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NEWS 6501 Nob Hill Road Tamarac, FL 33321 954-747-3050 800-244-8447 STUDENT STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Denise Akerman, MCFATTER Stephanie Brito, MIAMI LAKES Antonia DeBianchi, ST. THOMAS Claudia Moncaliano, SAGEMONT Rachel Greenberg, SPANISH RIVER Grace Hines, UM GLOBAL ACADEMY Courtney Rozen, CYPRESS BAY Yasmin Santos, UCF Zachary Slotkin, AMERICAN HERITAGE Christina Vasquez, SOMERSET Alyssa Weiss, COLLEGE ACADEMY PUBLISHER Lisa Goodlin EDITOR Jennifer Jhon ART DIRECTOR Geri Irwin Clem ADVERTISING Lisa Goodlin lgoodlin@tribune.com 954-574-5393 MARKETING Sandy Betlach DISTRIBUTION Fernanado Alonso FAlonso@sun-sentinel.com © 2015 Teenlink. All rights reserved. Teenlink is published by South Florida Parenting, a division of the Forum Publishing Group., a subsidiary of the Sun Sentinel Company, in partnership with the Sun Sentinel. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is forbidden.
FAU nursing school soars ahead in U.S. News rankings tional University (54), University of Miami (61) and University of Central Florida (83).
Florida Atlantic University’s nursing school is getting some respect from U.S. News & World Report. The Christine Lynn College of Nursing was ranked the 72nd best in the country this year, zooming ahead from its previous ranking of 193 in 2011. A total of 503 accredited institutions were eligible to be included, and 246 received numerical rankings. Rankings are based on such factors as acceptance rates, student GPAs, student-to-faculty ratio, degrees awarded and number of grants. FAU exceeded in the number of master’s degrees awarded and in the number of National Institutes for Health research grants it received, officials said. Also helping FAU is that 100 percent of faculty have doctoral degrees. Other Florida schools that ranked include the University of South Florida (38), University of Florida (48), Florida Interna-
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Broward College launching new film program There may be soon be a lot more filming going on at Broward College. This fall, the college plans to launch a program where students can earn an associate of science degree in film production technology. It’s for those who seek entry-level employment in potential careers such as camera operator, video editor, film production crew, sound editor, producer, director and cinematographer. The program will be based on the Davie campus. Four shortterm certificate programs will also be available for those who don’t want a full associate’s degree. Pezhman Jatala, who has produced several film shorts in recent years and has 14 years of experience teaching film production, will be leading the new program. “The school has invested in some great film equipment, and we are ready to give students the hands-on experience to become filmmakers,” Jatala said. Filmmaking is a growing industry for jobs in South Florida, Jatala said.
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“It’s continuing to expand with all the new technology and distribution methods,” he said. “The future is wide open, so we decided to come into the mix.” He said the South Florida market is good for wedding videos, commercials and promotional videos. There are also regular movie and television shoots in the region. The college already offers six classes in areas such as editing and production, but “they were never part of a cohesive program,” he said. Eight new classes will be added. Most will be taught by adjunct professors. Film production is offered at several other South Florida colleges and universities. Palm Beach State College has an associate of science degree program in motion picture production. Miami Dade College has a bachelor’s degree in film, television and digital
NSU adding a traditional medical school Nova Southeastern University plans to create a new medical school, offering traditional medical degrees at its North Miami Beach campus. NSU’s new College of Allopathic, or M.D. program, will complement its existing doctor of osteopathic medicine program, which is often described as a more holistic approach to patient care, officials said. The new medical school is designed to help meet a pending physician shortage in the state. It would be South Florida’s fourth traditional medical school, joining the University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University’s medical school and Florida International University’s school. Two state health groups recently released a report identifying a physician shortage
of about 7,000 by 2025, particularly in psychiatry and several surgical fields. NSU says it will be the only university in the Southeast and the first in Florida to house both an osteopathic medical school and an allopathic medical school. NSU President George Hanbury said the program will be modeled after Michigan State University, which already offers both degrees. The three existing traditional medical schools, as well as NSU’s osteopathic program, all get thousands of applicants for hundreds of spots. The new NSU program, slated to accept its first 50 students in 2017, plans to serve about 125 students within its first four years. It will be housed at the old Southeastern University of the Health Sciences at 1750 NE 167th St., North Miami Beach, not the campus in Davie. — Sun Sentinel reports
College tours: Making the most of Accepted Student Days By Lee Bierer
Go to TeenlinkSouthFlorida.com to win passes to the PITCH PERFECT 2 screening on Tuesday, May 12, in Miami www.pitchperfectmovie.com #PitchPerfect2 @PitchPerfect
production. Florida Atlantic University’s School of Communications and Multimedia Studies has a sequence in film, video and new media. Students can also earn film degrees at several private colleges, including the University of Miami, Lynn University in Boca Raton and Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach.
May1, the official day when students need to notify colleges if they’re coming this fall, is creeping up. “Accepted Student Days” are a new-ish phenomenon whose objective is to lure students to say “yes.” Accepted Student Days are similar to traditional campus visits except that colleges are trying harder to convince you that they are the right choice. You will see prettier campuses, indulge in uncommonly good cafeteria food and undoubtedly be impressed by the well-spoken students, professors and staff who will all try to wow you. It’s rare for parents and students NOT to fall in love with a college during Accepted Student Days; that is, until they experience their next Accepted
Student Day at another college. The first big decision is whether you should even go. The benefits of attending include an opportunity to speak with professors, coaches, future teammates, students, staff and alumni, as well as seeing the campus in action and maybe even sitting in on a class and spending the night with a student ambassador or a friend. If you do choose to go, here are some suggestions: 1. Get engaged from the get-go. This is not a time to be shy; the more proactive you are while you’re there, the more confident you’ll be in deciding if this is your best fit for next year. Immerse yourself in campus life, initiate conversations with students in the dining hall, ask thoughtful questions of the admissions staff. You’re already
in; they won’t rescind their offer if you ask a “stupid question.” 2. Tailor your visit for your needs. You are likely to have some down-time. Make arrangements ahead of time to meet with people/departments that are likely to be pivotal in your decision-making process: theater directors, coaches, study abroad, financial aid, etc. 3. Listen and take notes. There is a lot to take in; you’ll appreciate your notes when you return, especially if you attend more than one Accepted Student Day. Listen to the questions others ask because it may prompt you to think more closely about other issues. 4. Check out the campus culture. Look around and see if people look a lot like you. Try to picture yourself on the campus, in the classes and participating
in campus life. Judi Robinovitz, founder and co-owner of Score at the Top Learning Centers and Schools, suggests checking out what other students look like and how they are dressed. “That may sound very shallow, but feeling socially comfortable is almost more important than being academically comfortable, because I think that most students can choose their courses wisely enough.” 5. Relax (as best you can) and don’t make any rash decisions. Understand that colleges are putting their best foot forward. Go home, sleep on the experience and hold off on making big decisions. Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.
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You’re imagining your future, you know you will go far, you want to make a difference, to inspire others, you want to help those in need, you want great educators, you want engagement in the classroom and hands-on experience beyond it, you want to study in a vibrant city, you want to graduate ready to work anywhere, you want a classic campus environment, with an amazing social and varsity sports scene, and a legendary beach nearby. The answer’s obvious: you want Barry University.
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Top 5 Myths: the college transition By Rachel Greenberg Spanish River High
College may seem nervewracking: new friends, challenging coursework, tight budgets and more. But along with the challenges, college is full of new experiences and life lessons. Maintaining balance in your college life can be the key to comfort in this new world. Adjustments can be hard, but correcting these distorted myths should help ease your mind about the transition. MYTH: All-nighters are routine. Although at least one all-nighter is highly probable, this should not be a regular habit. By organizing your time in high school, you can improve your studying and discourage procrastination. An all-nighter once in a while is acceptable, but loss of sleep can cause harsh consequences, such as the inability to concentrate in class.
MYTH: Rushing is a right of passage. Not really! As it turns out, Greek life isn’t for everyone. While many college students enjoy fraternity parties and their weekly tailgates, being tied to a specific group of people in the beginning of your freshman year might not be the best way to settle into a new environment. You may want to consider settling down and exploring all your options. If it seems you fit best in the Greek world, you can always rush when you are a sophomore. MYTH: The Freshman 15. This is arguably one of the most common misconceptions about freshman year. While kale salad and cold-pressed juices might not be in the college budget, Ramen Noodles and Easy Mac are not your only options. A smart idea may be the college dining hall. Although the dining hall might not have the sharpest reputation (and some do), they DO
have options. Salads and grilled chicken are common menu items. MYTH: College is all about the parties. Depending on what college you attend, there will likely be parties every night. This change can be overwhelming if you aren’t keen with the high school party life. Keep in mind: You do not get graded on partying. College is just as much about academic work as high school is, only there are more temptations that test your responsibility. Plan your time so you can get good grades AND have fun. MYTH: Finals week is unbearable. High school students and college students are both guilty of procrastination. But if you study throughout the semester, you should be familiar with the information and glide through the week unharmed. Stay on top of your work and forgo the unnecessary stress.
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The Internet and college admissions By Stephanie Brito Miami Lakes Educational Center The great Common App crash of the 2013-2014 school year showed the effects of the Internet on college admissions and the pressure on seniors to apply to more schools than ever before. But you can use the Internet to improve your college application experience: 1. Look at how schools rank in your area of interest. Don’t look at the No. 1 school in the country, look at the top schools in your area of interest. With the Internet, all of this information is a search away. 2. Understand the money. College is an investment, and the best way to make a return on that investment is by understanding the way your school gives out aid and loans and what the outcome of that investment will be. The perfect college should be cost effective while matching your interests. 3. Use social media authentically, while remembering that everything you post online is permanent. More and
more colleges are searching applicants on social media to get a dynamic understanding of their applicants. It is beneficial to keep social media off private to let admission officers see who you really are. If your posts may hamper your acceptance, delete your account and start over, or open a separate account. 4. Follow or like accounts of colleges you’re interested in. Tweet or leave comments to let them know you’re interested in their programs. You can also try to connect with current students to get more information about campus life. 5. Use programs like Naviance, College Navigators and FastWeb to get information about colleges and scholarships. With the Internet, any college, university or other postsecondary institution is just a few clicks away. Make sure to use that resource to apply and get accepted to the right college for you.
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Getting Schooled: Tips to avoid looking like a freshman
By Yasmin Santos University of Central Florida
Looking like a freshman is a fear among many students. Although not completely avoidable, this list of helpful suggestions from students at Florida schools is sure to help you look like a seasoned Seminole, Osprey, Gator, Knight or Owl. (As this list was written by a UCF student, there is no intel on rival USF; our apologies, future Bulls.) FSU - Little ‘Nole 1. Stay Classy. Tallahassee clubs are infamous for wild behavior. Try your best to stay off of Seminole Makeouts – a Twitter account dedicated to pictures of public displays of “affection.” Your friends will laugh and so will strangers. 2. App > Map Avoid looking like a lost tourist in a historic European city because that’s exactly what the FSU campus is like. Instead, download the FSU app and look like you’re addicted to your phone, just like everybody else. 3. The Art of Pride When it comes to showing how proud you are to be a ‘Nole, a simple shirt or hat will do. Leave the Seminole chief headpiece at home (except on game days). 4. No. 1 Rule: NO LANYARDS UNF - Young Osprey 1. Cease the Geese Don’t feed the geese. They will attack you. 2. Ditch the bike, take a hike. Bikes are an unnecessary hassle, and a dead giveaway. Your legs don’t need storage and are much more difficult to steal. 3. Keys to Please Dorm keys go in keyholes and pockets, not around your neck. 4. Again, NO LANYARDS
UF - Baby Gator 1. Cargo? More like carNO This one’s for you, fellas: no cargo shorts. 2. Greek or Geek? If you aren’t Greek, or aren’t Greek yet, don’t try to look the part. It is an acquired art, so save the chubbies and monograms until you’re closer to initiation. 3. Gator teeth Don’t look so nervous, and smile! Cuz, go Gators! 4. And Again, NO LANYARDS UCF - Squire (Young Knight) 1. Knights carry a sword, not a board The UCF campus has a total circumference of about 3 miles, so you are capable of walking. Unless you’re a downhill pro or street surfer, leave your longboards, skateboards and razor scooters in your room. 2. Club or Pub? The college bars in Orlando are casual. Ladies, leave the party dresses and heels for downtown. Gentlemen, just look presentable. Tip: Drinks are spilled constantly, so closed-toed shoes you have no emotional investment in are best. 3. #NoNewNames On-campus residents of Academic Village (Nike, Neptune, Hercules), Libra and Apollo with meal plans will become very familiar with “63 South,” your new source of nutrition. What you may not know is this dining hall was previously called “Marketplace,” and anyone at UCF before 2014 will call it just that. 4. The Golden Rule: NO LANYARDS FAU - Owlet 1.Just Don’t Do It Nike slides are a thing of the past. Apparently not even the ath-
letes are sporting this look any longer. 2.“The Caf” The Atlantic Dining Hall, renovated in 2013, serves food as good as the place looks and is affectionately known to older Owls as “the caf.” 3.Graceful Owl Running to class is a dead giveaway of froshness. Give yourself a day to learn the campus and where all your classes are. Also, learn the residence halls, some look and sound very similar. 4.As Always, NO LANYARDS
What to bring (and not bring) to college It can be pretty hard to adjust to dorm life. Space is limited, so packing smart is a must. Here are a few things you should definitely bring with you on move-in day — as well as some you should probably leave at home. BRING Room decorations. Turn a typical college dorm room into your own unique living space. Bring posters to cover the bare cinderblock walls, holiday lights to create a welcoming atmosphere, and photos of your friends and family to feel closer to home. Oscillating fan. Many college dorms don’t have the luxury of air conditioning. In the winter months, especially up north, an oscillating fan will prevent you from sweating while you sleep. Bed risers. It’s hard to fit everything you have into a tiny college dorm. Bed risers maximize
storage space by allowing college students to place things underneath the bed. Wall hooks. With a hook that attaches directly to a wall, anyone can easily store keys and other items in an organized way. Desk organizer. Place your school supplies into separate compartments using a desk organizer to prevent searching your entire dorm room just to find a highlighter. DON’T BRING Winter clothes. Closet space is typically very limited in dorms, and unless you’re headed for Alaska, you won’t need your bulky winter gear until late fall. Have your parents ship them up when the weather gets colder. Or even better, take some of your clothes home with you at Thanksgiving and replace them with your winter outfits. Car. Freshmen should spend their free time
socializing with fellow college students, not driving off by themselves. Plus, there’s usually so much to do on campus that a car is unnecessary. New textbooks. Sites such as Amazon offer used textbooks in good condition at very low prices. There’s no need to shell out hundreds of dollars on textbooks when there are much cheaper options. Computer lock. Students may feel pressured to buy a lock for their laptop to prevent it from getting stolen in college. However, most students pretty much travel all the time with their laptops, so they’ll likely never use a lock even if they have one. Anything your roommate is bringing. It’s important to discuss with your roommate beforehand what each of you should bring to prevent having duplicates that waste precious space.
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By Zachary Slotkin American Heritage
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Stay safe on campus Blingsting’s tagline is “Super-Sparkly Safety Stuff” and the Ahh!-larm and Blingsting Pepper Spray don’t disappoint when it comes to sparkles. Each safety item is available in multiple different “blinged out” color options. The Ahh!-larm is a personal alarm with LED safety light on a keychain clip. Although it is not “super-loud” as marked, it is loud enough to get the attention of others and possibly scare off an assailant. The Pepper Spray (which was used in Paul Blart’s “Mall Cop 2”) comes in a refillable rhinestone case with key chain clip. A standard ½-ounce OC pepper spray is included. $22 each, blingsting.com
Skinit has you covered Celebrate the school, sports team or sorority of your choice with Skinit device cases and skins. The userfriendly Skinit website makes designing a case as easy as 1,2,3 – literally. You can make your design of choice in any color, add any text, or upload a personal photo, or all three! You can also choose an image from Skinit’s vast image library, which includes licensed collegiate sports, professional sports, and school and fraternity/sorority designs, as well as Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, fashion, etc. The skins are available for a variety of phones, tablets, gaming consoles and laptops, as well as for phone cases such as Lifeproof and Otterbox. Starting at $14.99, skinit.com
Working out to the beat
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SMS Audio Sport’s wireless earbuds are wirefree water- and sweat-resistant, making them perfect for working out at the gym or dancing on your bed while your phone stays safe. Delivering expert sound, the professionally-tuned, cushioned earbuds are designed in a way that minimizes outside sounds. The Audio Sport comes with comfortable, rubber Stay-Fit wings, and they work well to keep the earbuds in place while you move to the music. With the Audio Sport’s 3-button in-line control mic, you can take calls or just jam for up to 8 hours on a single charge. Audio Sport’s wireless earbuds are available in bright pink, blue, yellow, orange and black. $129.95, smsaudio.com
Tunes on the Go Wake Up! Worried about sleeping through your classes? The Amplifyze TCL Pulse will wake you up. Perfect for dorm rooms, the Pulse connects via bluetooth to your phone and then will vibrate with or without sound at the alarm time, so it will alert you to your 8 a.m. class but leave your roommate sleeping. It is also much safer than sleeping with your phone under your pillow. Download the app from the Apple Store to set the alarm vibration strength, sound level and snooze options for up to 10 alarms a day. The Pulse runs on 3 AAA batteries (included). $39.95, TLCPulse.com
The NYNE Cruiser is a portable bluetooth speaker designed to go with you in a variety of ways. The Cruiser comes with handlebar mounts that can be attached to your bike and a neoprene pouch that can be attached with a carabiner to your backpack or purse. The Cruiser’s sound stays clear even at top volume, and the speaker includes a variety of function buttons and a noise-canceling microphone for hands-free calling. It comes with an audio cable that allows a wired connection to the speaker, and charges via USB for 8-10 hours of music. The two-tone rubberized Cruiser comes in Black/Silver, Blue/Black, Gray/Green and White/Gray. $79.95, Amazon.com or nyne.com
Broward County
Public Schools
SALUTING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE Broward County Public Schools
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest public school system in the United States and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has over 260,000 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 238 schools, centers and technical colleges. BCPS serves a diverse student population. Students are from 204 different countries and speak 135 different languages. For more information about BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @Browardschools, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.
OUR HIGH SCHOOLS
4.4 MILLION+
100%
67,700+
Earned by BCPS high school students.
Offer opportunities to participate in debate and computer science programs.
Taken by BCPS high school students.
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
18,600+
DUAL ENROLLMENT O CLASSES Taken by BCPS students in grades 11-12.
OF BCPS HIGH SCHOOLS
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES
100%
73,000+
OF BCPS HIGH SCHOOLS
STUDENTS IN GRADES 9-12 9 12
Provide opportunities to participate in advanced academic courses, career and technical education, fine arts programs and athletics.
Receiving a high-quality education in BCPS high schools in 2014/15.
Educating today's students toda 's st dents to succeed in tomorrow's world.
facebook.com/browardschools
Innovative programs providing unique educational experiences
Nationally-recognized magnet programs
Career and technical education
Fine arts and athletic programs
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@browardschools
Rigourous academic programs (International Baccalaureate, Dual Enrollment, Cambridge AICE, Advanced Placement, Honors)
Thursday, April 23, 2015 : : TeenlinkSouthFlorida.com : :
Look inside for more information about the outstanding accomplishments of BCPS high schools.
Coconut Creek High School
1400 NW 44 Avenue, Coconut Creek 33066 • 754-322-0350
• Coconut Creek High’s Creek Collegiate Academy, in partnership with the University of Florida, allows students to earn up to 60 credits from the university. • Industry certifications earned in Coconut Creek High’s Automotive Services program are the highest in the county.
College Academy @ Broward College
3501 SW Davie Road, Ft. Lauderdale 33314 • 754-321-6900
• The College Academy is a full-time dual enrollment collegiate high school located at Broward College.
Atlantic Technical High School
• 100% of the Class of 2015 earned a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree and are matriculating to a university.
4700 Coconut Creek Parkway, Coconut Creek 33063 • 754-321-5100
• An “A” school for 9 of the past 10 years. • Silver Medal recipient for 4 consecutive years in U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of America’s Best High Schools.
Blanche Ely High School
1201 NW 6 Avenue, Pompano Beach 33060 • 754-322-0950
• Blanche Ely High selected to participate in the national research project for the Scaling up of Effective Schools Personalization of Academic and Social-Emotional Learning. • Blanche Ely High has a 90% graduation rate.
Boyd Anderson High School
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3050 NW 41 Street, Lauderdale Lakes 33309 • 754-322-0200
• Boyd Anderson High houses two outstanding magnet programs: International Baccalaureate and Health and Wellness. • Boyd Anderson High seniors have amassed more than $4 million in scholarships.
Broward Virtual School
1400 NW 44 Avenue, Coconut Creek 33066 • 754-321-6050
• The only K-12 virtual school accredited by the national collegiate athletic association.
Cooper City High School
9401 Stirling Road, Cooper City 33328 • 754-323-0200
• Cooper City High students won the School Duel in 2015. This is a high school quiz game competition between 20 schools from Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. • Cooper City High offers 19 Advanced Placement courses with 692 students enrolled taking over 1,100 tests.
• The first public high school to offer students the ability to earn a high school diploma entirely online in Florida. SALUTING HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SHOOLS
Coral Glades High School
2700 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs 33065 • 754-322-1250
• Coral Glades High’s Business Professional Students of America had 10 students qualify to compete at the national level. The students won 24 awards and were selected to design a trading pin representing the State of Florida at the national convention in Anaheim, CA. • Coral Glades High PROWL newspaper has been recognized at all levels by the Florida Scholastic Press Association for writing and layout design.
Coral Springs High School
7201 West Sample Road, Coral Springs 33065 • 754-322-0500
• Home of the largest Business Professionals of America Club in Florida winning at the state level and placing at the national level 9 years in a row. • Offers Innovative Programs including Fire Academy and Emergency Medical Technician, Quantum Leap and Dual Enrollment (Academy for High Achievers) and Linking Education and Employment Opportunities (LEEO).
Cypress Bay High School
18600 Vista Park Boulevard, Weston 33332 • 754-323-0350
• An “A” school 4 years in a row, offering 32 Advanced Placement classes. • National Mathematics Honor Society is ranked 3rd in regional and statewide competitions.
Deerfield Beach High School
910 SW 15 Street, Deerfield Beach 33441 • 754-322-0650
• Deerfield Beach High School is an “A” school for the 2nd year in a row. • Deerfield Beach High’s Culinary Arts team won first place in the State 2015 Family Career and Community Leaders of America competition, advancing to the National competition in Washington, D.C. this summer.
Dillard High School
2501 NW 11 Street, Ft. Lauderdale 33311 • 754-322-0800
• Dillard High’s SigmaC@ts Robotics Team received their second consecutive first place win at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology 2015 Peachtree Regional Robotic Competition. • Dillard Center for the Arts’ Jazz Band Ensemble has been selected to compete in the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival for 4 consecutive years.
Everglades High School
17100 SW 48 Court, Miramar 33027 • 754-323-0500
• Everglades High is a Cambridge Academy School. Students are able to earn the prestigious Cambridge Diploma and qualify for college credit. • Everglades High offers a three-year Fire Academy where students can become Level 1 certified as firefighters. This program is run through a City of Miramar partnership.
Charles W. Flanagan High School
12800 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines 33028 • 754-323-0650
• Flanagan High is home to an innovative program known as Flanagan Innovation Zone University where students can earn the equivalent of an associate degree before they leave high school.
Fort Lauderdale High School
1600 NE 4 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33305 • 754-322-1100
• Fort Lauderdale High has been rated an “A” school by the Florida Department of Education for three consecutive years. • Fort Lauderdale High’s graduation rate has reached 92% with all major demographic groups surpassing 90%.
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SALUTING HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SHOOLS
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• Charles W. Flanagan High is an “A” school three years in a row with a graduation rate of 91%.
Hallandale High School
720 NW 9 Avenue, Hallandale Beach 33009 • 754-323-0900
• Computer coding will now be part of Hallandale High’s master schedule next year with a class in computer science. • 98% of Hallandale High’s seniors graduated last year.
Hollywood Hills High School
5400 Stirling Road, Hollywood 33021 • 754-323-1050
• Hollywood Hills High had a 99% passing rate on both the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam as well as the AP Spanish Literature exam. • Hollywood Hills High’s literary magazine, The Knot, has won the award of “Excellent” in the nation for over 12 years.
Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED
1901 NW 49 Avenue, Lauderhill 33313 • 754-322-3600
• Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED offers educational opportunities to learn about Cyber Security, Gaming Design, Firefighter Paramedics and Engineering. • Classes are formatted to allow for a personalized college-bound education.
McArthur High School
6501 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood 33024 • 754-323-1200
• Through Mustang University, students at McArthur have the opportunity to take college-level courses their freshman year with the possibility of graduating with an Associates of Arts degree. • McArthur’s SPIDER Program is an elite college preparatory program that prepares students for admission into top colleges across the nation including MIT, Yale, Harvard and John Hopkins.
William T. McFatter Technical High School
6500 Nova Drive, Davie 33317 • 754-321-5700
• William T. McFatter Technical High is an “A” school since 2002. • William T. McFatter Technical High is ranked as a Silver Medal recipient by U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of America’s Best High Schools.
Miramar High School
3601 SW 89 Avenue, Miramar 33025 • 754-323-1350
• The only school in the county that offers Aviation Science Magnet Program to students in the preparation of a variety of post-secondary programs leading to careers in the aviation industry. • Ranks within the top 100 in the nation for AfricanAmerican Advanced Placement performance.
Monarch High School
5050 Wiles Road, Coconut Creek 33073 • 754-322-1400
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• Features the Excalibur Program in which high achieving freshmen can accelerate their studies in Advanced Placement and STEM-related courses. • Monarch High implemented a new Academy of Hospitality and Tourism program to provide students access to information and job opportunities in the tourism industry.
Northeast High School
700 NE 56 Street, Oakland Park 33334 • 754-322-1550
• The Industrial Biotechnology magnet program is in its inaugural year at Northeast High, and Alternative Energy is scheduled to debut next year. • The City of Oakland Park acknowledged that Northeast High’s Latin Club is the longest serving organization involved in the Adopt-A-Street Program. SALUTING HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SHOOLS
Nova High School
3600 College Avenue, Davie 33314 • 754-323-1650
• Nova High is the only traditional high school in Broward County to earn an “A” for 10 consecutive years. • Nova High ranks 10th in the nation for African American/Black Student Achievement in Advanced Placement courses.
Piper High School
8000 NW 44 Street, Sunrise 33351 • 754-322-1700
• Piper High is host to a National Research Study entitled “P.A.S.L.” Personalization through Academic & Social Learning. • Piper High affords our 10-12 grade students the opportunities for Dual Enrollment through: Florida International University, University of Florida and Broward College. All classes are on Piper’s Campus with iPads provided for student learning needs.
Pompano Beach High School
600 NE 13 Avenue, Pompano Beach 33060 • 754-322-2000
• Hosted 2nd International Summit featuring students, teachers and administrators from Poland, Brazil, India, Spain and France discussing global education, economics and culture. • Students and faculty from Pompano Beach High participate in international educational field trips to Sweden, Finland, China and Costa Rica.
Sheridan Technical High School
5400 Sheridan Street, Hollywood 33021 • 754-321-5400
• Sheridan Technical High offers students rigorous academic and technical instruction in more than 20 career fields.
Plantation High School
6901 NW 16 Street, Plantation 33313 • 754-322-1850
• Plantation High offers the International Baccalaureate Programme, which challenges highly qualified students with the most rigorous course of study in Broward County. • The Aerospace Engineering Design & Technology program offers students a 4-year experience that focuses on hands-on, real-world engineering design, Code.org and manufacturing.
South Broward High School
1901 North Federal Highway, Hollywood 33020 • 754-323-1800
• South Broward High was awarded the honor of offering the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). • LEEO (Linked Education and Employment Outcomes) curricula is integrated into our Global Logistics and Supply Chain Technology Program.
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SALUTING HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SHOOLS
Thursday, April 23, 2015 : : TeenlinkSouthFlorida.com : :
• As part of Sheridan Technical High’s commitment to personalized learning opportunities, all students are issued laptops and access textbooks in electronic format.
West Broward High School
500 NW 209 Avenue, Pembroke Pines 33029 • 754-323-2600
• West Broward High has earned an “A” rating every year since inception with an average graduation rate of 96%. • West Broward High has a new Debate program that is already competing at National tournaments and its World Language students have placed 1st - 4th place in the recent Academic Competition.
Western High School
1200 SW 136 Avenue, Davie 33325 • 754-323-2400
• Western High is home to the “Imagine the Impossible” STEM Academy, with numerous awards in robotics and rocketry.
South Plantation High School
1300 Paladin Way, Plantation 33317 • 754-323-1950
• South Plantation High earned 1st place in 2015 NASA Florida Student Astronaut Challenge.
• Western High is one of 100 high schools selected by College Board to participate in the AP Capstone Diploma program.
• South Plantation’s French students won first place for their play in the State and also won third place overall in their division.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
5901 Pine Island Road, Parkland 33076 • 754-322-2150
• An “A” school with one of the highest graduation rates in the county. • Marjory Stoneman Douglas High students earned over $8.5 million in scholarships.
Stranahan High School
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1800 SW 5 Place, Ft. Lauderdale 33312 • 754-323-2100
• Selected as a Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America for their Medical Magnet program. • Marine Corps JROTC program has won numerous awards on the local, state and national level.
J.P. Taravella High School
10600 Riverside Drive, Coral Springs 33071 • 754-322-2300
• The Drafting/Engineering Program has placed in best overall technology school for the county for 3 consecutive years. • Culinary Arts students placed in the Florida ProStart Culinary Competition of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Competition.
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Lunch in style In an age when people worry about being ecoconscious and reducing the trash they contribute, one of the first things to go are paper lunch bags. Posh Play’s Snack Sack tackles the issue head-on with a stylish, durable and well-sized lunch bag perfect for those seeking to be more ecologically aware. The Snack Sack comes in various designs of faux leather, including Slate, Hot Pink, Aztec, Hot Chocolate and Turquoise, combining the look of a simplistic adult bag with the fun vibe of a child’s lunch bag. It includes a strong strip of Velcro to close it and is impressive in its insulation, keeping water bottles cool for 4 hours even when they were taken out various times. The Snack Sack is generously sized at 10 x 10 x 3.5 inches, and Posh Play allows customers to apply monograms when purchasing the product. $38, poshplaymat.com
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U Chic College Girls’ Real Advice For Your First Year (And Beyond), $14.99 Music to live by We love our tunes, but sometimes the elements can challenge our efforts to soundtrack our lives. (Just think of how messy a trip to the beach can be.) Altec Lansing fixes that with its “life proof” Bluetooth speakers. They are sandproof, shockproof, snowproof and waterproof – meaning they can boom that bass even underwater. The Mini H2O is the thinnest waterproof Bluetooth speaker on the market. Smaller than your phone, it lasts about 6 hours and comes with a carabiner to hook it onto your bike or beach bag. ($39.99) Altec’s slightly larger Boom Jacket is the 2.0 version of Altec’s popular Life Jacket. It has a battery life up to 40 hours, connects to up to 8 devices, floats and comes with mounting options, making it perfect not only for a daylong beach party but for the ride over there. ($199.99 ) AltecLansing.com
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The best way to learn about college life is from someone who has lived it. “College Girls’ Real Advice” delivers expert tips from students and recent grads to help freshmen successfully navigate their dive into college life. Chapters focus on pre-arrival, roommates, academics, extracurriculars, social media, sororities, technology, romance, health and safety, finances, college perks and more. A key helps you find quick answers to questions such as When to Drop a Class, Voluntourism, Communicating with Parents and What to Do if A Friend Has Been Raped. The quotes and tips scattered throughout the book give additional information in fun-to-read bites. Easy to read, and full of information most incoming freshmen actually want to know, “Real Advice” is a great book for teens looking for insight on their next step in life.
Teenlink.c om to enter
Picture perfect
I’ll Miss You Too: The Off-to-College Guide for Parents and Students, $14.99 Mother-daughter duo Margo Ewing Woodacre and Steffany Bane Carey describe how college changed their relationship in this slim, helpful book. Readers will relish their real, honest advice on everything from difficult roommates to studying abroad. Easy to follow and straight to the point, “I’ll Miss You Too” covers a variety of subjects, including the stress of finals, the awkwardness that can come with the first extended visit home, and how students change mentally and physically. The book’s real stories about those who were pulled into dark places can help inspire readers to put themselves first wherever they go. With most college-bound high school seniors focusing on going away, this could be an excellent guide.
Thursday, April 23, 2015 : : TeenlinkSouthFlorida.com : :
Wish you could bring your friends to school with you? Now you can, with SnapBox’s photo pillows. The 18x18-inch pillows can be customized with any image, which means you can kiss your friends or favorite celeb crush goodnight every night and fall asleep with them lying beside you. The photos are printed on super-soft, high-quality faux suede, and the cover is machine washable, so you can keep your sweethearts clean and ready to cuddle. $34.99 (with a promo price of $26.24 through May 11), www.snapboxprints.com
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PRE-COLLEGE
5 1 0 2 R E M M U S E G E L L PRE-CO GUIDE
âžžPROGRAM
mer of your sum t u o ence t s o m llege experi Get the co e th f o taste by getting a enberg Rachel Gre Nadel and By Matthew spondents Teenlink corre
Non-Credit Programs College/University
Program
Classes
Dates
Ages
Harvard University
Pre-College Program
5-6 course options
June 28-July 10, July 12-24, July 26-Aug. 7
Rising juniors and seniors
Stanford University
Pre-Collegiate
8 subjects with numerous course options
June 21-July10, July 13-Aug. 1, July 13-Aug. 8
Rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors
Boston University
Summer Challenge
Choose two seminars from a list of 18
June 14-June 26, July 5-July 17, July 19-July 31
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors
Brown University
Summer@Brown
Almost 200 courses in liberal arts and science
Varying for each 1-4 week course
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors and college freshmen
Emory University
Pre-College
8-11 courses offered each session
June 21-July 3, July 5-July 18, July 19-Aug. 1
Rising juniors and seniors
George Washington University
Summer Immersion
7-8 courses offered each session
July 5-17, July 19-31
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors
Columbia University
Summer Program for High School Students
9 subjects, each with several course options
June 28-July 18, July 20-Aug. 8
Rising juniors and seniors
Georgetown University
Summer at Georgetown: Institutes
12 different career institutes
Dates vary by 8-day program
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors
University of Pennsylvania
Wharton Pre-College Programs
Leadership in the Business World
July 5-Aug. 1
Rising seniors
College/University
Program
Classes
Dates
Ages
Harvard University
Secondary School Program
200 courses in 60 subjects (choose two 4-credit courses or one 8-credit course)
June 20- Aug. 8
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors
Stanford University
High School Summer College
145 courses in 30 subjects
June 20-Aug. 16, June 20-Aug. 23
Rising juniors and seniors
Johns Hopkins University
Discover Hopkins
9 S.T.E.M. courses (1 credit)
Go online for session dates
Rising juniors and seniors
Johns Hopkins University
Summer University
Variety of classes in 28 subjects (3 credits)
June 21-July 3, July 5-July 18, July 19-Aug. 1
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors
Boston University
High School Honors
90 courses (up to 8 credits)
June 28-Aug. 7
Rising juniors and seniors
Duke University
Summer College for High School Students
Variety of classes in 12 subjects
July 5-July 31
Current sophomores and juniors
American University
NSLC Youth Leadership Programs
17 courses on leadership (1-3 credits)
10-day programs throughout the summer
All high school students
School of Visual Arts
Summer Pre-College Program
29 courses in visual arts (3 credits)
July 13-31
All high school students
University of Florida
Dual Credit Enrollment at UF
Any UF course offered during the summer
Go online for session dates
All Florida high school students – school must have agreement with UF
Yale University
On-Campus Summer Session
Go online for course listing (1-4 credits)
June 1-July 3, July 6-Aug. 7
Rising seniors
Northwestern University
College Preparation Program
View bit.ly/1Cs1DfX for course listing
3-, 4-, 6- and 8-week sessions begin June 21
Rising juniors and seniors
Cornell University
Summer College
Courses in 10 subjects (3-8 credits)
June 20-July 11, July 12-Aug. 1, June 20-Aug. 4
Rising juniors and seniors
Georgetown University
Summer at Georgetown: Fundamentals
Courses in 10 major academic areas (3 credits)
May 31-July 3, July 5-Aug. 8
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors
Georgetown University
Summer Honors Intensive
Rigorous 5-week programs to develop expertise
May 31-July 3, July 5-Aug. 8
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors
University of Pennsylvania
J. Krinsky Internships for High School Students High school students are matched with Philadelphia interns in a variety of industries (1 credit)
June 28-July 18, July 19-Aug. 8
Rising juniors and seniors internships
University of Pennsylvania
Wharton Pre-College Program
Management & Technology Summer Institute
July 5-Aug. 1
Rising seniors
University of Pennsylvania
Penn Summer Pre-College Program
Go online for course offerings
May 26-July 1, July 2-Aug. 7
Rising juniors and seniors
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For-Credit Programs
COLLEGE LIFE
When a high school student goes to college
A
ttending my last two years of It was both refreshing and invighigh school on Broward Colorating; attending school was lege’s campus was never part suddenly more than just taking tests of my game plan for graduating, but and memorizing lecture notes, and I now that I’m a senior at College really felt like class had a purpose Academy at Broward College, I that wasn’t just a test at the end of couldn’t be happier that I made the the year. decision to attend this collegiate high I can say firsthand that I’m getting school. everything I would from a regular Not only am I graduating with a high school and more. A collegiate high school diploma and an Associate high school sounds like it would of Arts degree, I’m also graduating revolve purely around academics, By Alyssa Weiss with life-long friends and experiences College Academy at but that’s not the case at all. Right I couldn’t get at a regular high school. now we’re working on planning Broward College Like any teenager, I was wary of prom and Grad Bash, things that are switching schools midway through high school. a senior year right-of-passage. I had the usual fears of starting over: making We still have the typical class color wars, new friends, learning my way around a comextracurricular activities and clubs, and a monthpletely different campus, and getting teachers I’ve ly newspaper; the only difference is that we’re on never heard of. a college campus, and we’re graduating with 60 But the beautiful part of College Academy is college credits. that everyone was in the exact same situation; Attending College Academy at Broward Colnobody knew what to expect, so we experienced lege has given me a whole new perspective about everything together. We may not have known attending a university. each other before starting school, but after a few I’ve gotten a taste of making my own schedule, semesters, we’ve truly become a tight-knit group. working toward a major, and attending a class Being 16 years old in a class with students aged every other day. I feel much more prepared to anywhere from 18 to 60 and up, I expected everyleave home and immerse myself in the college one to look at me like I was a baby. But I quickly experience. realized that when you’re on a college campus, Whether you choose to dual enroll for only two age is just a number. I was treated with the same or three classes, or you take your entire junior and respect every other student was, and nobody senior year dual-enrolled, it’s an experience that judged me for being so young. shouldn’t be passed up.
Top 10: Productivity apps for students By Christina Vazquez Somerset Academy
I
n our modern age, students and technology are more entwined than ever. These 10 applications for smartphones and tablets help make students’ lives easier by doing things from organizing files or to answering that head-scratching math problem. Geogebra Don’t have a graphing calculator at hand? Geogebra’s got you covered with the ability to graph, make spreadsheets, solve algebraic equations, and much more, for free. Geogebra is available on Google Play and the App Store. Google Drive/Docs Google Docs allows users to create documents from their smartphone or tablet, and Drive lets them share and send these files with others, for free. You can find both apps on Google Play and the App Store. Scholly Useful for high school seniors or college students, Scholly connects users with scholarships they’re qualified for and helps save time during the application process. Scholly is 99 cents on both the App Store and Google Play. Notability Notability is an app that makes it easier for students to take notes, with an audio recording feature that plays back the recording and the annotations made as if in real time. Notability is $2.99 on the App Store. Sketchology This app has an endless drawing screen with an infinite pinch-and-zoom feature, allowing for
limitless notes (or doodles). Sketchology can be downloaded for free on the App Store. WhatsApp WhatsApp is a nifty app for students who want to exchange messages without paying an SMS fee, making last-minute texts to that person in your group project so much easier. The service has a trial period for one year, and can be renewed for 99 cents per year. WhatsApp can be downloaded via the App Store, Windows Marketplace, or through their website. MyScript Calculator MyScript calculator simulates the experience of working out a math problem on paper—but answers the questions for you instead. This digital script calculator can be found for free on the App Store and Google Play. SAT QOTD The SAT Question of the Day app contains daily SAT practice problems in math, critical reading and writing from the College Board. It can be downloaded for free via the App Store, Google Play and Amazon. Evernote For those who enjoy typing their notes instead of writing, Evernote is a digital workspace for long research papers or tiny to-do’s that syncs across your devices. It can be found for free on the App Store and Google Play. Quizlet This app makes studying more social as one can create and share study sets with anyone and use built-in review tools to help concepts stick. It can be found for free on the App Store and Google Play.
Best financial tips for college-bound teens By Courtney Rozen Cypress Bay High
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“Those loans are pretty much set for life,” Prindle said. “You can’t use bankruptcy to get out of those. They’re very serious commitments that you’re making, and you should make sure you’re ready to pay those and go forward. It’s a difficult decision, and it is something you should not take lightly.”
Thursday, April 23, 2015 : : TeenlinkSouthFlorida.com : :
I
n a world where financial literacy is more critical than ever before, it is increasingly important that teens understand basic financial and economic concepts before entering college. With the help of Power Financial Credit Union’s CEO and president, Allan Prindle, Teenlink has compiled four tips to prepare you to handle your finances in college. 1. Start with a checking account as early as possible. As a father of preteens, Prindle said it is never too early to obtain a checking account. In addition to being a learning experience for teens, it can also help them establish credit because the checking account is established in their name. “Many banks have a database that is a repository of people that don’t have a good history with checking accounts,” Prindle said. “You want to start on the right foot.” Nikolay Lendman, 17, opened a checking account early, and as a result, he feels more prepared to handle his finances in college. “With opening the account at Power Financial, I was able to learn how to balance it properly so I have some money leftover that I can save for college and for my own personal [use],” he said. 2. Beware of the first credit card that is offered to you on campus. According to collegeparents.org, 50 percent of college students have four or more credit cards. To avoid credit card debt and a damaged credit score, college
students need to watch their expenses and pay credit card bills on time. “As soon as you have that credit card, it may make or break your credit score,” Prindle said. 3. Understand how to budget. All students should have a backup plan or reserve for unexpected expenses. Budgeting is a necessity in college, and students should learn how to budget while still in high school. “Start as early as you can on budgeting and realize that there are tradeoffs that you have to make,” Prindle said. He suggests a “safety net” within your personal budget, separate from your checking account, for unexpected expenses. Lendman has used his account with Power Financial to budget money for college expenses. “It lets me save the money in a separate account so that I can use that money for books, for tuition, for food and for all the college expenses,” Lendman said. “It also teaches me how to monitor my money so that in college it won’t be such a foreign concept.” 4. Before taking out student loans, prepare and do your research. According to Prindle, a student should start narrowing down which schools to apply to beginning their freshman year of high school. They should target schools that will reward them for academic excellence so that they don’t have to pay the full tuition. If students and their families choose to take out loans to pay for college, Prindle recommends that students consider the responsibilities of those loans carefully.
COLLEGE ALTERNATIVES
The Disney College Program: A Primer By Denise Akerman McFatter Technical Center
E
ver wondered if you could earn college credit by spending your days in the most magical place on Earth? It is indeed possible, thanks to the Disney College Program. The Disney College Program, or DCP, is a semester-long internship program for students studying at a university in the United States. Students are placed to work at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., or Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. They live in housing complexes provided by the Walt Disney Company, or they can live off-site if they have family residing nearby. Besides providing hands-on learning on the job, the Walt Disney Company also gives students the ability to learn in a classroom setting, offering several academic courses such as marketing and communications to help strengthen their leadership skills. Students work in several capacities, such as merchandise or entertainment, and are paid wages. The advantages of becoming a DCP alum are numerous, because students can network with company executives and receive training from the billion-dollar company. Upon completing the program, students can apply for another internship within the Disney college program or interview for a Disney Professional Internship, which allows students to work in a
capacity more closely related to their college major. Before students don Mickey ears and rattle off dozens of facts about Disney Animation, though, there is a fairly selective process they must undertake. To be eligible for the Disney College Program, students must: • Be enrolled as a part-time or full time student in college. Students must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university and must have completed their first semester by the time they apply. High school students with dual enrollment credits cannot apply. College seniors can apply for a position after they graduate, but they must be enrolled in classes at the time of their interview.
• Meet any school requirements. Students will only be admitted to the program if they meet all of the requirements (such as GPA, credit hour and grade level) their university sets. The Walt Disney Company will confirm eligibility by phoning the applicant’s university. • Be at least 18 years old by the program’s starting date. Students must also live in the housing complexes provided. •Have unrestricted work authorization. Students cannot have limitations on their employment. International students can apply to the program, but must have an unrestricted work permit and must be currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university. Students must also maintain professional attire and physical characteristics; therefore extreme hair dye and body modification are prohibited. Male cast members must keep facial hair kempt and fingernails clean; female cast members cannot wear excessive makeup or wear excessively ornate nails. In addition to sneak previews of theme park attractions; discounts on Disney merchandise, dining and recreation services; life-management and wellness services; and other perks, the Disney College Program offers the ability to work and play in a Disney theme park while receiving academic and employment opportunities through networking and hands-on training. With all of its benefits, the DCP offers enough Disney magic for the child in all of us.
Beyond the norm: 5 unusual college courses By Grace Hines University of Miami Global Academy
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W
ho knew that climbing a tree and The Simpsons were scholarly enough to be college courses? In recent years, colleges have been offering stranger courses, bringing new light to education. 1. At Cornell University, you can relive your childhood memories while receiving college credit. Cornell offers a one-credit course called Tree Climbing, helping students overcome the difficulty of climbing trees. According to courses.cornell.edu, students use rope and other gear to reach the top of any tree and enjoy a desired view. 2. One can find joy in unexpected places, even dumpsters. A course at Santa Clara University called the Joy of Garbage explores garbage categories, the consequences of what we discard, and other environmental matters. Students visit landfills and sewage treatment plants, as described in the Santa Clara Magazine within scu.edu. 3. Socrates or the Simpsons? “If you really want something in this life you have to work for it. Now quiet, they’re about to announce the lottery numbers” - Homer Simpson. Most would only chuckle at the quote, but a group of students at UC-Berkeley would compose an essay on it. UC-Berkeley offers a course called “The Simpsons and Philosophy,” in which students gain
philosophical insight by watching the cartoon. According to sfgate.com, the students extract philosophical judgments on God and society from the rather unserious cartoon. 4. The circus is in town all year long at FSU. The university offers a one-credit course called Introduction to Circus in which students learn juggling, tight-rope walking and aerial ballet. Circus.fsu.edu boasts of the circus as sacred to FSU tradition. Throughout the year, adventurous FSU students partake in on-campus circus performances, demonstrating that a student can study acrobatics and physiology simultaneously. 5. Nerds unite in an upbeat, insightful course at UF called Talk Nerdy to Me. Dr. Melissa Johnson and her colleagues created the one-credit honors course in which students celebrate nerdhood through blogs, videos, posters and discussions. Additionally, students plan on-campus events and have group presentations, sometimes presenting as characters, adding a cosplay element to the class. As Johnson explained, “Students examine nerd culture throughout history and popular culture as well as gain eventplanning skills.” In response to colleges jazzing up their course offerings, "anything that piques their interest and gets them engaged is good as long as there is substance to it. There could be a course about tree climbing or Kanye West, but there has to be an academic basis,” Johnson said.
PREPARE
Make the most of your college visit By Claudia Moncaliano Sagemont School
In the spring, countless juniors go on college tours, visits and overnight stays. Whether you’re a sophomore checking out a local college or a senior ready to commit after an overnight stay in a friend’s dorm, here are seven must-dos for a proper college visit for any high school student. Doing these things can help you get one step closer to finding the perfect fit. 1. Get a tour or stay overnight. Most colleges have Visiting Days for high school students when you can get a full tour from a current student. Other colleges give
accepted students the option to stay overnight in a dorm for a night. Check their websites for details. If you have a friend who attends the school you’re interested in, however, you can most likely score an in-depth tour that shows you all of the ups and downs of the university. (They all have them.) 2. Dorm tours. It’s important to check out the dorm life before your final decision. I mean, you’ll be living there for at least a year. Are they big enough or too small? Are there stairs or an elevator? Is there a laundry room downstairs? Is it suite style, or will you be sharing a common bathroom with the rest of your floor?
3. Dining halls. Most campuses have multiple dining halls available to freshmen. On most visiting days, you’ll get to eat at one of the dining halls. It’s good to see if the college has options for you (vegan, gluten free, etc.) and can help you decide on a meal plan that might involve more cafeteria meals than cooking or vice versa. 4. Sit in on classes. Audit some classes you may be interested in. This works best if a friend is touring you. Stopping into one of their classes can give you a better idea of the school’s academic level, what your study patterns may need to look like, and what you might want to
College application survival guide: Tips to preparedness By Antonia DeBianchi St. Thomas Aquinas
4. Write your essay about YOU. As wonderful as your mother is, as passionate as your relationship with your boyfriend/girlfriend may be, and as strong as your political/religious views are, avoid all of these topics in your college application essays. The truth is, these topics talk about people/things in your life. Admission officers want to read about you: your favorite dinner, your most monumental decisions. Be yourself and do not forcefully jam every SAT vocab word you have ever learned into a 250-650 word essay. Your essays give admissions officers a taste of your life and, more importantly, a full portrait of you. 5. Stay positive. Never apply to any school thinking that it is a long-shot and that you will never get in. This just adds to the stress of college apps. Stay optimistic and have a good outlook. Apply to every college with your best foot forward.
While you’re at it, ask them about class selection, dorm selection, choosing your
major, opportunities, tutoring and office hours with the professors. The more you know about the school, the more comfortable you will be with your decision about it. 7. Your Building. Most universities make it a point to separate each major, school or field of study into different buildings. If you’re into research, check out the labs. Thinking about studying literature? Visit the English department and check out the library. Into theater? Visit their rehearsal spaces as much as their theater. Ask questions about what you can learn, the flexibility of courses and what makes that program special.
College countdown: How you spend your summer is important By Lee Bierer
A key component of strong college applications is how students set themselves apart from their peers. Summer presents opportunities to do that. It can be challenging for students to distinguish themselves during the academic year because every student at a school has the same opportunities to take the same classes and participate in the same clubs, sports and activities. So summer jumps out as a wonderful opportunity to do something different. Think of that time as an open canvas and then start filling it with what’s important to you, as well as things you want and need to do. I usually suggest creating a patchwork quilt of different summer experiences. If possible, it is a good idea for students to pursue their academic interests in a college environment. This demon-
strates an intellectual curiosity that colleges value. Here are more suggestions: Volunteer. Summer is a great time to become more engaged in your community through service projects. Get a job. Paid work experience is well-regarded by colleges because it requires maturity, responsibility and dedication. Don’t look down your
nose at entry-level jobs in supermarkets, restaurants or retail; they are great training grounds. Find an internship. Internships and job shadowing can be great ways to test the waters. Seeing the day-to-day life in specific careers can be life-changing. Be entrepreneurial. Start something new; create a business with a friend and make some money. Prepare for next year. Think about a club you might like to create, and do the legwork in the summer to get it up and running in the fall. Invest in the college process. Prep for standardized tests, finalize your college list, visit campuses and begin writing college essays. Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser in Charlotte, N.C. Her website is CollegeAdmissionsStrategies.com
Thursday, April 23, 2015 : : TeenlinkSouthFlorida.com : : 19
If there is any one task that proves to be the most daunting in high school it is the one, the only, the infamous college application. Almost every high school senior feels anxious because of these “unconquerable” applications. However, after surviving the SAT/ACT-era that is Junior Year, you can surely emerge victorious from any nail-biting responsibility. Applications, along with pre-application research, can be straining. But with a few tips and a splash of self-motivation, you will be on your way down the breezy path of a stress-free college application. 1. Start now. Every former high school senior you know will stress to you that you need to START EARLY. Even if a certain college’s application is not available yet, there are several ways for you to get started the sum-
mer before senior year. The 2015-16 Common Application essay prompts are online now, and that is a good place to start. 2. Talk to your teachers. Choose the teachers/mentors that you would like to write your letters of recommendation. Remember they are going to be bombarded with several kids asking for their letters, so be proactive and ask them at the end of junior year. Provide them with your resume to help with the task. Also, throw in a thank you note — kindness goes a long way! 3. Be knowledgeable and use your resources. Even if you do not have one clear “dream school,” sketch out a list of ideal schools for you. Try to attend the school’s campus tours and information sessions. Searching out the university’s website to view majors, campus life and dorms can also spark interest and make you more decisive about your top schools.
study. 5. Social life. Not only is this fun to explore, but surprisingly important. Talking to some of the students and hanging out with them can give you an idea of how involved the student population is in clubs vs. academics. Is it stressful? Do most people have free time? Are there hot hangout spots around campus? 6. Professors. Networking with professors can be beneficial, as well. Analyze the quality of the professors at the school. You can ask students what their teachers are like and their tips for getting through the worst and getting into classes with the best.
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: : TeenlinkSouthFlorida.com : : Thursday, April 23, 2015
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