3 Tips for Effective Studying

Many students have little motivation to study because they lack the tools for effective study. Here are some general guidelines to help you get the best out of your studying.

Learn time management skills. Organization is the key to improving study skills. Set out a plan before you begin and stick to it. Allotting a certain amount of time or a period of time each day when you feel that you learn best and studying during that time is usually a good strategy. It will not only help you accomplish your goals, it will keep you on track time-wise. Don't get behind on your studying or homework; keep up to date with your assignments to relieve some stress in the long run and to study more effectively.

Study in short bursts. There is nothing worse than burnout when you are trying to study. Don't try to do a marathon session of studying, as you will not be able to remember everything all at once. Take breaks every now and then between chapters or subjects to give your brain a rest! Cramming is not the answer--don't put off studying for a test until the last minute. Most teachers give you plenty of advance warning before an upcoming test, so studying in small sections at a time over a span of days  will help you to remember more. Then you can review everything right before the test if it is necessary. You might be surprised at how much you actually remembered!

Block out distractions. Turn off your phone, shut off your IM program and the TV, and close your door. Nothing will derail your studying as quickly as interruptions. If you really want to be successful, you need to focus. Another great tip is to make sure you have everything you need--books, paper, and pencils/pens BEFORE you start studying to cut back on distractions.

Most importantly take your time, make a plan, and stick with it. The key to improving study skills is to study smart, not hard. Don't procrastinate and don't get distracted and you'll be acing the test sooner than you think!

3 Key Things Colleges Look for In Applicants

What are college admissions officers looking for as they review your application? The admissions process varies and can be subjective to some degree, but here are 3 important things that could help you stand out and score acceptance letters from your favorite schools.

Strong Grades and an Upward Trend
Grades are one of the most important components that colleges will be looking at. You should have a Grade Point Average (GPA) that reflects your hard work. Also, admissions officers value grades that represent strong effort and show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A's in less challenging coursework. Class rank will show where you rank in relation to your classmates—the higher the BETTER! A higher rank reflects that you have worked harder than others in your class.

A Challenging High School Curriculum
A transcript that reflects that a student takes on challenges can put them a step ahead. Academically successful students should include several honors and Advanced Placement classes. You should also try to take a variety of challenging classes in several academic areas; if you love science, you need to show some diversity in your class selection. Do not take only science classes, include some courses in other academic areas such as, math, foreign language, English, business, or computers. Also, every college provides information on the basic number of courses that you must take in each discipline in high school; try to exceed the minimum required by the college. If they require two years of foreign language, try to take at least three.

Extracurricular Activities
Something to keep in mind is that your activities should demonstrate your interests. Passionate involvement in a few activities — and a demonstration of leadership and initiative in those activities — can only help a student. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important. You should participate as a leader or make a significant contribution to those activities in which you are involved. Try to have activities that show that you care about the world outside of the classroom because your participation will be an indication as to what type of contribution you will be able to make to the college community. A long list does not impress admissions committees, so it is better to have a few activities to which you dedicate a significant amount of time.

After reading over this list, decide which areas you need to work on to improve your candidate status. Make your admission in to one of your top-choice schools a reality!

Time Management Equals Success

Yes, you're supposed to enjoy being a teen.  Yet, we waste so much of our lives. So, why not make sure every moment counts?

Poor time management, generally in the form of procrastination, adds a level of stress to your mind that doesn't allow you to fully enjoy your down time.  You'll come up with a million things to do instead of the greatest tasks at hand, even cleaning your closet! (OK, maybe not that.)

Time is valuable.  Until you realize that, Facebook and other mundane tasks will start to kill you, or, at the very least, keep you from getting into the school of your choice. Everything seems more important than the 'worst math homework ever' or that looming test on the novel you haven't read. So much stress that it makes you hate seeing your book bag in the corner. 


Just get it done! Learn to prioritize with the realization that everything can't be done in a day.  Yet, challenge yourself to go above and beyond expectations. You'll be much more relaxed overall and have more time for fun stuff.

Schedules become habits. Don't you hate it when you wake up by early on Saturday?  There's no doubt that our body's internal clock prefers to be in control.  But, taking care of you is also very important. 


Healthy minds and bodies work and play better.  Regular sleep times and planned study periods are beneficial. Routines, even if strayed from on weekends, nurture an environment of giving value to your time.

Another over-riding theme on this topic is the ability to be self-aware.  We all have limits.  Doing too much can be a huge barrier to successful time management.  Learn how and when to say 'No' to everything from excessive hang out sessions with friends to participating in too many activities.  Focus will allow you to reach your goals, including getting into your top choice of college or university.

Back to Facebook already?  No one said this balancing-act would be easy.

National Scholarships Spotlight

Although competition is stiff, there are several lucrative national scholarships available each year.  Here we highlight a sampling.

Since 1942, the Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS) has been one of the nation's most prestigious science research competitions for high school seniors.  First in partnership with Westinghouse and beginning in 1998 with Intel, SSP has provided a national stage for the country's best and brightest young scientists to present original research to nationally recognized professional scientists.  Applications are due in November and the potential award is $100,000. Find out more here: http://www.societyforscience.org/sts

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships provide a flat grant of US$27,000 for one academic year of study in another country.  These awards are intended to help defray costs associated with round-trip transportation, tuition and other fees, room and board, and some educational supplies.  Scholars are required to attend at least one orientation seminar if offered in their district or region. Study or training must be undertaken in another country or territory where there are Rotary clubs.  It cannot take place in the country of the sponsor Rotary district.  Applications are due in October and the award is $27,000. Find out more here: http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/educationalprograms/ambassadorialscholarships/pages/ridefault.aspx

Through the quality and reach of its programs and the longevity and devoted commitment of its family, members from over 200 tribal nations are represented within AISES.  To increase access to higher education and improve college retention rates, AISES administers competitive scholarship programs which partially defray tuition and other educational expenses.  The AISES Google Scholarship awards scholarships to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian AISES members for degrees in computer science, management information systems and computer engineering.  Applications are due in June and the potential award is $10,000.

For twenty-one consecutive years, Tylenol has awarded the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship to students pursuing a healthcare career and they continue to award over $250,000 annually.  This scholarship is open to all students pursuing a career in healthcare whom excel in leadership, academic performance and community involvement. Applications are due in May and the potential award is $10,000. Find out more here: http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subptyschol.inc

College Applicant Rights

You may not be aware of it, but as a college applicant you have certain rights at many of our nation’s colleges and universities.

As you apply to colleges, you have the right to certain information about them including information about how much it will cost you to attend.  The National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is a member organization that includes more than 11,000 college access professionals around the USA and beyond.  According to them, college applicants have the right to several things, including:

• “Receive factual and comprehensive information from colleges and universities about their admission, financial costs, aid opportunities, practices and packaging policies, and housing policies. If you consider applying under an early admission plan, you have the right to complete information from the college about its process and policies.”
• “Be free from high-pressure sales tactics.”
• “Wait until May 1 to respond to an offer of admission or financial aid. Candidates admitted under early decision programs are a recognized exception to the May 1 deadline.”
• “Colleges that request commitments to offers of admission and/or financial assistance prior to May 1 must clearly offer you the opportunity to request (in writing) an extension until May 1. They must grant you the extension and your request may not jeopardize your status for admission and/or financial aid.”

Know your rights and consult with a teacher or counselor if you feel these or any other potential rights have been violated during the admissions process.

What Does Tuition Include?

It is easy to become confused when it comes to the topic of tuition. Each college or university will have a different cost associated with tuition. Some of these schools automatically include other necessary expenses into the cost of an education. These costs may include things that parents have already allotted for outside of tuition.

Researching specific schools is a good way to determine what your tuition cost entails. The first step in this process is to narrow down your choice of schools. Some students already have an idea of what school they want to attend. Others are open to the best offerings that a college can offer to them. This will include considering majors, degree programs, and even the location of the school. Once these factors have been determined you can consider tuition and what it includes.

Basic Tuition

Basic tuition most often is simply the number of credit hours the student will take. Some universities and colleges determine this cost per credit hour or unit. Students are charged individually for this expense. These units can range from $300 to $500 each, and more in some cases. Other schools, however, charge a flat fee for a range of hours. An example of this is approximately $4500 for 12-18 hours of credit.

Room and Board

Room and board costs are often factored into tuition. Some schools require freshmen to live on campus. This is an expense that will be incorporated into the tuition fees. Students at other schools may opt to live off campus. Apartments and vehicles are not a part of the cost of tuition. They are, however, additional costs for families to consider when preparing for higher education.

Dining Options

There are a number of schools that require freshmen to have a specific meal plan. Most universities have a choice of plans for students and their parents to choose from. These are dining locations situated conveniently on-campus. As you survey the cost of tuition per school, you may find that dining options are included here.

There’s no secret that tuition usually includes more than families consider. This is one of the reasons for them to prepare ahead of time for their children’s education. It doesn’t matter, whether college is a year or two away. The more prepared you are, the easier the transition will be for parents and students.

4 College Recommendation Letter Tips

The part of the college admissions process that you don't have full control over is the recommendation letter.  These stories of support by coaches, counselors, mentors and teachers can become powerful testimonials in support of the student's application.  Letters of recommendation provide a contextual interpretation of academic performance as writers share critical insight to the learning style and habits of the potential enrollee, along with their ability to respond to adverse conditions. 

Selecting Recommenders.  Seek people that are most likely to positively support you with their best writing effort.  This doesn't have to be the teacher of the class where you make the highest grades or who is your favorite.  Select those that understand your goals, passion for education and those who can comment on your critical thinking and communication skills.

Allow ample time.  Some of those that agree to write letters of recommendation may not be able to get to them immediately or at the last minute.  Make sure they have enough time to collect their thoughts and write the best letter possible.  Also, understand that teachers and counselors get asked by multiple students to write letters for college acceptance and private scholarships.  Plan accordingly.

Explain your passion.  If time allows, have a brief meeting with each recommender and explain the importance education has in your future goals.  This time will serve as the thought-provoking communication needed to inspire the best letters of support. 

Provide information.  Don't assume that because you've had the same teacher for two years that they know the overall picture of your educational journey.  Share a brief resume of achievements and activities with each person that agrees to write a letter of recommendation.  It is also extremely important to provide the recommender with appropriate forms (some schools require the recommendation be submitted on a pre-printed document they provide) and reiterate application deadlines.  It is customary to include all necessary postage-related items such as a pre-addressed envelopes with pre-paid postage already affixed.