Senior Schedule

The Senior Spring Schedule (and Other Tongue Twisters)

The official e-newsletter of The Equestrian College Advisor.

From the blog:

I’ve never ridden as many lines into a canter pirouette as I did in my clinic days with Olympian Michael Barisone. And please make note of the fact that I didn’t say “rode as many canter pirouettes,” but rather lines into the pirouette. It is, after all, a cardinal rule of dressage – and riding in general – that when the preparation for the movement is correct, the movement itself is therefore positioned to be correct. (Come to think of it, that’s good advice for life too.) Read More

Vet loans

"If you’re a veterinarian, want to be one, are training to be one, or love someone who is, you should know about the extreme unfairness towards the profession that exists today. Veterinarians are treated horribly under student loan rules."

IEC

“Just about anyone can put out a shingle and offer advice.”

Not all independent educational consultants are the same and not every student needs one to gain admission to college.

Your Senior Spring Schedule(and Other Tongue Twisters)Though only one semester or trimester stands between you and high school graduation, the courses you select for your final months as a senior are just as important as those you selected as a freshman. In fact, most colleges and universities consider your schedule of selected courses – whether you have taken them or are soon to do so – to be a binding contract as part of your application; that is, they review your application in light of your agreement to complete the listed coursework. What’s more, if you’re a recruited athlete, the NCAA requires you to complete specific coursework as well.Summary:  There’s no time for senioritis; you’ll need to work hard to the end.Typically, colleges, universities, and the NCAA require all college applicants to complete the following coursework:

  • Four years of English – Colleges want to know that you can both read and synthesize information as well as write coherently and clearly.

  • Four years of math – No matter what you’ve heard from classmates, four years of math is your best choice if you don’t wish to lose momentum headed into your college years. Reaching calculus level is best if it’s offered but peaking at pre-calculus is also usually acceptable.

  • Three to four years of laboratory science – Biology, chemistry, and physics are the core of the natural sciences. Colleges want to see that you have a background in these subjects when they admit you.

  • Two years (minimum) of social sciences – When in doubt, it’s best to take three or even four years of courses in history, geography, government, and even psychology to give yourself the best foundation for college.

  • Two to four years of foreign language – Many students dream of studying abroad in college and high school is the best place to begin your language foundation. Don’t confuse yourself by taking different languages all throughout high school; your best path to fluency is to practice just one.

  • One year of visual or performing arts – Not all colleges require students to take art to gain admission, but it doesn’t hurt your application either. Colleges also typically recognize that state governments often require up to one year of physical education as well, so don’t skip gym either!

Remember, just doing the minimum to get by isn’t the best way to become a successful college student down the road. Continue to challenge yourself in high school and you’ll find that your first semester of college isn’t as hard as you thought it would be!