Make the Most of Your College Visit

College visits are a great way to help you decide to which colleges you should apply. The college visit is your chance to get a feel for the school and to determine if the school is right for you.

During your college visit, you'll tour the campus and have the opportunity to speak with an admissions officer. This is your chance to get answers to your questions, such as:

What is your average class size?
Are classes taught by professors or by teaching assistants?
What is the make-up of your current freshman class?
How many students are residents/commuters?
How safe is the campus?
What is your financial aid priority date?
Do you offer merit scholarships?

If possible, sit in on a class or two and talk to a professor in your chosen major. It's also a good idea to wander around the campus, check out the library, read the student newspaper, listen to the college radio station, visit the student union, browse through the bookstore and scan the bulletin boards in the academic department you're interested in.

Talk to current college students. . .they can tell you what they like and dislike about the college, what the social scene is like, what the cafeteria food is like. They can also tell you what type of clubs and societies are represented on campus. If possible, spend a night in a dorm with a current student, this will give you a better feel for college life.

During your visit listen to and trust your instincts. After all, you're the only one who can decide if a school is right for you.

Test Day Tips

If you're planning on taking any of the standardized tests this fall (PSAT/SAT/ACT), you may be experiencing some pre-test jitters. We've compiled some tips to help you prepare for the standardized tests:

Take sample tests. You can find SAT/ACT test prep books in your local library or bookstore. You can also access sample tests online; we offer free test prep and practice exams for the standardized tests on EducationPlanner.org.
Find out exactly where the test will be given. Many standardized tests are given in large facilities and you may be unfamiliar with the location. Find out the building number and name and the room number in which the test will be given.
The night before the test, gather everything you'll need to take the test—pencils, erasers, calculator, glasses, watch, etc.
Get a good night of sleep.
Get up early and eat breakfast on test day.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Knowing you're not pushed for time will help you feel more in control.
Figure out how much time you have for each section and pace yourself.
Answer easy questions first. This will help you build your confidence.
If you don't know the answer to a multiple choice question, eliminate obviously wrong answers. Try the other answers to see which one makes the most sense.
Relax and just do your best.

Good Luck on test day!

How To Manage Stress

Whether you're in high school, college or in the work force, sometimes life can become overwhelming. When that happens, your stress level inevitably increases. While none of us can avoid stress completely, we’ve compiled some tips to help you cope with it:

Don't sweat the small stuff. Prioritize your activities and focus on the most important ones.
Exercise, even if it's just a quick walk around the block.
Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
Avoid excessive use of caffeine.
Make time to do something fun with your friends.
Listen to soothing music.
Breathe deeply.

Career Highlight: Forensic Scientist

You've seen their work portrayed on television and heard their testimony in high-profile court cases. A degree in Forensic Science can take you from the crime scene to the courtroom.

Forensic science is the application of science to the law. In criminal cases forensic scientists are often involved in the search for and examination of physical traces which might be useful in establishing or excluding an association between someone suspected of committing a crime and the scene of the crime.

Forensic scientists commonly test blood and other body fluids, hairs, fibers from clothing, footwear, building materials, tool and tire marks, and flammable substances. Students can specialize in the identification of drugs and poisons, firearms and explosives, and document authenticity.

Education for this career requires a bachelor's degree with emphasis on all sciences and a Master of Science degree. Students have the option of advancing their education to the Ph.D. level if they're interested in a career in academics, forensic science research or research in medical diagnosis. You could also get a combination of degrees such as a forensic science and a medical degree or forensic science and law degree, which is highly sought after.

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