Monday, April 25, 2016

Should I Take a Summer Course?

With summer break right around the corner, you may find yourself debating on whether or a summer course is right for you. Check out the pros and cons listed below, you may come up with your own ideas to add to the lists!



Pros:

  • Gets general education courses/electives out of the way

  • Keeps you in the rhythm of school

  • Smaller course loads during the fall and spring to focus on more difficult classes

  • Shorter classes since the summer courses do not last the same length as a full semester


Cons:

  • Less downtime in the summer to unwind/relax

  • Harder to get a summer job because it affects your availability

  • Less variety in the selection of courses to take

  • Shorter classes can make the course fast paced potentially causing you to fall behind



Monday, April 4, 2016

Who Doesn't Want Free Money?

Finding and applying for scholarships can be tedious, time consuming, and straight up annoying. It doesn't have to be that way though! Below are a few tips to make your scholarship search smoother and more effective.

  1. Start searching ASAP. Begin your searching in the summer, and continue throughout the school year.
  2. Answer any and all optional questions on scholarship matching websites- it makes it easier to find one to match your needs.
  3. Use free scholarship matching services! It allows you to use a little less effort.
  4. Keep an eye out for local scholarships or any scholarships through a parent's employer.
  5. Tailor your application responses to the sponsor's goal of the scholarship.
  6. Create a special calendar just for scholarships in order to keep deadlines organized.
  7. Apply to ALL scholarships that you are eligible for, especially less competitive ones. It doesn't matter if they are for a smaller amount of money. Anything will help, and multiple scholarships will add up.
  8. Personalize your essay and be passionate about whatever you're talking about-even if the passion is a little far-fetched.
  9. Create an email address specifically for scholarships.
  10. Keep copies of your applications.