Teacher’s Take
Q: How do you feel about the new schedule?
Ms. Murfin: “The new schedule is very demanding on teachers’ time and it’s harder to get things done.”
Mr. Huston: “The new schedule starts too late, bring back the 7:30!”
Mr. McCaragher: “The new schedule doesn’t bother me since I started teaching a new class.”
Preparing for the future Tips to planning ahead Heather Wolff Staff Writer
College: moving out, growing up, no parents, parties, and classes of your choice. Are you ready for college? One of the biggest dilemmas facing a senior today is choosing the right college-one that will best prepare him/her in their career and future life. Preparing can be one of the main difficulties that goes into planning for college, but it is nothing to fret over. Need some help? Don’t know where to start? Start here: - Think about your future goals and what you want to accomplish when you’re older. - Think about “what you want to be when you grow up”- in other words, your career - Talk to a counselor on how to get on track with scholarships, admissions, etc. - Involve your parents. They might offer some insight on what to expect, or they might just want to be a part of your new adventure. - Think about your finances. Who will pay for college?Will you need financial aid? - DON’T PROCRASTINATE! Your application will not fill itself out. - Be real and honest in writing your admissions essay. You might have to answer questions about it. - Do your research and make visits before you apply. Know something about your school other than its name. - Take the SAT or ACT - multiple times. - Always have a backup plan. Don’t just apply to one school, and keep your options open for change. - Be on time! Sending in your application, and applying for financial aid and rooming can be a big hassle the later you wait. - Get ready! The change is coming. Are you ready? Don’t be afraid of change, don’t get too caught up in parties, and do NOT procrastinate the process. Do your research, get help, and get excited. Meeting new people, being in new places, and enjoying new things is half the fun of growing up and moving out on your own to college. Seniors - get pumped. “I love college” will be your new catch phrase.
Hayley Bupp Staff Writer
As high school students, it can be difficult rise to the challenge of Advanced Placement classes. Many of us are busy with jobs and extracurricular activities. Those of us, though, who accept the challenge, may find ourselves struggling and unsure how to raise our grades. Follow this advice and it can help you succeed and get you through the AP curriculum. To start, actually reading the textbook can be one of the most beneficial study habits. Without reading the book, it is difficult to actually learn anything substantial. Expect for most classes to actually require you to read the book and take notes for about two hours every weeknight. Slacking on this can cause students to fall behind, which ultimately leads to bad grades. “Actually read the book instead of Sparknotes-ing it,” said Will Johnson, senior. Johnson, who is in a rigorous schedule of six AP classes, knows how difficult it can be. But there is still hope. “Getting into a good, steady routine of study is always the hardest part,” he explained. “Once that’s set, everything becomes easier.” Another great study habit is to plan ahead. “Don’t cram,” AP English teacher, Mrs. Gail Tunnell said. “Break up [studying] over the week and you will retain it better.” Cramming the night before a test can make things worse, as you probably won’t remember as much information and you will most likely be tired the next day. “Start looking over the material three to four days in advance,” Johnson said, to ensure that you will have time to study. Another way to help study for tests is to create study groups. Collaborating with others can help you learn from each other. “The more people there are, the easier it is to get [the work] done,” said Tyler Wynne, senior, another AP student. Also, be careful of certain study buddies. Having a bunch of friends over will just likely cause a few hours of talking, not studying. Mrs. Tunnell advises to be smart about whether to study with others or not. If so, choose people who can help you earn higher grades. Another helpful option for studying, not only for tests but for the AP exam itself, is review books. Wynne calls review books, “a must” and Johnson, “a lifesaver.” Make sure you use all available resources to help with your studying. Especially resources like review books, as they can give you additional essential information. “You’re going to want to review before the exam,” Johnson said “A review book is the best way to do that.” “Don’t be overwhelmed, take it one day at a time,” said Tunnel to all newcomers of an Advanced Placement class. “If you actually do your work, it will pay off, I guarantee it,” said Will Johnson. So don’t be afraid, have good study habits and you can make it through your AP classes.
9 Features
Mr. Asp: “The new schedule is easily one of the biggest highlights of my entire life.”
AP Success