Many of you may be counting down the days until graduation. Before you know it, you'll be counting down the days until you start your first year of college. Both of these events may be overwhelming, but you're eager for them to to arrive. Your teachers and other staff members know how hard it will be for you seniors to pay attention in class, but I promise, hang in there, give it your all these last few weeks and you'll be glad you did. Here are 5 tips for graduating seniors:
1. Don't grow up too fast. While you're waiting for graduation, you'll soon be waiting to start college, then to graduate college to "start your life." A few years later, you may have a family, travel the world and before you know it, you'll be old enough to realize that maybe you shouldn't have been too eager to grow up. These next few years, into your early 20's really are the best years of your life. It's a time to have fun without having too much responsibilities, and a time to truly get to know yourself and your interests. Take advantage of that, because you have your whole life to grow up.
2. Take risks, don't be afraid to fail. Let's be honest here for a second. I know you've all backed out of something, whether it was a date, trying out for a sport, participating in the talent show or taking your permit test because you were afraid it wouldn't end well or you'd fail, right? Right. I know I have! But let me be the first to tell you that trying will be way better than never finding out what you're truly capable of. Don't let the fear of bad outcomes get in the way of what could be possible success or new hobbies. No professional ever got to where they're at now without trying and failing. In reality, that's what professionals do. They try, try and try again until they find a way to succeed. And if they succeed the first time, they work to find ways to improve.
3. Focusing on grades is a TRAP. Focus on your learning. I know for many of you, your grades will be your motivator in college. Here's a secret though: That "A" doesn't mean a whole lot if you didn't learn anything over the whole course. There are many students that do not do well in class due to test anxiety or learning disabilities, which may cause them to get below average grades, but they do learn a lot. So, don't let your grades define your learning, but also don't let that be an excuse to get bad grades.
4. If you want good friends, you have to be one. This is one of the things people have a hard time with. We all want that perfect friend that will bring us pizza and our favorite movie when we're down on a Friday night, but that friend won't ever exist if you're not that friend first. A good friend is someone who, when you call them saying you're in a deep trouble, they don't ask "is there anything I can do to help," but "where are you?" A good friend will want to help you without you asking them to. Learn to be that friend and surely they'll be one to you.
5. ....And finally, leave something behind. Without the support from friends, family, mentors, teachers or any other person, you wouldn't be at where you are today. Graduation would have been short of impossible without these people to guide you down the right path. Leaving a legacy doesn't mean leaving thousands of dollars to show people you were successful, it's leaving behind your knowledge, the difference you made in peoples lives, the thoughtfulness and kind gestures you made on a day to day basis. Make a difference in this life you have.
Wednesday 13 May 2015
Tuesday 5 May 2015
Schools almost out, but that doesn't mean your learning has to stop.
We all know how it feels like when we enter the month of May, the days get sunnier, warmer and longer and your classes also seem to last longer than what they used to. While you're ready to check out for the sweet months of summer, colleges and high school opportunities are still looking at your transcripts, volunteer work and experiences gained outside of school.
There are many different opportunities that are available over the summer for high school students that can advance your learning and help out later when you're trying to get into college.
Here are some opportunities to get involved in during the summer that'll look great on your resume!
-Taking a GAP year: If you're not motivated to head to college right after you graduate high school, taking a year off school is a great opportunity for you to take some time to get involved in activities that'll help you decide what you want to study in college. Anything pro active is better than sitting on your couch.
-Summer Camps: Becoming a camp counselor enhances leadership skills and shows colleges you're willing to help others that need the help and interested in teaching and becoming a better leader. Plus, you get all the fun of being at a camp.
-Youth Programs/Mission Trips: Fun fact: if you help out a certain organization, sometimes they give you money to go to college! It's true! More Churches are getting involved in raising money to send their students and helpers to college or pay for mission trips for students to get the traveling experience. Experience in different places than your hometown makes you stand out above other students sometimes. Plus, you get to travel for fun and for a great cause!
Sports: Most high school sports continue through summer for training, practices and camps. If you're serious about a sport and wanting to play for a college team, sticking to summer sports to get the extra training will look great to those scouting potential players!
There are countless more opportunities, so if you're interested in something that may not fall in the categories above, feel free to ask your counselors! You'd be surprised of the opportunities there are...even for the craziest hobbies like underwater knitting!
There are many different opportunities that are available over the summer for high school students that can advance your learning and help out later when you're trying to get into college.
Here are some opportunities to get involved in during the summer that'll look great on your resume!
-Taking a GAP year: If you're not motivated to head to college right after you graduate high school, taking a year off school is a great opportunity for you to take some time to get involved in activities that'll help you decide what you want to study in college. Anything pro active is better than sitting on your couch.
-Summer Camps: Becoming a camp counselor enhances leadership skills and shows colleges you're willing to help others that need the help and interested in teaching and becoming a better leader. Plus, you get all the fun of being at a camp.
-Youth Programs/Mission Trips: Fun fact: if you help out a certain organization, sometimes they give you money to go to college! It's true! More Churches are getting involved in raising money to send their students and helpers to college or pay for mission trips for students to get the traveling experience. Experience in different places than your hometown makes you stand out above other students sometimes. Plus, you get to travel for fun and for a great cause!
Sports: Most high school sports continue through summer for training, practices and camps. If you're serious about a sport and wanting to play for a college team, sticking to summer sports to get the extra training will look great to those scouting potential players!
There are countless more opportunities, so if you're interested in something that may not fall in the categories above, feel free to ask your counselors! You'd be surprised of the opportunities there are...even for the craziest hobbies like underwater knitting!
Wednesday 29 April 2015
Follow Up On SAT Workshop
Thank you all who attended yesterdays (April 28th) SAT workshop! It had a great outcome and I was very pleased with the amount of faces I saw there!
For those of you who missed out, there will be a mini session today Wednesday, April 29th during 7th period if anyone is interested. For those of you who attended yesterday, or haven't get created ab account, remember that the correct website to do so is www.collegeboard.org. NOT .com.
Fill out the application and make sure you use a valid email address that you will be checking often. Collegeboard won't spam your email or send you emails every day, but it will have your registration conformation when you register to take your SATs and will also send you a reminder when the date is getting close. Please be sure to write down your username and password in a safe place because you will be needing it to get back on the site when you want to print off your scores for local scholarships next year and or send them to your universities you've applied to.
If you need any help, have any questions or just want advice about college, please don't hesitate to stop by the counseling center to talk to your counselors or me and Stephanie, the other intern here. We would love to help as much as we can.
Thank you again, CHS!
Samantha Garcia
Counseling Office Intern
Western Oregon University Student
For those of you who missed out, there will be a mini session today Wednesday, April 29th during 7th period if anyone is interested. For those of you who attended yesterday, or haven't get created ab account, remember that the correct website to do so is www.collegeboard.org. NOT .com.
Fill out the application and make sure you use a valid email address that you will be checking often. Collegeboard won't spam your email or send you emails every day, but it will have your registration conformation when you register to take your SATs and will also send you a reminder when the date is getting close. Please be sure to write down your username and password in a safe place because you will be needing it to get back on the site when you want to print off your scores for local scholarships next year and or send them to your universities you've applied to.
If you need any help, have any questions or just want advice about college, please don't hesitate to stop by the counseling center to talk to your counselors or me and Stephanie, the other intern here. We would love to help as much as we can.
Thank you again, CHS!
Samantha Garcia
Counseling Office Intern
Western Oregon University Student
Thursday 23 April 2015
Interested in going to school but don't know where to start?
Many student's dream of going to college but do not have the resources or help from people who've experienced the process of applying to college. Thankfully, at Central High School, your teachers and counselors have expanded their arms to help you and your peers as much as possible.
As most of you already know, in order to get into a university you need to have completed 4 years of high school and or your GED, (General Education Diploma). What most of you don't know is that almost all the universities around the country require their applicants to have completed their SATs or ACTs.
The SAT/ACTs are important exams based on a students math, reading, writing and comprehensive skills. After you take these tests, they determine if you meet the level of proficiency that that university requires for their students to be at before they are admitted.
On Tuesday, April 28th at 3:20pm in Room 130, I will be hosting a SAT/ACT registration and how to apply to college workshop that is open and encouraged to all the junior class of Central High School. Even if you've already applied to take your SAT/ACT's, I and your counselors highly recommend you attend this for any questions and or advice you might be wanting for college, from current college students.
I will be updating this post after that day for you students to look back at if you're still having questions. Feel free to bring your questions and all the friends you can gather and be ready to learn!
See you then,
Samantha Garcia
Counseling Office Intern
Western Oregon University student
As most of you already know, in order to get into a university you need to have completed 4 years of high school and or your GED, (General Education Diploma). What most of you don't know is that almost all the universities around the country require their applicants to have completed their SATs or ACTs.
The SAT/ACTs are important exams based on a students math, reading, writing and comprehensive skills. After you take these tests, they determine if you meet the level of proficiency that that university requires for their students to be at before they are admitted.
On Tuesday, April 28th at 3:20pm in Room 130, I will be hosting a SAT/ACT registration and how to apply to college workshop that is open and encouraged to all the junior class of Central High School. Even if you've already applied to take your SAT/ACT's, I and your counselors highly recommend you attend this for any questions and or advice you might be wanting for college, from current college students.
I will be updating this post after that day for you students to look back at if you're still having questions. Feel free to bring your questions and all the friends you can gather and be ready to learn!
See you then,
Samantha Garcia
Counseling Office Intern
Western Oregon University student
Tuesday 21 April 2015
There Is No Such Thing As A Broken Home
Insight from a college intern.
As most of us know by now, a home can be made up of different people. Being a teenager and growing into the adult you're meant to be can be challenging without another adult to help you when you're in need. From personal experience, I've been one of the new people in my group of friends to have both parents, and have both of those parents still be married. Growing up, I always felt embarrassed or bad about talking about my parents because so many of my friends didn't have parents or had parents who were not together anymore. I know it sounds silly, but that's just how I felt.
When I moved to college and wasn't able to be around my family, I began to see things I had never seen before. My parents had been arguing more often than not, they didn't spend as much time together as they used to and the feeling inside my home was more tense than ever. When I asked my older brother and younger sister about this, they told me that they didn't know what I was talking about. Which was absurd to me because there was obviously a huge difference in my parents relationship. Turns out, it had been that was for a few years, yet since I was always around, I never really noticed.
Although my parents love each other very much, they know that what they have isn't what it used to be. Their marriage became like a job and not something they enjoy doing without the feeling like they have to. Being older, it doesn't make me sad, but I still have a younger sister that is a junior in high school and my parents told me they feel guilty because they don't want to be the reason why she stops trying in school and then blames in on their separation. Which is common for students to do, by the way.
When my parents separate, I won't identify my home as a broken home. There is no such thing as a broken family. There are broken relationships, and people move out or in, but those are nothing other than changes. And changes for the best in the end. A family is made up of whatever you want it to be. A family is the people who check up on you, who help you with homework, drive you places, make sure you've eaten, and most importantly, love you. Although I have my parents, I also have my best friends, a mentor, my grandma and my uncle and his wife. My family isn't just my parents, and yours doesn't have to be either.
Monday 20 April 2015
ASVAB- Why or why not?
The ASVAB is most commonly confused as strictly an entrance exam for the military. However, the program was also developed to increase student's self-knowledge and to understand how that information could be linked to occupational characteristics. Students who take the test are provided tools to learn more about career exploration and planning, in both the civilian and military worlds of work.
Recently re-designed to be helpful to virtually all students, whether they are planning on immediate employment or further education, the ASVAB can help students identify interests, clarify what is important and better understand their skills and abilities. In today's world, where there are hundreds of careers to choose from, it's a smart idea to spend some time looking closely at the options before you.
The ASVAB test covers eight areas including science, word knowledge, mathematics, and mechanical comprehension. It assesses a student's ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs. Once completed, students will have access to an FYI code which provides them a 90-item interest inventory based on John Holland's widely accepted theory of career choice. When students complete the FYI, they have 3 interest codes to use with the OCCU-Find for further career exploration.
Why not take the ASVAB and check out some possible career opportunities with you?
Recently re-designed to be helpful to virtually all students, whether they are planning on immediate employment or further education, the ASVAB can help students identify interests, clarify what is important and better understand their skills and abilities. In today's world, where there are hundreds of careers to choose from, it's a smart idea to spend some time looking closely at the options before you.
The ASVAB test covers eight areas including science, word knowledge, mathematics, and mechanical comprehension. It assesses a student's ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs. Once completed, students will have access to an FYI code which provides them a 90-item interest inventory based on John Holland's widely accepted theory of career choice. When students complete the FYI, they have 3 interest codes to use with the OCCU-Find for further career exploration.
Why not take the ASVAB and check out some possible career opportunities with you?
If you're interested in joining the military, depending on your score, the ASVAB could qualify you for the position of your choice. And if you're NOT interested, there is an opt-out option to take you off of recruiter call-lists.
Life's a journey. Explore the possibilities.
Life's a journey. Explore the possibilities.
Monday 30 March 2015
Time Management
There are only 24 hours each day- what you do with those hours makes a difference!
If you don't already, start using a daily planner today! While high school students have 8 hours a day in school, it's likely to have much less as a college student. Getting "free" time under control and managed will help you with prioritizing your freshmen year of college and succeeding in your goals!
It's easy to over-schedule if we aren't careful, putting together a to-do list for each day or even each week will ensure that you spend your time wisely. Use a daily planner or even your phone to write down your to-do list goals. Time-management assists in using time wisely as well as achieving your goals!
If you don't already, start using a daily planner today! While high school students have 8 hours a day in school, it's likely to have much less as a college student. Getting "free" time under control and managed will help you with prioritizing your freshmen year of college and succeeding in your goals!
It's easy to over-schedule if we aren't careful, putting together a to-do list for each day or even each week will ensure that you spend your time wisely. Use a daily planner or even your phone to write down your to-do list goals. Time-management assists in using time wisely as well as achieving your goals!
Friday 6 March 2015
SAT or ACT- the difference is...
SAT -> 3 hours & 45 minutes
ACT -> 3-3 1/2 hours
SAT-> Measures reasoning abilities
ACT-> Measures knowledge
SAT-> tests algebra, geometry and algebra 2; critical reading; writing; and includes a written essay.
ACT-> tests English, math (including trigonometry), reading and science; a 30 minutes written essay test is optional.
SAT-> mostly multiple choice
ACT-> all multiple choice (except for written essay)
SAT-> penalizes you for guessing (until 2016- no longer penalizes students)
ACT-> no penalty for guessing
SAT-> test dates are held 7 times throughout the year
ACT-> test dates are held 5-6 times a year
Many schools will accept either/or, so if you have the option to take either test, TAKE BOTH! Some students may do better on one than the other.
Studies show that you can increase your score by about 20%, but not without A LOT OF STUDYING! If your scores meet your school of choice application requirements, then you're done. If not, retest.
Students should take their first SAT or ACT during their JUNIOR YEAR! In order to meet college application deadlines, the last time they will be able to take the test is during their Senior Year in November/December.
See your school counselor for more helpful tips and advice! The counseling department also provides fee waivers for students who qualify. See the specific website for registrations.
SAT: www.collegeboard.org
ACT: www.actstudent.org
- More information can b found in "21 'To Do' Lists for High School" - by Valerie Piece with Cheryl Rilly
ACT -> 3-3 1/2 hours
SAT-> Measures reasoning abilities
ACT-> Measures knowledge
SAT-> tests algebra, geometry and algebra 2; critical reading; writing; and includes a written essay.
ACT-> tests English, math (including trigonometry), reading and science; a 30 minutes written essay test is optional.
SAT-> mostly multiple choice
ACT-> all multiple choice (except for written essay)
SAT-> penalizes you for guessing (until 2016- no longer penalizes students)
ACT-> no penalty for guessing
SAT-> test dates are held 7 times throughout the year
ACT-> test dates are held 5-6 times a year
Many schools will accept either/or, so if you have the option to take either test, TAKE BOTH! Some students may do better on one than the other.
Studies show that you can increase your score by about 20%, but not without A LOT OF STUDYING! If your scores meet your school of choice application requirements, then you're done. If not, retest.
Students should take their first SAT or ACT during their JUNIOR YEAR! In order to meet college application deadlines, the last time they will be able to take the test is during their Senior Year in November/December.
See your school counselor for more helpful tips and advice! The counseling department also provides fee waivers for students who qualify. See the specific website for registrations.
SAT: www.collegeboard.org
ACT: www.actstudent.org
- More information can b found in "21 'To Do' Lists for High School" - by Valerie Piece with Cheryl Rilly
Monday 2 March 2015
What type are you?
According to psychologist, Carl Jung, people can be characterized into 16 different personality types that can assist in discovering their perfect career pathway. What type you are says quite a bit about you- your likes and dislikes, your possible career options, your compatibility with others and more. Not sure what to do when you "grow up"?
Check out a brief-free version of Jung's test at: Career Test
The 16 types are broken into a 4 letter acronym.
First letter: "E" for extraversion or "I" for introversion
Second letter: "S" for sensing or "N" for intuition
Third letter: "T" for thinking or "F" for feeling
Fourth letter: "J" for judging or "P" for perception
See the site for information and explanations of each type.
Check out a brief-free version of Jung's test at: Career Test
The 16 types are broken into a 4 letter acronym.
First letter: "E" for extraversion or "I" for introversion
Second letter: "S" for sensing or "N" for intuition
Third letter: "T" for thinking or "F" for feeling
Fourth letter: "J" for judging or "P" for perception
See the site for information and explanations of each type.
Friday 20 February 2015
Free College Credit Option
Interested in a construction, apprenticeship skilled-trade, heavy highway, bridge or civil engineering technology career?
Enroll now in the
Construction & Civil Pre-Engineering Boot Camp Spring Term
(April 3rd-June 12th) at Chemeketa Community College! For free!
(Did you say free?! Yes, free!)
Classes will be held every Friday from 2:30-6:30p.m. This course will introduce you to apprenticeship programs and their requirements, engineering technology concepts, skills and technologies used in the transportation, heavy high way and bridge industries. Pre-requisites: Basic math and reading proficiency. The cost is free and all students receiving a passing grade will receive two college credit hours.
For more information and to register contact:
Chemeketa Community College
503-399-6539
Thursday 12 February 2015
15 Questions to ask your school counselor
Your school counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. Your counselor has information about admission tests, college preparation, and your education and career options. Here are some basic questions to help get your conversation stated:
Reality Check:
Remember that the person who has the biggest stake in your academics is YOU. Your counselor is here to help, but it's up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines so you can take control of your future.
- What courses do I need to take to be ready for college?
- There are many options available, but generally students should take challenging courses and graduate with at least 1-2 AP or college level classes listed on their transcript as well as Algebra 2.
- How should I plan my schedule so I'll complete them?
- Check out Central High's 4-year planner found in the curriculum guide or under the Student To-Do Lists tab on this blog for assistance.
- Which elective courses do you recommend?
- Elective courses are your choice and depend on what you're interested in studying in the future. For instance, if I plan on majoring in Nursing, I take science courses for some of my electives.
- Which AP courses should I consider taking?
- Consider your strengths. If you enjoy history or like writing, consider choosing AP Geography or AP World History or AP Language. Talk with your counselor about possible options and requirements.
- When is the PSAT going to be given?
- The PSAT is given only once a year in October. The State of Oregon pays for Sophomore students to take it for free while Junior students have a small fee and must sign up if they wish to take the PSAT. It's important to take the PSAT as a Junior to be eligible for a possible scholarship as well as have an updated idea/study guide for the SAT which should be taken during the spring term of their Junior year.
- How should I study for the SAT and is it given at this high school?
- One of the best study guides is provided through taking the PSAT. There are many resources online for the SAT - see your counselor for more details. The SAT is given at West Salem and Corvallis. Sign up for your preferred date early to ensure you have a spot! First come, first served.
- Do you have any college planning sessions scheduled?
- The counseling office schedules informational sessions as needed and enter into the classrooms at least once a month. See your counselor or the announcements for updated schedules.
- Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can borrow or browse?
- Yes! There is a drawer of college brochures in the counseling office for the taking!
- What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?
- There are many activities! Volunteer! Join a club! Take courses! See your counselor for possible referrals and information.
- What kind of grades do different colleges require?
- That's a good question, that varies by colleges. Typically colleges will want students to maintain a 3.0 GPA (possible 2.75 GPA accepted) and have a few challenging courses on their transcript. D's are not accepted as passing grades for college and will not fulfill the requirements for admission. Check out your specific college for specific requirements.
- Are there any college fairs nearby?
- Yes! See your counselor and announcements for possible fairs. The CHS department took students to the National College Fair in Portland last October.
- What colleges do other kids from our school go to?
- See the College Visits tab for our list.
- If my colleges need a recommendation from you, what do I need to do?
- See the Recommendation Letters tab for our required documents.
- What is a transcript and how do I get it?
- A transcript is a record of all of your grades/courses and can be requested in the counseling office.
- What forms do I use to apply for financial aid and where do I find them?
- See the Financial Aid information tab for this and your specific college for applications. There are many steps that you should talk with your counselor about to ensure you receive the most financial aid available to you!
Reality Check:
Remember that the person who has the biggest stake in your academics is YOU. Your counselor is here to help, but it's up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines so you can take control of your future.
Wednesday 11 February 2015
How to Ace the Admission Interview - By CollegeApp
You will find a wealth of information around the web- read below for CommonApp's advice on how to succeed in your next interview.
Be Aware: There are several kinds of interviews and while each one has similarities, it is important to know which kind of interview you will have in advance.
- Evaluative: the interviewer's comments and thoughts about the interview will play some sort of role in the process.
- Non-evaluative/informational: the interview serves as an opportunity to get to know the student and answer any questions they may have.
- Alumni: an interview conducted off-campus by an alum of the college and is usually non-evaluative.
Be Prepared: Know the basics about the school and know why you are visiting. (And no, "My mom dragged me here" is not an acceptable response). Have three thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer- questions that aren't already answered in the school's admission materials. Perhaps you might ask something specific about the department or major you hope to study or about the internships available in the department.
Be the Leader: When you walk into the admissions office, take charge. Don't let your parents check in with the front desk- this is your chance to introduce yourself. Cell phones should be left outside.
Be Relaxed: The interview is an opportunity for you to get to know the college and for them to get to know you. Take a deep breath and be yourself during the interview and it will go well.
Be Professional: Admission officers understand that you are touring a college campus and that you are a high school student, so they are not expecting you to show up in a business suit. However, good impressions are important. Make sure you are neat and tidy so that they know you're taking the interview seriously.
Be Careful: The "interview" starts the minute you walk in the door. The front desk reception area staff see everything, so be on your best behavior. No matter how many hours you have been with your parents and no matter how tired you are after the long car ride or flight, this is the time to shine!
And finally- PRACTICE: Think about possible answers to the following questions.
1. Why do you want to attend our college?
2. What can you contribute to our college campus?
3. What three adjectives best describe you?
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
5. What activities do you find most rewarding?
6. What is your favorite book?
7. What do you want to do after graduating from college?
8. If you had a $1000 to give away, what would you do with it?
9. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?
As always, see your school counselor for help and possible mock-interview scenarios!
Be Aware: There are several kinds of interviews and while each one has similarities, it is important to know which kind of interview you will have in advance.
- Evaluative: the interviewer's comments and thoughts about the interview will play some sort of role in the process.
- Non-evaluative/informational: the interview serves as an opportunity to get to know the student and answer any questions they may have.
- Alumni: an interview conducted off-campus by an alum of the college and is usually non-evaluative.
Be Prepared: Know the basics about the school and know why you are visiting. (And no, "My mom dragged me here" is not an acceptable response). Have three thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer- questions that aren't already answered in the school's admission materials. Perhaps you might ask something specific about the department or major you hope to study or about the internships available in the department.
Be the Leader: When you walk into the admissions office, take charge. Don't let your parents check in with the front desk- this is your chance to introduce yourself. Cell phones should be left outside.
Be Relaxed: The interview is an opportunity for you to get to know the college and for them to get to know you. Take a deep breath and be yourself during the interview and it will go well.
Be Professional: Admission officers understand that you are touring a college campus and that you are a high school student, so they are not expecting you to show up in a business suit. However, good impressions are important. Make sure you are neat and tidy so that they know you're taking the interview seriously.
Be Careful: The "interview" starts the minute you walk in the door. The front desk reception area staff see everything, so be on your best behavior. No matter how many hours you have been with your parents and no matter how tired you are after the long car ride or flight, this is the time to shine!
And finally- PRACTICE: Think about possible answers to the following questions.
1. Why do you want to attend our college?
2. What can you contribute to our college campus?
3. What three adjectives best describe you?
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
5. What activities do you find most rewarding?
6. What is your favorite book?
7. What do you want to do after graduating from college?
8. If you had a $1000 to give away, what would you do with it?
9. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?
As always, see your school counselor for help and possible mock-interview scenarios!
Thursday 29 January 2015
Now that you know you and your college(s)...
It's time to get into college!
Just how do you get into the college of your choice?
First, follow the DRS orders- narrow down your colleges to the following 3:
D- dream (your dream school- somewhere you've "always" wanted to attend but may not have all of the qualifications or a rigorous admission process)
R- real (a school you would be happy to attend and fulfill all or most of the admission requirements)
S- safe (a school you would be happy at and fulfill all or possible exceed admission requirements)
And second, seek out advice for the application process and connect with your counselor! There is a wealth of information to be discovered - check out http://www.getintocollegeblog.com for advice from a Columbia graduate on how to earn money and admission to the college of your choice! Your counseling department also contains many resources such as college books and brochures.
It's never too early to search- DRS order should be determined by the end of your Junior year or November of Senior year.
Tuesday 20 January 2015
Choosing a college continued...
Know the College
It's important to evaluate each university, based on your own order of importance or priority. The following are simply considerations that should be examined by each individual. Review all materials for more information about each university.- Type of School
- Public vs. Private
- Religious or Secular
- Co-ed or Single sex
- Liberal Arts or Pre-Professional (specific programs)
- Conservative or Liberal Student Body
- Enrollment
- Number of Undergraduates (Bachelor degree seeking students)
- Male/Female ratio
- Percentage of International Students
- Residential or Commuting percentage
- Location and Environment
- Geographic location
- Weather/Climate
- Proximity to Friends & Family
- Size of the Town/City
- Activities to get involved in
- Curriculum and Academic Environment
- Degree of Competitiveness
- Availability of Professors
- Quality of Faculty; Teaching vs. Research
- Majors Offered
- Academic Pressure and Workload
- IB or AP Recognition
- Campus Life
- Clubs, Activities, Fraternities/Sororities
- Weekend Events
- Religious Organizations
- Housing options & Meal Plans
- Security
- Recreational Facilities
- Expense
- Cost of Tuition, Room/Board, Books & Supplies
- Travel Expense
- Financial Aid Available
- Percent of Students receiving aid
- Work Study Programs
- Entrance Requirements
- Course pre-requisites
- Application process/deadlines
- SAT and/or Subject Tests
- Selectivity; Percentage of applicants accepted
- Average scores of Freshmen
Choosing a college...
Many factors go into choosing the right college for you- one of the most important factors is…YOU! Consider the questions below when you're exploring your college options:
Know Yourself
- What are my goals and values?
- How do you define success? What unique gifts and strengths do you possess? What kind of person do you aspire to become? What experiences have shaped who you have become or your way of thinking? Which do you value more, people or things, action or reflection?
- What emphasis do I place on education?
- What are your academic interests? What courses do you enjoy? If you could choose, what would you prefer to learn about? How do you best learn? What is your attitude towards studying? Are particular teaching methods more effective for your learning style?
- What about my academic record?
- Have you taken the most challenging courses available? What are your grades? What is your rank/GPA? What are your SAT scores? How does your academic record represent you? Have there been circumstances that have affected your academic performance?
- What types of activities do I spend most of my time with outside of the classroom?
- Which have been the most fulfilling? If there a pattern of commitment and success? What is your role in your high school and surrounding community? What would others recognize as your contributions to the school?
- How do I perceive the world around me?
- Has the school environment encouraged your skills, interests and talents? How has your family influence your outlook on life? Have your interests been nurtured or limited? Have you found a cause for which to stand up? How do you react when face with people who think or behave differently than you? What issues do you feel strongly about?
And remember, you don't have to have EVERYTHING figured out - but a general idea goes a long way. Click on the following link for information on majors---> Courtesy of CollegeBoard.org- How to choose a Major in College.
Tuesday 13 January 2015
Welcome to the CHS Counselor's Blog!
The Counseling Department at Central High School is made up of three amazing school counselors, one superb secretary and a phenomenal volunteer. Together, we work to to assist students throughout their 4-year graduation track and post-high school planning!
There are many services that go along with that- college preparation, career planning, alternative education and more! Stay tuned for further information that may be pertinent to your future!
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