Before applying to college, it’s important that you understand how you’re going to be evaluated.  What are your chances of getting into your top-choice school? What are your chances for getting into your “safety school?”  No matter where you’re applying, admissions officers search for similar things in applicants:

• Perhaps the No. 1 thing colleges look for in a high school student is a challenging class schedule.  While good grades are important, many institutions would rather see slightly lower grades and a rigorous class schedule, than to find that you did not challenge yourself.

• GPA is always a crucial part of the admissions decision.  Many colleges have a minimum GPA requirement to apply, and your score on a 4.0 scale is telling of how much time and effort you put into your studies.  It’s also a preview of how motivated you will be in college.

• Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) are important to colleges. While they do hold a lot of weight in the application process, many students are false in their belief that it is the most important thing to admissions officers.  Make sure you are well prepared before taking the SAT or ACT tests.

• Extracurricular activities and jobs are key in proving how well-rounded a student is.  While clubs, sports and hobbies are important, colleges are more interested in depth rather than quantity.  It is important to be highly involved and interested in just a few activities, as minimum involvement in many activities may portray that you are flaky or trying to find your niche.  In addition, being involved in a few activities shows you have time management skills and you will be a good asset to a college community.

• The application essay allows colleges to distinguish you from the other intelligent and well-rounded candidates they receive.  Many times it is reviewed by as many as five people, and may be used as the deciding factor of whether you get into a particular school.  Use this opportunity to stand out from the crowd, and to add that extra “umph” to your resume.  Remember – your writing skills will be scrutinized, so make sure your grammar and spelling are perfect.

• Recommendations are proof of what you’re trying to portray in your application and essay.  While you should essentially be trying to “sell” your strengths to colleges, third party statements are evidence of your integrity, skills and positive personality traits.
• Some colleges, especially specialized/specific major institutions, require applicants to be interviewed.  In this case, interviews are a last chance for students to prove they are motivated and professional, so conduct and presentation are key factors.

(Source:  www.Collegbound.com)