College - Pshhh!! You've Got This!
Ms. Kennon's October 1, 2014 Advice (Just For My Seniors)
How did this happen?
Just yesterday you were freshmen in my honors integrated science class. Now you're seniors - what??? This time next year, you'll be halfway through your first semester of college, taking midterms, staking your claim on your favorite study places on campus (I would suggest finding some hidden place in the library) and figuring out who has the best, and cheapest, take-out and coffee on or near campus. I'm going to miss you, but I'm not worried about you. You'll figure out your study needs and get to know your professors (this is really important!) You're going to do great and have a lot of fun! I am already so proud of how much you have grown and what you have become. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! By now, you know I would love to do all I can to help you with your adventure in college planning, so I decided to make a newsletter for you. Hopefully you'll find it helpful!
Small Scholarships Are Worth The Trouble!
It has been my experience that books will average about $500.00 each semester, depending on your major. So, that $500.00 scholarship really is worth the time it will take to fill out the application! In fact, apply for several of that type of scholarship. Over four years, books could end up costing you $4000.00-$5000.000! Any scholarship money is helpful and the small ones add up!
Do you want to Increase your ACT score before the scholarship deadlines?
The best thing you can do is to just get a good prep book and WORK! Honestly, that is where the biggest gain comes from - the practice! I suggest Kaplan, Princeton Review, or ACT's own book called "The Real ACT" - it's got a red cover and it is a good book.
If the trouble is that you've forgotten the math you learned early on, I have a packet I can give you of common ACT math topics and examples. Just ask.
Go over your basic grammar rules - that will help with English.
There are a few websites that are pretty good. If you know of more that I am not familiar with, please share! I would love to know of more good ones so I can share with the underclassmen.
One that I like is www.number2.com - you may have to type this into the address bar as I am having trouble establishing a link.
Also, there are some practice problems on the ACT Student website with explanations for the answers. You might want to check those out.
If the trouble is that you've forgotten the math you learned early on, I have a packet I can give you of common ACT math topics and examples. Just ask.
Go over your basic grammar rules - that will help with English.
There are a few websites that are pretty good. If you know of more that I am not familiar with, please share! I would love to know of more good ones so I can share with the underclassmen.
One that I like is www.number2.com - you may have to type this into the address bar as I am having trouble establishing a link.
Also, there are some practice problems on the ACT Student website with explanations for the answers. You might want to check those out.
Go To The Open House Nights Held Here!
If you are even remotely interested in a school, it is a great plan to go to their open house night here in our area. Get to know the admissions counselor. Spend a few minutes talking to them and let them get to know how wonderful you are. Their positive impression of you will take you a long way when they get back to the office and start talking about who they met.
WATCH THIS VIDEO!!!
FAFSA - It's kind of a big deal.
Between now and the end of the semester, you might want periodically remind your parents of the importance of getting their tax stuff together ASAP because the FAFSA opens on New Years Day and the earlier you get it in, the more likely you are to get money! Also, many merit-based scholarships want to see FAFSA info when they are considering applicants, even though they aren't considering the need-based aspect of the application.