Chapter 5: Welcome To The Next Four Years, We Have Stress And Tests

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There is no doubt that standardized tests, such as, SAT, ACT, PERT, and many more are an important piece of the puzzle in helping colleges decide which students will be admitted. In fact, the importance of these tests has grown, due to the competition in students trying to go to college. Still, the test scores are part of your educational experience and do not define you as a student or person. Whether they're really good, not so good, or somewhere in the middle, don't let scores hinder your ability to do your best. If you feel like you could do better, there are opportunities to take them again throughout high school. Remember that those amazing colleges you want to go to require you to take these tests. If you manage your time wisely you will not have to stress about it senior year. MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY. You may wonder how tests define which colleges you will be accepted to. Well, it's simple, colleges want students that are able to succeed under any circumstances.

Tests that can help determine this type of student are ACT and SAT. These tests are the most common and required tests for college admission. Some people might argue that one is easier than the other; it all depends on the student's level of proficiency in different subjects. You might have to research which one will fit you best. Let me remind you, there are "passing grades" but it depends on the college of your choice. REMEMBER, you must do research in order to make the right choices. Therefore is better to start as soon as possible.

Maintaining your grades throughout the year is critical. I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH. Grades are your ticket to college. If you slack off you will have the future of your choice. Also, having good grades has its perks. In my school, your grades can help you win a new car. If you have straight A's you can apply twice every nine weeks. However if you have all A's and B's you can only apply once. I can't stress this enough KEEP YOUR GRADES UP. It's incredible how many freshman think that by trying from their junior and senior year will get them far. Well my dear friends, the fact are if you don't have all four years of excellent grades, your chances of getting into the college of your dreams will be slim to none. On that note how can you get scholarships to attend?

Many schools offer their own scholarships. What you need to be careful with is the requirements and deadlines. In order to apply, many scholarships require AP or Honors classes. Not only are AP classes good for scholarships and your college resume, it counts as college credits. If you pass the AP test that is given at the end of each course, you will get college credit. Now, let me remind you AP classes are very rigorous. It is not for everyone. These classes are taught at a college level. Not everyone can pass these classes,

and it takes a dedicated and motivated mind to succeed. It's better for you to maintain good grades in a standard class than to fail in an AP.

Bear in mind you only have four years and every year matters. Don't expect for everything to come easy. High school is designed to help you prepare for college. I know you

might have heard that college will not be easy nor will high school. Everything in life requires work and that is a lesson you will learn throughout high school. It is a choice to learn it the easy way or the hard way. No matter how you decide to tackle high school, in order to succeed you must be a dedicated and a focused student.


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