AP/IB v. GPA: picking a schedule

It’s schedule-picking season! That wonderful time of Spring semester when you look ahead to next year and try to figure out how to have a good looking transcript without sentencing yourself to a ton of work. (Hint: IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!) If you’re a sophomore or a junior, it is also the time where you are able to take Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. This adds some extra logs to the fire, since such credit-heavy courses are a boon to GPAs and class ranks. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the majority of my students (and their parents) are asking me this exact question: “What classes should I take?”

The default answer to this question is that you need to take the hardest classes possible so that when you apply to college, the admissions officers will be impressed by the academic rigor of your high school transcript and know that you will be able to handle the tougher college coursework. Then you’ll get accepted to your dream school and live happily ever after. Yay for life…

While I am clearly mocking that answer, there is some validity to it. Taking tougher classes (AP, IB, honors, etc.) does make your transcript look better and make you appear capable of succeeding in college… But this only if you do well in those classes. Don’t load up your schedule with the hard stuff if you know you won’t be able to handle it, because that is exactly what will show on your transcript. A good plan is to take the hardest schedule possible that still makes you look like a good candidate for admission to college. Think about it in terms of shoes: There are the ones that kill your feet but make your legs look hot, and there are the ones that kill your feet and make you look like a dummy for wearing them. Now wouldn’t you rather like to have hot legs? (I apologize to my male readers for the gender bias of that metaphor, but I’m sure you understand.)

There are a few ways to go about this. If you are confident enough in your abilities to take a heavy, AP-laden schedule (or the IB sequence), then do it. If you are on the fence about it, you might want to try to cushion your schedule with classes that you know you’ll do well in so as to counter-weight a less than stellar grade in the harder course. For example, if you’re not too sure about AP English but you’re an excellent drummer, then use band as a counter. And who knows, you may surprise yourself in the AP and you’ll have an even better GPA than expected. In any case, it would be wise to talk to your guidance counselor about the option of switching out of a course if it becomes too difficult. There is nothing wrong with moving down a level if you need to. Classes are like undies, they’re all about fit… and if you’re walking around with a wedgie, you will be way more comfortable once you pick it. (For the fellas…)

Always remember that grades aren’t the only things that get people into college. SAT/ACT scores, your essay, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities are also key parts to your college application. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t try your best to get the highest grades possible, but know that your transcript is just one piece of the admissions ensemble. Everything should work together to present the best possible you.

what’s in a name?

I was watching “You’re Cut Off” on VH1 today and the host/life coach put the spoiled ones through a challenge to show them that name brand (and ridiculously expensive!) clothes aren’t always the way to go. message: you can look good at any price point. At the beginning, it was all about Louis Vuitton this and Christian Dior that, but by the end (of course) there were some who embraced the idea that quality doesn’t have to cost the same as a mortgage.

This idea that a name isn’t everything can be applied to the college search, too. As a guidance counselor, I have noticed that a lot of students choose schools based solely on the fact that they’ve heard of them. Either their cousin/brother/favorite athlete went there… or it was on “Gossip Girl“… or it’s expensive and therefore a good education… so that’s the place for them. Never visited, never spoke to an admission rep, never had contact with the school beyond a google search, but the student feels comfortable giving up their hard earned money to pay to apply because they know the brand. It’s a little insane, no?

Every school is right for someone, but you need to find the one that is right for you. Do research. Talk to current students.VISIT!  You don’t want to go somewhere just because you heard of it, then hate the next 4 years of your life (or worse, drop out). It is tedious work to narrow down the thousands of colleges out there to find just the right one, but it’s not as hard as you think! Search the web and ask your counselor. Pinky swear, it’s worth it.

test anxiety: how to fight the pressure

Feeling too anxious about a test is commonly known as test anxiety. It is perfectly normal to feel some anxiety when preparing for and taking a test.  In fact, a little anxiety can jump start your studying and keep you motivated. However, too much anxiety can interfere with your studying. You may have difficulty learning and remembering what you need to know for the test because you’re too scared about failing to think about anything else. Further, too much anxiety may block your performance during the test, causing you to have trouble showing how well you know the material.

You might have test anxiety if you answer YES to four or more of the following:

1. I have a hard time getting started studying for a test.
2. When studying for a test, I find many things that distract me.
3. I expect to do poorly on a test no matter how much or how hard I study.
4. When taking a test, I experience physical discomfort such as sweaty palms, an upset stomach, a headache, difficulty breathing, and tension in my muscles.
5. When taking a test, I find it difficult to understand the directions and questions.
6. When taking a test, I have difficulty organizing my thoughts.
7. When taking a test, I often “draw a blank.”
8. When taking a test, I find my mind wandering to other things.
9. I usually score lower on a test than I do on assignments and papers.
10. After a test, I remember information I couldn’t recall during the test.

Great… now what?? Here are some things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce your test anxiety.

1. Use good study techniques to gain an understanding of the material that will be covered on the test. Figure out how the different pieces of the material connect so that it makes better sense. This type of mastery will help you to approach the test with confidence rather than have excessive anxiety.
2. Maintain a positive attitude as you study. Think about passing, not failing. A test is an opportunity to show how much you have learned, and most teachers design tests to make sure you adequately understand the material. Trickery usually isn’t on the menu.
3. Go into the test well rested and well fed. If it is a morning test, be sure to get enough sleep the night before. If it’s in the afternoon, try to eat a light and nutritious meal before the test. Heavy foods tend to make people tired. If possible, stash an emergency candy bar in your bookbag in case you need a quick pick-me-up.
4. Stay relaxed during the test. Taking slow, deep breaths can help. Focus on positive self-statements such as “I know this” and “I can do this.”
5. Don’t worry about other students finishing the test before you do. Take the time that you need to do your best. It is more important to do your best than to keep up with the crowd.
6. Look over your work before you hand it in so that you can fix any careless mistakes that may lower your grade.
7. Once you finish the test and hand it in, forget about it temporarily. There is nothing more you can do until the graded test is returned to you. Turn your attention and effort to new assignments and tests.
8. When the graded test is returned to you, analyze it to see how you could have done better.  Learn from your mistakes and from what you did well. Apply this knowledge when you take the next test.

Don’t let your fears about a test negatively effect your performance. Confidence in yourself and your abilities is the key to being a successful test taker.

<<reference: www.how-to-study.com>> GREAT website!