The 6 Things You Should Do the Summer Before Senior Year

As seniors’ acceptance letters pour in and they begin to make their final college decisions, the concept of senior year and all that accompanies it is  probably heavy on many juniors’ minds. The late November to early January application deadline most schools impose is likely already looming large on juniors’ schedules, and while the prospect of being at the top of the social hierarchy is exciting, the additional responsibilities that accompany club or sports team leadership can be nerve-wracking. Whether you feel like you’re not quite ready to be a senior or that senior year couldn’t come fast enough, there’s no denying that it can be one of the most challenging years of students’ high school careers. Balancing college applications with the academic and extracurricular demands of senior year can be tricky, but it’s easier if you take steps over the summer to make sure you start off prepared. Armed with our list, you’ll enter senior year ready to take on the world. It’s important to note that most college applications don’t even open until late summer. The Common App, for example, is available to students beginning August 1st. In general, we at don’t recommend students start their applications before this point. Though it may seem like the deadline is approaching fast, unless you’re applying ED or EA , you have still have half your senior year remaining before your apps are due — a lot can change in that time. You may have additional awards or activities that you want to add to your application, and even your essay topics might change significantly. With all this in mind, you can probably afford to hold off on churning out rough drafts of essays or filling in the activities section for a few weeks. However, this isn’t to say you can’t start seriously considering the sort of information you might include on your application, particularly what you’ll write your essay on. Personal essays are one of the most important components of your application, especially at schools who boast holistic admissions , and writing a killer essay can be your key to success. For this reason, it’s smart to start brainstorming for potential personal statement ideas over the summer. If you can start the school year with a clear idea of what you want to write on, not only for the Common App but for supplemental essays as well, you can save yourself a lot of time and grief later on. Thinking about which activities and honors you want to list on your application is also a good way to prepare for senior year. The Common App only allows for students to describe 10 activities; others, like the University of California application, allow even less (the UC app provides 5 spaces). Consider not only which extracurriculars are most ostensibly impressive, but also those which you’ve spent the most time on or have the most intrinsic value to you. Determining which extracurricular activities have been most meaningful to you can also help you narrow down what to write about for â€Å"Which extracurricular activity listed on your application has meant the most to you, and why?† supplement questions, which are a staple on many top schools’ applications. We’ve already written about the importance of summer activities , but just to be safe, we’ll state it again: it’s to your great advantage to utilize summers for activities like service projects, research opportunities, internships, and more. Not only do you have more free time in the summer to devote to extracurricular activities you probably couldn’t fit into your schedule during the school year, you also have the freedom to travel and branch out beyond the extracurriculars that would normally populate your schedule. In addition, staying busy over the summer before senior year demonstrates your motivation and work ethic to colleges — you have to be pretty diligent to stay cooped up in a lab all summer while the sun shines. Summer can be a great time to prepare for the final few standardized tests you need to take. If you haven’t gotten your dream score on ACT/SAT, SAT IIs, etc., now is the time! Estimating your chance of getting into a college is not easy in today’s competitive environment. Thankfully, with our state-of-the-art software and data, we can analyze your academic and extracurricular profile and estimate your chances. Our profile analysis tool can also help you identify the improvement you need to make to enter your dream school. Summer before senior year is an excellent time to tour the colleges you’re considering applying to. For a West Coaster with Ivy League aspirations , or a New England student who dreams of Stanford or UC Berkeley, summer provides an opportunity to travel across the country (or for international students, across the ocean!) without worries about homework assignments or missed school days. Many colleges provide programming for prospective students over the summer, where students can take classes, attend seminars, and stay in the dorms at the college of their dreams. While applications for these programs are competitive and are due months before the summer begins, well-prepared students get the opportunity to experience life as a student at the college of their choice. Many of these programs also provide financial aid to students for which paying for the programs poses a financial difficulty. Of course, your college list is extremely malleable — you can decide not to apply to a school the day before the application is due, or realize your dreams for attending a college 5 days before their due date. Though making changes to your list is common and inevitable, it certainly does simplify things if you’re able to come up with as complete and final a version of your college list as possible early on. Finalizing your college list in advance can help you avoid a slew of annoyances, like paying to send test scores to a school you don’t even end up applying to, or rushing to think of a unique and engaging essay topic in the final hours before the application is due. Put the thought in and do the research early, and you’ll be thanking yourself later. Senior year is a whirlwind of essays, formal dances, late nights, and acceptance letters; to the unprepared student, jumping head first into the madness can be daunting. However, if you follow our tips for a successful pre-senior year summer, you can start your final year of high school with ease and kiss college application stress goodbye. For more information about extracurriculars and summer activities,

Therapeutic Polysaccharides Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Therapeutic Polysaccharides - Essay Example On a fundamental level, polyssarcharides are defined as polymeric chains composed of mono- or di-saccharides bound together by glycosidic bonds, a special type of covalent bond. Carbohydrates possess a hemiacetal group that contains a reactive anomeric carbon that readily reacts in certain low pH cellular environments to form a stable glycosidic bond. While the ring structure of the carbohydrate subunits confers a rigid form, the glycosidic bonds allow for chain flexibility, conferring similar mechanical properties found in other semi-elastic polymers (Andre and Gushlbauer 1974, p.803-805). The unique properties yielded by this chemical structure allow polysaccharides to fulfill a variety of biological roles. The plant commonly referred to as the Butternut Squash, also commonly called the Winter Squash, Pumpkin Squash, and Field Pumpkin, is scientifically known as Cucurbita moschata, a member of the same family as gourds and cucumbers. Like its close relatives, the plant grows on a v ine with soft, hairy stems and is found in both North and South America in growing zones USDA 8 through 11 (Saylor and Network Vista, Inc. 2008, p.4175). The plant is widely grown for foodstuffs and is a common home gardener favorite. The leaves of the plant are broad, with nearly orbicular structure, and few lobes are present in the vine. Annually, Cucurbita moschata produces yellow colored flowers with wide spreading and crinkled petal structures, of a monoecious variety possessing both male and female structures within a single plant.

Integrating Interactive Multimedia and Web Applications in Teaching Essay

Integrating Interactive Multimedia and Web Applications in Teaching - Essay Example The significance of investigating this integration remains, however, considering that listening now is the cornerstone of language acquisition (Krashen et al., 1994) and a fundamental activity in L2 acquisition process (Dunkel, 1991a; Krashen, 1982; Rost, 1993). Likewise, studies indicate that the social dynamics of listening have gained more significance in the study and use of LC for L2 (Lynch, 1988; Rost, 1990; Rubin, 1994). Increasingly, more emphasis is now being given to the processes of interaction and meaning-negotiation while focus shifts away from listening as a mental process internal to the listener (Doughty, 1991; Dunkel, 1991b; Pica, Young, & Doughty, 1987; Robinson, 1991). Researchers are also refining their understanding of the key differences and similarities between reading and listening (Canale, 1984; Hoven, 1991; Lund, 1991; Swaffar & Bacon, 1993). For all the above reasons and more, a model designed to facilitate such integration process is being proposed. In a nutshell, the model suggests an integration process based upon theoretical, pedagogical, and technical grounds accompanied by a user-centered approach for software design. It is argued that this model might lead to a successful integration of interactive Web applications for teaching listening comprehension. The model components will be discussed respectively. Toward a Constructivist Approach Two contradictory views of the most common theoretical frameworks of contemporary CALL exist. Felix (2002) claims that a quick look at the literature in language learning and technology will reveal that there is a move away from the static transmission models of knowledge and skill acquisition, which are instructivist vs. constructivist, tending towards more contextualized, authentic, and meaningful tasks in language learning. These three characteristics are underscored in three recent approaches in language learning and technology: the collaborative learning approach, the problem solving approach, and the constructivist approach. This study will adopt the definition of constructivism which believes that human knowledge is constructed and learners construct their own experience and understanding through assimilating current experience with previous internalized knowledge. Moreover, learning is seen as a collaborative, autonomous, socially negotiated process, which takes place when su pported by a rich environment (Ruschoff & Ritter, 2001). Pachler (2002), however, claims that traditional behaviorist modes, which I believe depends partly on transmission models (i.e., repetition in listening/speaking), are still very common in the world of CALL. The breaking of learning tasks into small manageable steps to drill and

The music of Stravinsky Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The music of Stravinsky - Term Paper Example Due to the University’s closure following a bloody Sunday, he could not take his final exams and could only receive a diploma. As a result he chose to consntrate in music and was taught private lessons on music by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov who almost acted like his second father. Stravisky got married to Katerina Nossenko, his cousin and despite the Orthordox church’s opposition on such marriages, they finaly managed to tie the not on January 23, 1906. Thye gave birth to four kids that is Fyodor born in 1907, Ludmilla born in 1908, Soulima(1910) and Maria Milena(1913) according to Straus (22). By the time he finished hi studies Stravinsky was already a excellent amateur pianist and also could play along with the singer.He was also an expert in Russsian, Italian and French opera. Stravinsky’s best friend was Stephan Mitusov who was a step son of a prince and who helped him advance his career in music. Mitusov would translate French poems and Stravinsky would make mu sic from them. The idea of objectivity is a central theme both in life and in compositions of Stranvinsky.Stranvinsky grew up I environment where he was exposed to music, literature and art given that his father was a known operatic bass.At the age of nine Stravinsky started his piano classes and he studied counterpoint as well as music theory. Rimsky adviced him to compose on his own and gave him composition and orchestra lessons, which helped him, begin his career in music composition. ... The aggressive rythms, abrasive harmonies and the shifting meters he applied in this ballet on ritual pagan sacrifice remained in the memories of many listeners. This became Stravinsky’s first work which permanently placed him at the international repertory. The World War 1 totally disrupted Strvinsky life hence his compositions were disrupted. However, he continued with his compositions but did it smaller scale productions. After the war, he settled in France and his style of composition started to change as now he was inspired by eighteenth century music of Europe. For thirty years he composed using neo-classical style during which he experienced a spiritual transformation which encouraged him to compose liturgical and sacred works. By the time he was in his thirties, Stravinsky found that his music was mostly demanded in the US.At the same period he had lost his mother, daughter and wife in a span of two years. While in Eurpoe, due to condition of war, Stravinsky could not compose held the position of the chairperson of poetry in Harvard. He later married his mistress, Vera de Bosset who he had dated for a long time. They settled in Hollyhood where he started to compose The Rake’s progress. While he was still composing The Rake’s Progress, he came across Robert Craft who later became Stravinsky’s musical aide.This relationship was significant as Craft managed to encourage Stravinsky to create interest in twelve-one techniques which he initially disliked. They also manage to publish co-authored books ewhich explored the musical views of Stranvisky.After completing the Rakes Progress his music compositions took another form which resulted from intergrating the twelve-one techniques in his language of composition. Through this

The book ''The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime'' Essay

The book ''The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime'' - Essay Example The Story. Christopher finds a neighbor's dog, named Wellington, murdered. With the help of his teacher, Siobhan, he decides to write a book about his attempt to solve this mystery. During his investigation, Christopher meets people living on the same street but whom he has never met before. He eventually discovers that Mr. Shears, a neighbor, had an affair with his mother, Judy. Christopher records this as well as other discoveries. His father, Ed, discovers his writings and confiscates them but the son tries to find them back. In his search, Christopher finds letters from his mother which his father had hidden. Supposedly, Judy had died of a heart attack as told by Ed, and now Christopher comes to know that she is still alive. He is quite shocked that his father would lie to him about this. On the bed, he vomits and groans until his father comes back. Realizing that Christopher had read the letters, Ed cleans up Christopher and then tells him the truth about Judy and confesses to killing Wellington in his anger to Mrs. Shears. Christopher, however, feared that his father may also kill him, and so decides to get away and look for his mother. He embarks finally on an adventurous trip to London, guided by his mother's address from her letters. With Christopher with her, Judy eventually leaves Mr. Shears, and then moves into a rented room in Swindon, London. Judy agrees to daily visits from Ed for Christopher who remains afraid of his father. The story ends with Ed promising that he will rebuild trust with Christopher and the son asserting that he will take further A-level exams and attend university. Autism. The main character, Christopher Boone goes to a school for students with "special needs" as he has a form of autism. As the novel opens, Christopher tells us "I know all of the countries of the world and their capital cities, and every prime number up to 7,057." He can rattle off prime numbers and square roots with the ease, and can speak about the origins of the universe. But he has more problems with people. He has trouble figuring out other people's feelings, and he doesn't understand why they tell lies. Strangers, noise and unfamiliar situations terrify him. Christopher can be childlike at times, but he can also be chillingly detached. In his favorite dream, he tells us, a virus has killed all the people who look at one another's faces when they talk; the only survivors are ''special people like me,'' who ''like being on their own'' and who are as ''shy and rare.'' With this, Christopher appears to understand that he is different from other people. A whiz at math, he enjoys puzzles and has a photographic memory. Christopher cannot read facial expressions fluently, that he uses a code he devised to guide him in his supposed behavior for the day as he, himself recounts - On my way to school I watch the cars going past the bus and remember their colours.3 red cars in a row mean that it is going to be a Quite Good Day. 4 red cars mean that it is going to be a Good Day. 5 red cars mean that it is going to be a Super Good Day. And 4 yellow cars in a row mean that it is going to be a Black Day, which is a day when I don't speak to anyone and don't eat my lunch and Take No Risks, because yellow is the color of custard and double yellow lines and Yellow Fever which is a deadly

The Democrats and Republicans before the Civil War Essay

The Democrats and Republicans before the Civil War - Essay Example Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina severely beat abolitionist Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts with a cane after the latter made an impassioned speech about the deteriorating situation in the disputed state of Kansas, where hostilities had exploded around the issue of slavery (â€Å"Bleeding Kansas†). The Democratic Party platform (Cooper 36–39), resolutely promoting the interests of the Southern slaveholders, was explicit in its calls for limited Federal government powers -- in effect placing more authority in the hands of individual states. A portion of the opening statement that stated it would be â€Å"inexpedient and dangerous† for the Federal government to â€Å"exercise doubtful constitutional powers† left very little mystery regarding the remaining thrust of the document. Adopting a â€Å"strict constructionist† interpretation of the Constitution, the Democrats further posited that general powers were not granted to the central government in relation to commerce, to conduct â€Å"improvements,† or to assume debt for the individual states. Also addressed were the national administration’s right to disperse funds from public lands or to charter a national bank. All of the aforementioned matters had a direct bearing on the ultimate ability of the central government to exercise any overarching powers to control individual states, especially on the slavery question. A weak, non-invasive, decentralized government was exactly what Southern politicians desired. While the Democratic platform gradually worked up to addressing the issue of slavery directly, the Republican Party immediately got to the heart of the matter (Cooper 39–40). Right at the outset, their platform declared that Kansas should be admitted to the Union as a free state. Refuting the Democratic Party’s desire for a weak Federal government, the Republicans declared that the Constitution conferred sovereign power to Congress over the

The music of Stravinsky Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The music of Stravinsky - Term Paper Example Due to the University’s closure following a bloody Sunday, he could not take his final exams and could only receive a diploma. As a result he chose to consntrate in music and was taught private lessons on music by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov who almost acted like his second father. Stravisky got married to Katerina Nossenko, his cousin and despite the Orthordox church’s opposition on such marriages, they finaly managed to tie the not on January 23, 1906. Thye gave birth to four kids that is Fyodor born in 1907, Ludmilla born in 1908, Soulima(1910) and Maria Milena(1913) according to Straus (22). By the time he finished hi studies Stravinsky was already a excellent amateur pianist and also could play along with the singer.He was also an expert in Russsian, Italian and French opera. Stravinsky’s best friend was Stephan Mitusov who was a step son of a prince and who helped him advance his career in music. Mitusov would translate French poems and Stravinsky would make mu sic from them. The idea of objectivity is a central theme both in life and in compositions of Stranvinsky.Stranvinsky grew up I environment where he was exposed to music, literature and art given that his father was a known operatic bass.At the age of nine Stravinsky started his piano classes and he studied counterpoint as well as music theory. Rimsky adviced him to compose on his own and gave him composition and orchestra lessons, which helped him, begin his career in music composition. ... The aggressive rythms, abrasive harmonies and the shifting meters he applied in this ballet on ritual pagan sacrifice remained in the memories of many listeners. This became Stravinsky’s first work which permanently placed him at the international repertory. The World War 1 totally disrupted Strvinsky life hence his compositions were disrupted. However, he continued with his compositions but did it smaller scale productions. After the war, he settled in France and his style of composition started to change as now he was inspired by eighteenth century music of Europe. For thirty years he composed using neo-classical style during which he experienced a spiritual transformation which encouraged him to compose liturgical and sacred works. By the time he was in his thirties, Stravinsky found that his music was mostly demanded in the US.At the same period he had lost his mother, daughter and wife in a span of two years. While in Eurpoe, due to condition of war, Stravinsky could not compose held the position of the chairperson of poetry in Harvard. He later married his mistress, Vera de Bosset who he had dated for a long time. They settled in Hollyhood where he started to compose The Rake’s progress. While he was still composing The Rake’s Progress, he came across Robert Craft who later became Stravinsky’s musical aide.This relationship was significant as Craft managed to encourage Stravinsky to create interest in twelve-one techniques which he initially disliked. They also manage to publish co-authored books ewhich explored the musical views of Stranvisky.After completing the Rakes Progress his music compositions took another form which resulted from intergrating the twelve-one techniques in his language of composition. Through this