College Admissions Guidance

Blog posts about college admissions topics such as essays, extracurriculars,  planning, mental health, etc.

Your success regimen for college admissions

application strategy extracurricular activities freshman year junior year mental health senior year sophomore year Apr 21, 2021
Whether you're a freshman or a senior, developing the following skills will help you achieve success in school, in your chosen career, and in life. 
Manage Your Time - You know the deal: There are just 24 hours in each day. What you do with that time makes all the difference. Use your SuccessKoach Planner to write down assignments and timelines. Include test dates and project due dates. Break larger projects down into smaller tasks. Schedule your homework/study time-daily- and work the time you spend with friends and activities around that schedule.  It's easy to over-schedule or "double-book" if we aren't careful. Manage your time wisely and you'll get the maximum out of each day.
 

  1. Good Study Habits - If you've got them, great. If not - well, there's still time to develop them. Good study habits include these basics:
    • Always be prepared for class (book, pencil, paper, etc.), attend classes regularly and be on time. Participation points are only earned if you are in the session and engaged.
    • Complete assignments thoroughly and on time. 
    • Review your notes often rather than the day before we meet.
    • Set aside quiet time each week for study -- even if you don't have homework or a test the next day!
  2. Set Attainable Goals - It's important to set goals, as long as they're attainable. Setting goals that are unreasonably high is a set-up -- you'll be doomed to frustration and disappointment. Setting reasonable goals really does help you to accomplish more. Give yourself a pat on the back when you attain your goal--then set a new one!
  3. Concentrate - Practice active listening and ask lots of questions, that will help you stay focused. Be sure that you understand the topic and our strategy well. Question all you want, challenge us often. We actually like that level of engagement. If you don't understand something, ask questions! You've heard it before, but "the only dumb question is the one you don't ask" is absolutely true. If you've been paying attention, it definitely won't be a dumb question.
  4. Complete Assignments - We assign homework for a reason. While it may seem like "busywork" at times, it definitely has a purpose; to help you learn the material! Put your homework to good use. Remember, you'll only get out of it what you put into it.
  5. Get Organized - Keeping yourself organized will save you valuable time and allow you to do everything you need to do. Remember: "A place for everything and everything in its place." Keep all your college planning materials in one convenient location. I prefer a folder on a shred google drive. Use your college admissions planner wisely.  Include test dates and project due dates. Break larger projects down into smaller tasks.
  6. Stay Motivated - You need to be motivated to learn and work hard, whether or not you like a specific subject or teacher. Self-motivation can be extremely important when you aren't particularly excited about a class. If you must, view it as an obstacle you must overcome. Then, set your mind to it and do it -- no excuses. Finding some classes or activities that you do like at school can go a long way in helping you through the more challenging classes. Success is up to you!
  7. Commitment - You've started the journey, now you need to complete it. Do the best -- and get the most out of it -- that you can! Your commitment will pay off in the end.

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