Why Take AP Courses?

By Jordan Schonig – Grockit instructor

For most high school students, the decision to take AP courses can be quite daunting. Enrolling in AP courses requires measuring the benefits against the possible drawbacks. The first question students almost always ask is whether the advantages of AP courses exceed the increased difficulty and workload that comes with such courses. Before you make your decision, you should know of all the advantages AP courses can offer.

1.       College Admissions

It’s a common misconception that SAT scores and GPA is all that matters when admissions boards examine your high school education. In fact, the kinds of courses you take are almost as important. Admissions officers want to make sure that their applicants will thrive at their institutions, and one of the best ways to predict undergraduate performance is to look at your performance in AP courses.

2.       Prepare for College Courses

AP courses are designed to emulate college courses, so taking APs will help ease the transition from high school to college education. The critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills required of you in APs—not to mention the added responsibility of preparing for the AP exams—will prepare you for your first year of college more than regular or even honors high school courses. 

3.       Earn College Credit

Perhaps the most versatile benefit of APs is the college credit you will earn. Scoring well on your AP exams will often help you earn credits for general education courses (those courses required by all students regardless of major) in college. This can have tremendous advantages for an incoming freshman. Because the AP credits will help you finish general education requirements sooner, you will have more time to explore elective classes that you want to take. Having the freedom to take a variety of classes means you’ll be able to try out different academic disciplines, thereby helping you narrow down your choice of major.

4.       Save Money

The most tangible benefit of APs is the money you could potentially save. If you score well on enough AP exams, you could earn enough college credit to graduate early by a semester or two. So while you shouldn’t just graduate early just because you can, you can see how cost-effective AP courses really are. After all, AP exams cost very little in comparison to a semester’s tuition.

Remember, getting the most out of your AP course requires you to score well on the exam, so come exam season, we recommend you invest in study materials, including test prep books, test prep websites like Grockit.com, and course material.

Ways to Get Involved on Campus

Many college bound students don’t realize how important it is to get involved on their university’s campus.  Some view college as one big party where as others appear to be on the opposite end of the spectrum, viewing college as solely an academic experience.  Often times, extracurricular involvement is overlooked by students who gravitate to each extreme end of the spectra.  However, here at College Resource Center, LLC  we feel it is best for college students to find some sort of equilibrium between their academic life and social life in conjunction with their involvement in extracurricular activities.  Thus, we encourage our clients to get involved on their university’s campus because it’s a great way to meet people, make new friends, develop interpersonal skills, acquire different responsibilities and build your resume.  Since there are many opportunities for students to get involved on campus, the following are just a few we recommend.

1. Join a student organization.  Colleges and universities boast about the numerous student organizations and clubs they offer.  Whether you are interested in politics, journalism, different cultures, skiing etc. there is undoubtedly a group just for you.  By joining a student organization, students can meet people, make new friends and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal skills.  Often times, new students are given the opportunity to run for different positions within the organization.  With these new positions comes the delegation of responsibilities and the opportunity to take on a leadership role.

2. Create a club.  If you have a particular interest that is not represented at your college or university then take it upon yourself to create a club!  This is a great way to bring one of your own passions to campus and to share it with the student community.

3. Join a varsity or intramural sports team.  Did you play a sport in high school?  If so, why not join a team in college?  Most colleges and universities offer both varsity and intramural sports.  If you’re not looking to participate in varsity athletics because of the time commitment or intensity then gather a group of friends and create an intramural team.  Intramural teams are a great way to stay in shape and have fun.  It also allows for flexible schedules with games occurring once or twice a week at night. 

4. Get a job on campus.  Getting a job on campus is a great way to become involved at your university while simultaneously making some extra cash!  A majority of on-campus jobs are allocated to work-study students first, but don’t let that stop you.  Find a job that suits your individual interests or skill set and apply.  Many campus supervisors even allow you to do homework while working.  What a great way to make money and get your school work done at the same time!

5. Participate in service learning.  If your college or university offers service learning, take advantage of it!  This program integrates community service with academics.  Students can earn extra credit by participating in a service learning program where they take their skills from the classroom and apply them in real life situations.  This gives students the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom and to give back to their community.

Remember, it is never too late to get involved on your university’s campus!  Join a club, get a job or do some volunteer work!  These extracurriculars serve as resume builders and can make your college experience unforgettable.

About Smart Track™ Toolkit: The toolkit is a web based service that assists families with everything from admissions and test prep, to student athletics and financial aid. Our intuitive software and on-demand workshops are key components to making sure students find their top choice colleges, and families can afford to send them there.

About the author: Alecia Coleman is currently a senior at Bentley University.  She is majoring in Accountancy and minoring in Law.  She was recently a recipient of the MSCPA Women’s in Accounting Scholarship and intends to get her Master’s in Accountancy at Bentley University, as well.

Connect with us

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http://twitter.com/uchoosecollege

How Parents Can Get Involved in College Admissions

We understand that going away to college is as much an act of independence as it is a smart choice for your future, but your parents’ involvement in the application process can actually make your life a lot easier. Applying to college is stressful for everyone. You want to make sure you do everything possible to get into the best college possible. Your parents want the same thing, but they might not know how to help. Here are a few tips for your parents to get involved without becoming overbearing.

Plan College Visits

While you’re studying for the SATs, have your parents schedule some college visits. At this point, you should know which schools you plan on applying to, or you can choose to visit schools after you’ve received acceptance letters.

Research Financial Aid

Even if your parents are not going to help pay for college, they have the necessary experience to better guide you through financial options and money management. Have your parents research loan options and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each plan.

Encourage Test Prep

Parents should encourage their kids to begin thinking seriously about the SATs or ACTs. Test prep books, classes (like Princeton Review or Kaplan), and online services (like Grockit.com) can be expensive but worthy investments, so parents should be able to help their kids finance them.

Remember Deadlines

While remember application deadlines should be the responsibility of the applicants, parents can help by marking these important deadlines in their calendar. While it’s important not to nag their kids, parents can and should offer gentle reminders as the deadlines approach. 

Don’t Make All the Decisions

Perhaps the most important thing a parent can do is not become too involved in the college application process, especially when it comes to choosing schools. While it is perfectly fine to offer suggestions and help research the school, your kids should ultimately make the final decisions regarding school selection.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Studying for Finals

At the College Resource Center, LLC we understand how stressful finals week can be.  With the hectic semester coming to a close, many college students find themselves cramming a semester’s worth of material into the night before their exam, writing last minute essays and completing lingering assignments.  Course work and outside commitments begin to accumulate during this time and often it seems nearly impossible to finish every tasks at hand.  This inevitably triggers stress and anxiety amongst college students.  The following are a few tips we share with our clients as finals week approaches.

1. Start Early.  Don’t wait until the night before to start studying for your final exams.  If you manage your time appropriately, you will be able to cover the necessary materials assigned to you for each class.  It is helpful if you study and keep up with your class work as the semester elapses.  Therefore, you will only need to review the materials at the semester’s close as oppose to cramming it all in.  We recommend students make a schedule, prioritizing what classes they need to study for the most as well as outlining the topics for each of those classes that will be covered on the exam.  This will ensure students divide their time fittingly between classes that are more demanding and classes that come easier to the student.  It also ensures students spend their time reviewing only the topics that will be included on the exam.

2. Go to the library or book a study room.  Find a quiet place to study, whether it be at the library or in a study room.  This will keep distractions to a minimum and allow students to direct their full attention to studying.  Often times studying in one’s dorm room can be disadvantageous because distractions such as roommates, televisions, etc. are present.  Also, studying at the library or in a study room gives students the opportunity to have more workspace.  Therefore, students can spread all the necessary materials right out in front of them.

3. Form a study group.  Often times it is more helpful than not to form a study group with fellow classmates.  In this way, students can motivate one another to get started and to continue studying until the exam.  Forming a study group gives students the opportunity to see a classmate’s perspective and insight on a subject.  This keeps students on their toes and allows them to grasp a better understanding of the material.  Study groups also promote the sharing of study materials so students can divide and conquer definitions, concepts and outlines, therefore helping one another prepare efficiently and effectively for the final exam. 

4. Go to your professor’s office hours.  It is imperative students go to their professor’s office hours and ask questions that will clarify topics which are unclear to the student.  Many times after answering questions, professors will also offer feedback to students on their overall performance throughout the semester and will tell them what mark they must earn on the final to achieve a certain cumulative grade.  Visiting your professor during office hours demonstrates your commitment to his or her class and shows just how much you are trying.  This extra involvement could mean the difference between a 4.0 and a 3.7, as professors take these added efforts into account.

5. Utilize the study materials you are given.  Make sure to study the materials provided to you by your professor such as study guides, PowerPoints, class notes and previous tests.  It is very helpful to review previous tests and quizzes as many times professors will revisit this material on the final.

6. Take breaks.  There can be such a thing as too much studying.  It is important you take 10 to 15 minute breaks to clear your mind.  Check your Facebook or twitter page, take a quick walk or chat with a roommate during this time.  If you are experiencing significant stress, opt to take a longer break and go to the gym.  Do some cardio to alleviate this tension and “get the juices flowing”.  Then resume studying.

Remember, all college students are in the same boat.  Everyone is experiencing the stress and anxiety associated with finals week, though some more than others.  Just take a deep breath and follow some of the tips above to prepare yourself for final exams and to alleviate some stress.

About Smart Track™ Toolkit: The toolkit is a web based service that assists families with everything from admissions and test prep, to student athletics and financial aid. Our intuitive software and on-demand workshops are key components to making sure students find their top choice colleges, and families can afford to send them there.

About the author: Alecia Coleman is currently a senior at Bentley University.  She is majoring in Accountancy and minoring in Law.  She was recently a recipient of the MSCPA Women’s in Accounting Scholarship and intends to get her Master’s in Accountancy at Bentley University, as well.

Connect with us

http://www.facebook.com/smarttracktoolkit

http://twitter.com/uchoosecollege

Tips for Acing your College Interview

It’s the summer time and I hope you’ve taken some time to enjoy it!  You work hard during the school year and deserve some R&R!  However, if you are going into your senior year, I hope that you’ve been staying on top of your college planning.  By this point in the game, you should be pretty close to finalizing your college list.  You need to make sure that you research each college on your list to see if they require or offer an interview.  If your colleges require interviews, you need to be prepared. 

If your colleges offer interviews, but they aren’t required, you’ll have to think hard about if an interview could really help you in this process.  If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA are average compared to the college’s admissions standards, there are going to be thousands of other applicants just like you.  An interview, just like the college essay, is something that you have somewhat control over and it could be just the thing to really set you apart.  If you’re well prepared, you may just give the admissions officer a reason to plead your case for the college to accept you.  Here are some tips to help you stand out and ace this process.

1. Do Your Homework.  It is extremely important that you research the schools on your list.  Read their website, become an expert on it.  Know what makes their school unique.  Why do you want to go there?  Read any brochures or course catalogues that you’ve received in the mail.  Don’t make the mistake of asking the admissions officer questions that can easily be found on their website. 

2. Know What to Expect. Practice, Practice, Practice.  It is very important that you’ve prepared ahead of time for this.  Research frequently asked college interview questions.  Come up with your answers to these questions and practice them with your family, a friend, a neighbor, or in front of a mirror. 

3. Prepare your own questions.  At the end of any interview (whether for college or for a job), the interviewer will always ask if you have any questions.  Make sure you are prepared with a few questions that you can ask at the end.  For example, look into special programs that they offer (e.g., Study Abroad, Cooperative Education Programs or Internships, etc.) and ask questions about one you’re interested in.

4. Dress Appropriately.  We know it may be summer, but please don’t wear shorts, t-shirts, or flip-flops.  No Jeans, baggy clothes, or ripped/torn clothes.  And ladies, please no revealing clothing.  Boys, dress pants and a collared shirt with a tie will look great.  Girls, a nice cardigan with a skirt will be just fine.  If you are going to interview somewhere far away, make sure you have everything ready in your suitcase and that you’ll have access to an iron once you’re there.

5. Beware of Body Language.  We all have our own quirks, make sure you know what yours are.  If you usually fidget, shake your leg, tap your foot, bite your nails, etc., make sure that you are aware of this and be careful during your interview.  Also, if you are someone who uses “like”, “um”, “you know” or other filler words like these, be aware of it.  Try not to say them so much during the interview, it’s a turn off.

6. Thank You.  After the interview, take the business card or contact information for the person you met with and don’t forget to send them a thank you letter.  Refer to something that you discussed and restate your enthusiasm for the school.

GOOD LUCK!!

Any additional tips?  Want to share a memorable interview experience that you’ve had (good or bad)?  Leave your comments!

About Smart Track™ Toolkit: The toolkit is a web based service that assists families with everything from admissions and test prep, to student athletics and financial aid. Our intuitive software and on-demand workshops are key components to making sure students find their top choice colleges, and families can afford to send them there.

About the author: Laura Guarino is the Student Services Coordinator with College Planning Strategies, LLC. Laura has a degree in Human Development from Boston College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in School Guidance Counseling.  She is also enrolled in a certificate program in College Admissions Counseling.  Laura is at the forefront of the college admissions process for the families of CPS and The Smart Track™ Toolkit.

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