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NEWS
Friday May 2, 2014
The Oracle
A TIME TO BE PRODUCTIVE With summer approaching, counselors and current valedictorians offer Class of 2015 advice Justin Todes
Get ready Class of 2015, because senior year is approaching fast. But now is not the time to get senioritis; the upcoming summer and year ahead are incredibly important to the future. There are many tasks that every junior can and should knock out. The last day of the year to sign uppfor the SAT and ACT is May 9. Every junior is advised to take one or both of the tests this spring and, if necessary, take the tests again as a senior in September or October to increase scores. Students planning to apply to private or out-of-state schools should also consider taking SAT Subject Tests in May or June. Before the school year ends, juniors should also talk to their teachers about getting recommendation letters for college. Kristel Green, the counselor for the Class of 2015, advises students to give copies of a parent brag sheet and a resume to anyone they ask for letters. Students should make it a priority to create a resume that includes contact information, GPA, extracurricular activities, employment, activities outside of school, and any awards or honors received. The info in brag sheets and resumes gives recommenders additional information that makes their letters more meaningful. On average, students need two to three letters from core subject-area teachers. The Common Application and ApplyTexas open for the college application process on Aug. 1. It is a good idea to start looking at the applications now, so it is familiar when applying in August. The essay prompts are not changing next year, making it possible to writing essays now rather than later. While the applications are not changing, the way transcripts and letters of recommendation are submitted will be slightly different next year, thanks to Naviance. Naviance is a system that ties in with college applications, and is used to track test scores and colleges applied to, and to electronically send documents to colleges. While its use with this year’s seniors was optional, it will be required next year. As the school year comes to an end, with just a month left to go, don’t give up. Push through every class, and prepare for AP exams. Make this summer count. Find a passion or interest, and seak an internship, a job or a volunteer opportunity related to it. Next year, keep up the effort. Senioritis is incredibly contagious, but can be prevented by consciously realizing that while senior year is the end of high school, it is really just the beginning of one of the most important chapters in life.
5-16:
Earn college credit by doing well on AP Exams
MAY
Ask tea ch of reco ers for lette rs mmend ation
9:
Last day to register for SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT
2-
6:
Fin a
l ex
am
s
JUN
E
Start working on college essays
Y
L JU Get a job or internship, or do volunteer work in something that you enjoy
AUGUST
1:
Common Application and ApplyTexas open for admission
25:
Senior year begins! Make it a strong year!
Graphics by Victoria Shin and Rachel Torres