Countdown to College

The pressure is on. To compete in today's global economy, teenagers must obtain collegiate degrees now more than ever.

"Our growing global economy has made it necessary for more students to attend college in order to obtain good paying jobs. New tools, such as the common application, encourage students to apply to more schools - which increased the competition," says Rust Greigg, vice president of Sylvan Learning College Prep.

With students reaching for their "dream" schools, many realize increasing their scores on thier college entrance exams is only part of the planning process. More students and parents today are learning the secret that top colleges have known for years - systematically preparing for university-level classes gives students more confidence and more confidence can lead to higher SAT/ACT scores, early admission to the college of your choice, and a smoother transition into higher education.

With the fall season rapidly approaching, we have developed a list of what high school students can do during the Fall/Winter season to ensure they are adequately prepared for the college process.

Freshman Year
*Meet with your guidance counselors to ensure you are enrolled in college prep courses.
*Focus on doing well in your classes and seek extra help from peers, teachers, and supplemental education providers when needed.
*Join a sports team or club to become involved in school.
*Volunteer for local activities to become a part of your community.

Sophomore Year
*Take the PSAT in October for practice.
*Attend college fairs and open houses in your area.
*Talk to friends and relatives attending college and ask them about their experiences.

Junior Year(This is a critical time for college prep)
*Take a leadership role within your sports teams, clubs, or volunteer organizations.
*Register to take the PSAT/PLAN offered in October.
*Attend college fairs and open houses in your area. Question school representatives and recruiters about thier academic programs, majors offered, application fees, and admission deadlines.
*Analyze what you want in an institution of higher learning:
- Small, medium, or large school?
- Urban, suburban, or rural campus?
- Distance from home?
- Rigorous admissions requirements (SAT/ACT scores, GPA, class rank, etc.)?
- Intended major offered?
*Create a first list of schools that meet your personal requirements.
*Begin to research national and regional scholarships. Note the requirements and deadlines.


Senior Year
*Take the SAT/ACT again. Prepare by using prep books or enrolling in a SAT/ACT prep program.
*Create a master calendar that includes:
- Collegiate application due dates
- SAT/SAT Subject Tests/ACT/AP dates, frees and registration deadlines
- Financial aid form deadlines
- Recommendations and transcript due dates
- High school deadlines for information requests
*Narrow down your list of universities to 5-10 and review your choices with your parents and teacehrs.
*Complete and mail your scholarship applications.
* Ask your teachers to write letters of recommendation. Give each person your resume, any requred forms, and a stamp and addressed envelope.
*Write your admissions essays. Ask your teachers and families to proofread.

The college process is involved, but Sylvan Learning Center can help you navigate. We offer free diagnostic SAT/ACT practice tests for students and free parent seminars and resources including college planning guides. Interested in how Sylvan can help you and your child? Call (908)638-6788 or (908)806-4010. It's never too early - or too late - to begin preparing for college and lifelonge economic success.

In The First Person

Books written in the first person-stories told by an "I" narrator about him or herself-expose readers to the concept of a unique voice, as well as to story lines in which the narrator is one of the characters.

A story changes when only one person's subjective point of view can be shown. First-person narration "sounds" different from the more typical omniscient third-person narration, where an all-knowing, all-seeing narrator is not part of the story.

Suggested books for students at all levels:

Elementary Level
Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Little House on the Prairie series
John D. Fitzgerald, the Great Brain series
These books, set at the turn of the 20th century, combine fascinating historical details wiht engaging characters and humorous and poignant situations.

Middle School Level
Mary Rodgers, Freaky Friday
Anne Frank, The Diary of Anne Frank
These books are opposites in many ways: funny and serious; contemporary and historical; absolute fantasy and all-too-real reality. Yet both have universal messages about establishing one's own identity as well as timeless observations about family relationships.

Secondary School Level
J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
Alex Haley, The Autobiography of Malcom X
While one is more fictional than the other, both focus on introspection and striving for growth, giving young people a great deal to think about.

Exposing your child to a variety of literature will help to foster that love of reading. By hearing someone else's voice, it may inspire your child to find his or her own.