So, it's the end of the school year and it's time to pick classes for next year...if you haven't already. You may be wondering which classes to take...how many APs and IBs...what will colleges think of this schedule?
Simply put, colleges want to see that you challenged yourself. The term is "academic rigor" and depending on the colleges that you apply to, you need to take the most rigorous course of study. If your school offers the IB (International Baccalaureate) program, you had better be enrolled. It would not be impressive if you are taking the next most rigorous or least rigorous program...even if those are called "honors" courses. AP/IB classes are grouped differently from honors on most applications and receive better consideration. Now, in contrast, that's not to say that you have to take a full schedule of AP classes to prove that you took the most rigorous program. Five or six AP classes out of a possible seven should be sufficient---you do NOT have to overdo it. Sometimes it is necessary to take non-AP classes to pursue special interests like dance, photography or a sport. Go for it! High school is a time to explore and colleges will appreciate your independence if it's just for a class or two.
What about...science or a foreign language? Is it okay not to take it senior year? Sure. As long as you meet your state requirements for graduation, which typically will include four years of English and math and perhaps less for social sciences, science and a foreign language. I finished my science requirement junior year with IB Physics and used my extra class senior year to take a supplement math class. Meet the requirements and use your schedule to further personal development!
Remember that colleges will see which classes you took, whether you dropped a class or not and of course, how well you did! Also, your class selection influences your GPA. Harder classes usually get you a higher class rank and a better weighted GPA...if you do well in them. By some scales, an A in an honors or lower class is the same as a B in an IB or AP class. Always check with your guidance counselor when you make these choices and ask them what type of impact it will have on you. Speak to students a year ahead of you to find out who the best teachers are and whether or not you can handle the workload that you select. Happy class-picking!
Showing posts with label Student Skills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Student Skills. Show all posts
Time Management
Labels:
Student Skills
Time management. It's probably a cliche phrase that you've heard a million times by now. Time management. If you hadn't heard it before, now you've at least heard it twice in the same minute, so it has to be on your mind!
In high school, especially when you are a junior or a senior, time is scarce and you have to do more than be a quick worker or a good multi-tasker in order to get everything done. Time management (3 times) begins with planning. Now that a new school year is beginning, you can carefully plan out how to allocate your time (your most valuable resource) so that you maximize your learning in high school.
Unfortunately, classes are pretty rigid--you can't get out of English class. But perhaps you can be human and only take six AP classes this year so you give yourself one period to stay sane and maybe even get some work done in school. Remember elementary school where you would use some free time to finish up homework so you could play when you got home (or was I the only dork who did work during school?)? Well, in high school, dork or not, you have to save time however you can and it can be a smart move to balance your schedule and create opportunities to get some incomplete tasks done. It's nice to think you're going to be a superstudent who will finish everything in a specific amount of time, but it's high school--things come up and plans change. Give yourself some flexroom so you can manage your commitments no matter what.
Extra-curriculars. So you have to make signs for Key Club AND write the proposal for this month's community service in BETA club. Well, wait. Let's step back. You're in both Key Club AND BETA? They're both service clubs--it's like playing for the Yankees and Red Sox. Would it make sense to spend an hour training to figure out how to beat the Sox and then go try to figure out the same for how to beat the Yankees? It'll never be a win-win. Of course it's different..Key Club and BETA do service and there is no limit on how much community service can or should be done. But as a student you are much better off joining a wide array of clubs so you don't end up repeating certain efforts under a different title on your resume. If you are going to learn and grow as a person, wouldn't it be more effective to spend the time you used for Key Club signs on preparing a position paper for an international relations debate in Model United Nations instead? Now your two hours have turned you into a diplomat and philanthropist instead of...a sign-making philanthropist.
But what does this all have to do with time-management? Well it's not just about getting jobs done on a schedule and using time efficiently. By making smart choices in the first place, you increase your changes of being able to balance your commitments and finish projects on time. The next post will include details on day-to-day time management.
For those seeking SAT prep, read about what's wrong with the major 10 online programs and you'll see why INeedAPencil.com beats out the rest. Email questions to me personally at JasonShah@INeedAPencil.com or post them as comments here!
In high school, especially when you are a junior or a senior, time is scarce and you have to do more than be a quick worker or a good multi-tasker in order to get everything done. Time management (3 times) begins with planning. Now that a new school year is beginning, you can carefully plan out how to allocate your time (your most valuable resource) so that you maximize your learning in high school.
Unfortunately, classes are pretty rigid--you can't get out of English class. But perhaps you can be human and only take six AP classes this year so you give yourself one period to stay sane and maybe even get some work done in school. Remember elementary school where you would use some free time to finish up homework so you could play when you got home (or was I the only dork who did work during school?)? Well, in high school, dork or not, you have to save time however you can and it can be a smart move to balance your schedule and create opportunities to get some incomplete tasks done. It's nice to think you're going to be a superstudent who will finish everything in a specific amount of time, but it's high school--things come up and plans change. Give yourself some flexroom so you can manage your commitments no matter what.
Extra-curriculars. So you have to make signs for Key Club AND write the proposal for this month's community service in BETA club. Well, wait. Let's step back. You're in both Key Club AND BETA? They're both service clubs--it's like playing for the Yankees and Red Sox. Would it make sense to spend an hour training to figure out how to beat the Sox and then go try to figure out the same for how to beat the Yankees? It'll never be a win-win. Of course it's different..Key Club and BETA do service and there is no limit on how much community service can or should be done. But as a student you are much better off joining a wide array of clubs so you don't end up repeating certain efforts under a different title on your resume. If you are going to learn and grow as a person, wouldn't it be more effective to spend the time you used for Key Club signs on preparing a position paper for an international relations debate in Model United Nations instead? Now your two hours have turned you into a diplomat and philanthropist instead of...a sign-making philanthropist.
But what does this all have to do with time-management? Well it's not just about getting jobs done on a schedule and using time efficiently. By making smart choices in the first place, you increase your changes of being able to balance your commitments and finish projects on time. The next post will include details on day-to-day time management.
For those seeking SAT prep, read about what's wrong with the major 10 online programs and you'll see why INeedAPencil.com beats out the rest. Email questions to me personally at JasonShah@INeedAPencil.com or post them as comments here!
Collaboration
Labels:
Student Skills
As a young entrepreneur and a college student, I am beginning to learn a lot about the value of working well with others and forming partnerships. We see it everywhere--companies and non-profits, musicians that feature each other on songs or athletes who train together. Likewise, collaboration is very important for today's high school student and will help you reach (and surpass) your goals.
Collaboration for the high school student includes forming study groups, discussing and sharing ideas with fellow students and club members and bringing together student organizations to make a certain event successful.
Study groups are key because they usually are more fun and productive than studying alone. Yes, I said productive. If you can avoid the goofing off that tempts most study group members or overcome your stubborn belief that you learn better alone, you will be much more productive and earn better results in school. I actually enjoyed studying with other students because if there was something I didn't understand, it's more entertaining and easy to understand when a friend breaks it down for you. And if there's something I did understand and someone else didn't, I could not only repay the favor by explaining it to them but also teaching material to someone else is one of the best ways to remember something and ensure a thorough understanding.
Sharing ideas is something that should be integrated into your daily conversations and activities, but making a conscious effort can further stimulate the benefits. Get together or at the end of the class try to discuss ideas on classes, events, programs, colleges, scholarship opportunities or financial aid offers. When you have different students with more diverse situations you can learn a lot more than just one way research. For example, I heard a friend of mine was going to Yale for virtually nothing--so I wondered about whether another top school like Harvard could offer me something just as good. Without hearing about it from him, I would not have pursued financial aid so aggressively--it took his experience to open my eyes. We all like to think we're well informed--which we are generally--but sometimes info just slips through the cracks or we forgot about something or no one told us--whatever it is, there's always something to learn.
Bring groups together. The power of people can be seen at its best when student organizations with shared visions or common goals come together. Perhaps your BETA and Key Club can get together to do a citywide project that will achieve much more than a schoolwide project that your club could only do by itself. In my case I brought together teachers who had provided SAT prep and tutoring with students who were National Merit Scholars to form Bridge Education--a student-led college and SAT prep group. Only collaboration could make this possible.
Always be thinking about how you can work together with others to make something big(ger) happen.
Collaboration for the high school student includes forming study groups, discussing and sharing ideas with fellow students and club members and bringing together student organizations to make a certain event successful.
Study groups are key because they usually are more fun and productive than studying alone. Yes, I said productive. If you can avoid the goofing off that tempts most study group members or overcome your stubborn belief that you learn better alone, you will be much more productive and earn better results in school. I actually enjoyed studying with other students because if there was something I didn't understand, it's more entertaining and easy to understand when a friend breaks it down for you. And if there's something I did understand and someone else didn't, I could not only repay the favor by explaining it to them but also teaching material to someone else is one of the best ways to remember something and ensure a thorough understanding.
Sharing ideas is something that should be integrated into your daily conversations and activities, but making a conscious effort can further stimulate the benefits. Get together or at the end of the class try to discuss ideas on classes, events, programs, colleges, scholarship opportunities or financial aid offers. When you have different students with more diverse situations you can learn a lot more than just one way research. For example, I heard a friend of mine was going to Yale for virtually nothing--so I wondered about whether another top school like Harvard could offer me something just as good. Without hearing about it from him, I would not have pursued financial aid so aggressively--it took his experience to open my eyes. We all like to think we're well informed--which we are generally--but sometimes info just slips through the cracks or we forgot about something or no one told us--whatever it is, there's always something to learn.
Bring groups together. The power of people can be seen at its best when student organizations with shared visions or common goals come together. Perhaps your BETA and Key Club can get together to do a citywide project that will achieve much more than a schoolwide project that your club could only do by itself. In my case I brought together teachers who had provided SAT prep and tutoring with students who were National Merit Scholars to form Bridge Education--a student-led college and SAT prep group. Only collaboration could make this possible.
Always be thinking about how you can work together with others to make something big(ger) happen.
Publicize Yourself
Labels:
Student Skills
Not only do you have to be a high school student, a loyal friend and a respectful son or daughter. Now, you have to be a publicist! To maximize your opportunities in high school (people want to help you now more than ever), it is necessary to take charge of your public relations. You may be asking "What does THAT mean? I'm a teenager not a celebrity!"
Publicity is all around you. Does your school have a newsletter mailed out to parents, students, faculty and community leaders? Is there a school newspaper that runs interesting articles read by the student body? Does your school and school district have a website where student accomplishments are posted? What about the local paper that runs features in its Local and Education sections? Any radio shows or websites dedicated to local issues and education? I'm sure you answered yes to some of these questions if not all of them!
So why is this important? When you appear in these publications, save some copies! You can use these as exhibits to send in with your college and scholarship applications. Seeing that you are a leader in your community and others show interest in your endeavors is an excellent way to convince decision makers that they need you. It gives you credibility.
Note, however, that you don't need to sit around and wait for someone to write a story about you. You should pitch your idea to these media outlets in the form of a short phone call, brief email or even a press release. Make sure you are not self-promoting only; you need to provide a juicy story for the reporter.
If you call to pitch your idea, be sure to be polite and courteous. When you call, ask if the reporter has a moment to an idea for an interest story before jumping right into your pitch.
An added advantage of this publicity is when it comes time to pay for college, you can further leverage that credibility. Approach local businesses and patrons with your information and seek people who will "sponsor your education." This is a great way to offer a tax-deductible donation to a business and earn yourself some free money to defray the college costs. Not too many students try this method, which works to your benefit because potential sponsors are not overwhelmed by requests from kids wanting their money. Be very respectful and show them why supporting you is supporting the development of the community.
Get your name out there. Be known and reap the rewards.
Post questions through comments in this blog or by email to support@INeedAPencil.com.
Publicity is all around you. Does your school have a newsletter mailed out to parents, students, faculty and community leaders? Is there a school newspaper that runs interesting articles read by the student body? Does your school and school district have a website where student accomplishments are posted? What about the local paper that runs features in its Local and Education sections? Any radio shows or websites dedicated to local issues and education? I'm sure you answered yes to some of these questions if not all of them!
So why is this important? When you appear in these publications, save some copies! You can use these as exhibits to send in with your college and scholarship applications. Seeing that you are a leader in your community and others show interest in your endeavors is an excellent way to convince decision makers that they need you. It gives you credibility.
Note, however, that you don't need to sit around and wait for someone to write a story about you. You should pitch your idea to these media outlets in the form of a short phone call, brief email or even a press release. Make sure you are not self-promoting only; you need to provide a juicy story for the reporter.
If you call to pitch your idea, be sure to be polite and courteous. When you call, ask if the reporter has a moment to an idea for an interest story before jumping right into your pitch.
An added advantage of this publicity is when it comes time to pay for college, you can further leverage that credibility. Approach local businesses and patrons with your information and seek people who will "sponsor your education." This is a great way to offer a tax-deductible donation to a business and earn yourself some free money to defray the college costs. Not too many students try this method, which works to your benefit because potential sponsors are not overwhelmed by requests from kids wanting their money. Be very respectful and show them why supporting you is supporting the development of the community.
Get your name out there. Be known and reap the rewards.
Post questions through comments in this blog or by email to support@INeedAPencil.com.
Summer Activities [How do I use all this time?]
Labels:
Student Skills
So next year you'll be a high school junior or senior, and you want to take the right steps to make sure you stay ahead of the pack? Relax; let me guide you.
Class of 2008, Rising Seniors: Big things ahead. Senior year. College apps. Scholarship apps. School-wide, local, state and national recognition. SAT. SAT II's. And of course, a social life. Well this summer is critical for you...there's a lot of time and you are expected to use it wisely. So this summer you need to get a jump start on all of that and do your best to get some solid experiences before applying to college (these experiences impress college admissions officers on paper and through the personal growth you show in your essays).
Start with a summer program. Summer programs include academic enrichment programs, science camps (Summer Science Training Program at the
Sometimes the dates or tuition fees for summer programs just don’t fit your situation. If a program costs five grand, runs for ten weeks or just doesn’t work for you, don’t worry. You can create your own summer activity. A popular choice is to go on a mission trip to countries like
Class of 2009, Rising Juniors: If you will be a junior next year, this summer is still a great chance for summer programs (read above). You don’t need to worry about college apps or senior activities in the fall, which makes this an even better time to do a summer program as you will have more free time this summer. Work a summer job, volunteer and/or participate in a summer program. Begin studying for the SATs; if you finish them by winter of junior year you will have a burden off of your shoulders and might impress college admissions committees with your early mastery of the SAT. Be sure to have fun and use your time effectively!
Summer Jobs [How do I make some solid cash and also impress the admissions committee?], First Edition
Labels:
Student Skills
For your summer job, you need to get excited. This is your two month time of freedom from school where you can pursue your greatest interests. You don't have to work for college, however. Colleges will view employment as an additional dimension to your personality. Nevertheless, a job can certainly help you as an individual and college applicant.
Jobs demonstrate a certain level of humility and work ethic, for a high school student. This shows colleges that you are ready to go out and be a part of the work force...a sure sign of maturity. Consider your fields of interest first, as you may be able to land an internship at a company that specializes in your area of interest. For example, if you may be a business major in college, look at becoming an intern for a local marketing or advertising company. These types of internships are not easy to come by, especially when you're in high school. So unless you parents can provide some connections for you (and even then), be sure to act highly professional, be punctual (15 minutes behind schedule is NOT okay) and always stay prepared (keep a resume).
If you can't land this type of internship, it's just as good to take a typical teen job like lifeguarding or being a cashier. Earn some good money and show that there is more to you than books and clubs!
Make sure you keep a positive relationship with your coworkers and boss as this can influence future jobs and, in the near future, college recommendation letters. Submitting a character reference from your boss provides a powerful perspective on you that is not available through teachers and guidance counselors. If you need to quit the job at some point, do not burn any bridges. Follow the proper protocol, notify your boss and be polite. Also be honest! When you get the job, you must be open about when you will be available to work and what your restrictions are. Revealing this later in order to improve your chances of getting the job now will be worse than be honest in the first place.
If you will be in and out of town all summer, it's hard to find a steady job. There's no magic solution to this, so consider something that you can regulate like babysitting or tutoring. If you set your own schedules and times, your clients will have to follow them.
Find a job that will teach you a lot, pay well and that you can enjoy all summer long!
Jobs demonstrate a certain level of humility and work ethic, for a high school student. This shows colleges that you are ready to go out and be a part of the work force...a sure sign of maturity. Consider your fields of interest first, as you may be able to land an internship at a company that specializes in your area of interest. For example, if you may be a business major in college, look at becoming an intern for a local marketing or advertising company. These types of internships are not easy to come by, especially when you're in high school. So unless you parents can provide some connections for you (and even then), be sure to act highly professional, be punctual (15 minutes behind schedule is NOT okay) and always stay prepared (keep a resume).
If you can't land this type of internship, it's just as good to take a typical teen job like lifeguarding or being a cashier. Earn some good money and show that there is more to you than books and clubs!
Make sure you keep a positive relationship with your coworkers and boss as this can influence future jobs and, in the near future, college recommendation letters. Submitting a character reference from your boss provides a powerful perspective on you that is not available through teachers and guidance counselors. If you need to quit the job at some point, do not burn any bridges. Follow the proper protocol, notify your boss and be polite. Also be honest! When you get the job, you must be open about when you will be available to work and what your restrictions are. Revealing this later in order to improve your chances of getting the job now will be worse than be honest in the first place.
If you will be in and out of town all summer, it's hard to find a steady job. There's no magic solution to this, so consider something that you can regulate like babysitting or tutoring. If you set your own schedules and times, your clients will have to follow them.
Find a job that will teach you a lot, pay well and that you can enjoy all summer long!
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