ABAC November Fee Waiver

 

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will waive its application fee for the month of November.  

Georgia Southern University Fee Waiver During November

During November, students can apply to our 80+ undergraduate degree programs without the $30 application fee. 

Please encourage your students to submit their applications for free at GeorgiaSouthern.edu/apply.

What To Do After You Submit Your Application

 Author: North Shore College Consulting

After months of writing essays, describing your activities, talking to your counselor and teachers about letters of recommendation, and gathering all of the other information requested by a college, you finally press that submit button. Now you can take a deep breath and sit back and relax. Or can you? While we encourage you to take that deep breath and pat yourself on the back for all of the hard work you put into your application, there are a few more steps. 

1, Watch your email carefully for instructions from the colleges. Most colleges will send you information on how to set up your application status portal. Take the time to read these emails carefully and follow their instructions. This portal is where you can confirm that the college has received all of the pieces of your application (test scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, transcript, etc.). The portal may require or recommend additional information such as uploading a resume, writing an optional essay, signing up for an interview, or reporting courses and grades. It would be a shame to put all of the work into an application only to miss the last few steps and not have a complete application. 

In addition to watching for application completion, the portals are usually where you will ultimately receive your admission decision. We recommend bookmarking the link to the portal and keeping your username and password somewhere handy and safe. There is nothing worse than hearing a college has released decisions but not remembering how to access your portal.

2. If your family is applying for financial aid, be sure you know what information is required and when the deadlines are to apply for aid. The FAFSA and the CSS Profile opened on October 1st, so you can complete those applications now. If you have been watching your email carefully, you likely have received emails from the colleges you applied to with this particular information. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the colleges’ financial aid offices with any questions you have. They want to help!

3. Continue to research the colleges you applied to. If a representative from the college will be coming to your high school, try to attend that session and introduce yourself. Whether or not a college tracks demonstrated interest, admissions officers like to meet the applicants. We also suggest following up with an email afterward to thank that individual for taking the time to speak with the students at your school. Continuing to learn about a college may help in the decision-making process when evaluating your options later in the school year.

4. Sign up for interviews if available. Interviews are usually optional, but you should embrace this opportunity if a college offers you one. Interviewing will allow you to give the college more information about yourself and show that you are really interested in attending their school. If you are offered an interview, make sure you are prepared. Before the interview, review the details you have learned about the school and why you would like to attend. We also recommend that you make a list of some questions to ask the interviewer.

5. Continue to work hard in your classes. Now is not the time to let senioritis take over. Colleges may ask for your grades from your first trimester, first quarter, or first semester. And, of course, second semester matters too. Colleges will require a final transcript and can revoke an offer of admission if your grades decline drastically.

6. Along the same lines of not letting senioritis take over, don’t let the excitement of finishing applications cloud your judgment. Colleges will need to be alerted about any disciplinary issues. Save yourself the stress of a possible rescinded offer by continuing to keep your behavior in the classroom, outside of school, and online in check. For more ways to steer clear of senioritis, check out our previous blog post here.

7. Thank your counselor and your teachers for their assistance and for writing your letters of recommendation. You can do this before you have received decisions from your colleges, but be sure to follow up after deciding on a college to let them know what school you will be attending next year.

While this may seem like a lot to do, we promise, the tough part is over (unless you count waiting for decisions). Don’t stop now. Make sure you cross the finish line before you stop to celebrate, but we encourage you to look back and appreciate all you have accomplished. Be proud of yourself and try to savor every moment of the rest of your senior year.

Online Tools That Can Support ACT, SAT Prep

Various virtual test prep resources can help you focus, maximize study time, retain information and perform better.

By Tiffany Sorensen

|

US News & World Reports

When we envision digital tools geared for SAT and ACT prep, certain resources immediately come to mind: online practice tests, flash cards and the like. But a wealth of other tech tools are also available to SAT and ACT test-takers, and you could deeply benefit by using some of them as you study.

Diversify your SAT and ACT test prep and maximize your study efficiency by adding these online resources to your routine:

Focal aids that enable distraction-free studying
Tools that encourage efficient time management
Electronic flashcards that use spaced repetition
Video tutorials with explanations and examples

Focal Aids That Enable Distraction-Free Studying

Most study sessions start with good intentions of productivity. Unfortunately, students are surrounded by seemingly endless stimuli that can distract from that goal. Whether you're distracted by noises from outside or your family pet, or just too tempted to refresh a social media app, you may find yourself struggling to stay focused on the task at hand.

[ 

READ: 

3 Signs You're Ready for the ACT or SAT. ]

One of the easiest ways to reduce distractions is to activate your phone's "do not disturb" mode. This function silences all app notifications, calls and texts as long as your phone stays locked. Once you unlock it, you will see – and possibly hear – all notifications as you normally do. With most cellphone models, you can turn on the no-disturb option quickly from the main drop-down menu.

If your cellphone is an especially large distraction to you, consider using an app like OFFTIME that allows you to mute notifications, restrict or limit access to certain apps, track your phone activity and more. A full version of the app for Androids is free on Google Play with in-app purchases, and a version for Apple iOS devices costs 99 cents.

Another option is to purchase a mobile phone "jail" available on Amazon and elsewhere. Once your phone is locked inside, ask someone to hold the key for you until your study session is over.

Tools That Encourage Efficient Time Management

Poor time management is an issue that most high school students experience at some point. They must frequently juggle test prep activities, regular academic commitments and responsibilities around the house, making effective time management essential.

[ 

READ: 

ACT vs. SAT: How to Decide Which Test to Take. ]

The Pomodoro Technique is a proven and simple strategy that can help you make the most of your time. It consists of setting a timer for 25 minutes, working efficiently during that period and then taking a break of typically about five minutes. Note that taking a break is not a suggestion but a required step of the process.

The Pomodoro Technique can be repeated as many times as is necessary, though students should be aware of how long they can realistically work before fatigue sets in. To get started, use a traditional timer, the one on your oven or cellphone, or the free virtual one at TomatoTimer.

Time management is closely linked with task management, another skill that students should hone during test prep. Consider downloading Remember the Milk, a free app that lets you set and categorize reminders in several ways, including by due date, priority and subject. With such apps, you do not have to worry about handwritten reminders that could get lost or overlooked.

Electronic Flashcards That Use Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves electronic flashcards shown according to several algorithms. Flashcards that contain new and difficult content are shown more often than those with familiar and easy material. When an incorrect answer is given, the flashcard is flagged for more frequent review.

Spaced repetition is especially helpful for learning vocabulary and formulas, which are essential to success on both the ACT and the SAT. Explore Anki and Brainscape, two websites that allow you to make your own flashcards, access others' flashcards and study via spaced repetition.

Video Tutorials With Explanations and Examples

For explanations of specific concepts, question types and test-taking techniques, YouTube is a powerful resource. For concise math lessons, you might benefit from following the Mathademics channel, while Grammar Girl offers quirky overviews of writing and grammar topics such as punctuation marks, commonly confused words and misplaced modifiers.

[ 

READ: 

Learn From Your ACT, SAT Practice Test Results With These Tips. ]

And, of course, a great many videos are specifically geared toward ACT and SAT prep strategies. One important thing to note is that the ACT and SAT overlap quite a bit, so if you find videos helpful as you study for one test, the lessons will generally carry over to the other, as well.

Other Online Resources and Apps

Remember to take advantage of the resources noted above, as well as the more familiar options such as online practice tests.

The official creators of the ACT and SAT offer free sample exams, an excellent place to begin. You can locate additional practice problems by searching "ACT" or "SAT" in your cellphone's app store. Many apps, such as ACT Online Prep for Android and Apple devices, exist in this space. Some even target specific sections of each test.

Varsity Tutors, the company that writes the College Admissions Playbook blog, also has free ACT and SAT classes that you can attend online.

As you prepare for the ACT or SAT, remember that these virtual tools can help you maximize test-day performance.

CyberStart America

 

Ready, Set, Game! CyberStart America has officially opened, meaning the CyberStart training game is ready to play! Your students can register right now on the CyberStart America website to start learning practical cybersecurity skills and compete for scholarships. You and your students have free access to CyberStart game until April 27, 2022. With so many new features to discover and practical skills to learn, they won’t want to miss a single day of play!

Register now

If you are eligible to take part in CyberStart America, you can now get free access to CyberStart until April 27, 2022. With so many new features to discover and practical skills to learn, you won’t want to miss a single day of play! If you don't work with high school students in the USA yourself, but you know anyone who does, please pass this message onto them. Check out a whole host of new features, challenges and updates to this year's program Just like last year, there are hundreds of realistic challenges and hands-on cybersecurity labs for your students to explore right now. As well as this, CyberStart has been super-charged and upgraded to offer a brand new set of features, which you and your students can enjoy for FREE!  Students can challenge friends and classmates as they compete or collaborate for points, while you track their progress through the challenges in the new Groups feature.  Try the brand new Intern base which will gently onboard beginner students and give them a taste of what life is like at the Cyber Protection Agency.  Tune in to entertaining video tutorials hosted by James Lyne in the upgraded Field Manual; a place for students to get extra help with tricky challenges or a boost of knowledge on a new concept.  Be the first to hear about this year's new scholarship opportunities offered by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation and other partners like JROTC.  Help your students build a portfolio of skills, badges and certifications recognized and desired by employers.

Get students started

7 Key Tips for a Campus Visit

 By David Duxbury,  CollegiateParent

Every year, thousands of parents scour the internet with their college-bound children in search of their “dream” school. Students find hundreds of college websites that boast their rankings in athletics, student life and academic programs.

All of the websites use superlatives like “Most Affordable” or “Best Student Life” while posting trendy pictures of students laughing in hammocks drinking iced coffee. Every campus seems absolutely incredible!

But...how can family members help students decide on a school when every college website says they are the best? The answer may (or may not) surprise you.

A campus visit!

Visiting a college or university campus during the academic year can help you determine if what the website advertises is actually true.

Campus visits are popular during the fall months, but most admission offices will accommodate guests any time of the year. Whether your student is a well-prepared sophomore or a high school senior who needs to finalize their decision, campus visits are a great resource.

You may be wondering, “Is it possible to schedule a campus tour in light of COVID-19?”

The answer is yes!

Most colleges and universities in the U.S. are currently accommodating in-person visitors. However, each state, city and institution has different pandemic protocols. Before making travel plans, be sure to understand the guidelines you'll need to abide by during an in-person visit.

If visiting in person is not the best option for your family, most admissions offices are facilitating virtual tours and info sessions.

It's time to plan your campus visit! Here are seven tips for getting the most out of the experience.

1. Prepare a list of questions to ask.

Having questions prepared may feel strange, but it will give you and your student the ability to compare and contrast every visit should you tour multiple college campuses.

Questions about financial aid, job placement rates, academic programs, and student experiences are all fair game for the admissions representative that meets with you. You can also consider asking in-depth questions about campus safety, retention rates, and graduation rates to gain a better understanding of the health of the institution.

2. Tour the residence halls.

One of the most common questions admissions representatives get is the quality of the residence halls. You may not be able to tour every residence hall depending on the size of the campus, but this will help determine if living on campus is doable for your student.

This is a good time to ask about the campus community, how your student’s roommates would be chosen, and the support services that are available in the residence halls. It's also important to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the cost to live on campus per year.

3. Eat in the dining center.

Who doesn’t like free food? Many campuses will offer a complimentary lunch as part of a visit.

Eating in the college dining center can show you a lot about a campus. Does the dining center provide quality food with multiple options? Are student dietary needs (allergies and other intolerances and restrictions) reflected in the offerings, or will you need to make special arrangements for your student?

These are important things to consider since your student could be eating in the dining center for four years. Some dining halls are pay-as-you-go, but others have all-you-care-to-eat buffets, which can make the tour a good time to remind your student that great things can be enjoyed in moderation — the “freshman 15” is a real phenomenon.

4. Ask to speak with a current student.

Most admissions offices have current students facilitate tours for guests. This is an incredible opportunity for both parents and prospective students.

A current student will give you the most accurate, genuine perspective of what happens on campus. This can give you an idea of how current students spend their time, where they find the best entertainment in town, and how they get their studies taken care of. A current student could also give insight on different clubs and organizations that would best fit your student’s interests!

5. Attend an on-campus event if it is offered.

Rather than sifting through a website about the best on-campus events, why not attend one? Depending on the school, you may be able to attend an on-campus event as part of your visit experience.

Athletic events, music performances, theater and comedy improv are just a handful of on-campus events that you may be able to attend while visiting. This will give you and your student a first-hand experience of campus life. Many schools schedule concerts, games, lectures and more to overlap with preview events for prospective students. This can add a lot of value for you and your student!

6. Allow your student to speak and ask questions.

After facilitating hundreds of personal visits and group events, I have watched parents do all of the talking during their time on campus. While it's important for parents to be engaged, remember that your student will be the one attending college! Allow them the time and space to ask their own questions and to use their own voice during the visit. The more they can speak, the better idea they will have about the campus and how they fit into it.

If there are multiple tour groups heading out at the same time, you can request to go with a separate group than your student and compare notes when you meet back at the admissions office. Or consider hanging to the back of the group and saving your own questions for the end of the tour.

7. Be honest about where you and your student are in the process.

Looking for colleges is very much a “shopping” experience. Admissions professionals are often seen as eager salespeople who want you to make your decision before leaving campus.

If this is the case, make sure the admissions representative you are interacting with understands where you are in the process. If you are just casually visiting schools, be firm when sharing this information. Just because you're visiting a campus doesn't mean you need to move forward in their admissions process.

Following these seven steps will help your student (with your guidance) make an informed decision about where to attend college. Above all else, enjoy your time previewing campuses with your student!

David Duxbury is a first-generation college graduate from Merced, California who now works in higher education. He is passionate about sharing meaningful information with families to make the admissions process more accessible and easy to understand. David currently serves as the Associate Director of Operations and First Impressions at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Calvin Coolidge Scholarship for Juniors -- Deadline is January 19th

The 2022 Coolidge Scholarship application is now live. 

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that may be used by recipients for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2023 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply (current high school seniors are not eligible to apply). Winners may use the scholarship to pursue any academic major.

Academic excellence is the primary criterion considered by the Coolidge Scholarship. Secondary criteria include an interest in public policy and an appreciation of the values President Coolidge championed. Successful candidates will also demonstrate humility and have a record of genuine service to their communities. A complete description of the scholarship’s criteria is available here. 

The competition for the Coolidge Scholarship is significant -- only a few new Coolidge Scholarships are awarded each year from a pool of candidates that spans the entire country. Even so, students have reported to us in past years they were glad to have applied even if they didn’t win because the experience helped prepare them for college applications later on. Furthermore, the Coolidge Foundation invites one hundred of the top Coolidge Scholarship applicants to participate in the Coolidge Senators Program, which includes an all-expenses-paid Summit in Washington, D.C. and a $1,000 scholarship. This year Coolidge Senators met important leaders such as David Malpass, president of the World Bank, and Homer Hickam, the NASA scientist whose own inspiring boyhood formed the basis for the film October Sky. Students also had the chance to meet with key executives in medical science and banking. Scholarship applicants are automatically considered for the Senators Program. 

Alert: the application requires that candidates read President Coolidge’s Autobiography and complete a few other reading assignments. While the book is not overly long, we encourage students to begin the application early. Candidates who begin the application at the last minute are unlikely to be successful. The submission deadline is 5:00 PM eastern time, Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

We hope you will share this opportunity with outstanding high school juniors at your school. The scholarship application, along with additional information, can be accessed on our scholarship site: www.coolidgescholars.org. Please note if you have any questions, I, or a colleague, can be reached by email at coolidgescholars@coolidgefoundation.org or by phone at (202) 827-4291.