Five Apps Every Student Should Have

Apps every student should have…or at least know about. We all have those apps that are just fun to have but aren’t really useful education wise. You know exactly what I’m talking about: Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. You might say that we use them for education, but I think teachers would beg to differ. I will give you a total of five apps that you need to download this school year.

1. myHomework (13.5 MB, free)

Hate handwriting all of your assignments that you need to complete? No problem, the myHomework Student Planner is here for you. This app not only works without internet connection, but it can also go in your notifications bar to help keep you on track. If your teacher has an account with teacher.io, then your assignments will be uploaded automatically, but if they don’t then you can manually upload them. Swipe right when completed, swipe left to delete. Simple right? Definitely.

2. Google Drive (105 MB, free)

Teacher: “Okay class, turn in your paper on Shakespeare”.

You: *Frantically searches for essay* “Um, Mr. Harshknuckle, I left my paper at home”.

Teacher: “Well you better get it to me fast. I’m not accepting it after noon”.

Clock: “Tick Tock”. *Reads 11:56 A.M.*

How many of us have been in that situation? I’m going to save you the shame of getting a failing grade on a paper you wrote because you left it at home. The Google Drive app allows you to access all of your items done within any Google software (Docs, Sheets, and Slides). You can share the items from your phone with anyone. Another benefit is that you can set a document to “available offline” so you can still access it even without WiFi.

3. Khan Academy (140 MB, free)

I just don’t get it. Maybe it’s the teacher’s voice. Maybe it’s me. No, it’s definitely the teacher, she sucks. No more thinking like that anymore because we now have Khan Academy. Khan Academy is an online classroom, basically, that aids you in any subject you can possibly think of. It all started from a little YouTube channel; which is still active today. You can find help in subjects from Math to Arts and Humanities. You can also type keywords into the search engine  to pinpoint specific videos. They also offer test prep for the SAT, NCLEX-RN, AP Art History, and more. Extra help, total win.

4. Duolingo (26 MB, free)

Did you know that if you speak more than one language, you have a higher chance of earning a bigger paycheck (CNN)? Well, you do, that’s why your school requires you to take a foreign language course such as French or Spanish. “But I’m not good at Spanish!” You are, you just need more practice; that’s where Duolingo comes in. It teaches you the basics first then helps you advance. When you first choose one of the fifteen languages offered to English speakers, they’ll give you a pre-test to see where your skills are. You also get to set up a daily goal that you need to reach; trust me, you’ll know if you miss one.

5. Voice Memos (Depends on the phone)

You don’t have to download all apps. Just use the voice memos or recorder on your phone and voilá, you can go to sleep now. No, I’m kidding, do not go to sleep in class. But if you need to take a little five-minute brain break in the middle of a lecture or if you are an auditory learner, just turn on your voice memos or recorder and record what your teacher says. Simple.

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Taking the Leap: Why You Should Try Something New This School Year

A new school year means another chapter that you will add to the story of your life and look back on in the future. The only question is this: what will you do to make sure that this year will be one to remember? Trying new things throughout your education will only lead to you becoming a well-rounded person, and with opportunities waiting left and right, it is up to you to take the leap and allow yourself to gain new experiences

1.. If not now, when?

The time that you have as a high school and college student is very valuable. If you pass up chances to do certain things, who knows if you’ll ever come across them again years from now after you’ve already entered your line of work? Take advantage of the opportunities that cross your path this year, because it is unlikely that you’ll see them again as an adult.

If you’re hesitating to try something new because you are nervous, go ahead and push the boundaries of your comfort zone! Sign up for debate club even if you’re terrified of speaking in front of others, or pick up that instrument that always seemed interesting to you. Waiting only leads to more indecision, and soon, you’ll miss your chance to do anything at all. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to be uncomfortable; maybe you’ll find a new hobby!

2. You’ll be able to indulge in new interests.

Finding things that you are passionate about is an important thing because it adds to what makes you unique as an individual and so you can do things that you love when the stress of school gets to you, as it does to every student. You might be super passionate about Biology, but if that Women’s Literature class caught your eye, why not join it? This portion of your life is for exploring different things, even if they are things that you might not have ever thought you would get involved in.

3. New worlds will open up to you and allow you to consider your current career path.

Perhaps what you are studying now or plan to study in college has been what you have always wanted to do and has always seemed so certain to you, but that belief may be challenged if you explore your options. When you find something else that you really love, a whole new realm of possibilities will work its way into your life, and the path that you had planned to take before might not seem as intriguing to you anymore.

Trying something new that interests you in some way as early as possible will give you a lot of time to find out if it is right for you and if it is a viable career path for you to take or something that you should keep on the back burner as a hobby. It may seem a bit frightening that what you’ve always said you were going to study might turn out to be an interest that you don’t pursue, but it’s worth attempting to find new passions and possible majors that could make you happier in life!

4. You will befriend people whom you may have never been able to meet before.

When you become a part of something new, you’ll have the opportunity to become friends with people from all walks of life that you may not come across in your regular classes. This is one of the most rewarding things about finding new interests; sharing something that you’re passionate about with another person is a great feeling that cannot be replaced. These people will be able to understand your love for something and be willing to talk to you for hours on end about it.

Gaining more trustworthy people in your life is a big thing within itself throughout your years of education, for you will have more shoulders to lean on when school gets to be too much, and you’ll be able to enjoy your experience more with friends by your side. Reach out to strangers in whatever new activity you choose; you may just find friends in them!

With so many chances to gain new experiences in life during your higher education, don’t let them slip away due to fear or anything else. This is your time to find what you are passionate about, and you definitely need to take advantage of it. Some of these new endeavors might not click with you, and that’s completely okay; at least you took the time to find out if they were right for you! When you do find something that really makes you excited, though, you know your options. Remember: in the end, we only regret the opportunities we didn’t take.

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How to Start Volunteering and Contributing in Your Community

As a high school student, you’re in school for at least 30 hours a week, participate in extra-curricular activities, and might even work part-time. All the work that you put in as a student will eventually pay off; however, getting some community service hours on top of your other work will benefit you and the people of the community you’re helping; so it’s never a bad idea to search for some community service opportunities.

 What is community service?

 Community service is basically any voluntary act that benefits a community or group of people; you don’t get paid but you do benefit by building your character. Recently, I visited an animal shelter; although I went home with bloody scratches and fur all over my clothes, I learned the importance of caring for others (even if they’re not humans).  According to the ASPCA, there are 7.6 million animals in the shelter every year; knowing this, I wanted to make sure that I helped a local shelter in any way I could.

 

Where can you find community service?

 Firstly, check with your guidance counselor! Your guidance counselor is a great resource for reaching out to others in the community. You could possibly send them an email asking if there are any organizations that reached out to them about the need for volunteers. Last month, I visited a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and told my guidance counselor about my experience; she offered to help me find more opportunities in which I can volunteer and talk to veterans. According to VA.gov, there are over 21,000,000 veterans; knowing this, I for sure wanted to help any veterans in any way I can because I am a military child.

Secondly, contact local groups, non-profit organizations, churches, or even elementary schools. The nearest elementary school to me, often holds annual family-fun fair events; they always reach out to the community asking for volunteers to help run the event. Also, by contacting local groups and organizations yourself, you are able to create relationships with people that’ll authorize your service hours or even write you a recommendation letter.

Last but definitely not least, you can simply google “volunteer near me,” use the website https://www.volunteermatch.org, or check your local newspaper. My local newspaper happens to have a section where local businesses and organizations can post about their donation/volunteer needs. Also, volunteermatch.org, will allow you to narrow down what kind of service you’d like to do and where you’d like to do it.

 Why should you do community service?

 Besides the fact that you might need service hours as a requirement for clubs or school, you should do community service for a number of reasons.  First of all, you’ll learn more about yourself. Everyone is different in their own unique way, but when you utilize your skills to help other people, you’ll learn more about yourself and gain even more skills. For example, I shaved my head for childhood cancer when I was 13 years old; it was then when I realized that I am a “people person” and want to continue helping people for the rest of my life.

Also, you’ll have experience to put down on your resume. Whether you’re applying to college or a job, you will have something to write down under the “experience” section of your resume. Colleges love seeing diverse and well-rounded students; so, take action and show colleges what you’re capable of! Lastly, you’re simply helping others. Kindness goes a long way; whether it’s saying “hello” to a war veterans, walking a lonely dog, or serving food to the homeless, you’re filling their hearts with joy that they probably needed.

Conclusion

 To wrap it all up, participating in community service will not only benefit you, but the people and groups you help. The work that you put in will be greatly appreciated and you’ll feel better for helping someone. Remember to keep in mind that you are representing yourself and your school as you participate in community service. Go out and find service that’ll mean a lot to you!

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How I Spent my SECOND Month of College at USC

I had another great month and I can't believe I am having all of these one-of-a-kind experiences here on campus and in Los Angeles. I can't wait to look back at the end of freshman year and see all that I have done. I hope these posts give you a sense of what life is like at USC.

(1-2) Going on rides at Santa Monica Pier

(3) Seeing the Queen of Katwe Cast after a private screening of the movie before its release. (YES, I was literally feet from Lupita N'yongo)

(4) Visiting the NBCUniversal lot and hearing from tons of USC Annenberg alum about their experiences working at NBC and in the media industry.

(5) Watching the first presidential debate with my classmates while eating great pizza, subway, and other snacks.

(6-7) Seeing Drake and Future in concert at the Forum in Inglewood.

(8) Working as an Associate Producer for the campus TV Station Trojan Vision, on the show the Morning Brew. Every week we have new guests: YouTubers, actors, musicians and more!

(9) Visiting home in Atlanta for a few days this past weekend. Coming back to California was difficult after eating home-cooked meals and sleeping in my own bed!

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Fresh Place, Fresh Start!: Tips for Studying Abroad Freshman Year

Why wait to study abroad? Here are 10 reasons not to! When you start applying to colleges, you are most likely not thinking about studying abroad right away. Perhaps you have thought about studying in another country at some point in your college career, maybe during your sophomore or junior year. However, you are probably expecting your first semester at a university to be traditional, starting with orientation, move-in day, and adjustment to the typical college life. I am here to tell you that the ordinary freshman year experience is not the only option and not even necessarily the best.

Whether or not you have heard of people studying abroad so early on in their college career, it has become increasingly popular. Northeastern University’s N.U.in program sends students to one of six international locations his/her first semester. The University of Delaware World Scholars Program includes studying abroad freshman year in Rome, Italy or Madrid, Spain. Countless other institutions offer spring admission to their universities as well, with the option of spending the fall semester abroad at one of their partner institutions. There is also always the option of seeking a degree at an abroad university.

When I was applying to colleges, studying abroad first semester had never even crossed my mind. Truthfully, I hardly even knew that it was a possibility. However, I was informed of this opportunity when I was admitted to my top university second semester. I have always loved travelling and knew that I wanted to study internationally at some point during my four years at college, but going abroad my freshman year definitely seemed daunting at first. When I finally enrolled for the spring semester at my university in the United States, I applied to three different colleges abroad where I would potentially spend my first semester and ultimately chose to go to Rome, Italy. I have been here for three weeks so far and have already discovered many of the benefits of studying abroad first semester. Here is a list of the ten things I have learned so far about studying abroad and why I believe you should do so if you can, even your freshman year!

Maturity

1. The growth in maturity you experience while studying abroad is impressive. I have already noticed a change in my level of maturity, and I have been in Rome for less than a month. You will find yourself adapting to your new environment every day, and you will grow confident that you can continue to do so while travelling on weekends. If I could learn how to do laundry, cook, and navigate so quickly in Rome, you can too.

Language

2. Another benefit of studying abroad in a country with a different main language is that you get the chance to practice this language with locals! I took Italian for three years in high school and am taking it again this semester in Rome. Being exposed to Italian speakers every day has helped me immensely in my study of the language. Even my friends who only knew two words in Italian upon their arrival here have improved so much over these past few weeks. If you are really concerned about the language barrier, you are bound to find people who at least speak a little English. Plus, the majority of the music played here is American music, including great throwbacks, which is a major plus.

Travel

3. One of the best parts of studying abroad is the ability to travel on weekends. Living in Europe or on another continent in general for four months makes it much easier to see the places you have dreamed of visiting. Also, when you make friends who want to travel as well, they will often introduce you to new places that you might have never otherwise seen. For instance, two of my friends and I wanted to take a day trip during our second weekend, and one of them found a place called Tivoli in Italy, which was only an hour train ride away, costing a mere two Euros. We went the next day, had a great time, and left with amazing new memories. The chance to be spontaneous in travelling is one of the highlights of studying abroad, and it gives you not only a crazy story but also a sense of independence.

Navigation

4. You will find that your sense of direction has improved dramatically within days. Living in a place with different types of roads and fewer street signs, you have to learn to get around somehow early on. Within my first three days here, I learned to find my way around pretty well. Now, having already taken weekend trips, I have realized that this skill has transcended Rome. I am now able to navigate my way through a new town or city within hours.

Locals

5. One of the most enjoyable parts of studying abroad is meeting locals on a daily basis.  They are often very friendly, welcoming, and willing to try to communicate with you. You are bound to have a bunch of local friends on Snapchat by the end of your semester! It is incredibly interesting to live temporarily in the place they have lived their whole lives and to see how this place has shaped them. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with them and to practice your language skills! You just might gain an Instagram follow or a Facebook friend in the process.

Like-minded People

6. When you study abroad, you are introduced to a group of people with whom you are bound to have a lot in common. You will meet people with such interesting stories and will have the opportunity to build strong relationships with them, especially since you will most likely travel with people you meet while abroad.

Crazy Opportunities

7. You will have such unique opportunities while studying abroad! I can go to class on a Monday afternoon and hang out and enjoy gelato at the Trevi Fountain on Monday night. I was introduced to an app called Scooterino, which is essentially a type of Uber used in Rome. However, instead of picking you up in cars, drivers pick you up and take you to your destination on a vespa. When I had to go to a bookstore to buy my textbooks, I was dropped off on a vespa. It was insane.

*Spontaneity is key. On a Sunday night, I got out of bed to grab a water bottle from a vending machine downstairs when a few girls told two of my friends and I about a music festival taking place down the block. I sprinted to my room, grabbed my purse, and we ran to the festival in our pajamas. We ended up spending the night dancing and singing outside in a piazza next to the Tiber River and making one of our favorite memories so far.

Food :P

8. You will be exposed to some of the best food in the world while abroad! You can find unique, delectable dishes no matter where you choose to go. Some of the most delicious pizza and pasta are down the street from my apartment. Trust me; I take advantage of this daily. Then, there’s the gelato. Enough said.

On-Site Classes

9. Another really cool aspect of studying abroad is the chance to take on-site classes. My art history class is based on the art and architecture of Rome and Florence during the Renaissance period, and we get to go as a class to visit the monuments we learn about in class. We even have a mandatory weekend trip to Florence with the class! These classes are not only interesting, but also incredibly informative. The feeling of walking down the streets of your new home, recognizing different buildings, and knowing about their past is nothing short of incredible.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Classes are important, and you should still do your homework, even if you are in another country for the semester. However, I have found that I have learned even more outside the classroom here than I have in my classes. Literally, I have been able to visit and learn about museums and sights like the Coliseum and the Spanish Steps, but I have also learned so much about myself and my ability to adapt to new settings. My confidence has grown in my capability of balancing my time and keeping myself on track in my daily schedule while living on my own in a foreign country. The best part is that these skills I have been developing will surpass my time here and my time in college as a whole. Being thrown into a foreign country, especially when you are a freshman in college, might sound intimidating, but with the help of friends and mentors, you will be in for one of the greatest experiences of your life!

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How to Create the Perfect Kick-Butt Resume

There I was, sitting in my first college class. The teacher had just given us our first big assignment….to create a resume. As a dual enrollment student, I was struck. What exactly is a 17-year-old supposed to write about on their resume? I knew this assignment was very important. After all, a resume is a key to success. You use it for jobs, internships, scholarships, and college. But many teens like myself may have little to no work experience. Creating a resume doesn’t have to be difficult, though. With careful reviewing and processing, anyone can come up with a resume that’ll leave future admission officers and employers in awe.

Personal Information

Begin your resume by providing your background information. Don’t, however, provide your race, social security number, or age. All resumes should include your contact information. This should include your first and last name, your email, and a phone number you can be reached at. Be sure to make sure that this information is as current as possible because you never know when someone may call to offer a position or admission!

Academics

Next, you need to include your highest level of education. List where you attend or have attended school and when you graduated. If you are still in high school, put down your anticipated graduation year. If you are a dual enrollment student, be sure to put the name of the college you are currently taking classes at. Your GPA and class rank may also be included next to your school’s name if it is appropriate. You should also list any awards or recognition you may have received. This can include Regional Science fair awards, academic honor roll, art competition awards etc.

Experience

Now this is the important part! Listing the activities you do outside of the classroom gives others a view of you as a person (test scores only tell so much). It gives future employers and admission committees a glimpse of your interests and passions. You may want to begin by listing the activities that you have gained valuable skills and experience from that are school related. When writing these experiences on your resume, be sure to spell out the names of clubs or societies like National Honor Society. Even though you know it as N.H.S., others may not know what it stands for. Also, include a brief description of the club if it is unique. For example, you may need to describe what clubs like Key Club are. It is also important to include any leadership roles you have taken on. Taking a leadership position is a great way to show others that you are capable of having many responsibilities. When you are describing what your responsibilities are, avoid using “I “or “me”. Instead, use action words like “organized” or “cooperated”. Having a commitment to a certain activity also shows colleges what type of person you would be on their campus.

Work/Volunteer

One of the most important parts of your resume is your work experience. As usual, having more experience makes you look more favorable to whoever is looking at your resume. However, as teens, we may have less than stellar experience. But that’s normal for people just entering young adulthood, and colleges and employers will know that. So don’t worry if you don’t have much to put in this area of your resume because that’s where your involvement in extracurricular activities will benefit you!

If you do happen to have work experience, that’s great! Work experience can mean anything where you put your skills to work. Specifically, on a part-time job, at an internship or through volunteer work. Keep in mind that even a simple after-school job can leave you with a positive effect on future employers and admission officers. It shows your maturity and ability to handle responsibility. You also get bonus points from admission officers when your part-time job or internship relates to your intended area of study.

Even though it may seem as if you won’t need a resume until you are out of college and looking for work, that’s not the case. Many colleges are recommending students to send in resumes along with their application for review. So if you use these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting accepted or landing a job!

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The Truth About the First Day of College

How that first day makes you realize how big everything truly is.

Well it’s happened, summer came and summer has gone. You’ve partied, traveled, and most importantly, slept. Now comes the real world, college.

I just started my freshman year at the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus. This university is very prestigious in Puerto Rico and is considered to be the best university in the Caribbean; it’s an honor if you are able to attend. When I got accepted my family was more excited than I was since I was following in the footsteps of my aunts who had both graduated from there and had loved every second of it. The thing is that I never dreamed to attend that school, in fact I had no interest in it because there are always a lot of protests or what we call them in Spanish, “huelgas”. When a “huelga” happens, the university is shut down completely while students remain inside doing protests. I remember that the last big protest happened about seven years ago and it was so big that students chained themselves to the gates so that no one could get in or out.

Today, 18-year-old me thinks that those protests are the best part about the university, but not for the reason you may think. I just love that the school is so liberal and that everyone can express themselves freely. When you walk on to campus, the first thing you’ll notice is that the sidewalks are filled with graffiti of phrases and words about current situations that students oppose. They mostly involve the current economic state of Puerto Rico; I won’t get into detail about it.

So there I was this past August 8^th, 2016, standing in those graffiti sidewalks looking at the long way I had to walk to get to my first ever college class. I was very nervous, and hungry. It was a 7am class and I had to eat breakfast on campus and that was my first stop. I go to the University Center and purchase a sandwich at Burger King. I eat it on my way to the DMN, the General Studies building, and sit outside my classroom. I was sitting there and a professor walks by and sticks a paper on the door. I stand up and look at it and my stomach dropped, it said “CISO moved to ERA 213”, my class was moved not only from rooms but from buildings. When I looked at my watch it said 6:55 and the building was very far away. I did what I could, I grabbed my bag and ran. I got very lost as you can imagine but I found the building. When I finally entered the classroom, the class had already started, to my horror. To me, it was the worst first impression you can give on your first day of college. Luckily the professor was aware of the change and he did not get mad or anything at all of the students who were late.

In my college, all freshmen are called “prepas” and during the first day of college the “prepas” are bullied by the other students. It’s nothing serious; they just yell “PREPA” very loudly or make us dance the Macarena or “La Pelua” a traditional Puertorrican party dance. They mean well later on, wishing us luck and happy trails. Still, getting called “prepa” is something that must be avoided and over the years, incoming freshmen have developed a set of rules to avoid it. Some of those rules include:

• Don’t wear any college gear at all during the first week or two.
• Don’t show up the first day like a fashionista, wear the least attractive clothes you have.
• If you see any of your high school friends, don’t run to them, just wave at them.
• Don’t hang out in such large groups.
• The most important one of them all, if you get lost DO NOT ask for directions. If you truly are desperate, ask a security guard or maintenance people.

Those are just some of the few unwritten rules for incoming freshmen and obviously those are not for the whole year, they are just for the first month.

I spent the entire first day doing everything possible so that no one knew I was a “prepa”. I had a map of the campus on my phone and I pretended to text or something anytime I needed to look at it; I had my class schedule there too. As fate would have it, I got very lost, again. I didn’t see anyone, other than students, who could help me so I came up with a solution: I called my cousin who is currently a sophomore. She laughed and came to my rescue, literally, I was so lost that she had to come get me and take me to the building.

When I returned home after that first day, I was exhausted. I had never been that tired in a long time. The thing about college that you don’t realize until you are there is how much you walk or run, in my case. It’s incredible how much you need to walk because everything is so distant. My theory is that when this school year ends my legs will be so fit that it will make Blake Lively jealous. I can’t feel them and I just finished this week. I’m guessing this is payback for never liking gym class.

My advice for students who are on a big campus, wear running shoes and a watch that way you can be comfortable and keep track of time. I did not wear running shoes, I wore Converse and they destroyed my feet the first day because I wore the wrong socks. After that accident I wore a pair of very comfortable flats and that day it rained, no it didn’t rain, the sky fell and my flats turned to water-shoes. I finished the week in boots and it went well.

During this first week, we didn’t take classes per se, the professors just discussed their plans for the semester and what not. We were later told of upcoming projects and exams. It was at that moment that I realized that my life was a mess. Guys! Get a planner for college! It is more necessary than a phone! I’m not exaggerating when I say that after almost having a crisis that day I bought a planner the next morning. My planner at least shows me that a part of my life is organized.

It is totally normal to be a nervous wreck the days before college. Believe me, I was stressing out the week before. Personally my biggest insecurity was that I would walk in and not like the place one bit. What are my thoughts about the place one week later? I really love the patio found in the Humanities building. I go there every day and just sit there and look at people, not in a creepy way, I just like to observe how life goes on. The train ride there is so therapeutic to me! I just sit there, put on my headphones and it is so relaxing. The library is amazing too, I love how there are people working on their computers and there are others watching Netflix. I just love how you can meet or just observe all these different kinds of people who you never see in high school.

I have finished my first week as a “prepa” and how do I feel? Normal and dare I say, more free. I have a newfound sense of freedom and I kind of like it. I am prepared to conquer next week and to wear all of my college gear next month.

The most important piece of advice I can give you is to flow like a river during those first few days. College is a big place and you are just dropped there and you are just another student. It’s not like high school where everyone knew each other. While some people will give you advice on how to adjust, you’ll realize that you are not the same and what could make them comfortable might make you uncomfortable. You have to flow like the river until you find your pace and what will help you adjust. You can start by finding a place in campus where you can just sit and relax. Explore campus during your free time and find a good place to eat. Meet new people however you are comfortable. You can do a lot of things in college and it is all up to you.

Good luck to everyone and here’s to a great freshman year!

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How I Spent My First Month of College at USC

1. Moving in and decorating my side of the dorm room

I really wanted to make my dorm as comfortable and reflective of my personality as possible so I went all out on my decorations.

Watch my College Dorm Haul here and Move In Day Vlog here.

2. Participating in Welcome Week activities

After moving in on August 15, freshman participated in a week of programs and activities to get accomidated to living at USC. The residents of Birnkrant Residential College went on a trip to a Los Angeles Angels baseball game to kick off the week.

Welcome week also included an activities fair, social events, and more fun things to fill our schedules.

3. Meeting the man in charge

USC president, Max Nikias, came by the honors residential college to take photos with us. 

4. Going to Santa Monica Beach...twice

One of my favorite places is the beach and me and a few girls on my floor took advantage of the beautiful Santa Monica. We sunbathed, ate cheeseburgers and shakes at Pier Burger, and went shopping.

5. Seeing amazing performers on campus

Visions and Voices is an on campus arts initiative that brings famous arts performers to campus. Events are free for all students. At their kick off events I was able to see Javon Johnson, a spoken word poet, and take pictures with him after the event.

6. Seeing Mike Will Made-It live right outside my dorm

Every year the USC concert committee throws a welcome back concert, free to all students. There was a surprise appearance from Jerimih and other collaboratives with Mike Will.

7. Attending events for organizations I care about

During the first month of college you spend A LOT of time going to club meetings and figuring out how you want to spend your time in college. Here I am pictured at a reception for the Black Alumni Association.

8. Attending the Kicks film screening before it released in theaters 

Kicks is a feature film that was just released in September 2016. It won awards at the TriBeCa Film Fest and other film festivals. I got to see the film before it hit theaters and have conversation with the director, Justin Tipping, and two actors from the film.

9. Purchasing a cruiser to get around campus 

A large portion of USC students use bikes, skateboards, penny boards, and long boards, to get around campus. I decided to join the bandwagon and get a bright yellow cruiser.

10. Attending my first game at the Colesium

We played the Utah Aggies and beat them big time! The game was at 11am so it was extremely hot in the stadium. However, fans, alumni, and students were still all around campus tailgating at 6AM. Tons of free food, souvenirs, and good times.

11. Listening to the Young Turks during their on campus live show

The Young Turks produce a show for Fusion based on political topics that Milleneals care about. They are currently traveling across the country visiting college campuses to see what issues students care about. Watch the show they recorded at USC Annenberg here and look for me in the audience!

12. Utilizing my unlimited dining hall swipes to eat icecream every single day without shame

There is no better way to finish the day off than with a cone! (Don't worry it is froyo.)

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Why Choosing a College is Like a Season of the Bachelorette

Choosing a college is like a season of The Bachelorette. Applying to college might seem as stressful as choosing a fiancé, but that’s okay.

Weeks 1-2

During your junior year of high school, you will probably begin compiling a list of potential colleges. Throughout the remainder of your high school career, you will spend countless hours deciding which colleges to apply to, actually applying to them, and finally choosing a school. It sounds rough.

Similarly, JoJo Fletcher underwent a stressful process throughout the ten weeks which made up this past season of The Bachelorette. At the start, she was faced with twenty-six men seeking her heart. Each participant on the show offered a unique set of characteristics to his potential future fiancé, just as colleges do to prospective students. Of course there are colleges that offer none of what we are looking for... I think we all remember Chad from this season. While it may be easy to rule these schools out quickly, there will be multiple colleges with various pros. Maybe one has the name everyone knows and envies, like former NFL quarterback Jordan Rodgers. Another displays incredible guidance and support, like Robby Hayes. How can she choose?

Weeks 3-5

As you begin to acquire acceptance and rejection letters from schools and narrow your choices down, the decision-making grows increasingly more challenging. Take it from JoJo. She shed tears nearly every episode, especially as the weeks went by. She continued to learn more about each man and had even more trouble letting one go. Like JoJo you are looking for a commitment, which can seem daunting. As JoJo send men home week after week, she found herself crying out that she didn’t even know what she was doing. She wondered whether the decisions she made rejecting men would be the best for her future.

Although your decision is far from easy, you will reach a moment of clarity in which you will feel comfortable with the school you have chosen. Trust me, I’ve been there too. Personally, I had a lot of trouble choosing between the University of Southern California and the University of San Diego. Being from New York, I knew that I was choosing a school far from home, in fact on the other side of the country. Just as JoJo visited the homes of her top four men as the season began to wrap up, I made sure to visit my top colleges before coming to a decision, which I cannot recommend enough. The visits helped me immensely, and I left California during the spring break of my senior year, where I visited five schools, with a clear idea of my two favorites- USD and USC.

Weeks 6-7

If you still feel torn after visiting the schools to which you were admitted, as I did, don’t freak out. My first tip is to make a list of the pros and cons of each of your schools. Compare the various factors by their importance, such as the cost of tuition, the majors and minors offered, location, and opportunities for internships and jobs.

Although this process can help you to visualize the school which is most realistic for you to attend, I believe that following your gut will ultimately lead you to the best college for you. When JoJo was left with two men during the final episode of this past season, she talked rationally with her family about her two options, verbally listing their pros and cons. Both were great, but her parents and siblings all seemed to favor Robby. Her brother compared Jordan to a “New Year’s date” and claimed that Robby seemed to be more of a long-term fit for JoJo. However, America’s favorite bachelorette jumped to Jordan’s defense. Just as JoJo defended Jordan, I found myself defending USC whenever a family member or peer would persuade me to commit to USD.

Weeks 8-9

When it comes down to it, you can ask your family and friends for their advice as much as you want, but you won’t end up choosing a school because someone else told you to do so. You are the one spending the four years at that school, not your loved ones. Though JoJo’s family encouraged her to pick Robby, they ultimately expressed their interest in her happiness. My family did the same when I was choosing a school, and I’m sure yours will too.

Instead of asking where you should go, ask your family and friends where they believe you truly want to go. You will come to realize that your heart is set on a college. Clearly, JoJo felt that Jordan was right for her early on in the show, as she gave him her First Impression Rose. She revealed after the season ended that she kept asking herself which man she could not imagine leaving, and the answer was Jordan. Think about which school comes to your mind first. Metaphorically, I gave my First Impression Rose to USC. My family could tell for a while that I genuinely wanted to end up there, since I always talked about it first and most often. I did receive more scholarship money at USD and was offered spring admission to USC, meaning that I would have to begin classes there in the spring semester, rather than during the fall. However, I followed my gut and felt absolutely relieved when I committed to the University of Southern California and made plans to study abroad my first semester.

Week 10

My final piece of advice to you is to not stress too much. Wherever you end up is where you are meant to be. I know that was corny, but it’s true. Please don’t let yourself cry as much as JoJo did this season (if that’s even possible). As May 1 approaches, deliver that final rose, also known as your deposit, to the school you cannot imagine denying. At the end of the day, choosing a college is a process, and you should trust it! After all, JoJo trusted the process this season, and she and Jordan are set to live happily ever after. *Roll Credits*

If you are still stuck, the following links will direct you to more help on choosing between two colleges:

http://college.usatoday.com/2013/11/17/fear-not-10-ways-to-choose-between-seemingly-equal-colleges/

http://www.fastweb.com/college-search/articles/stuck-between-two-schools

https://www.unigo.com/admissions-advice/once-accepted,-how-do-you-choose-between-colleges/168/1

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10 Scholarships to Apply For in August/September

“We believe, that is, you and I, that education is not an expense. We believe it is an investment.” –Lyndon B. Johnston

1. $5,000 Young Patriots Essay Contest

Deadline: January 5^th, 2017

Age/Grade: Middle and High School

  The Young Patriots Essay Contest is designed to challenge middle and high school students to creatively engage with public policy and current events through the art of writing. We assign a controversial topic each year, and three winners are chosen to receive a scholarship out of hundreds of essay submissions. Find the topic and entry instructions below! "Are international free trade agreements in the best interest of the United States? Why or why not?"

Contest participants have the opportunity to: -Earn a college scholarship of up to $5,000 -Have your essay published on Debate Central -See your essay posted on the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) home page -Have your essay shared with 200,000 NCPA Policy Patriots via email -Have your winning entry be sent to your hometown newspapers, radio, and TV

Essays must be written in English and should not exceed 1,200 words. A bibliography does not count towards the word total.

2. Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2016

Age/Grade: None

Citizenship Limit: US or Legal Citizen

Do you know how far you will drive on the freeway if you take your eyes off the road for five seconds, the average time it takes to send a text? An entire football field. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, texting while driving makes drivers 23 times more likely to get into a "safety-critical event." The purpose of this scholarship is to help you understand the risks of texting while driving. You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home-schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

We'll select the 10 finalists based on the content of the 140-character message. The winner will be selected based on the content and creativity of the 500- to 1,000-word essay.

3. $1,000 College JumpStart Scholarship

Deadline: October 17, 2016

Age/Grade: 10^th-12^th

Citizenship Limit: US or Legal Citizen

The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition that is open to 10th, 11th and 12th graders and college students and non-traditional students. The goal is to recognize students who are committed to using education to better their life and that of their family and/or community.

Applicants must be 10th, 11th or 12th grade high school, college, or adult students. Applicants may study any major and attend any college in the U.S. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States and complete the online application form including the required personal statement. The award may be used for tuition, room and board, books or any related educational expense.

4. $500 Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science International Essay Competition

Deadline: October 5^th, 2016

Age/Grade: High School and International Equivalent

All high school students and international equivalents are invited to submit an essay about the recent effects and future promises of science in our society. Write about particular discoveries, events, or persons from science in current events or present a more general account of the changes and developments. Each essay must be accompanied by a statement of acknowledged validity by a teacher in the field of the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics.

Students must submit their essays and entry forms electronically on or before the contest deadline of October 8th.

Students who have family members affiliated with the Journal, or serving as contest judges are not eligible to participate.

This year's prompt: Albert Einstein once said, "To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science." The scientific process has become increasingly interdisciplinary. Examine a modern issue in STEM being addressed from an interdisciplinary perspective and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of how these separate fields approach the issue and interact with each other. Potential topics could be found within many fields, including environmental science, engineering, and neuroscience. Note that originality is a substantial component of scoring.

- No literary form other than an essay will be accepted. - Each essay must reflect the contestant’s own writing and original thinking. - No graphs, images, or illustrations should be included in the essay - The essay must be sent via e-mail to dujs@dartmouth.edu with the subject line "DUJS ISEC SUBMISSION." - The Student Entry Form should be scanned and saved as a .pdf, .jpeg, or .png It must be attached to the email in conjunction with the essay. - Entries must be received on or before October 5th.

5. $10,000 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Deadline: January 4^th, 2017

Age/Grade: Grades 9-12

Citizenship Limit: US Citizens only

The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve (9-12) attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories; and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas. Past winners and finalists are not eligible to participate. Employees of John Hancock Financial Services and members of their families are not eligible to participate.

Topic: Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that took place during or after 1956. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act. The essay may concern an issue at the local, state, national, or international level.

Requirements: -Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count -Essays must be the original work of the student. -John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Edward M. Kennedy are not eligible subjects for essays -Essays must describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1956, the publication date of Profiles in Courage. The official may have addressed an issue at the local, state, or national level Essays about past recipients of the Profile in Courage Award will be disqualified unless they describe an act of political courage other than the act for which the award was given. -Essays must have a minimum of five sources

6. $500 Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship

Deadline: September 30^th, 2016

Age/Grade: Ages 16-25 and have at least one year of secondary school left

Citizenship Limit: US and Canada only

In order to apply for the Odenza marketing group scholarship, you must first ‘like’ our Facebook page, and write two short essays. Every essay must contain 3 essential elements.

The essay must provide a thesis statement (in the introductory paragraph). The thesis statement must encapsulate the main argument for the paper. It must be clear and coherent, and it must answer the question that has been put forth by the application.

The essay must offer supporting evidence. The writer must provide the supporting evidence in paragraph (not bullet or list) form. Each paragraph must contain evidence that supports one idea or concept that proves the thesis statement. The writer must provide citations (in footnote, endnote, or parenthetical form) for all evidence presented.

Every essay must follow basic rules of grammar and format. Every paper must contain a beginning (introductory paragraph), a middle (several supporting paragraphs that compromise the body of the paper), and an end (conclusion paragraph). Grammar is vital for essay composition. Sentence fragments, misspellings, and improper punctuation denote a carelessly-written and poorly-conceived paper.

      7. $1,000 R2C Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2016

Age/Grade: 17+ and enrolling in college within 12 months or already enrolled

Citizenship Limit: US Citizens

Scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and legal residents who are starting a program of higher education (college or graduate school) within the next 12 months or are currently enrolled. Applicant must be 17 years of age or older and there is no maximum age limit. Applicant must share in three sentences of less why they are getting their degree.

8. $1,500 Shout It Out Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2016

Age/Grade 13+ and will enroll no later than 2022

Citizenship Limit: US Citizen

Scholarship is open to students 13 years of age or older who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and are currently enrolled (or will enroll no later than the fall of 2022) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education. Applicant will need to submit a short response to a given prompt.

9. $1,000 ShipDig.com Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2016

Age/Grade: High school seniors and college students

Scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students enrolled in an accredited academic institution. Applicant must submit an essay on the most interesting item they have received in the mail.

10. Up to $100,000 Siemens Competition Scholarship

Deadline: September 20, 2016

     Age/Grade: Grades 9-12

Competition is open to individuals and teams of up to three students in grades 9 through 12. Students are encouraged to do research in mathematics, engineering, biological, or physical science.

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Note Taking: High School vs. College

When it came to my first semester of college, I was a little bit frazzled by vastly different being in class was.  My professors seemed to talk at the speed of light, I never wrote down everything I needed fast enough, and it was difficult to get down anything concrete before they were moving onto the next power point slide. College can be like that a lot – especially in classes where the subject is your weak point. It was different from any of the classes I’d taken in high school because I was expecting what I'd already been used to. Here, I’m going to break down just exactly how note taking in college is different from high school, as well as a guide you on the right path to excellence in note taking.

Speed

In high school -  even most AP classes – a teacher can only go so quickly with the notes. A good teacher makes sure everyone’s gotten what they needed from the slide before switching up. A good professor will probably give you an extra five seconds before moving on.

It’s the nature of the classes, really. College classes (specifically the humanities) tend to be shorter, with more talking necessary to get complex ideas across in a linear fashion. There’s also a large volume of material necessary to cover before the next test, be they every few weeks, or every few months. STEM classes go on longer, but are still just as information packed and speedy on note taking days. Your professor expects you to be jotting down those differential equations at the speed of light, quite frankly.

It’s important to be prepared for the speed, and to adjust to it. It might be tough if you’re a naturally slow writer, or if you put time into the neatness of your notes, but it’s definitely possible. Even if you're typing but enjoy spending time in properly formatting what you'd just jotted down, you might have to make sacrifices. It works in your favor if your notes are disorganized and cluttered enough to warrant a rewrite: take it as an extra studying opportunity.

Volume of Work

As I said earlier, your classes will be jam packed with information. Though, that’s kind of expected. It’s tough covering thousands of years of civilization into four months.

After all that note taking, you’ll start to realize how much work will be going into studying. There might be dozens of pages of information that you’ll have to memorize to pass your midterm, final, and all the in-betweens (if any). Many of us have the bad habit of typing down every single thing that comes out the professor’s mouth verbatim, but that’s not very conductive when you go back into your Google Docs to see a thousand words of your necessary information, littered with unnecessary fluff.

The real difficult part comes with studying. Vast amounts of knowledge are forced into your brain for several months before you spew them out onto a test paper, but most of the time, you’ll be forced to interpret that information in a coherent fashion. It doesn’t matter that you know that Alexander the Great conquered Greece – what effect did it have?

Becoming comfortable with your memorization skill takes time, especially with so much pressure put on passing your tests, but not impossible. Finding methods that work best for you is the most important part. And remember that your professor is always there to help.

Grading

You’ll hear this a lot, but college is test based. Most of the time, you’ll have very little outside assignments. Sometimes, all you’ll be left with for the semester is an email address, a syllabus, and a date for your final. (Honestly, nightmares have an awful way of finding their way into real life).

High school classes mostly grade as an relatively even amalgamation of your grades. Classwork, homework, tests, quizzes, and other arbitrary sections are calculated and graded up. If you didn’t do so well with your classwork, but aced your homework and the test, you could still end up getting an A for the semester. It goes both ways. Usually (athis rings especially true in AP classes) the most important part was getting your work done.

The most important part of a college class is passing your test(s). That’s about it. And all semester, you’re taking notes, studying, and gearing up for them.

This is where a lot of freshman in college make their mistakes. Since they have little to occupy themselves with aside from studying, they slack off all semester, only zeroing back in on their work when a sudden essay or project is assigned. That’s how it worked in high school for them, except those errant assignments are much less frequent and routine.

If you can’t take tests, and at least pass them, you won’t pass your classes. That’s sort of a terrifying fact when you either hate tests or just aren’t very good at taking them, but have no fear. If you study right, you’ll be fine. Your professors are there to help you along the way, as well as your fellow classmates, so the important part is to kick your but into gear.

Using Your Notes

Personally, the studying I did for my first semester of college was like how I studied for my SAT’s my whole year of junior year. Constantly reviewing, revising, and rewriting – although, I was an honest slacker as a high schooler, so maybe that doesn’t hold much weight. None of my classes were engaging or challenging enough for me to study at that level. Keeping up with the classwork and homework was study enough for me on most days.

Your notes in college are your literal lifeline in college for some classes. That’s why skipping a day or two can end up being detrimental. You think it’s cool to miss that Romeo & Juliet discussion for Thursday in your Early Shakesperian Literature class? Good luck writing a decent essay on the play when the prompt is “free will vs. fate” because you expected something simple like “love vs. lust”.

You have to seriously engage with the notes you take in college, and study them more than once. They have to be neatly rewritten, clear, and easy for you to digest.

And also, probably cute looking, since you’ll be looking at them a lot.

Transitioning from High School to College Note Taking

It’s tough, honestly, and you might struggle a little in the beginning. Experimentation is important. If you feel like a certain method isn’t working for you, then feel free to change it. Switch from typing to hand writing, or from a study partner to a study group. College is about exploring who you are, even things as mundane as what type of learner you are, and how to capitalize off your strengths.

So get to studying. You have A’s to collect.

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New Year, New Me: How to Reflect on your Past Academic Mistakes and Move Forward

“This is my Year.”- Every Student Ever.

There isn’t a school year where you don’t reflect on your past self and realize you need to drastically change. Whether it be a behavioral change, a work ethic change, or just a change for yourself. Most people try to change the small things before the major aspects that goes into your school reputation. Yes, changing your wardrobe can improve some things but what about your GPA? In this article, I will give you 5 tips on how you can improve yourself for the upcoming school year.

Tip 1: “How was I?”

Find a quiet space to sit down and concentrate. Find something to write on and something to write with. Ask yourself, “Last school year, how was I?” Be completely honest with yourself; don’t sugarcoat anything. The purpose of making this list is so you know what you did wrong and how to improve from there. It could hurt to say you were a distraction in class, but in the long run you’ll thank yourself. If you can’t think of anything, phone a friend or email your teachers and ask them.

Tip 2: Confide in others.

How can you change without at least other person knowing your plan? That same friend and teacher who helped you find your flaws should be the same person who knows your game plan. Who knows, maybe your friend will decide to change with you. Not only will you not be doing this alone you’ll have people to hold you accountable in case you slip up.

Tip 3: Make amends to past conflicts.

Whenever you go back to school apologize to everyone you’ve wronged or had problems with. First, apologize to your teachers. If you can’t verbally apologize, write a nice letter and hand it to them in person. Your teachers truly will make your school year… and later down the road you’ll need them. Next, apologize to your peers. You have to have class with them, eat lunch with them, and truly just see them all day long. You can’t change if the person sitting next to you is hoping for your downfall.

Tip 4: Hold yourself accountable.

Regardless of what you wish to change you need to be aware of yourself. If you find yourself slipping into your old habits, punish yourself. You didn’t do your homework, ask the teacher for more work plus the work you didn’t complete. You find yourself having too many side conversations in class, remove yourself from your friends. Another way to hold yourself accountable is to ask one peer and one teacher in each class to observe you. After they made their observations ask them for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly report on your behavior; sort of life parent-teacher conferences… but with only you.

Tip 5: Relax.

Chill out, change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes 21 days to break a habit, 21 days to develop a habit, and even longer to master that habit. Hold yourself to a standard but don’t break your back trying to improve yourself. This is a process; take it day by day, you’ll see change. Trust me.

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6 Clever Apps That Make Being An International Student Easier

As an international student, transitioning into college or university can be stressful—and that's without the change of climate, culture shock, or language barrier—so here are six savvy hacks to make your international studies easy-breezy!

1.Becoming a money-saving master:

Trying to scrounge up a few extra dollars for the next lunch of Raman noodles is the sad reality of most college student's lives, but lucky for you, keeping track of your money couldn't be easier.

Mint, an app available for free on iOS, Android or desktop, easily connects to your bank account to manage all aspects of your activity, including spending, savings, earnings and budgeting. (They also update a cheeky, informative blog called MintLife for all your financial/lifestyle questions).

This well-trusted app also determines your spending habits and can alert you whenever you're nearing your budget limit, keeping your credit in line and extra cash in your hand.

2.Knowing your way around the city like a pro:

Navigating through a brand new area, especially a large place like California or New York, can be intimidating and downright irritating. But how do all of those other people get around so quickly? Easy; they know the ins and outs of the city, and soon you will too. Google Maps is a great GPS tool for newbies, but knowing the city is about more than just recognising the street names—It's about discovering the local shops and attractions, as well.

Like A Local, a free app, is exactly what the title claims to be. This handy app tells you what the locals' favourites are around your area. Now you can let yourself explore while staying away from those tricky tourist attractions.

3.Getting the best value for your buck:

Even with the confusion of foreign currency, you'll be the best sale-scavenger around if you utilise one of the most accessible, underrated tools out there: coupons. I'm not talking about your grandma's $1.00 off Dish Soap discounts, either. How does up to 85% off your retail purchase sound? Sounds like my wallet is yelling, "hallelujah!"

Apps and websites like Yowza and Groupon offer sales that can save you big time, and here's how it works—Just type in the store/item you're looking for into the search bar, and the app will give you a selection of coupon codes to enter into the 'discount' section on your chosen store's website.

There are also coupon apps that offer digital discounts that allow you to save your chosen coupon, then present it on your phone at the check out in-store. Just like Grandma, except more $$ saved and it's much more convenient.

4.Effortlessly keeping on track with your priorities:

Organising any priorities for the day should be a habit that any university student utilises—especially international students. Within the hectic mixture of moving, having new classes, meeting new friends, and all the other struggles that non-international students don't have, a to-do list is a must. The easiest way to keep track of your assignments, or whatever else you need to do, is to remind yourself. Sound's simple, right? It is. With technology, to-do lists have been modernised into something that's reliable and simple, and it's never been easier to remember things.

My personal favourite for this specific task is Wunderlist; Wunderlist is an app (plus it's available for download to your desktop!) that helps you organise your busy life in a minimalistic, trustworthy fashion.

5.Acing your classes with flying colours:

The reason you even became, or are thinking of becoming, an international student is because of the education opportunities, right? You should make sure that your class marks stay in tip-top shape by using Evernote.

If you had to pick only one of the apps listed , Evernote should be the one you choose. It's the smooth-running, multitasking king of organisation, equipped with note taking, bookmarking, online chat with other students, to-do lists, and more!

So whether discovering convenient, local shops is your forte, or if you're more of a study-on-the-go type of person, hopefully you can find some great resources within these top six apps! Good luck on your journey to a new life, and don't forget to let us know in the comments if you've ever tried one of these apps!

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It's All About the Money: Preparing to Pay for College Early

August 1^st has come and gone, which means that college application season is now in full swing. As students across the country decide which schools they want to commit four or more years of their lives to, the subject of money weighs heavily in the back of their minds and influences where they apply. It’s no secret that a higher education puts a dent in your pocket, but knowing what financial aid options you have can make it less severe.

File the FAFSA.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most common form of financial aid. In fact, most colleges require students to fill it out so that they can be considered for the schools’ own merit or need-based scholarships and grants. Depending on your financial situation, the FAFSA might do a lot for you, or barely anything at all- still, even if you think that you don’t qualify for aid, you should still file, because you’ll never know what you might get until you do.

Two big changes have been made for the 2017-2018 application cycle: one, you can use your income information from 2015 instead of 2016, and two, the FAFSA will be available on October 1^st, 2017, which is the earliest it’s ever been accessible. So, mark your calendars and when October comes around, make the wise choice of filing your FAFSA. For more information, check out this website.

Look for Scholarships.

Scholarships are probably the most obvious form of financial aid, but many students wait for scholarship opportunities to find them instead of taking matters into their own hands. It is better to be proactive throughout the coming months by researching what you are eligible for first on a local, then national scale. Make sure to talk to your counselor for assistance. If you want more insight into how to find scholarships, check out Joi Wade’s post, How to Get Scholarships for College!.

Find out if you qualify for participation in Regional Exchange Programs.

These programs are not often talked about, so here’s the scoop: by being a part of one of them, you can pay in-state tuition at an out-of-state school. For example, when participating in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market, a student who is a resident in South Carolina can get the in-state tuition at colleges in many other states, from Georgia to Alabama to Maryland.

Be wary of these programs, though; it is usually the case that someone is only eligible to take part in them if their major is not available in their home state. Learn more here.

Apply for federal loans.

Whenever the word “loan” is mentioned, students and parents alike get a bit uneasy. The thought of graduating with debt to pay back for years to come is unsettling for most people, but there are multiple options for loans that you can research. It is recommended that you apply for federal loans before searching for private ones, with the most popular being the Stafford and Perkins loans.

There are two different types of Stafford Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. The subsidized Stafford Loan is available to students who qualify for aid based on the FAFSA, and interest that accrues is covered by the government until six months after the student leaves school. The unsubsidized Stafford loan is available to any student who has filed the FAFSA, regardless of need, but interest payments are the students’ responsibility from the get-go.

The Perkins Loan is for students with exceptional financial need. The student’s school acts as the lender, using funds provided by the federal government, which also pays the student’s interest throughout their college career. Not all schools are a part of the Perkins Loan program, so it would be wise to contact the schools you apply to so you can verify their participation status.

For more information on these loans and others, check out this website.

Hopefully by knowing your options for financial aid, you will feel more confident about paying for your higher education, and won’t be deterred from applying to certain schools simply because of their price tag! Remember that these are not the only options and just a few to get you started. Always talk to a trusted family member about all of your financial options for paying for school.

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