This month

Involvement

• Feature —My space, my time: How to study
• It's a fact —All about tests
• Stay on track — A checklist of "to-dos"
• Take notice — Important dates
• All about AIEmail — Subscribe, suggest, review

Feature

My space, my time: How to study

Build your space
Although studying can be a challenge, it must be done if you want to achieve academic success. Studying improves your grades, makes attending class more pleasant, and can even help you make new friends.

The first thing to consider is setting up your own study space. Make it a place devoted only to studying, used only for that purpose. It can be the corner of your bedroom, a place in the den, or another location. Beyond the basics (a chair, a hard surface to place your working materials on, and proper lighting), include items that help you stay focused.

Some things you want to eliminate from your study space include: the telephone, television, chairs or sofas that are too comfy (can't study when you're napping), video games, and other distracting items.

Make a schedule
Depending on whether you use it or waste it, time can be your best friend or your biggest enemy in studying. Avoid the temptation to procrastinate.

When you plan your study schedule, set up a specific time and stick to it. It should be a time when you're energetic but not fidgety, when you can concentrate but are not bored or sleepy. Some people work more effectively early in the morning, others in the evening. Do what works best for you, but do it consistently. Study only as long as you have to, and take some quick breaks to keep yourself mentally alert (usually 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes is a good rule to follow).

Finally, don't forget about your social life. No one can dive into their studies and keep their grades up if they fail to spend quality time with friends and family. Don't burn yourself out. Set your limits, and work within those boundaries.

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It's a Fact

All about tests

The PSAT, SAT, ACT — keeping up with all these tests takes time. But you can simplify things, if you follow these easy steps:

Explore your testing options.
These days, most schools will take any college admissions test into consideration, but the personalities of the tests are like night and day. Visit the College Board (www.collegeboard.com) and ACT (www.act.org) Web sites to get an idea of what the two tests are like. If you're planning on applying to specific schools, call their admissions offices. Some schools do prefer scores from one test over the other.

Put important deadlines in your calendar.
There are three major dates to keep in mind to successfully complete the college entrance exam process. First, there's the deadline to register. Then there's the date of the exam (usually on Saturdays). And finally, there's the date scores arrive.

Take multiple tests, or take all tests available.
Imagine you've studied, you're ready, you take the test, and you panic. Your scores arrive, and they're lower than you would have liked — and it was your last opportunity to take the test. Why take that chance? Consider taking the tests at least two or three times, or take both tests if you can.

Use your resources to prepare; many are available for free.
Studying and taking practice tests can help you prepare and can improve your chances for a higher score. Although you can pay for preparation courses and seminars, many resources are available for free. Check with the testing company for free practice materials, or visit your counselor or local library. Visit Kaplan's Web site (www.kaptest.com) to take a free practice test.

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Stay on track

Checklist for this week

For freshmen

Assessing the first year — ask yourself the following questions:

• Have you met most of the goals that you set at the beginning of the year?
• Did you establish a regular reading program?
• Have your grades reflected your abilities and good effort?
• Did you join one or two clubs or organizations?
• Are you in the habit of using a daily planner?
• Did you take advantage of teacher tutorials?
• Are you pleased with your grade point average?
• Have you maintained a standard study time?
• Do you feel that you have developed good organizational skills?
• Are you pleased with your overall performance for this year?

If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, you have probably experienced a positive freshman year. If you were not able to answer "yes" as frequently as you wish, don't be discouraged. Reassess your plans and actions.

For sophomores

• Regular reading improves reading comprehension skills, as well as your academic performance, making coursework easier.
• Your vocabulary will improve as you look up unfamiliar words that you encounter.
• As you read more, the speed with which you read will increase.
• Reading will enhance your general education.
• The more you read, the more your writing skills improve.
• Are you ready to read, but wondering where to begin? Your English teacher and school librarian will have recommended reading lists to share with you.

Also, there are many high school and college recommended reading lists available online, such as First Lady Laura Bush's recommended reading list (www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady/initiatives/recommendedreading.html).

For juniors

Here are a few hints on preparing an effective list of extracurricular activities:

• When listing activities, start with your highest priority or largest commitment of time.
• Describe the activity in detail.
• Avoid using initials or acronyms when listing an activity or club.
• If you have a role as an activity leader, you should provide details about responsibilities and time commitment.
• If you are employed, give details about your work responsibilities and skills.
• If you use a computer, list the programs that you are able to operate.
• For a sample resume, visit the "Get a Job" section of Adventures in Education (www.AIE.org/HighSchool/hs_job.cfm)

For seniors

Letters of admissions notification

• If your admissions letter is an acceptance notification, read the information and follow all directions carefully. Pay close attention to any dates or deadlines provided by the college about the return of materials. Watch for any orientation dates. Return any housing information requested.
• If your admissions letter is a wait list notification, read the college's wait list policy and procedure information carefully. Respond, if requested, with any paperwork. Also, if requested, provide any new information that you may want added to your original application materials.

For parents

Here are a few thoughts about the arrival of college notification letters:

• If the admissions letter is an acceptance notification, read all information and follow the directions carefully.
• If the admissions letter is a wait list notification, read the college's wait list policy and procedure information carefully.
• If the admissions letter is a denial notification, read all information carefully. Determine if the school has a provisional program for which your senior is eligible. If so, discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of such a program.
• Be sensitive to your senior's possible disappointment with denial or wait list notification and provide a good listening ear. Be ready to offer additional emotional support for the next few weeks.

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Take notice

Important dates

Mark down these dates.

To get more information on the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, access useful tools, or register, visit the College Board's Web Site(www.collegeboard.com) or call (609) 771-7600.

To get more information on the ACT, access useful tools, or register, visit the ACT Web Site (www.act.org) or call (319) 337-1270.

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