After (or even before!) the Acceptance Letter

For high school seniors this time of year may be floating in mid-air. I remember my own experience as a second semester senior-- I had already gotten accepted into colleges, I was still busy taking classes, and most of all, I was waiting for my financial aid package to arrive in the mail. I had struggled with the application, as I filled it out all on my own. I filled out the FAFSA form, as well as other financial aid documents. As a senior, they were time-consuming, confusing and frustrating to fill out, but I knew I really wanted to go to MIT.  With its tuition nearing $40K, though, it was still up in the air--  it was a decision that I could only really make until the big, white envelope came in the mail and I was able to sit down and have a talk with my parents about whether or not I could afford to go.

Until it came, though, I went through my other options, and in retrospect, I could have had more options, and possibly better options had I taken the time to consider other scholarships and schools. Luckily for me, the financial aid package that came in the mail bore good news for my family and I. I would be able to go to my top choice of college. However, that didn't necessarily need to be the case. Now as I look back, I think about what I would have done if I hadn't been able to afford college? These are things I should have given more thought, and there are a wealth of resources you could use if you find yourself in this situation. Your educational and career goals should not have to suffer as a consequence of not being able to afford college. 

The trouble is that as a college applicant, the main concern is getting into schools, not being able to afford them. Sometimes this results in a bittersweet decision-- although you're accepted you might have to go to another school based solely on financial considerations. To prevent this, I'll say what I have said before about other topics related to college education: start early! Start looking for scholarships, grants, loans, programs, do research-- find out what requirements they have. It's up to you to make it happen. 

You don't have to start from scratch, though. There is a wide world of resources on the web that you could use to learn about how you could finance your education, and to learn about all of the possible options you have. One of these, for example, is Affordable Schools Online. Simply do a google search depending on your situation, talk to counselors and your parents. The earlier you start, the better. And if you've missed the deadlines and think that you're too late to realize your educational goals, look for other options-- you'll have to start eventually. If you're not proactive about your education and about how you'll finance and plan where you want to be in the future, no one else will! 

College Applications

Summer may not be the first time you think of to work on college applications. Many high school seniors are starting to rid themselves of the anxiety of picking a college after hearing back from them earlier this year. While the seniors pack away and begin to get excited about their new lives, rising seniors (current juniors) in high school should start thinking about application essays, who to ask for recommendation letters, visiting colleges, preparing for interviews....etc

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think you should stress yourself to the point where you're spending all of your time working on these things--you will have senior year to enjoy and continue your studies. It is, however, important to start at least thinking about these things earlier, so that at least when it comes time for you to get into action on your applications you won't be thinking about these things for the first time a week before the application is due.

Here are some general guidelines as summer approaches and tips for how to tackle each part of your application:

• TESTING- Check to see if you'll have the required standardized test results for your college by the time you apply. Some schools only require the SAT or ACT. However, sometimes the school requires extra testing, such as SAT II tests in different subject areas. Be sure that you check each college's admission website to see if you meet the requirements. Use your resources wisely!                    
• INTERVIEWS- Again, some schools require these, and some don't. Check to make sure. If they do, remember to come prepared. Bring a folder with you with any materials that they may require and perhaps a resume if you have one. Dress nicely! Finally, be confident in yourself! No matter which school you end up going to, you will have things to offer the school--be yourself!
• ESSAYS- This was my favorite part of the application process. Depending on the school you apply to, you might have to only write one long essay or several short ones. Try to keep within the word limit. Usually if you're over you could probably say what you want to say much more succinctly in less words. If you're under the limit by a lot, you're probably not putting enough information into it. 
• RECOMMENDATIONS- Start to think about the teachers you've established good relationships with and who know your academic abilities as well as leadership abilities and how you work in non-academic settings. Ask with plenty of time in advance and remember to thank them afterwards! If you don't have anyone you would automatically think of to write you a recommendation letter, it's not too late to get to know one of your teachers better. 
• SCHOLARSHIPS- Even though college might seem far away during the summer, now is the perfect time to search for scholarships. Use websites such as http://www.scholarships.com/. You probably want to use your summer time to apply to these instead of waiting until the school year when you'll have other work to do. 
• Continue to do well in school! Grades still count, especially first semester grades! 

As always, if you have further questions, be sure to leave a comment or email me. I'd be happy to answer any questions. 

To Do List

It's 8 a.m., and I already have +20 things to do on my to do list. If I wanted to get everything that I would want, I probably wouldn't finish within a week. If I stopped giving you information there, you would probably think I should lighten down my schedule or do something more manageable.

To some people it may seem impossible to have a super-filled schedule while not spreading too thin, especially in college. However, it is possible to have a very busy schedule all while performing relatively well and still having time to relax.

It all comes down to prioritizing. Above most things, I am a student, and as such I value my academic performance very highly. However, like most people, I have other interests that define me. I am also a musician, a writer, a worker. (College students are poor!) More importantly, I am also a daughter, a sister, a friend, a citizen, a mentor, a roommate.

I like to think that my priorities-- my own definition of myself-- could be seen in what I do.

To do List For Today: 

• Study Chemistry (Practice problems) 
• Read Physics and turn in problem set
• Finish multivar. calculus homework and study for Exam!!
• Listen to and write an evaluation of a radio show
• Do rocket equation problems
• Design Lego Robot 
• Laundry
• Practice trumpet 
• Grocery Shopping
• Exercising
• Cook dinner
• Apply for summer internships
• Apply for summer teaching assistant positions
• write a letter to my sisters
• write to several of my friends
• wrap another one of my friends' gifts
• Schedule study sessions
• Schedule Volunteering 
• Sleep.

Now, let's be reasonable, here. There is no way I could ever do all of that in a day. But I might get a few things done here and there. I might not get anything done except the last item on the list in a given day because I simply am too tired (and sleepy) to do work, and instead add on to the list the next day. There are some things on the list that I do at least in some way every day (studying), while there are other things (exercising) that I could do a lot more of.
On a day that I want to get a lot of things done, I tell myself what the most important things to accomplish will be. As long as I get what the most important things to me are, I'm headed in the right direction.

Of course, if my schedule weren't as busy as it is, I would have more time to study, and of course, it would be a lot easier to learn academic things. However, I wouldn't be developing myself in other areas.

There are always compromises. I possibly could be just an amazing student--always doing the extra problems and the extra readings, but I would have to compromise being a friend, a musician, a volunteer, etc.

I always like to focus on the big picture. In the end, I guess my priority is to be a well-rounded, well-educated person. And in my opinion, it takes a lot more than focusing on being a good student to accomplish this.

Finding New Friends While Succeeding In School -Guest Post!

One of the things that has helped me immensely, especially here at MIT, has been forming study groups to survive through tough academic times. Lets be real, no one can sit down and focus on only one thing for 6 hours straight. Very few people could get through learning everything they need to learn for college without discussing it with other classmates. 
I believe forming an academic AND social group in college is one of the most helpful things you could do when it comes time to being successful and just having a good college experience in general. 


Guest blogger Lashanna Lim, who is in graduate school and hopes to work for a non-profit organization in the future has more to say... enjoy!

Sometimes college can feel a little overwhelming. With so many opportunities both
to learn and socialize, you might feel inclined to chose one and ignore the other.
Study groups are a great way to bring some balance into your life. You can increase
your chances of success in school and your future career while at the same time
building new friendships.

Build in Fun Rewards for Success

First off, make sure to have some fun! Dividing chapters to summarize or problems
sets to complete might not seem very exciting, so make sure your group is rewarded
for their achievements. Set realistic goals from the start (like all members turning in
homework assignments on time and receiving at least a B+) and reward yourselves
when you accomplish them. Bringing snacks or ordering New York pizza delivery
can both add some fun and help keep you focused. It’s pretty hard to concentrate
when you’re hungry, after all.

Bigger achievements deserve bigger rewards. Did you all pass your midterm with
flying colors? A night out at the movies or to a favorite restaurant and away from the
books might be in order. Make sure to pick rewards the whole group agrees upon, or
take turns choosing the rewards so all members feel involved.

Meet Diverse Friends With Diverse Strengths

Study groups can help you befriend people you may otherwise never have much
opportunity to interact with, so make sure to take advantage of that. Most often
you’ll want to form a group for a particular class so you’ll have at least one thing

in common. You can invite stand out students from class or those who you meet
in office hours. If you’re not sure whom to invite, you can always post a paper or
electronic announcement about the group to the whole class, or ask the instructor
if he or she can suggest any students who might be interested. The most effective
groups are made up of 4-6 members.

It’s important that your group find a good balance of member’s strengths and
weaknesses. You might be great at taking detailed notes in class, while another
member has a firm grasp on a concept you just don’t get. Make sure to teach each
other the skills you have so you’re all better prepared in the future. And remember,
a little tension amongst group members is not necessarily a bad thing. Groups that
get along too well are often not challenging themselves and aren’t learning as much.

Schedule Study and Social Time

It’s important to form your study group early in the semester. At your first meeting,
look over the syllabus and carefully create a group work plan. Making the group’s
schedule easily available to everyone, using a tool such as Google Calendar, is always
advised, as is having a set time and place for group meetings. Don’t forget to include
your rewards on the schedule!

If you find yourselves having too many off topic conversations, you might want to
schedule a few minutes before or after the study group just for social time. That will
give you a chance to relax and get to know the other members without interfering
with your work time. Remember, the more efficiently you use your group study
time, the more free time you’ll have to hang out with your new friends!

The First Semester

You're probably wondering where I've been hiding as I haven't written very much the first semester of college. The holidays are over, finals are successfully over, and I'm already done with 1/8th of my time as an undergraduate student?!!


Before I stay fixated on how large of a magnitude 1/8th is, let me recount everything that has been keeping me so busy my first semester and throw in some advice along the way.


August
College officially started at the end of August. After working an office job 40 hours a week over the summer, I was ready to roll right out of Chicago and once again become invigorated with school life. My only advice for people who are moving halfway across the country to go to school is to be organized. I'm telling you, it may not seem as though you have a lot of things, but beware: oftentimes, possessions multiply without you knowing. 


In any case, orientation week was filled with meeting new people, and having a great time. Don't underestimate how much time you need to settle in, though. Know where you can do laundry, where you can shop for groceries, where the libraries are, how you could get to the nearest Target or Wall-mart if it isn't in walking distance. Knowing these things while you're not stressed about classes will save you time, sanity, and money. Target is just cheaper.


It's nice to use this time before classes to go exploring too! I went to New York during a long weekend and got to play with buildings:

*tilt*

September 
Classes officially started at the beginning of September. By this time I was sadly realizing that orientation week is one of the best things ever. Get to know everything about your classes, don't wait for people to tell you that you have an exam next week. Look up where and when your exams will be-- most schools have it on a syllabus, but if not, LOOK IT UP, really! It will make you feel happier when you know you have an exam rather than finding out a week before. Get a google calendar and put your schedule on it. READ THE SYLLABI for your classes as soon as you get them! Homework is often on there, and no one will tell you because they want to know if you are paying attention and actually care about the class. One thing I wish I would have done in September was to take the beginning of the year more seriously. Let's be honest, in high school, you spend the first week of classes settling in. In college, you start preparing for the next semester at least a week in advance if you don't want to go crazy later on.


October
The O in October started to stand for "overwhelmed". By this time, I had a part time job, was a mentor, was involved in a Wind Ensemble, was definitely not used to having this much work (even considering that I took a lot of hard classes in high school) and even so, the work itself is far harder. This is pretty much common sense, I won't deny it. But it is a sudden change. Don't get me wrong--it's lovely. Working hard and actually learning amazing, deep things is what I came here for, but if you're not prepared for it, your passion for things might dwindle to say the least.


November
This was the same as October. Except far more used to being overwhelmed. I ended up not going back home for Thanksgiving, eating pasta instead of turkey and mashed potatoes was interesting to say the least.


December
FINALS ARE WORTH A LOT. And if I needed any other distractions, I could always daydream about going back home in less than a month. Calculus, Physics, Biology, Problems of Philosophy, and Solving Complex Problems: done. I went back home and ate food, hugged my sisters mercilessly, and ate more food while mentally cursing my cooking abilities.


 Here, January is Independent Activities Period, which means that you can take 2 classes at the most, and breathe a little bit before the craziness of spring semester rolls around. I'm designing and making a small wind turbine during this time in a group. :D


Now that I'm not completely clueless, I can say with enthusiasm:


Bring it, Spring Semester.

When Enough Isn't Enough

I don't know if you've noticed by now, but I LOVE to learn about interesting little things I've never thought about. Have you ever thought about how a clock works, or whether or not your life is just a dream within a dream?

In fact, during high school, I founded a philosophy club so I could discuss these things with people. It was also intended to stimulate students to ask deep and difficult questions. Getting people excited about learning, and thinking and discussing with them proved to be very rewarding!

In addition to holding themed discussions (once the discussion was about the movie Inception!), we also got in touch with the University of Chicago's Cascade program, which is an after-school enrichment program. They offer classes taught by university students and professors in a wide range of subjects. High school classes may sometimes not be enough to satisfy some students' curiosity, and these classes certainly provide these students with satisfaction.

If you're thinking about going to college, you probably enjoy learning as well! The thing is that you don't have to enjoy it alone--one of the best ways to develop yourself as a learner is to share your opinions, thoughts, and knowledge with others. While you may be a hard worker who works best alone, it is very important to know how to learn and work in a group, which is often what these classes do.

There are a wide variety of programs that are sponsored by Learning Unlimited all across the country! Check out the map and the different programs to see if there are programs near you because it is definitely worth it.

As a college student now, I can say that these classes helped me understand the wealth of knowledge there is at universities, and it simply got me excited because I was able to interact with university students on campus.

You should be interested in these classes because of your interest in learning more. ;) Further incentive, however, lies in the fact that becoming involved with programs like these are great ways to show interest and commitment in higher learning on your college applications.

Sometimes, high school classes aren't as interesting or engaging as you'd like them to be. If you agree, I encourage you to do some research on what opportunities you have. (There are probably more than you think!) When enough isn't enough, it's up to you to make up the difference.

Focus.

I don't know why it is that you care to get an education, no, to put yourself through getting an education. Why is it that you challenge yourself, and motivate yourself to stay awake through lectures, homework, and more homework?

 Really, my mom could be making me caldo de pollo right now.

It's so easy to get into this mentality sometimes. There are, however, motivating factors that give reasons for the endless toil. Maybe your goal is to get a degree so you can earn a lot of bucks when you get older. Maybe your parents are always on your case about grades and you  just know that you're going to go to college at the very least to please them. But are these reasons enough?

Unfortunately, people often get into the habit of thinking about work and college in a negative light, especially when things get competitive and stressful, and I'm not the exception. Thoughts like, "well, I know I could do better if I wanted to, but I don't have to, so I won't" or "oh my GOD this is so hard, I could be doing something much easier" are very easy to think when you're very stressed.

  However, it is this way of thinking, I believe, makes students unmotivated and unexcited about college. The mentality of "no one is going to support me, why should I even plan on going to college," or "my parents are never going to want to pay for my education" are thoughts that also often demotivate students.

If you have any one of those mentalities right now, stop.

Really, stop reading, and take a nice, deep breath because you're probably stressed or scared or confused on what you want to do.

I don't know your story. I don't know what you've had to go through during your lifetime, or what kind of problems or struggles you've encountered or are going through at the present moment.

But in the end, I think the message I'm trying to relay can apply to pretty much anyone.
Let me tell you a little something about the world in which you live:
                       
It is plainly and simply (and wonderfully!) your classroom.

The world is your classroom. That's right. No matter how much you hate school right now, or no matter how much you are struggling, how much work you have to do, you will never stop learning. (muahaha)

Put that into focus, and you should be confident that you'll make it through. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to give it what you've got. You don't have to show anyone anything. You just have to learn to be curious and appreciate the fact that there are things to understand, and they're waiting to be understood by none other than yourself.

You're reading this online, right? This means you have the whole of the internet at your disposal. You know what that means? No, not an infinite amount of funny youtube videos to keep you awake at all hours of the night. (Only sometimes.) This means, my friends, that you have a TON of people (like myself, and anyone involved with Latinos in College, and a plethora of other organizations) that can help you get through giving yourself an education.

Find something you are just as passionate about as you are of this, and run with it. The world needs you as much as it needs everyone else. Become inspired. You only live once after all. It's not an easy life, but people will help if you ask for it, and like I said, there are so many out there that will if you ask, but in the end, it's all up to you.

Just focus. It's scary, I know, but it'll get you through if what you really want is to go to and get through college to learn and develop yourself as a person. Trust me, you can get through the college apps and stressful nightmares of your future.

Focusing will get you through anything.