Looking for gifts for graduates?

How about getting your favorite graduate something they may need for college! Here is a list of items to help you get started with ideas:

Mattress pad and/or mattress topper
Sheets 2 sets ( check if need extra long)
Comforter or bedspread
Pillow or pillows
Towels( at least 2)
Washcloths (at least 2)
Dish towel(2)
Room decorations/Pictures from home
May want a rug for room
Microwave(check with your school and roommate)
Refrigerator( check with your school and roommate)
Coffee pot/coffee/tea/hot chocolate(check with your school)
Hand can opener/bottle opener
Small collapsible cooler
Paper or plastic eating utensils/cups/bowl/plate/water bottle
Shower caddy
Shampoo comb
Conditioner brush
Lotion hair dryer
Deodorant Qtips/cotton balls
Shaving cream toothbrush
Razor toothpaste
Hairspray
Hair styling gel
Soap or shower gel
Shower shoes
Medical needs( optional) Insurance cards
Bandaids
Tylenol, ibuprofen, and or aspirin
Vitamins
Cold medicine
Clothing
Robe/PJ’s/jeans/other as desired
Shelf unit or drawer unit as needed
Shoe tree or door shoe caddy
Computer/Printer/paper/ink
Television/DVD or VCR
Cords as per school
Multi outlet surge protector
Phone for room unless using cell phone only
Check your cell phone plan to see if more minutes needed
Alarm clock
Dry erase bulletin board/dry erase markers
Double stick foam for putting pictures on walls(check with your school for approval)
Room freshener/surface cleaner/dish soap
Laundry bag and/or basket
Laundry detergent
Fabric softener(optional) I use the Downy ball/or dryer sheets.
Many schools now have laundry cards or laundry included. Check with your school.
Iron and table top ironing board
Spray starch
Hangers
Futon(optional)
Lap desk
Lamp and/or desk light
Vacuum
Book bag/satchel/backpack
School supplies
Paper: notebook and computer
Notebooks
Scissors
Tape
Stapler/staples
Pens/pencils/printer ink

Has the Economy Changed Your Plans?

Money is tight for almost everyone these days. How has this affected your plans after high school? As noted in this article, many around the country are turning to PLAN B.Let us hear from you by filling out the poll to the right of this article!

A look at College Admissions

This article from TIME magazine is a dated one, almost 10 years old, but the information shared in this back-room look at admissions decision-making is timely. Read it for another perspective on how selective schools traverse the admissions process.

25 Hottest Schools

Check out this Newsweek article on the 25 Hottest Schools! It may be just be helpful in your own college search.

SAT II's

SAT II tests are subject specific and show a college admissions office that you have "mastery of specific subjects." You will register online just as you do for the SAT I test.

It is important to know that a student cannot take an SAT I and an SAT II test on the same test date. But, you can take more than one SAT II on the same date. In fact, a student may test on up to three subject areas on the same day.

A student will also want to know if an SAT II is required. Some schools may give you an option of using the ACT or the SAT plus 2 SAT II's. Here is a partial listing of colleges and universities that require the SAT II subject tests. Be sure to check with the admissions offices of the schools you are interested in for their specific requirements.

If it is required, try and schedule your SAT II's close to the date of an AP test. Studying for an AP exam will help prepare you for your subject mastery.

Take charge of your own college search and preparation!

SAT practice

Many Richland II juniors are getting ready to take the ACT or the SAT. There is a free practice test session being held this Saturday, April 3, at the Columbia, SC Kaplan office. Register today for this free event. Each student will receive feedback from the practice test that will assist in preparing for the real thing!

Thinking of Teaching?

Teachers are so important. It is good to know that if you want to pursue a teaching career, there are scholarships out there just for you! Check out this list!