Nov. 12, 2010
Have you taken the ACT yet?
Your senior year in high school is a very exciting time!
You are growing up and learning how to become more independent. You should continue preparing yourself academically to continue on to the next step toward attending the college or university of your choice!
The SAT/ACT test is one of the most important tests during your high school career.
In my opinion, you should start taking the ACT or SAT in your junior year of college. During your senior year, you should at least take this test, twice!
Treat it like a game. Keep taking the SAT/ACT test until you are happy with your score.
The great prize for your high score could be a full-ride or partial scholarship. Many colleges and universities base academic scholarships on your cumulative grade point average and also your SAT/ACT score. If you plan on participating in athletics, they also have academic guidelines. It’s ideal to put your best foot forward.
Planning for your future takes time. Sit back and enjoy the ride, but make sure you plan ahead and keep the communication lines open within your high school counseling office. Your high school counselors are able to assist with your college planning questions.
There are many colleges and universities within the United States, alone. The University of Saint Mary is a great university to look into. We welcome you to come for a visit, just call our admissions office to set up a time for a campus tour! We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sept. 24, 2010
"Only Boring People Get Bored…"
Growing up, my mother would always have a saying that only boring people get bored! I never realized what she meant until I grew older and heard other people complaining about how bored they were!
By using that quote, you are able to challenge others to think outside the box! This world is full of endless possibilities. Whenever I would think I was bored, I would brainstorm and get my creative juices flowing. I grew up in Wichita, Kan., so I began volunteering my time with the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and through the Communities in Schools organizations. I later learned I could get college credit for those types of experiences. I learned to appreciate my “boring time,” as that was now “fun time” spent helping others.
There are many things to do when you feel as if you are bored! There are clubs and organizations through your high schools and within your university experience. The library is full of books to check out for FREE! The Internet is FREE to roam around, and they have many new social networking sites available to network with others, add blogs, comment, catch up on events/television shows, etc. (On a personal note: I am still amazed regarding vending machines that rent movies for only ONE DOLLAR! That is the best invention, ever!)
High schools and college campuses are full of people from diverse populations. You can learn so many things about others cultures. Move around and meet people. I tell students all the time, you should know at least two or three people in each class that you attend. You should know their first/last name and at least their email address or phone number. That way you are broadening your social/professional network and you are covering yourself in case you are sick and need notes or hand-outs from class.
To prevent boredom, get out and mingle. Always remember… ONLY BORING PEOPLE GET BORED!
Sept. 3, 2010
The Highway of College Life
College life is much like the highways and roads of life. Many times, you have to just stop from moving so fast and give yourself a chance to organize your thoughts, organize your space, and organize your time.
Sit back once in a while and soak it all in. Being a college student is an honor, and something you should be very proud of. This stage in your life deserves a pat on the back. Congratulations! You’ve made it!
Make the most of your time. Believe it or not, college students have the best schedules in the world! You might have two classes each day. The real question is: what are YOU doing with your time? How are YOU spending all of that extra time? Are YOU being productive and proactive? Have YOU met other students and made connections?
Detours and roadblocks may come along to obstruct your path. This is a time where you can stop and ask for directions along your highway journey.
All college campuses have support teams in place to assist with academics, activities, leadership growth, financial support, etc. It’s up to each of you to “turn on your blinker” and turn to those support venues! Asking for help is a “green light” sign of strength which will then prepare you for your next yield, detour, or stop sign that comes your way.
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