Examville

Applying to college is undoubtedly an overwhelming process that only adds stress to an already high-pressure senior year. However, a simple way to avoid unnecessary stress is to limit the amount of colleges to apply to in the first place. While it may seem like a good strategy to apply to as many schools as possible to increase the chance of getting accepted to multiple schools, this tactic is likely to bring down the quality of each individual application.

Here are a few pointers for narrowing down the application list:

1. Do specific research on the school to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Hearing a lot about a particular college doesn’t make it the right one for you. Do some research on the way the school presents its curriculum, the degrees it offers, the quality of student housing and food, and the types of activities in which typical students get involved. Learn a little bit about the surrounding city because you’ll be there for several years. You may find that you and the school aren’t a great match after all.

2. Compare your stats and accomplishments with the averages posted on the school’s website.

Most schools’ websites will post the average stats of admitted students and other expectations for incoming freshmen. Additionally, other sites and college directories that are accessible for free on the Internet have up-to-date information about admissions. Though it may be painstaking, it’s a smart idea to take a close look at these stats and realistically evaluate whether yours lie in the same range. Furthermore, you won’t want to attend a school with students whose academic drive greatly differs from yours. Sometimes it’s easier to be honest with yourself than waste the time and energy applying to a school that won’t be a good fit.

3. Consider your social life!

College is supposed to be the most fun time in your life, so think about how you want to spend your experience! Current and former students at any college will be happy to tell you all about the social scene at their school. Remember that every school has a different social “vibe.” Think about whether you want to be surrounded by new people all the time at a huge school or whether you prefer a more close-knit community feeling when you walk across campus. And lastly, think about the importance of academics – a heavy partying atmosphere can jeopardize your grades, while extremely challenging schools might leave you with no time to have fun.

The national Common Core Standards set forth “rigorous” grade-level expectations for kindergarten through high school in the areas of Mathematics and English language arts. The goal of this state-led initiative, in collaboration with the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, is to prepare students for college and the work-force.

The Common Core in Mathematics for K-5 focuses on building solid foundations to apply to math concepts, procedures and applications. The standards stress procedural skills, as well as conceptual learning. Middle school standards provide preparation for high school level mathematics, and high school standards emphasize the use of mathematics and statistics to interpret data in order to get students college and career-ready.

The Common Core in English language arts focuses on grade-level expectations in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening, Language, Media and Technology.

According to The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a Washington D.C.-based non-profit think tank, which released a recent study comparing the states’ existing standards with the Common Core Standards:

• No states’ math standards are superior to the Common Core; 12 states’ standards are close to the Common Core, whereas 39 states’ standards are clearly inferior.

• 3 states’ (California, Indiana, and Washington D.C.) standards in English Language Arts are clearly superior to the Common Core; 11 states’ standards are close to the Common Core whereas 37 states’ standards are clearly inferior.

To date, 27 states have adopted the uniform guidelines, including New York, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., Ohio, and Michigan.

Notably, Texas, Alaska, and Virginia have opted not follow. However, more states are expected to adopt the national guidelines prior to the Obama Administration’s August 2nd Race to the Top deadline, which allows states to win points for a share of the $3.4 billion award by signing on.

The debate surrounding the national Common Core Standards has been fiery.

Proponents emphasize that creating stringent uniform benchmarks will provide access to similar education to all students, prepare students to compete in a global economy, and states can save money by working together on curriculum, assessments, and textbooks.

Opponents, on the other hand, argue that standardizing education minimizes creativity and critical thinking. Some say that the national standards force states with more stringent existing standards, such as Massachusetts, to lower their benchmarks.

The adoption of the national Common Core guidelines by a majority of states, however, is a signal that the new state-led effort to standardize grade-level expectations of skills students should warrant a try. Only time will tell how it fares in the long run.