I have grown much since I first started this blog. My junior year was a time when I needed to kick things into high gear, and so I joined many clubs, tried my skill in a few sports, and tackled many AP classes. In addition to these, I undertook the task of writing this blog, for I wanted to share my experiences and even some challenges I faced along the way. It has been quite a journey and I am glad to have shared it with you. However, I must now write this one final blog—a bittersweet moment. (more…)

Decisions, decisions, decisions. After being accepted to the colleges that you applied to, the last grueling step is to choose which one you would like to attend. If you have applied to any colleges early, then you may already know that some decisions have been released. Hopefully, you have been admitted to the college of your dreams and all the work you have done in high school will be worthwhile. Choose the college that will best fit your aspirations and desires—for this is where you will begin the next chapter of your life. (more…)

During your search for colleges, some applications will ask you for the major you choose to undertake. While this will not be binding, it is advisable that you have at least some idea of what you will choose during your studies in college. There are hundreds of majors available in many colleges—anywhere from Biology to Puppetry. Once you begin to narrow down your options, ensure that these colleges have the major you desire. It would not be favorable to enroll in a college only to find out that you cannot learn what you chose to go to college for in the first place. (more…)

College applications, however stressful they may be, are some of the most important documents you will have to fill out. As you may already know, a college application compiles more or less your profile, and admissions directors compare yours against those of other prospective students. For the most part, you have a choice of what to fill in on your application. Another choice available to you is whether you want to apply to early or regular decision. (more…)

As you may have probably learned, letters of recommendation are an integral part of most college applications. Colleges use recommendation letters to find out more about the way you act in class and school in general. A normal application may show your grades and achievements but a letter of recommendation can show how you participate in class discussions and of your demeanor during class. The letters can also show participation outside of class and can make a lasting impression on admissions officers. (more…)

If you haven’t noticed yet, many college and scholarship applications require essays. The essays can range anywhere from a couple of words to as much as a 500 word essay. Many ask what you have accomplished while more unique ones ask you to invent a new product. Regardless of which essay colleges ask you to write, they all determine your chances of getting into college. College admissions officers use essays to determine your writing skills, and it shows them a different side of you. (more…)

I hope everyone had a fantastic summer and welcome back! If this is your senior year then this school year is something to definitely anticipate. Hopefully, you achieved all your goals for this summer and are ready to kick off a new school year. We’re now a couple days into our semesters and ideally you are back in your “school modes”. For some of you, this will be your last year in high school so savor this experience and try to make the best of it. (more…)

Summer is just around the corner! If you’re like me, you have probably been anticipating summer for a while. A few more days and school will be out. Seniors will be moving on to the next phase of their lives, while juniors have one more year in high school. In time, we juniors will also be moving on to college or other ventures. Next year our schedules will become quite hectic as we begin applying for colleges. The free time we have during summer is a perfect time to start the process. (more…)

Exams are finally over! With exams out of the way, it is time to relax—but only for a while. The hours spent studying and the restless nights have finally paid off. If you studied diligently, there’s no reason to worry, and the only thing left to do is wait for your tests to be graded. However, many of you may be lost and may not know what to do. As you transition into your end-of-the-year modes, make sure you do not lose focus. (more…)

Senior year is almost here and after that we’re on our way to college life. Choosing the right college will probably be the most important decision we will make. Many students decide to go to a college because of its academic program, its standards, or its cost. Going to a college, unfortunately, can take a toll on our wallets. While colleges can be very expensive, there are ways to minimize the cost. One definite solution is scholarships. (more…)