Interested in the Performing Arts

In these difficult economic times, students are hearing that they should choose a college major that leads directly to a career. This may include nursing, pharmacy, engineering or a myriad of others. This often leads the student interested in music, art, or the performing arts confused and discouraged.

Students and parents may want to remember that a theatre major, for example, is not limited to performing on stage. These students are trained to speak and demonstrate in front of a crowd, develop creative ideas, and relate ideas to an audience. Many businesses would love to have someone with those skills. Check out this site from UNC Wilmington's Career Center to see other skills and potential jobs for students majoring in theatre.

Study for Technical College Placement Test

Interested in a two-year technical school in South Carolina? Then plan on studying for and taking the COMPASS test. According to Midlands Tech web site the COMPASS scores "indicate course placement as the starting point for your educational career." The test measures skills in mathematics, reading, and writing. Sign up today in E109.

FRANCIS MARION

On-site application review by Francis Marion will be held on Thursday, 1st and 2nd periods in the Science Atrium for Richland Northeast seniors. Application fees will be waived. You must sign up with Mrs. Sanders at ksanders@richland2.org by the end of the day on Wednesday.

Gap Year (s)

Some students want to take time prior to beginning college work to travel, work, or explore career options. City Year is an organization that may be a good fit if going straight to college is not for you. Check out their website and visit during one of their open houses. The first open house will be held here in Columbia on November 1.

Tuesday, Oct. 19

Tonight, Midlands Technical College is hosting a Senior Information Night at the Airport Campus beginning at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Academic Center. All seniors and their parents are invited to attend.

College Fair Friday

Richland Northeast Cavaliers who are in the 11th or 12th grade are invited to our Annual Educational Opportunities College Fair this Friday, October 8. It will be held in the gym during 1st period. You are asked to wear your favorite college t-shirt or sweatshirt to promote the day! Over 70 colleges and universities are scheduled to attend! Parents, you are welcome to! Just sign in at the main office.

Engineering IS for Girls

Are you a high school female who loves science and wants to explore a career in engineering? The Engineering Career Conference at Georgia Tech on October 7 and 8 may be just the opportunity you are looking for. This is a "two day event designed specifically for high school girls, to introduce them to each of the 11 engineering majors at Georgia Tech." Download an application at this site.

Don't have the Official SAT Study Guide

Still need to get a copy of the Official SAT Study Guide? Then check this website out to see if you can get it here by the Larry Mills SAT Prep Workshop.

"Common" ly accepted applications

The Common App has been around quite a while and is accepted at a number of colleges and universities. See the Common App site to see if your school uses the common application and the fees and forms that will be required.

College Admissions with a Learning Disability

The college admissions process is often daunting. Add to that a learning disability or difference and the process can appear overwhelming. Fortunately, most colleges and universities offer a variety of services so that all students can mount those challenges. Here is a great article from the Washington Post about navigating the college admissions process if you are the student or parent with a learning challenge.

Free SAT Practice test

Kaplan, here in Columbia, is once again offering you a chance to take a practice full-length SAT on October 2. This is a great opportunity for you to prepare for either the PSAT or the SAT. Sign up today as space is limited.

US News and World Report's College Rankings

The U.S. News and World Report's Annual College Ranking has just been released. Use this as just one tool in choosing the right school for you.

Standardized Testing

It is that time of year when seniors are beginning to fill out applications for college. Part of the process is sending in either your ACT or your SAT scores. If you are a senior, you should know that most colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT. Don't be afraid to send in all your scores. Generally, an admissions officer will use the higher score from either test. This may be from one sitting if you take the ACT or from multiple sittings from the SAT. If you have not yet registered, then do so quickly. Application deadlines are getting earlier and earlier.

Time to look at applications

It is the first of August, which means for many colleges and universities, Fall 2011 freshmen applications are now available. Don't wait. Take a look now at your college choices. You may also want to take a peek at the Common Application or the Universal College Application. Both of these are accepted at many colleges and universities and will save you time, and sometimes money. For all you seniors, the time is now to get started!

Just a thought

Thinking about college? Make sure if you are at all interested in a college or university, that you show them that you are. How do you do that? Visit the campus. Write the admissions office. Come to visitations on your high school campus. Fill out a "request for information" card. There are many ways to demonstrate interest, find at least one. Colleges want to admit (and award scholarships to) students who have shown that they WANT to be a part of that campus.

College Application Essay Topics

Want a look at some of the most common essay prompts? Take a look at this list.

Common App Sneak Peek

Want to preview the Class of Fall 2011 Common Application? Take a peek here. You may also want to see what schools accept the Common Application.

Thinking IVY?

If you are thinking of applying to an Ivy League school, here is a fact sheet about admissions statistics at each of the eight schools. This site has additional information about SAT/ACT scores from the class that began in Fall 2009.

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!

One Stop Shopping

Shopping for a college or university in South Carolina? Check out this site that will link you to every college and university in this state!

Does the word TEST scare you?

Although there are an increasing number of schools that are "test optional" many colleges and universities still rely heavily upon the test score from one Saturday morning. This can be a killer if you are a student who loses confidence upon the very notion of testing. The Workbook for Test Success was written by performance coach Ben Bernstein, PhD and the subtitle tells it all: How to be Calm, Confident, & Focused on Any Test. The book begins with a helpful pre-test at that allows students to zero in on their own test performance challenges and directs them to information specific to that challenge. Each chapter provides tools that, when used, may help a student increase their performance. So, if you are someone that hasn't reached top performance on the SAT or ACT, then perhaps this is a resource for you.


Disclaimer: A copy of the book was received from the author for review. The opinions are my own.

ONLINE College Fair

Want an opportunity to speak with colleges from around the country? Log in to College Week Live on March 24, and 25. It's free and you may just find your perfect fit!

It is never too late!

Are you a senior that has not yet applied to collegeg? Did you just decide it was too late? Then think again! There are still plenty of colleges accepting applications for the Fall 2010 semester. Come to E109 for help in finding a college that fits your needs.

Filling out Scholarship Applications

Sometimes we are in a hurry. But sometimes being in a hurry can hurt our opportunities for being awarded scholarship money. So, prior to beginning any application, read the directions.

Did you know that applications can be thrown out because the essay was typed instead of handwritten or handwritten instead of being typed. Or the envelope was not the size stated on the directions. Or, and this is often student's biggest mistake, the essay didn't answer the question that was asked.

It isn't that organizations don't want you to get money. They just want to make sure they award the student who takes the time to complete their application correctly. Today's tip: Read the directions carefully. Then follow them. Money is out there, go and get it.

Preparation for College

Essays. What comes to mind when you hear that word? Fear is commonly the answer that is given. So how about taking the "fear" out of the word essay. "I don't know what to write about." " I don't know how to prepare." Both of these fears are understandable, but let's take the unknown, that often leads to the fear, and make it a known. Check out this website that offers you a peek at the most commonly found essay prompts. Knowing what to expect may help quell any fears you may have!

Want to teach?

The education field is always in need of future teachers with a passion for students. Our federal and state government have recognized the need to support students pursuing a career in this field.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or
private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. You must complete the FAFSA and indicate your plans to pursue a career in teaching. South Carolina also provides an opportunity for a specific loan which MAY be repaid by the state. It is called the South Carolina Teachers Loan Program and it is administered by South Carolina Student Loan. Click on the links to see if you may be eligible and interested in either or both of these opportunities.

FAFSA Help

If you are a senior student or a parent of a student at Richland Northeast High School, then you are invited to join us for a FAFSA Workshop. This workshop will be led by Ron Mendenhall of The College Funding Center of South Carolina. Mr. Mendenhall will lead participants step-by-step through the process of filling out the FAFSA. Interested in this free opportunity for assistance? Then register today!

First Generation: An Immigrant's Story

You may be the first in your family, but you should know that there are people among you who have walked this trail before. Here in our own high school, many faculty members responded that they too were the first in their family to go to college. As you read this interview, you may hear parts of your own story. Our hope is that each of these stories will encourage you to continue the sometimes difficult, but always rewarding, path towards a college degree.

Our first respondant emigrated here when she was in the eleventh grade. Here is my interview with Mrs. K:

Will you please share with our readers one reason you decided to go to college?

Mrs. K: My mother always expected that I would go to college. My mother and my father (who passed away when I was a baby) both had a 12th grade education and lived in farming communities where further education was usually unavailable and actually unnecessary to own and manage a large property. She knew that I should make it to the university and made sure to send me to a school where the expectations were high and where I was likely to be friends with others who had the same goals. It worked.
When I emigrated to the US I entered 11th grade. Financially, college was a remote possibility because the cost to come to the US had taken a bite out of our savings. Additionally, we arrived with 2 suitcases and a trunk of a few household items and family treasures. We had to start over again in every aspect of living and setting up a house. Some friends and family thought I should become a secretary (like my mother) and work as a nanny for a family while I went to school at night. I was incensed by this opinion and more determined than ever to go to college and become either a pharmacist, teacher or librarian - something I could easily have completed in Australia.
My mother and I made an agreement that I would work after school and she would take a part-time job after her regular job and we would save and save. We agreed that I would be responsible for the second semester every year, and she would be responsible for the first semester every year. Every vacation in the school year and during the school year, from the beginning of my senior year in high school until I started my first job, I worked somewhere, and through sheer determination we made it financially without loans of any kind. She was my hero.

Can you share anything else that helped you in your pursuit of a college degree?
Mrs. K: I knew the difference that the college degree wold make in my life - I could see it all around me. I could see how difficult it was for my mother to live on her salary, and I knew I was capable of doing better, and more than anything, she believed in me.

Please share with us a difficulty in going to college and, perhaps, how you overcame that difficulty ?
Mrs. K:I was clueless about all that college entailed and would be like from A to Z. I was genuinely naive about how the outside world operated and I had to become assertive for myself in making sure that I was not "run over" by more dominant people.
I foolishly signed over my room first semester so that I could move to a better dorm before I already had a room to go to....for about 48 hours it looked like I was going to be homeless on campus and I could not tell my mother. Finally, I found a room in a dorm through a friend from high school. It was not the best room mate because she slept days and practiced as a voice major during the evening and came home at 2:00 am. It was lonely, but I stuck it out and learned a very valuable lesson.

Was college what you expected?
Mrs. K:I went to the University of Connecticut in Storrs which is the flagship university for the state and it is very selective, taking less than the top 10% of applicants/high school graduates. It was much harder to study than I ever imagined. My first semester was very difficult, but eventually I got the hang of the lectures, notes, labs, tests, papers, and going to see professors for extra help, and I started to make very good grades. High school was very nurturing, and college was a cold distant experience in large classes and little or no "touch time" with the professor. It probably took me three semesters to begin to feel that I had the hang of this thing when I started taking upper level courses in English where I was an excellent student. That built my confidence to overcome the mediocre grades I had earned in the general courses required for freshmen and sophomores.
I joined a sorority at the end of my sophomore year and within that small group of girls I found opportunities for leadership positions. That supportive group was helpful in handling difficult classes, finding jobs on campus, providing information about social situations and generally making me part of a larger group with an identity that made me comfortable. It gave me the "home structure" that was so lacking in other general dorms where the population was forever changing.

Thank you so much Mrs. K for sharing your insight on being a first generation college graduate, as well as your own personal story as an immigrant.

FAFSA Question: "Can I file as an independent?"

Have a question about whether to fill out the FAFSA as a dependent or independent? Use this dependency status worksheet online and you should have your answer.

SAT Test improvement

Want to have a chance to improve your SAT scores? Then take a few minutes every day and practice. College Board has a great practice tool for you to use for free! Check it out!

FAFSA HELP on College Goal Sunday(or Saturday)

Don't be fooled by the name College Goal Sunday! Here in Columbia, South Carolina, our College Goal Sunday will actually be held on a Saturday! So if you want some help getting that FAFSA completed then put this date on the calendar. There will be assistance available on Saturday, February 27 at the Downtown Richland County Public Library on Assembly Street. Help available from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM

Assistance available at site:

• Adult/Non-Traditional Student Concerns

• FAFSA on the Web

• Financial Literacy

• Foster & Homeless Youth

• Grants/Scholarships

Go here to see the list of items you need to bring with you. If you don't live in Columbia, SC, find out where you can get this assistance in a location close to you!

Preparation for College part II

Friday, we looked at the first three ingredients in the recipe for a strong college application. Today, let's take a look at another.

Colleges and universities are interested in putting together a diverse student population. When a college talks about diversity, they are talking about a make-up of students who bring a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and skills. So adding to the diversity of the college campus may include your years of cello playing. Or the perfect score on the math portion of your SAT. Or your intensity, passion, and skill in a particular academic or extracurricular area. So grab a piece of paper. Go and get it, I'll wait.

OK, now that you are back, write down three talents that you have spent time developing. Don't have three? Then write down one. Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Do you write poetry? Do you excel in math or science or english. Do you play a sport? All of these matter.

Now, how have you used those talents to serve others? How can you use that talent to serve others? Can you tutor? Can you lead a basketball clinic for the kids in your community? Can you organize a food drive to help your out-of-work neighbors? Students who are strong candidates take initiative, look for service opportunities, and show that they use what they know to benefit others. Colleges want to be able to say with pride that "FILL IN YOUR NAME is an alumnus" of their school and "look what they are doing to change the world." Therefore, if you are already changing your community, then chances are, you will later make them proud to call you a graduate of their school.

Now you know why colleges ask you to list your clubs, jobs, leadership, and community service. Don't let this intimidate you. Colleges want to see what you can bring to their campus and what their campus has that will be good for you. It is all part of making sure that the college is a good fit. They are not looking for a long extensive list. They are looking for depth of interest and leadership opportunities taken. If you haven't already, expand your horizons to include development of your strengths! Who knows? One day, some college or university will proudly say, " she/he is one of ours!"

Preparation for College

We are talking this month about doing the work necessary to make sure you are ready to go to college. So let's start taking apart what a strong college application looks like.

Academics: Did you take a challenging curriculum? Did you do well in your classes? If you faltered early with grades, did you consistently improve over the years?
*Did you know that students who take math higher than Algebra II have a much higher rate of bachelors degree completion than those who do not?

Class rank: Compared to the students in your class who had the same educational class offerings, where do you stand?

Test Scores: Take the ACT or SAT. If you want your scores to be strong, take challenging courses. Read, read, read. The more you read, the more likely it is that you will be able to do well on the Critical reading and writing portions of the SAT. By all means, take advantage of test preparation opportunities. There are some links in the sidebar of this blog that may be helpful. Saturday, January 23, Kaplan is offering a free full length practice SAT test. Take advantage!

We will continue breaking apart a strong college application in the coming days. Stay tuned!

First Generation College Bound Students

Navigating the college process can be difficult. Navigating the process when you are the first in your family to go to college, or first generation, can feel nearly impossible. But it isn't. It just requires a little deciding.

First, as we discussed before, decide that you will go. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But it actually requires a settling in your mind ahead of time. "I will go to college. Somehow, some way, I will go." It means facing the unknowns, the fears, and the nearly infinite possibliities head on.

Second, decide that you will find the necessary resources to tackle all those unknowns. Identify those in your life who may be able to help you. Although you may be the first in your family, there are many you come in contact with on a day-to-day basis who have already traveled this road. Find them. It may be a guidance counselor, or your pastor, or a neighbor. Begin asking them questions. Ask them about test taking and college applications and dorm life. Ask them about their major and their career and their favorite college. And don't be afraid to ask them if they would be willing to walk through this process with you.

Finally, you must decide to act upon the information you have learned. Start planning early. Take the SAT or ACT early. Apply to college early. Apply for financial aid and fill out the FAFSA early. You get the point. When it comes to the college process, early is good. You can consult timelines found here to see what should be and when things should be completed. You will also want to communicate with the colleges you are intersted in. If possible, visit the campus and talk with the students, eat lunch in the dining hall, and perhaps spend the night in a residence hall. Look into programs designed to assist "first generation" college bound students. And if you have more questions, then keep asking.

If you are a "first generation" student, then congratulations! Reading this blog and exploring publications shows that you are already taking the first steps in this process. Continue pressing forward. Your decisions today can change not only your future but the future of the generations to follow.

Knowing Why You Should Go to College

Did you know that over a lifetime, a college graduate makes almost $1 million dollars MORE than someone without a college education?

According to the Census Bureau*, over an adult's working life:
-high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million
-associate's degree holders earn about $1.6 million
-bachelor's degree holders earn about $2.1 million

Money is not the only benefit.
Here is a partial list of additional benefits:
-higher levels of saving
-increased personal/professional mobility
-improved quality of life for their offspring
-better consumer decision making
-more hobbies and leisure activities
-positive correlation between completion of higher education and good health


Part of getting ready to go to college is knowing WHY you want to go. Hope the previous information helps convince you!



*Porter, K.(2002) “The Value of a College Degree”. Retrieved January 21, 2009, from ERIC Digest Web site: http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-3/value.htm

Preparing for College

Want to go to college? If I ask this question in a classroom, nearly 100 percent of students will answer yes. But when it gets down to it, not all students that give an affirmative answer take any further steps to prepare themselves for the opportunity. Going to college requires a decision, but simply deciding you want to go will not get you into college. Going to college is a process. And the earlier you begin in the process, the better.

Since today is the first day in the new year, it is as good a day as any to make resolutions. How about resolving to do more than just decide you want to go, and take the steps to prepare you TO go to college. If you are ready, join me all month as we explore how to make going to college a reality.