Handy Dandy Hints for a FOCUSED year!

With the start of school less than three weeks away, it's time to consider your FOCUS for the year.  First of all, look at your transcript.  It is critically important that your GPA is a 3.0 or higher. How do you do that?  FOCUS! 

When looking at your GPA, colleges look at the WEIGHTED GPA. While an 18 or 20 might be the beginning score for admission, if your GPA is lower than a 3.0, you will be required to have a higher ACT and might possibly be wait-listed until January.

Many scholarships look at the ACT and your GPA (and unless you have a 3.5 or higher, even a high ACT is not enough). Sometimes, a 79 could be an 80 with just a bit of effort.  As you prepare for a new school year, make sure you put 100% into your classes, have a strong focus in your classwork, and think about your GPA throughout the semester.  As you enter your senior year, know that you have ONE SEMESTER to finish strong and qualify for scholarships!

Here are some Handy Dandy Hints to help you begin your school year with the right focus:

• Get a school year planner.  Right now, they are on sale and you have a good selection.
• Write down some short-term goals (what you want to accomplish within the next week or month) and then consider some long-term goals.
• Set up a Senior Strategy Session.  We can get a lot done if we get started early.  These sessions usually can be completed in less than two hours and we can organize your files, scan some documents, get more information for an AWESOME recommendation letter, and make sure you are ready for your senior year.
• Update your résumé and, once school begins, identify recommenders at your school (counselor, teacher, principal).  While I will be your primary recommender, many scholarships require two or three recommenders.
• Actively participate in student organizations at your school!  Getting involved shows your resolve to be a WINNER who is intent on earning scholarships AND a COLLEGE DEGREE!