College Prep Guide 20140922

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DAILY JOURNAL

September 22, 2014 THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Paris Clay, a sophomore at Itawamba Community College, listens to tips on how to improve her ACT score during an ACT Prep class at ICC’s Belden Campus. The class is taught by Amanda Inman and Wanda Cox and also attracts many high school students from throughout the region.

Strategies can help students perform better on ACT

BY CHRIS KIEFFER DAILY JOURNAL

As high school students prepare to attend college, one of the most important things they will do is to take the ACT and SAT. Those tests are often used by universities in making admission and scholarship decisions.Taking them can be daunting, but experts say there are several tips and strategies that can help students

perform better on the tests.

“Since so many important aspects of college depend on your ACT score, students need to study for the ACT so that they can perform their very best on it,” said Amanda Inman, who is teaching a “Preparing for the ACT” course at Itawamba Community College’s Belden campus.

Inman, a math teacher at Tupelo High School, focuses on the math and science tests, while

Wanda Cox helps with English and reading skills.

“The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with the test,” Cox said.

Lynn McAlpin, who teaches an ACT prep class at the Learning Skills Center in Tupelo and also serves as a part-time math tutor at Itawamba Agricultural High School, said the skills learned in high school core classes are vital to success on the test. McAlpin

teaches math skills in the prep course, and BonnieWebb teaches English and reading. The two of them split the science lessons.

“We’ve studied the ACT and what it takes to do well, and we feel it is a curriculum-based test,” McAlpin said. “The more core classes you’ve had in high school, the better prepared you are.”

Here are some tips offered by Inman, Cox and McAlpin: • Answer all of the questions.

There is no penalty for guessing.

•When guessing at the end of a test, pick one letter and guess that letter. McAlpin said that studying every test over a period of 10 years revealed that each letter (A, B, C, D and E) was used about the same amount of time. Therefore, students should pick the letter they’ve used the least. Inman recommended that students start TURN TO ACT, PAGE 11

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College Prep

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DAILY JOURNAL

September 22, 2014 THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Paris Clay, a sophomore at Itawamba Community College, listens to tips on how to improve her ACT score during an ACT Prep class at ICC’s Belden Campus. The class is taught by Amanda Inman and Wanda Cox and also attracts many high school students from throughout the region.

Strategies can help students perform better on ACT

BY CHRIS KIEFFER DAILY JOURNAL

As high school students prepare to attend college, one of the most important things they will do is to take the ACT and SAT. Those tests are often used by universities in making admission and scholarship decisions.Taking them can be daunting, but experts say there are several tips and strategies that can help students

perform better on the tests.

“Since so many important aspects of college depend on your ACT score, students need to study for the ACT so that they can perform their very best on it,” said Amanda Inman, who is teaching a “Preparing for the ACT” course at Itawamba Community College’s Belden campus.

Inman, a math teacher at Tupelo High School, focuses on the math and science tests, while

Wanda Cox helps with English and reading skills.

“The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with the test,” Cox said.

Lynn McAlpin, who teaches an ACT prep class at the Learning Skills Center in Tupelo and also serves as a part-time math tutor at Itawamba Agricultural High School, said the skills learned in high school core classes are vital to success on the test. McAlpin

teaches math skills in the prep course, and BonnieWebb teaches English and reading. The two of them split the science lessons.

“We’ve studied the ACT and what it takes to do well, and we feel it is a curriculum-based test,” McAlpin said. “The more core classes you’ve had in high school, the better prepared you are.”

Here are some tips offered by Inman, Cox and McAlpin: • Answer all of the questions.

There is no penalty for guessing.

•When guessing at the end of a test, pick one letter and guess that letter. McAlpin said that studying every test over a period of 10 years revealed that each letter (A, B, C, D and E) was used about the same amount of time. Therefore, students should pick the letter they’ve used the least. Inman recommended that students start TURN TO ACT, PAGE 11

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College Prep

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COLLEGE PREP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

Application essay shows person behind the grades

BY RILEY MANNING DAILY JOURNAL

High school seniors, even though your final year under the umbrella of everything you’ve ever known has just begun, the time for you to leave the nest is closer than you think.

Excited? You should be.

Some of your classmates tarried until halfway through junior year or maybe even until this year to beef up their GPA and their roster of extracurricular activities.

But you, you bright-eyed scholar, brimming with ambition and promise, have deposited time and energy as faithfully as a 401k since freshman year.

You rose through the

‘Don’t be afraid to be sentimental, witty, or even funny if you are that kind of person, but don’t fake it. If you aren’t sure of your writing style, the application essay is not the time to experiment.’

Johnathan Ferrell

assitant dean od admissions at Millsaps College

ranks of an athletic team or two or three, campaigned for student council positions, charmed the local Rotary club with your church affiliation and commitment

to community service.

You loaded down your schedule with AP classes, prom committee, homecoming committee, and every other committee.

Maybe you even volun-

teered to be treasurer of the school’s fledgling beekeeping club.

Your college application is a glittering tome, the accumulation of your life since your mother put your first A on the refrigerator, a scrap book of your excellence, diligence, and good character. Tolstoy himself would weep – weep! – over the inspired prose that are your personal references, and your composite ACT score is a number that satisfies the deepest part of your soul.

Only one thing stands in your way: The application essay.

This sort of exposition can be intimidating for some students, but admissions offices urge students to not be afraid of their own voice. Since these offices slug through thousands of essays every year, standing out can be a challenge. Fortunately, an applicant can use a few basic guidelines to produce an effective, memorable essay.

HELPFUL TIPS

Applicants should read and edit their essay for grammatical mistakes multiple times before submitting it.

“Grammatical errors really jump out,” said FerIT’S IMPORTANT rell, “Don’t just use spell Some institutions omit check, because it will not the essay from their apcatch a misused word like plication in favor of more ‘their’ for ‘they’re’ or ‘to’ objective data. However, for ‘too.’” for many scholarships, Asking an English honors colleges, and the teacher or a parent to vast majority of private proof the essay is also a and ivy league schools, an great idea. Admission ofessay is required. For ad- ficers are not looking to missions offices, it is a disqualify essays on techbalancing element of the nicalities to lighten their selection process, inworkload, but grammatitended to shed light on cal errors imply the stuthe person behind the dent is not thorough. numbers.

Even worse, a student can “I can tell a successful come off as disinterested essay because I learned or flippant. something about the apThe same can be said plicant that I couldn’t for vocabulary. Though have learned from their vivid descriptions are a application. The best must, don’t use words ones compel me to want that you don’t understand to meet the student,” said in an attempt to impress Johnathan Ferrell, assisreaders. tant dean of admissions “Respond to the and director of recruitprompt,” Ferrell said. ment at Millsaps College Essay prompts are in Jackson. “The college meant to be broad and essay is one of the only accessible to a variety of places where prospective students. Even so, it is imstudents can be creative perative for an applicant and take liberties.” to completely understand Ferrell said the essay is the question and answer just as important as acait with their response. 500 demic performance and words is not a lot of extracurricular engagespace, so the essay should ment. be tailored and focused

on the question at hand.

When proofing, ask yourself, “Does this part of my essay help answer the question?” This will keep you from getting offtopic.

In addition, the essay is not the place to tout the achievements already listed on your application. Admissions offices are much more interested to hear about how you learned and grew from an experiments.

AUTHENTICITY MATTERS

“Be yourself” is advice that is easier said than done, but it is the overall point of the application essay. Invite the reader into your life, your family, your hobbies, your heritage, anything that makes you different. If the topic calls you to tell a story about a significant person or event, be very descriptive and include specific details about characters and emotions.

Details show that the subject matters to the writer, and if they are meaningful to the writer, they will be so to the reader. Broad generalizations make an essay, an applicant, seem bland and generic.

If the essay calls you to take a position on an issue, don’t straddle the fence. Pick a side and stick to it, thoroughly support your argument, and tell why you feel the way you do about the issue.

“Don’t be afraid to be sentimental, witty, or even funny if you are that kind of person, but don’t fake it. If you aren’t sure of your writing style, the application essay is not the time to experiment,” Ferrell said. riley.manning@journalinc.com

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COLLEGE PREP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

Application essay shows person behind the grades

BY RILEY MANNING DAILY JOURNAL

High school seniors, even though your final year under the umbrella of everything you’ve ever known has just begun, the time for you to leave the nest is closer than you think.

Excited? You should be.

Some of your classmates tarried until halfway through junior year or maybe even until this year to beef up their GPA and their roster of extracurricular activities.

But you, you bright-eyed scholar, brimming with ambition and promise, have deposited time and energy as faithfully as a 401k since freshman year.

You rose through the

‘Don’t be afraid to be sentimental, witty, or even funny if you are that kind of person, but don’t fake it. If you aren’t sure of your writing style, the application essay is not the time to experiment.’

Johnathan Ferrell

assitant dean od admissions at Millsaps College

ranks of an athletic team or two or three, campaigned for student council positions, charmed the local Rotary club with your church affiliation and commitment

to community service.

You loaded down your schedule with AP classes, prom committee, homecoming committee, and every other committee.

Maybe you even volun-

teered to be treasurer of the school’s fledgling beekeeping club.

Your college application is a glittering tome, the accumulation of your life since your mother put your first A on the refrigerator, a scrap book of your excellence, diligence, and good character. Tolstoy himself would weep – weep! – over the inspired prose that are your personal references, and your composite ACT score is a number that satisfies the deepest part of your soul.

Only one thing stands in your way: The application essay.

This sort of exposition can be intimidating for some students, but admissions offices urge students to not be afraid of their own voice. Since these offices slug through thousands of essays every year, standing out can be a challenge. Fortunately, an applicant can use a few basic guidelines to produce an effective, memorable essay.

HELPFUL TIPS

Applicants should read and edit their essay for grammatical mistakes multiple times before submitting it.

“Grammatical errors really jump out,” said FerIT’S IMPORTANT rell, “Don’t just use spell Some institutions omit check, because it will not the essay from their apcatch a misused word like plication in favor of more ‘their’ for ‘they’re’ or ‘to’ objective data. However, for ‘too.’” for many scholarships, Asking an English honors colleges, and the teacher or a parent to vast majority of private proof the essay is also a and ivy league schools, an great idea. Admission ofessay is required. For ad- ficers are not looking to missions offices, it is a disqualify essays on techbalancing element of the nicalities to lighten their selection process, inworkload, but grammatitended to shed light on cal errors imply the stuthe person behind the dent is not thorough. numbers.

Even worse, a student can “I can tell a successful come off as disinterested essay because I learned or flippant. something about the apThe same can be said plicant that I couldn’t for vocabulary. Though have learned from their vivid descriptions are a application. The best must, don’t use words ones compel me to want that you don’t understand to meet the student,” said in an attempt to impress Johnathan Ferrell, assisreaders. tant dean of admissions “Respond to the and director of recruitprompt,” Ferrell said. ment at Millsaps College Essay prompts are in Jackson. “The college meant to be broad and essay is one of the only accessible to a variety of places where prospective students. Even so, it is imstudents can be creative perative for an applicant and take liberties.” to completely understand Ferrell said the essay is the question and answer just as important as acait with their response. 500 demic performance and words is not a lot of extracurricular engagespace, so the essay should ment. be tailored and focused

on the question at hand.

When proofing, ask yourself, “Does this part of my essay help answer the question?” This will keep you from getting offtopic.

In addition, the essay is not the place to tout the achievements already listed on your application. Admissions offices are much more interested to hear about how you learned and grew from an experiments.

AUTHENTICITY MATTERS

“Be yourself” is advice that is easier said than done, but it is the overall point of the application essay. Invite the reader into your life, your family, your hobbies, your heritage, anything that makes you different. If the topic calls you to tell a story about a significant person or event, be very descriptive and include specific details about characters and emotions.

Details show that the subject matters to the writer, and if they are meaningful to the writer, they will be so to the reader. Broad generalizations make an essay, an applicant, seem bland and generic.

If the essay calls you to take a position on an issue, don’t straddle the fence. Pick a side and stick to it, thoroughly support your argument, and tell why you feel the way you do about the issue.

“Don’t be afraid to be sentimental, witty, or even funny if you are that kind of person, but don’t fake it. If you aren’t sure of your writing style, the application essay is not the time to experiment,” Ferrell said. riley.manning@journalinc.com

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DAILY JOURNAL

COLLEGE PREP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 |

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DAILY JOURNAL

COLLEGE PREP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 |

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

COLLEGE PREP

DAILY JOURNAL

Don’t wait till senior year to ponder college choices

BY RILEY MANNING DAILY JOURNAL

They say the early bird gets the worm, a saying that seems particularly true for applying to college.

Though most high school seniors spend the fall semester filling out applications, retrieving letters of recommendation, and penning college essays to meet most institutions’ due dates in early spring, a student who has not at least begun discerning which university might be right for them is behind the curve.

Most admissions recruiters advise students to start getting to know colleges before their senior year begins by taking campus tours and talking with students. Many colleges even offer early decision deadlines, which allow incoming freshmen

Alissa King, director of admissions at William Carey University, agreed, and said starting early gives a student more time to figure out exactly what they want from their college experience. She recommended visiting schools of different sizes in different regions to get a taste for Johnathan Ferrell their preferences.

“Every university has its own assistant dean of admissions at Millsaps College unique offerings of sports, clubs, and intramurals,” she said. “So a to receive advance notification in the recruiting process is campus visit is crucial for them of their acceptance. ‘demonstrated interest,’ meanto talk to professors, talk to stuBut how early is too early? Is it ing what the student has done to dents, and find their own criteappropriate for, say, a high show interest in Millsaps.” ria for what is a good fit.” school sophomore to begin visFerrell said small, liberal arts In addition, an early start iting campuses and speaking colleges like Millsaps particugives both students and parents with college recruiters? larly favor a relationship develmore time to prepare. With col“Actually, around sophomore oped over time with a student lege in mind, high school stuyear is the ideal time,” said and their family. dents may find more direction Johnathan Ferrell, director of “It really helps a student come in their high school studies. admissions at Millsaps College. to life for us and be more than “They have more opportuni“One of the tools we actually use just an application,” he said. ties to take the ACT and more

‘Actually, around sophomore year is the ideal time. One of the tools we actually use in the recruiting process is ‘demonstrated interest,’ meaning what the student has done to show interest in Millsaps.’

time to discover and improve their academic strengths and weaknesses,” King said. “For parents, it’s more time to apply to scholarships and stay ahead on their Federal Application for Student Aid forms.”

King and Ferrell said it is never too early for a student to start thinking about college. Institutions are reaching out to students as young as junior high schoolers and high school freshmen to spark interest.

But Ferrell warned students not to take for granted the place they are in currently.

“I would caution them not to get too far removed, mentally,” he said. “They can’t forget about the importance of doing well all the way through their senior year of high school.” riley.manning@journalinc.com

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

COLLEGE PREP

DAILY JOURNAL

Don’t wait till senior year to ponder college choices

BY RILEY MANNING DAILY JOURNAL

They say the early bird gets the worm, a saying that seems particularly true for applying to college.

Though most high school seniors spend the fall semester filling out applications, retrieving letters of recommendation, and penning college essays to meet most institutions’ due dates in early spring, a student who has not at least begun discerning which university might be right for them is behind the curve.

Most admissions recruiters advise students to start getting to know colleges before their senior year begins by taking campus tours and talking with students. Many colleges even offer early decision deadlines, which allow incoming freshmen

Alissa King, director of admissions at William Carey University, agreed, and said starting early gives a student more time to figure out exactly what they want from their college experience. She recommended visiting schools of different sizes in different regions to get a taste for Johnathan Ferrell their preferences.

“Every university has its own assistant dean of admissions at Millsaps College unique offerings of sports, clubs, and intramurals,” she said. “So a to receive advance notification in the recruiting process is campus visit is crucial for them of their acceptance. ‘demonstrated interest,’ meanto talk to professors, talk to stuBut how early is too early? Is it ing what the student has done to dents, and find their own criteappropriate for, say, a high show interest in Millsaps.” ria for what is a good fit.” school sophomore to begin visFerrell said small, liberal arts In addition, an early start iting campuses and speaking colleges like Millsaps particugives both students and parents with college recruiters? larly favor a relationship develmore time to prepare. With col“Actually, around sophomore oped over time with a student lege in mind, high school stuyear is the ideal time,” said and their family. dents may find more direction Johnathan Ferrell, director of “It really helps a student come in their high school studies. admissions at Millsaps College. to life for us and be more than “They have more opportuni“One of the tools we actually use just an application,” he said. ties to take the ACT and more

‘Actually, around sophomore year is the ideal time. One of the tools we actually use in the recruiting process is ‘demonstrated interest,’ meaning what the student has done to show interest in Millsaps.’

time to discover and improve their academic strengths and weaknesses,” King said. “For parents, it’s more time to apply to scholarships and stay ahead on their Federal Application for Student Aid forms.”

King and Ferrell said it is never too early for a student to start thinking about college. Institutions are reaching out to students as young as junior high schoolers and high school freshmen to spark interest.

But Ferrell warned students not to take for granted the place they are in currently.

“I would caution them not to get too far removed, mentally,” he said. “They can’t forget about the importance of doing well all the way through their senior year of high school.” riley.manning@journalinc.com

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

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Tuition guarantee removes financial barriers

BY CHRIS KIEFFER DAILY JOURNAL

Money will not be a barrier preventing graduating high school seniors from attending their local community colleges.

Since it came to Northeast Mississippi in 2008 when it was sponsored by the Gilmore Foundation in Monroe County, the tuition guarantee program has continued to grow. This year, for the first time, it will cover all 17 counties in Northeast Mississippi, as Marshall County comes on board.

The program pays the cost of four semesters of community college tuition beyond what is funded for by scholarships and grants. It is for the community college in whose district the student lives.

The exact requirements vary by county and by college. Some programs are for immediate public high school graduates, while others are open to private school or GED graduates. The tuition guarantees are sponsored by planning and development districts, foundations, county governments, city governments, businesses and individuals.

“I believe the real purpose of this is to try to widen the pipeline and encourage young people to apply to college when many of them didn’t think they would have that opportunity,” said LewisWhitfield, who has championed the program as SeniorVice President at the CREATE Foundation.

Last fall, there were 2,782 students in TURN TO TUITION, PAGE 11

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Northeast Mississippi Community College freshmen use iPads in a beginning English class at the school this fall. The Tuition Guarantee program helps more high school graduates in Northeast Mississippi to attend community college by covering the cost of tuition.

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COLLEGE PREP

DAILY JOURNAL

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

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Tuition guarantee removes financial barriers

BY CHRIS KIEFFER DAILY JOURNAL

Money will not be a barrier preventing graduating high school seniors from attending their local community colleges.

Since it came to Northeast Mississippi in 2008 when it was sponsored by the Gilmore Foundation in Monroe County, the tuition guarantee program has continued to grow. This year, for the first time, it will cover all 17 counties in Northeast Mississippi, as Marshall County comes on board.

The program pays the cost of four semesters of community college tuition beyond what is funded for by scholarships and grants. It is for the community college in whose district the student lives.

The exact requirements vary by county and by college. Some programs are for immediate public high school graduates, while others are open to private school or GED graduates. The tuition guarantees are sponsored by planning and development districts, foundations, county governments, city governments, businesses and individuals.

“I believe the real purpose of this is to try to widen the pipeline and encourage young people to apply to college when many of them didn’t think they would have that opportunity,” said LewisWhitfield, who has championed the program as SeniorVice President at the CREATE Foundation.

Last fall, there were 2,782 students in TURN TO TUITION, PAGE 11

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Northeast Mississippi Community College freshmen use iPads in a beginning English class at the school this fall. The Tuition Guarantee program helps more high school graduates in Northeast Mississippi to attend community college by covering the cost of tuition.

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COLLEGE PREP

DAILY JOURNAL

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COLLEGE PREP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

What do you want to be when you grow up?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Students are asked this question countless times during their senior years, and they are expected to have an immediate answer.

Miller Answers are good, but what is more important is college enrollment.

In fact, choosing a major can become just as strenuous as selecting a college. So it’s OK to resist the urge to decide immediately on a specific major, because with excellent academic advising and guidance, students can enroll and register for courses that are applicable to a degree.

On average, 50 percent of

students who declare a major change at least once, and many do so multiple times.

While it is difficult to struggle with a major choice, attending a community college allows students course flexibility with excellent academic guidance through smaller class sizes, personalized attention, caring faculty and low cost.

So many times students are so focused on the major they lose sight of the main reason for college. College is a time to grow and learn more about yourself; therefore interests often change. Students are so stressed about selecting a

major that their grades begin to plummet. Even excellent students become discouraged.

All students have an opportunity to engage in career counseling and guidance through the college’s career and academic advising centers.

The centers play a vital role in student success through: • Assigning advisers to all students, who must maintain a close connection to ensure they stay on track to meet their academic and career goals.

• Assisting students with formulating their academic goals and developing their personal potential.

• Partnering with students in TURN TO ICC, PAGE 10

DAILY JOURNAL

College life outside the classroom also important While the primary reason people go to college is to obtain a degree (and it should be), there can be much more to a student’s experience than simply attend- Sutton ing class, passing assignments and earning academic credits.

Although it may sound cliché, learning in college doesn’t end at the classroom door, and alumni often describe important lessons they gleaned and skills they developed through experiences outside of class that made a difference in their lives after college. As prospective college students begin research-

ing the schools they might attend, what their majors may be and what life on a particular campus might be like for them, they should also consider ways they will be involved in college outside the classroom that can enrich their experiences as well. Following are a few suggestions.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PROGRAMS AND SPEAKERS

After sitting in class all day, the last thing a student may want to do is attend another lecture, but college campuses frequently host interesting

and thought-provoking speakers and programs covering a wide range of topics. Even better - many (if not all) of these events are typically free to students!

Students are encouraged to take a look at what the calendar of events for a particular school may include and then take advantage of programs on topics that interest them; that will challenge and broaden their thinking and that complement what they’re learning in the classroom.

JOIN A STUDENT ORGANIZATION

College campuses generTURN TO UM, 10

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COLLEGE PREP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

What do you want to be when you grow up?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Students are asked this question countless times during their senior years, and they are expected to have an immediate answer.

Miller Answers are good, but what is more important is college enrollment.

In fact, choosing a major can become just as strenuous as selecting a college. So it’s OK to resist the urge to decide immediately on a specific major, because with excellent academic advising and guidance, students can enroll and register for courses that are applicable to a degree.

On average, 50 percent of

students who declare a major change at least once, and many do so multiple times.

While it is difficult to struggle with a major choice, attending a community college allows students course flexibility with excellent academic guidance through smaller class sizes, personalized attention, caring faculty and low cost.

So many times students are so focused on the major they lose sight of the main reason for college. College is a time to grow and learn more about yourself; therefore interests often change. Students are so stressed about selecting a

major that their grades begin to plummet. Even excellent students become discouraged.

All students have an opportunity to engage in career counseling and guidance through the college’s career and academic advising centers.

The centers play a vital role in student success through: • Assigning advisers to all students, who must maintain a close connection to ensure they stay on track to meet their academic and career goals.

• Assisting students with formulating their academic goals and developing their personal potential.

• Partnering with students in TURN TO ICC, PAGE 10

DAILY JOURNAL

College life outside the classroom also important While the primary reason people go to college is to obtain a degree (and it should be), there can be much more to a student’s experience than simply attend- Sutton ing class, passing assignments and earning academic credits.

Although it may sound cliché, learning in college doesn’t end at the classroom door, and alumni often describe important lessons they gleaned and skills they developed through experiences outside of class that made a difference in their lives after college. As prospective college students begin research-

ing the schools they might attend, what their majors may be and what life on a particular campus might be like for them, they should also consider ways they will be involved in college outside the classroom that can enrich their experiences as well. Following are a few suggestions.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PROGRAMS AND SPEAKERS

After sitting in class all day, the last thing a student may want to do is attend another lecture, but college campuses frequently host interesting

and thought-provoking speakers and programs covering a wide range of topics. Even better - many (if not all) of these events are typically free to students!

Students are encouraged to take a look at what the calendar of events for a particular school may include and then take advantage of programs on topics that interest them; that will challenge and broaden their thinking and that complement what they’re learning in the classroom.

JOIN A STUDENT ORGANIZATION

College campuses generTURN TO UM, 10

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DAILY JOURNAL

COLLEGE PREP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 |

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DAILY JOURNAL

COLLEGE PREP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 |

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COLLEGE PREP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

Visiting campuses should be priority when choosing college To find the best college fit, I encourage students to ask themselves three questions.

Does the institution offer the program of study I am interested in pursuing? Does the Millard cost to attend this institution fall within my budget?

And did I get a “home away from home” feel during my visit to campus?

Each institution is different.

They vary by size, programs of study and cost. By keeping these questions in mind as students begin the college selection process, they can find the college that is the perfect fit.

When students are trying to determine if an institution offers their program of study, it is easy to go online and find this information. As a globally relevant, comprehensive research university, Mississippi State University prepares students for just about any career they can imagine, from architects and engineers to teachers, doctors and lawyers.

MSU also offers a number of highly-specialized programs, such as professional golf management and broadcast meteorology.

It is also easy to go online

and find the cost of attendance for each institution a student is considering. Fortunately, there are a number of federal, state and institutional programs designed to help families in getting financial assistance, from Pell Grants and subsidized student loans to the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant and the Mississippi State Promise Program.

Mississippi State University prides itself on offering a quality education at an affordable cost, which is one of the reasons we were ranked by the Wall Street Journal as one of the nation’s three best “returns TURN TO MSU, PAGE 10

Help reduce stress while preparing for college Preparing for college comes with a mixture of excitement and intimidation.

On the one hand, you are about to enter a new realm of education that provides more Sacran freedoms and opportunities than you have previously experienced. On the other hand, you are going to face decisions that will affect your future in a big way.

While it is impossible to avoid every type of stress that is part of the college experience, there are some things you can do to reduce unnecessary stress. This type of stress is common, yet easily avoided with a little planning.

One thing you can begin doing now is learning how to manage your time. This is one of the biggest challenges stu-

dents (and humans) face. Managing your time simply means that you know what you need to do and when you are going to do it. Setting aside specific blocks of time to study, do homework, eat, exercise, sleep, etc. will benefit you tremendously as you navigate through a busy schedule. You are probably going to be busy for the rest of your life; learning to manage your time well will prove to be a very beneficial habit.

Another area that will benefit you in preparing for college is taking the ACT. Colleges and universities reward students with good ACT scores through scholarships that help pay for tuition. The higher the score, the more money you will receive. It is a good idea to take the ACT

several times in an attempt to get the highest possible score.

A common struggle in college is trying to decide on a major. There are so many options out there, and at the age of 18 or 19, it’s difficult to know what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Some people make a quick decision and choose just for the sake of choosing. The stress of being undecided becomes so uncomfortable that an individual quickly declares a particular major, simply to shake off the current stress. This approach doesn’t actually deal with the problem, it postpones it.

I would suggest that you begin thinking about your major now. If you have several interests, but you’re not sure what to do, check into doing some TURN TO NEMCC, PAGE 10

DAILY JOURNAL

In college selection process, know your purpose College is sure to be one of the most incredible periods of your life. You will meet amazingly smart and funny people who will be your friends. You will meet caring and Love intelligent professors who will guide you as you strive to reach your dreams.

You will learn lessons inside and outside of the classroom that will shape your future. In a nutshell, college rocks.

I remember the day my mom and I first arrived on the Rust College campus. Of course I was nervous, but when I entered the first building, someone called my name.

Someone recognized me. I realized I would be more than a number. People would know me.

Meeting my roommate was another moment of nerves. I’d been paired with a girl from Jackson. She was a stranger to me then, but four years later we are very good friends. We had moments where we had to be patient with each other and learn each other’s likes and dislikes. We had to learn how to resolve conflicts on our own. In many ways, I can say we did a lot of growing up together.

There is often a debate

about staying on campus or not. I would advise a college student to live on campus. It is really a different world. You can’t beat the experience. Your friends are around 24/7. Never again in your life will that happen.

I got involved in almost everything during my college years. I was the freshman class president and have been active in the United Methodist Student Movement, Eboné Fashion Club, the A’Cappella Choir, the E.A. Smith Honor Society, the RCTV2 news staff and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. This year I am president TURN TO RUST, PAGE 10

The W: My home away from home I am from a small town in Mississippi and went to a small high school where we all knew one another and our teachers knew us by name and by situation.

Williams When I was applying to colleges, I knew I wanted that same feeling from my classmates and professors. As I began to visit some of my college choices, I was looking for a place where I could feel at home, and as a potential nursing student, a place where I could learn from some of the best teachers around.

During my senior year of high school when I came for my visit at The W, I felt the sense of community among students, faculty and staff, and knew this was the right fit for

me. The admissions staff knew me by name, and I was able to see myself on campus and getting involved.

When I met with the director of the nursing program, I left feeling encouraged and that they genuinely wanted me to be a part of their program. I felt like I mattered.

When I moved in as a freshman at The W, I did not know anyone else on campus. I was nervous and excited all at once. Quickly I was able to connect with others by joining a four-year social club and participating in a variety of other campus activities. I was always busy and never bored. I developed a close network of friends who now feel like an extension of my family.

As I began applying for

nursing school during my sophomore year, my professors helped me to make sure that I was on track with my application and helped to calm my fears as I applied to the program.

I never thought it was possible, but now that I am in my first year of nursing school at The W, my connection to my classmates and professors has gotten even tighter. All of the students in my program take our classes together and have the same professors over and over again, allowing us to develop close ties to one another and to get 24/7 help and support.

My professors help me on a daily basis to realize my dream of becoming a nurse. I could not have gotten to where I am TURN TO MUW, PAGE 11

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8F

|

COLLEGE PREP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

Visiting campuses should be priority when choosing college To find the best college fit, I encourage students to ask themselves three questions.

Does the institution offer the program of study I am interested in pursuing? Does the Millard cost to attend this institution fall within my budget?

And did I get a “home away from home” feel during my visit to campus?

Each institution is different.

They vary by size, programs of study and cost. By keeping these questions in mind as students begin the college selection process, they can find the college that is the perfect fit.

When students are trying to determine if an institution offers their program of study, it is easy to go online and find this information. As a globally relevant, comprehensive research university, Mississippi State University prepares students for just about any career they can imagine, from architects and engineers to teachers, doctors and lawyers.

MSU also offers a number of highly-specialized programs, such as professional golf management and broadcast meteorology.

It is also easy to go online

and find the cost of attendance for each institution a student is considering. Fortunately, there are a number of federal, state and institutional programs designed to help families in getting financial assistance, from Pell Grants and subsidized student loans to the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant and the Mississippi State Promise Program.

Mississippi State University prides itself on offering a quality education at an affordable cost, which is one of the reasons we were ranked by the Wall Street Journal as one of the nation’s three best “returns TURN TO MSU, PAGE 10

Help reduce stress while preparing for college Preparing for college comes with a mixture of excitement and intimidation.

On the one hand, you are about to enter a new realm of education that provides more Sacran freedoms and opportunities than you have previously experienced. On the other hand, you are going to face decisions that will affect your future in a big way.

While it is impossible to avoid every type of stress that is part of the college experience, there are some things you can do to reduce unnecessary stress. This type of stress is common, yet easily avoided with a little planning.

One thing you can begin doing now is learning how to manage your time. This is one of the biggest challenges stu-

dents (and humans) face. Managing your time simply means that you know what you need to do and when you are going to do it. Setting aside specific blocks of time to study, do homework, eat, exercise, sleep, etc. will benefit you tremendously as you navigate through a busy schedule. You are probably going to be busy for the rest of your life; learning to manage your time well will prove to be a very beneficial habit.

Another area that will benefit you in preparing for college is taking the ACT. Colleges and universities reward students with good ACT scores through scholarships that help pay for tuition. The higher the score, the more money you will receive. It is a good idea to take the ACT

several times in an attempt to get the highest possible score.

A common struggle in college is trying to decide on a major. There are so many options out there, and at the age of 18 or 19, it’s difficult to know what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Some people make a quick decision and choose just for the sake of choosing. The stress of being undecided becomes so uncomfortable that an individual quickly declares a particular major, simply to shake off the current stress. This approach doesn’t actually deal with the problem, it postpones it.

I would suggest that you begin thinking about your major now. If you have several interests, but you’re not sure what to do, check into doing some TURN TO NEMCC, PAGE 10

DAILY JOURNAL

In college selection process, know your purpose College is sure to be one of the most incredible periods of your life. You will meet amazingly smart and funny people who will be your friends. You will meet caring and Love intelligent professors who will guide you as you strive to reach your dreams.

You will learn lessons inside and outside of the classroom that will shape your future. In a nutshell, college rocks.

I remember the day my mom and I first arrived on the Rust College campus. Of course I was nervous, but when I entered the first building, someone called my name.

Someone recognized me. I realized I would be more than a number. People would know me.

Meeting my roommate was another moment of nerves. I’d been paired with a girl from Jackson. She was a stranger to me then, but four years later we are very good friends. We had moments where we had to be patient with each other and learn each other’s likes and dislikes. We had to learn how to resolve conflicts on our own. In many ways, I can say we did a lot of growing up together.

There is often a debate

about staying on campus or not. I would advise a college student to live on campus. It is really a different world. You can’t beat the experience. Your friends are around 24/7. Never again in your life will that happen.

I got involved in almost everything during my college years. I was the freshman class president and have been active in the United Methodist Student Movement, Eboné Fashion Club, the A’Cappella Choir, the E.A. Smith Honor Society, the RCTV2 news staff and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. This year I am president TURN TO RUST, PAGE 10

The W: My home away from home I am from a small town in Mississippi and went to a small high school where we all knew one another and our teachers knew us by name and by situation.

Williams When I was applying to colleges, I knew I wanted that same feeling from my classmates and professors. As I began to visit some of my college choices, I was looking for a place where I could feel at home, and as a potential nursing student, a place where I could learn from some of the best teachers around.

During my senior year of high school when I came for my visit at The W, I felt the sense of community among students, faculty and staff, and knew this was the right fit for

me. The admissions staff knew me by name, and I was able to see myself on campus and getting involved.

When I met with the director of the nursing program, I left feeling encouraged and that they genuinely wanted me to be a part of their program. I felt like I mattered.

When I moved in as a freshman at The W, I did not know anyone else on campus. I was nervous and excited all at once. Quickly I was able to connect with others by joining a four-year social club and participating in a variety of other campus activities. I was always busy and never bored. I developed a close network of friends who now feel like an extension of my family.

As I began applying for

nursing school during my sophomore year, my professors helped me to make sure that I was on track with my application and helped to calm my fears as I applied to the program.

I never thought it was possible, but now that I am in my first year of nursing school at The W, my connection to my classmates and professors has gotten even tighter. All of the students in my program take our classes together and have the same professors over and over again, allowing us to develop close ties to one another and to get 24/7 help and support.

My professors help me on a daily basis to realize my dream of becoming a nurse. I could not have gotten to where I am TURN TO MUW, PAGE 11

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DAILY JOURNAL

COLLEGE PREP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

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2015

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DAILY JOURNAL

COLLEGE PREP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

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2015

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

Rust FROM PAGE 8

of the Student Government Association.

All of that activity was a big adjustment for my family. My family was used to me calling often, but once I got busy with

NEMCC

campus life, calls came less often. I think it was harder for my mother, but she understands. I make sure to stay in touch with my family so that we don’t miss each other too much.

So as you think about college, think about the reason you want to go. Why do you want a degree? What will you contribute to this world?

COLLEGE PREP So many people go to college just to be going to college. But you have to think about your purpose. Work hard to have a good GPA and have a good attitude.

Attitude takes you a long way.

JESSICA LOVE, 21, is a senior mass communications major at Rust College. She is from Camden.

to attempt to make an uninformed decision.

If you are undecided when you begin your freshman year, I would recommend that you choose a general studies or liberal arts major. This will allow you to complete your general core classes (classes that every college student seeking a bachelor degree must take) while you continue to investigate other majors.

These are just a few tips to help you make the big transition to college. The sooner you begin to think about some of these things, the better. With a little preparation, you will begin to set yourself up to successfully navigate through college life.

tail for the next four, maybe five, years.

Most universities offer a FROM PAGE 8 number of ways to visit campus. on investment.”

At Mississippi State, we offer However, visiting campus is everything from large, exciting the most important aspect of events, such as our Fall Preview the college selection process.

Days, to smaller half-day During a campus visit, students events, such as Bulldog for a are able to immerse themselves Day, to individual campus tours. in the college experience and I encourage all parents and get a genuine feel of campus. students to take advantage of They can picture what their these opportunities and to visit home away from home will en- more than one campus. Visiting

campus will not only assist you in making your college decision, but it will also add fun and excitement to the process.

For more on Mississippi State University, call (662) 3252224, email admit@msstate.edu or visit www.statement. msstate.edu.

FROM PAGE 8

job shadowing. This will allow you to get an accurate idea of what the jobs actually entail on a day-to-day basis. Gather all of the information that you can about careers you might consider. One of the quickest ways to invite stress into your life is

MSU

ICC FROM PAGE 6

developing academic plans for majors or programs and assisting them in selecting the appropriate classes after reviewing degree audits.

• Connecting students with campus and community resources.

• Ensuring the students’ educational plan will culminate in the attainment of a degree through wise investment of time.

• Offering an educational plan to enable students to directly enter the workforce or

transfer to a senior college or university.

• Providing an opportunity for student participation in advising seminars that focus on a vast array of careers from medical or pharmacy to career/technical degrees that bridge to a bachelor’s degree.

Academic advising is a teaching and learning process that is dedicated to student success. For example, at ICC, where students are a priority, academic advising emphasizes investing in the student by fostering an adviser/advisee relationship.

This partnership is committed to student success through degree completion while collaboratively working with advisers

LOUIS SACRAN is a counselor at Northeast Mississippi Community College.

NARON REMILLARD is director of student recruitment at Mississippi State University. through structured professional development programs and promoting career options for all students.

Education is one of the few things in life that once you have it, no one can take it away. The education you receive is yours for a lifetime, and it will open many doors in your future. If you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up, you’re not alone. Seek the assistance of college advisers and utilize the resources they provide to enable you to determine the right “fit” for your future.

MANDE MILLER is director of advising at Itawamba Community College.

DAILY JOURNAL

When it’s time to choose, consider a Christian college “Last night, I didn’t get to sleep at all.” At least, I think that is what my sister said as I answered the phone.

I know that phrase sounds like Gibson an old ‘60s song, but it is my younger sister’s reality at the moment. You see, she’s the parent of three boys, and she is up to her ears in the kind of things parents face when their oldest child becomes a graduating high school senior.

She said that every day she gets asked for one thing: money. It can be overwhelming. I didn’t have the heart to tell her it will get worse.

The senior year can strike fear in the minds and hearts of many parents. These are big decisions that can really impact their child’s future – and they are not to be taken

UM FROM PAGE 6

ally have a wide variety of student organizations in which students may participate.

From club sports to campus ministry groups to fraternities and sororities to political organizations, there’s something for everyone.

Becoming involved in a student organization that is related to a student’s major can facilitate professional connections and networking. Joining a group that promotes an interest or hobby can help students develop connections and make friends - an important factor in student retention. Additionally, students who choose to take on officer roles within a given organization are able to develop leadership skills and

lightly.

The college choice is the biggie. This is the one that will likely impact your child’s viewpoint on life.

Most adults can look back at their college days as the time when life-long friendships are formed, mates are chosen, and foundations are laid for future success. In other words, you don’t want to mess this one up.

So, what should you look for in a college? Academic programs? Family loyalties?

Cost? Where friends are going? Winning sports teams?

While each of those things is a legitimate concern, let me suggest you look for the college that will give your child the best foundation for life – and that you do one more thing: Consider a Chris-

tian college.

Makes good sense, doesn’t it? Give your student the opportunity to earn a worldclass education with a biblical worldview.

Blue Mountain College is enjoying a fresh, new awakening. Fully accredited just like all of her larger state college and university counterparts, BMC is unapologetically Christian in a changing world.

Completely on-line degrees are available in psychology and business, and a degree program in criminal justice will soon be available.

If you haven’t considered BMC, you should. One of the most affordable Christian colleges in the nation, come and see “What’s new@Blue!”

further their understanding of group dynamics and teamwork.

what life “outside the classroom” might be like on a given campus. Joining a student organization, attending campus programs and giving back to the community are just a few areas to be considered before stepping foot on campus and should definitely be outlets students take advantage of when they arrive.

The benefits are tremendous: networking opportunities, real-world experiences, exposure to unique and different viewpoint and - perhaps even more importantly - developing friendships and personal relationships that can help support their educational success.

GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Every community – no matter how large or small – will have volunteer opportunities. This is another great way for students to make connections while also contributing to the larger community where they’re living.

Sometimes, volunteer roles can even help students gain real-world experience in a field they may be considering as a future career. In addition, volunteering helps meet important needs of a community and can also be extremely rewarding for those who give of their time.

Certainly before selecting a particular school, students should give careful thought to

LYNN GIBSON is vice president for enrollment services at Blue Mountain College.

MELINDA J. SUTTON is assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Mississippi.

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|

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

Rust FROM PAGE 8

of the Student Government Association.

All of that activity was a big adjustment for my family. My family was used to me calling often, but once I got busy with

NEMCC

campus life, calls came less often. I think it was harder for my mother, but she understands. I make sure to stay in touch with my family so that we don’t miss each other too much.

So as you think about college, think about the reason you want to go. Why do you want a degree? What will you contribute to this world?

COLLEGE PREP So many people go to college just to be going to college. But you have to think about your purpose. Work hard to have a good GPA and have a good attitude.

Attitude takes you a long way.

JESSICA LOVE, 21, is a senior mass communications major at Rust College. She is from Camden.

to attempt to make an uninformed decision.

If you are undecided when you begin your freshman year, I would recommend that you choose a general studies or liberal arts major. This will allow you to complete your general core classes (classes that every college student seeking a bachelor degree must take) while you continue to investigate other majors.

These are just a few tips to help you make the big transition to college. The sooner you begin to think about some of these things, the better. With a little preparation, you will begin to set yourself up to successfully navigate through college life.

tail for the next four, maybe five, years.

Most universities offer a FROM PAGE 8 number of ways to visit campus. on investment.”

At Mississippi State, we offer However, visiting campus is everything from large, exciting the most important aspect of events, such as our Fall Preview the college selection process.

Days, to smaller half-day During a campus visit, students events, such as Bulldog for a are able to immerse themselves Day, to individual campus tours. in the college experience and I encourage all parents and get a genuine feel of campus. students to take advantage of They can picture what their these opportunities and to visit home away from home will en- more than one campus. Visiting

campus will not only assist you in making your college decision, but it will also add fun and excitement to the process.

For more on Mississippi State University, call (662) 3252224, email admit@msstate.edu or visit www.statement. msstate.edu.

FROM PAGE 8

job shadowing. This will allow you to get an accurate idea of what the jobs actually entail on a day-to-day basis. Gather all of the information that you can about careers you might consider. One of the quickest ways to invite stress into your life is

MSU

ICC FROM PAGE 6

developing academic plans for majors or programs and assisting them in selecting the appropriate classes after reviewing degree audits.

• Connecting students with campus and community resources.

• Ensuring the students’ educational plan will culminate in the attainment of a degree through wise investment of time.

• Offering an educational plan to enable students to directly enter the workforce or

transfer to a senior college or university.

• Providing an opportunity for student participation in advising seminars that focus on a vast array of careers from medical or pharmacy to career/technical degrees that bridge to a bachelor’s degree.

Academic advising is a teaching and learning process that is dedicated to student success. For example, at ICC, where students are a priority, academic advising emphasizes investing in the student by fostering an adviser/advisee relationship.

This partnership is committed to student success through degree completion while collaboratively working with advisers

LOUIS SACRAN is a counselor at Northeast Mississippi Community College.

NARON REMILLARD is director of student recruitment at Mississippi State University. through structured professional development programs and promoting career options for all students.

Education is one of the few things in life that once you have it, no one can take it away. The education you receive is yours for a lifetime, and it will open many doors in your future. If you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up, you’re not alone. Seek the assistance of college advisers and utilize the resources they provide to enable you to determine the right “fit” for your future.

MANDE MILLER is director of advising at Itawamba Community College.

DAILY JOURNAL

When it’s time to choose, consider a Christian college “Last night, I didn’t get to sleep at all.” At least, I think that is what my sister said as I answered the phone.

I know that phrase sounds like Gibson an old ‘60s song, but it is my younger sister’s reality at the moment. You see, she’s the parent of three boys, and she is up to her ears in the kind of things parents face when their oldest child becomes a graduating high school senior.

She said that every day she gets asked for one thing: money. It can be overwhelming. I didn’t have the heart to tell her it will get worse.

The senior year can strike fear in the minds and hearts of many parents. These are big decisions that can really impact their child’s future – and they are not to be taken

UM FROM PAGE 6

ally have a wide variety of student organizations in which students may participate.

From club sports to campus ministry groups to fraternities and sororities to political organizations, there’s something for everyone.

Becoming involved in a student organization that is related to a student’s major can facilitate professional connections and networking. Joining a group that promotes an interest or hobby can help students develop connections and make friends - an important factor in student retention. Additionally, students who choose to take on officer roles within a given organization are able to develop leadership skills and

lightly.

The college choice is the biggie. This is the one that will likely impact your child’s viewpoint on life.

Most adults can look back at their college days as the time when life-long friendships are formed, mates are chosen, and foundations are laid for future success. In other words, you don’t want to mess this one up.

So, what should you look for in a college? Academic programs? Family loyalties?

Cost? Where friends are going? Winning sports teams?

While each of those things is a legitimate concern, let me suggest you look for the college that will give your child the best foundation for life – and that you do one more thing: Consider a Chris-

tian college.

Makes good sense, doesn’t it? Give your student the opportunity to earn a worldclass education with a biblical worldview.

Blue Mountain College is enjoying a fresh, new awakening. Fully accredited just like all of her larger state college and university counterparts, BMC is unapologetically Christian in a changing world.

Completely on-line degrees are available in psychology and business, and a degree program in criminal justice will soon be available.

If you haven’t considered BMC, you should. One of the most affordable Christian colleges in the nation, come and see “What’s new@Blue!”

further their understanding of group dynamics and teamwork.

what life “outside the classroom” might be like on a given campus. Joining a student organization, attending campus programs and giving back to the community are just a few areas to be considered before stepping foot on campus and should definitely be outlets students take advantage of when they arrive.

The benefits are tremendous: networking opportunities, real-world experiences, exposure to unique and different viewpoint and - perhaps even more importantly - developing friendships and personal relationships that can help support their educational success.

GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Every community – no matter how large or small – will have volunteer opportunities. This is another great way for students to make connections while also contributing to the larger community where they’re living.

Sometimes, volunteer roles can even help students gain real-world experience in a field they may be considering as a future career. In addition, volunteering helps meet important needs of a community and can also be extremely rewarding for those who give of their time.

Certainly before selecting a particular school, students should give careful thought to

LYNN GIBSON is vice president for enrollment services at Blue Mountain College.

MELINDA J. SUTTON is assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Mississippi.

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Tuition FROM PAGE 5

16 Northeast Mississippi counties covered by the program, Whitfield said. Of that number, 613 received a total of $453,816 for the fall semester.That was an average of $740 per student.

The other 2,169 students covered by the program had all of their tuition covered by other sources, such as financial aid.

One benefit of the program, Whitfield said, is it forces students to find such outside aid they did not realize was available.

“Nationally one reason college and university students drop out is many are so stressed financially they have to take a lighter load and fewer classes,” Whitfield said. “That extends their time, and many of them burn out from going to school and working. The tuition guarantee is one way to close the gap for those young people who don’t have financial resources.”

Monroe County has expanded its program to also cover two semesters of university tuition for participants who also graduate from Itawamba Community College. Sponsored by the Gilmore Foundation, it pays for students to attend any of the state’s eight public universities after other financial aid

ACT FROM PAGE 1

guessing with three minutes left on the test.

• Use process of elimination.

Sometimes choices can be eliminated because of punctuation.

• Questions on the math section get harder later in the test. Also, on the science test, the first two questions in each section are generally the easiest.

• On the reading section, you don’t have to complete the passages in order. Students should

has been applied.

This year, 27 students are participating in the“2 + 2” program, including 16 enrolled at Mississippi State University, nine at the University of Mississippi and one each at Mississippi University for Women and the University of Southern Mississippi.

“I think this program is valuable because we often forget it is working middle class families who need some financial support when it comes to our universities and higher education,” said Danny Spreitler, executive director of the Gilmore Foundation.“They don’t qualify for a lot of Pell Grant money or get supplemental money. The middle class is the heart and soul of Mississippi, and they need that help.”

To qualify for tuition guarantees, students must graduate from high school (some counties also allow for GED graduates), take the ACT, apply for the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and enroll in the community college as a full-time student.

Some counties have additional requirements. In Monroe county, students must have a 2.5 high school grade-point average and a certain ACT score, depending on their intended major. chris.kieffer@journalinc.com

work the ones they are more comfortable with first, Cox said, and focus on getting as many questions right as they can in those sections.

• For the four reading passages, generally one relates to literature, one to arts/ humanities, one to social science and one to natural science.

• It is critical that students know how to use their calculators.

• The more students read, the better they will do on the reading test.

• When students register for the ACT, they can pay an extra fee to get a copy

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

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11F

Financing college Tips for navigating the process

(StatePoint) Any high school student planning to attend college should have a good plan for financing that degree, to avoid unnecessary debt.

Students who earned a bachelor’s degree typically earn nearly twice as much as their peers with only high school diplomas, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To reap the benefits of a college degree, students and parents should strive to avoid unnecessary debt postgraduation by making a game plan.

Navigating this process can be tricky. And without proper planning or research, it’s easy to take on too much debt. With that in mind, here are some tips for fam-

MUW FROM PAGE 8

without their constant help and encouragement.

Even though nursing school takes up a great deal

of their completed test sent to them. This copy will show how a student answered the questions and can be helpful as a student prepares to retake the test.

• Get a good night’s sleep before the test.

• Take the test more than once.

• Bring a nutritious snack for the break.

• Students need to bring a picture ID with them to the testing center.

• Students are now required to send a picture when registering. Pictures can be uploaded to the ACT website or sent by mail.

ilies embarking on this journey: • Fill out the FAFSA: Regardless of your family’s income, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) If you’re eligible for aid, the schools you’ve been accepted to will put together financial aid packages for you based on this information.

Additionally, you’ll need to complete this if you wish to receive federal aid. Remember to fill out the FAFSA every year you’re in school, no earlier than January 1 for the upcoming academic year.

• Estimate college costs: You can get an estimate of a college’s approximate cost by visiting the “net price calculator” on the individual school’s website. Play around with the variables to see

of my time, I am still able to be an active part of the campus community through my four-year social club and other campus activities.

Through my social club, I feel like I have 30 other sisters who are there for me whenever I need them.

Students should begin taking the test once they have had geometry, either in ninth or 10th grade.

They should take it for the first time no later than February of their junior year, McAlpin said.

Also, the October test is normally the latest ones seniors can use to report for any Dec. 1 application deadlines, Inman said.

The prep class at ICC will be offered on the Belden campus this fall on two upcoming Saturdays in October. A class on Oct. 4 will focus on English and reading, and one on Oct. 18 will concentrate on

how your total cost of college could change. For example, look at differences between living on and off-campus.

• Explore financing options: First, consider free aid, like scholarships, grants, state and institutional aid. Ask your financial aid office to give you information on self-help aid like the Federal Work Study program, and also consider federal student loans.

Additionally, check out private student loans, available through banks and other private lenders.

• Know your deadlines: Be sure to obtain all important dates from your financial aid office.

Keep a calendar for this and other college application deadlines.

I highly recommend you consider The W as you begin your college search. It is a place that will challenge you and change you. Students are the top priority at The W, and I feel like I matter here.

If you are interested in learning more about the place

math and science. Both will last from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the $50 fee includes the book and lunch.

Students also will have the opportunity to take the course in the spring.

An English and reading session will be offered on two Saturdays and a math and science one will be held on two different Saturdays. Those dates have not yet been set, but cost will again be $50 per session.

ICC also will offer an 8week course on Monday nights in the spring from 5:30 until 8 p.m. on the Belden campus. Cost for

I consider my home away from home, please contact the Office of Admissions at (662) 329-7106 or visiting www.muw.edu.\

TAYLOR WILLIAMS of McHenry is a junior majoring in nursing at The W.

that course will be $100.

To register, contact Becky Kelly at (662) 4071500 or rakelly@iccms.edu.

The class at the Learning Skills Center begins five weeks before each of the national tests. The next one will start Sept. 23, McAlpin said, and another one will begin on Nov. 4.

Cost is $335 for the September class and $350 for the November one.

Classes are every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Call (662) 844-7327 to register. chris.kieffer@journalinc.com

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COLLEGE PREP

DAILY JOURNAL

Tuition FROM PAGE 5

16 Northeast Mississippi counties covered by the program, Whitfield said. Of that number, 613 received a total of $453,816 for the fall semester.That was an average of $740 per student.

The other 2,169 students covered by the program had all of their tuition covered by other sources, such as financial aid.

One benefit of the program, Whitfield said, is it forces students to find such outside aid they did not realize was available.

“Nationally one reason college and university students drop out is many are so stressed financially they have to take a lighter load and fewer classes,” Whitfield said. “That extends their time, and many of them burn out from going to school and working. The tuition guarantee is one way to close the gap for those young people who don’t have financial resources.”

Monroe County has expanded its program to also cover two semesters of university tuition for participants who also graduate from Itawamba Community College. Sponsored by the Gilmore Foundation, it pays for students to attend any of the state’s eight public universities after other financial aid

ACT FROM PAGE 1

guessing with three minutes left on the test.

• Use process of elimination.

Sometimes choices can be eliminated because of punctuation.

• Questions on the math section get harder later in the test. Also, on the science test, the first two questions in each section are generally the easiest.

• On the reading section, you don’t have to complete the passages in order. Students should

has been applied.

This year, 27 students are participating in the“2 + 2” program, including 16 enrolled at Mississippi State University, nine at the University of Mississippi and one each at Mississippi University for Women and the University of Southern Mississippi.

“I think this program is valuable because we often forget it is working middle class families who need some financial support when it comes to our universities and higher education,” said Danny Spreitler, executive director of the Gilmore Foundation.“They don’t qualify for a lot of Pell Grant money or get supplemental money. The middle class is the heart and soul of Mississippi, and they need that help.”

To qualify for tuition guarantees, students must graduate from high school (some counties also allow for GED graduates), take the ACT, apply for the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and enroll in the community college as a full-time student.

Some counties have additional requirements. In Monroe county, students must have a 2.5 high school grade-point average and a certain ACT score, depending on their intended major. chris.kieffer@journalinc.com

work the ones they are more comfortable with first, Cox said, and focus on getting as many questions right as they can in those sections.

• For the four reading passages, generally one relates to literature, one to arts/ humanities, one to social science and one to natural science.

• It is critical that students know how to use their calculators.

• The more students read, the better they will do on the reading test.

• When students register for the ACT, they can pay an extra fee to get a copy

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

|

11F

Financing college Tips for navigating the process

(StatePoint) Any high school student planning to attend college should have a good plan for financing that degree, to avoid unnecessary debt.

Students who earned a bachelor’s degree typically earn nearly twice as much as their peers with only high school diplomas, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To reap the benefits of a college degree, students and parents should strive to avoid unnecessary debt postgraduation by making a game plan.

Navigating this process can be tricky. And without proper planning or research, it’s easy to take on too much debt. With that in mind, here are some tips for fam-

MUW FROM PAGE 8

without their constant help and encouragement.

Even though nursing school takes up a great deal

of their completed test sent to them. This copy will show how a student answered the questions and can be helpful as a student prepares to retake the test.

• Get a good night’s sleep before the test.

• Take the test more than once.

• Bring a nutritious snack for the break.

• Students need to bring a picture ID with them to the testing center.

• Students are now required to send a picture when registering. Pictures can be uploaded to the ACT website or sent by mail.

ilies embarking on this journey: • Fill out the FAFSA: Regardless of your family’s income, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) If you’re eligible for aid, the schools you’ve been accepted to will put together financial aid packages for you based on this information.

Additionally, you’ll need to complete this if you wish to receive federal aid. Remember to fill out the FAFSA every year you’re in school, no earlier than January 1 for the upcoming academic year.

• Estimate college costs: You can get an estimate of a college’s approximate cost by visiting the “net price calculator” on the individual school’s website. Play around with the variables to see

of my time, I am still able to be an active part of the campus community through my four-year social club and other campus activities.

Through my social club, I feel like I have 30 other sisters who are there for me whenever I need them.

Students should begin taking the test once they have had geometry, either in ninth or 10th grade.

They should take it for the first time no later than February of their junior year, McAlpin said.

Also, the October test is normally the latest ones seniors can use to report for any Dec. 1 application deadlines, Inman said.

The prep class at ICC will be offered on the Belden campus this fall on two upcoming Saturdays in October. A class on Oct. 4 will focus on English and reading, and one on Oct. 18 will concentrate on

how your total cost of college could change. For example, look at differences between living on and off-campus.

• Explore financing options: First, consider free aid, like scholarships, grants, state and institutional aid. Ask your financial aid office to give you information on self-help aid like the Federal Work Study program, and also consider federal student loans.

Additionally, check out private student loans, available through banks and other private lenders.

• Know your deadlines: Be sure to obtain all important dates from your financial aid office.

Keep a calendar for this and other college application deadlines.

I highly recommend you consider The W as you begin your college search. It is a place that will challenge you and change you. Students are the top priority at The W, and I feel like I matter here.

If you are interested in learning more about the place

math and science. Both will last from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the $50 fee includes the book and lunch.

Students also will have the opportunity to take the course in the spring.

An English and reading session will be offered on two Saturdays and a math and science one will be held on two different Saturdays. Those dates have not yet been set, but cost will again be $50 per session.

ICC also will offer an 8week course on Monday nights in the spring from 5:30 until 8 p.m. on the Belden campus. Cost for

I consider my home away from home, please contact the Office of Admissions at (662) 329-7106 or visiting www.muw.edu.\

TAYLOR WILLIAMS of McHenry is a junior majoring in nursing at The W.

that course will be $100.

To register, contact Becky Kelly at (662) 4071500 or rakelly@iccms.edu.

The class at the Learning Skills Center begins five weeks before each of the national tests. The next one will start Sept. 23, McAlpin said, and another one will begin on Nov. 4.

Cost is $335 for the September class and $350 for the November one.

Classes are every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Call (662) 844-7327 to register. chris.kieffer@journalinc.com

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COLLEGE PREP

DAILY JOURNAL

12F | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

COLLEGE PREP

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DAILY JOURNAL

12F | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

COLLEGE PREP

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DAILY JOURNAL