To SAT, or Not To SAT

Deciding whether to take the test or not may seem like a complicated decision, but it doesn’t have to be. In general, private universities are more likely than public universities to require standardized test scores, and highly ranked or international universities almost always need the test. These are general guidelines, and ultimately, your choice should be based on individual circumstances and your college plans. It is best to check the universities you are considering on a case-by-case basis, as they can differ greatly in terms of policies and acceptance rates. Remember, if a school is test-optional, only submit your highest scores, as lower scores will weaken your overall application. 

Since preparing for the SAT requires months of studying and can stress even the most veteran scholars, you should only take the exam if it is necessary or if it could fill any gaps you may have in your application to get into one of your dream schools. 

It is important to note that the SAT costs $68 each time. The College Board makes it easy to apply for a fee waiver to cover the cost of two tests.

Study Recommendations

You should begin preparing two to three months before your exam date. Before anything else, you must create a College Board account, download the Bluebook app, and take a full-length practice test. This test will be scored like the official SAT and is a great way to pinpoint which areas need improvement. Do not stress over your practice test results; this is just a base for your studies.

Review all incorrect answers and identify areas of strength and weakness, whether it is reading and writing, math, or pacing the test. After that, log on to Khan Academy, which partners with the SAT, and go to the SAT section and practice according to your weak spots. Additional resources, like YouTube, can also be very beneficial, as there are a plethora of videos addressing every type of question the SAT poses. Remember: there are only six official practice tests on Bluebook. To avoid wasting these tests, only take them after seriously studying.

Although everyone’s study path is unique, I have linked a few videos below that give excellent foundational advice:

All of SAT Math Explained in 26 Minutes

The only SAT Math DESMOS Guide you’ll ever need

All of SAT Reading Explained in 21 Minutes  

How to Score a 750+ on the SAT Reading without Reading the Whole Passage! 

The SAT season runs from August to June and is offered seven times each year. This means there are plenty of times to try again if your first score is not what you wanted. Colleges typically consider only the highest score submitted and understand that it is completely normal to take the SAT more than once. 

Test Day Expectations

The SAT registration is offered on the College Board website, and you must register at least a month in advance, as testing spots often fill up quickly. Testing centers typically open at 7:45 a.m., and the exam begins around  8:00 a.m. The SAT lasts two hours and forty-one minutes and is divided into a reading and writing section, a math section, and a ten-minute break in between. The reading and writing portion allows seventy-one seconds per question, while the math portion allows ninety-five seconds per question. 

On test day, I recommend arriving a few minutes early with a valid ID, admissions ticket, pencil, and a water bottle. Additionally, during the ten-minute break, bring a light snack and keep your body moving to keep yourself energized for the math section, as the reading may cause fatigue. If the timing of the test does not work for you, it is worth noting that the SAT does offer accommodations that are easy to request.

While the SAT may appear intimidating, the most important piece of advice for the test is to understand what the question is truly asking. Remember: if you understand the question, you already know half of the answer.

All things considered, the SAT does not have to be a scary test that will determine your future. If the SAT is not something that is for you that is fine. If the SAT is something that will get you to where you need to be, that is also fine. Remember to study smarter, not harder, keep your head in the game, and take a few deep breaths. This test is only one piece of the bigger picture that is your future.

The post SAT Tips and Tricks appeared first on GirlSpring.

You have an assignment due at midnight. Suddenly, the urge to clean your room, read a book, scroll through Instagram, or do literally anything else intensifies, even if the other task isn’t more desirable. That is procrastination. It’s tempting to blame laziness, but this runs deeper. An essential component of overcoming hindrances is understanding why we procrastinate.

The Hidden Costs

Procrastination can be called an emotional coping mechanism because, at its core, it is the brain’s way of avoiding discomfort. Everyone’s reasons for procrastination are different, usually masking something more profound, which can be boiled down to one (or more) of the following:

● Fear: The fear of failure is one of the biggest reasons many prefer to avoid rather than commit. It’s easy to say failure teaches, but failure often demotivates people. Past failures, the thought that you could fail, or the constant feeling of doom all cause people to overthink rather than allowing the chance to try.
● Gratification: Small endorphin highs can be addictive, making them more desirable than
something that induces anxiety. Procrastination is linked to the brain’s limbic system, which craves pleasure, overpowering the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making.
● Perfectionism: We want conditions to be “just right.” Instead of producing imperfect work, we wait for the mythical perfect moment– something that just never comes.

The real trouble is that procrastination rarely leaves you feeling fine once the gratification and rush of the other task subside. The guilt in the aftermath leaves you feeling worse than before. Delaying tasks creates a constant mental weight; even when we’re “resting,” the undone task is a continuous burden on the mind, causing anxiety and stress. The guilt accumulates every time we procrastinate, making the task seem even less desirable, as it is associated with feelings of self-hatred and self-blame. Ultimately, it can erode your confidence and ability to perform any task, making you less dependable to those around you.

Procrastination is not the Enemy.

Everyone assumes that procrastination is just inherently bad. There are times when procrastination serves as a way to protect you from losing a part of yourself or exhausting yourself. Creative people often procrastinate in search of the right inspiration. The body’s way of saying that it simply cannot go on presents as mental burnout and physical fatigue.
So while you battle procrastination, take a moment to ask yourself: “Why am I actually procrastinating?” Is it fear, or is it something else? There are parts of yourself you only discover when you question yourself at your most vulnerable state. Be honest with yourself, and only then will you actually succeed.

With Women, Yet Another Layer Emerges.

Many women struggle with perfectionism, driven by the hardships of their past and society’s endless expectations. Some say women put things off because we don’t care enough or care too much. The truth is, women have things to plan besides their tasks that are often procrastinated. Every activity can be mentally draining, so when we finally sit down to work on our own goals, our exhaustion takes over. So while the fight wages on, one really has nothing left to give.

Outsmarting yourself

Once you understand the root of your procrastination, you can effectively tackle it. The basis of most psychological solutions is to reframe the perspective, allowing yourself to challenge your mind and work around your problems on your own.

● Schedule breaks: Incentivizing your tasks with a break is a common tactic in most study methods or techniques. This tip enables you to schedule your breaks and time off, giving you something to look forward to. It gives your brain a time limit to work with, knowing that relief is just around the corner.

● Relief as motivation: Getting through a task you procrastinated can be hard. Try picturing yourself in the future: happy, relaxed, and proud. Strive towards making that your reality.

● Compassion over criticism: Allow yourself to procrastinate and tell yourself that it is okay to do it occasionally. The shame and guilt cycle reinforces the feeling of procrastination more than forgiving oneself and allowing for imperfection.

● Reward Progress: In any scenario, effort is significant and should be celebrated. Accepting and being proud of yourself for every step you take will create a sense of pride.

● Take Responsibility: Asking others to help hold you accountable, or training yourself to take responsibility for any past procrastination, will motivate you to prevent it.

There is no right or wrong approach; ultimately, motivation is a state of mind. Deadlines motivate some people, while they deter others. The freedom of time sparks creativity for some, while it makes it impossible for others to do tasks under the illusion of “there is still time.”

It’s not about time, it’s about trusting yourself.

Your brain is wired to seek comfort and avoid pain. Procrastination is a term applied when the “pain” is avoided past the point at which you can do the task well. It is not laziness in its entirety; it runs deeper. Even the tiniest step forward proves something powerful to yourself. You can start, follow through, and trust yourself.
So, remember to ask what’s wrong before beating yourself up. Then, ask yourself what the smallest possible step you can take is. Once you begin, you may surprise yourself at where you end up.

Need some more study tips? Read this!

The post The Psychology of Procrastination appeared first on GirlSpring.

The preset mindset remains that grades are essential for any student who wants to go to a top university and take an educational path to success. This narrative is chanted by so many people around us who technically do speak from experience. Careers evolve overnight, industries are born on social media, and self-made opportunities often outweigh the prestige of a degree.

The Old playbook

For decades the formula has been

Study hard + good grades = success!

This path cannot be labeled wrong as it has helped decades of people land stable, secure jobs; just when credentials were essential and a degree was the marker of intelligence. The same scientists with the degrees have gone on to define new types of intelligence and prove that not everyone’s path has to be so mundane. This outdated formula is also worse for women as academic excellence was fundamental to outperform co-workers to merely “prove” that they even deserved to be there. This short-sighted definition ignored so many qualities such as creativity, leadership, adaptability- the unique strengths that could never fit on an exam paper.

The Big Change

Degrees can also mark economic disparities in society so they cannot possibly define human ability. It is an epiphany that is slowly but surely becoming widespread in society. This is why more and more jobs omit the requirement of a degree, preferring well-skilled and creative workers.

In addition to that, learning in its nature has become different. Just the understanding of the different kinds of learners and the skills people excel in expand the horizons of success and its metrics. Moreover, the accessibility and availability of the internet has made the process of consuming knowledge nuanced: knowledge that cannot be verified on a test if known.

Furthermore, the fall of menial jobs has caused a spike in the frequency of self-made careers. Online businesses, social media and even self-employment like freelancing and publishing allow success to be achieved. The world’s evolution and shift towards acceptance notes the strive for passion which allows creativity to thrive over the few careers that many in the past considered “appropriate”.

Women Who Have Done It

This journey has been walked by many women before you. Notable people include:

• Rosalind Franklin: A ground breaking biologist whose work was part of the foundation that helped us understand DNA structure.
• Marie Curie: The only person to win two noble prizes for her work in radioactivity originally did not have a degree and succeeded in spite of the many gender-based barriers in academia.
• Emma Watson: From a young age she was a talented actor and speaker. She starred in notable roles such as Harry Potter and Beauty and the Beast but also went on to get a degree in Language. Aside from that she is a famous activist for women rights and owns an alcohol brand by passion.

Famous names aside, there are countless women closer to home that have achieved extraordinary things. From friends that are home bakers to those who sell crafts online, there is no shortage of greatness all around.

Everybody and everything is an inspiration: you merely have to find it.

SO… do grades still matter?

The simplest way to put it is that they don’t not matter. This is not a sign for one to drop out of school. Grades are great for opening some doors, especially to technical fields. BUT they do not define your self worth or your ability. Today, success is multi-dimensional: it’s about mindset, approach, skills, confidence and so much more with the biggest variable being you.

Success at the end of the day is the definition you choose to give it and not what people dictate it to be.

The post Good Grades are No Longer the Definition of Success appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. Start shopping for your dorm early.

Since there are hundreds of thousands of people going to college each fall, things are bound to be out of stock. I started my dorm shopping by making a list of everything that I needed to buy. I was constantly adding on items that I had forgotten about. Next, I bought things that were the most essential first, such as the bed spread, mattress topper (very important for a comfortable bed!), and a lamp. By starting my shopping early, I was able to avoid most of the shopping rush in late July when a lot of students were trying to finish off their dorm shopping. Also, by starting to shop early, I was able to spread out my shopping which made it much less stressful.

2. Get involved in an organization or club.

One of the best ways to make friends your freshman year is to join an organization or a club. Whether it is a church organization, a service club, or an ultimate frisbee club, it is always a great way to meet people with similar interests as you. I joined a church organization my freshman year and have found many of my closest friends there. It was definitely out of my comfort zone to go join an organization where I knew nobody but it was worth it in the end to put myself out there.

3. Try to avoid 8 A.M. class times.

If you’re anything like me, you hate getting up early. I had two classes at 8 A.M. my freshman year. I thought that since I woke up early for all of high school, then waking up for an 8 A.M. class every Tuesday and Thursday would be a breeze. However, I quickly found out that it was a lot different than high school. The workload was heavier than ever before, which meant later nights studying. Also, one of the hardest things for me was getting the motivation to go to the class when I knew it was just going to be going over notes. At college, your parents aren’t there to make you go to class, so it’s harder to make yourself go to an 8 A.M. class.

4. Be open-minded about changing majors.

Since 9th grade, I had been set on majoring in Pre-Vet and going to Vet school at Auburn. I never would have thought that I would change my major. However, as I was sitting in a Pre-Vet class only 3 weeks into my freshman year, I realized that I did not want to become a veterinarian. Even though it was a sudden realization, I was completely certain of it. I ended up changing my major to Pre-Nursing, which I have loved so far. I know people who have changed their major more than 3 times, so know that you don’t have to stick to one major. Do what you love and don’t be afraid to change your mind.

5. Give yourself grace during your first year. 

Your first year is a time of growth and learning. One thing that I had to remind myself was that it is okay to not be okay. For most of us, freshman year is the first time we are living away from home and have to be responsible for ourselves. You will learn and grow more than you would think during your freshman year. There were definitely highs and lows throughout the year, but you only learn from your lows. It is okay to not be put together all the time because it is a new experience that will make you stronger in the future.

The post Things No One Tells You Before College appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. Babysitting

Babysitting can be very lucrative! It teaches a lot of responsibility that comes with childcare. If you love kids, this is a relatively easy way to make money while enjoying yourself! Reach out to neighbors with young kids, friends who have little siblings, or even family members to put your name out there if they ever need a sitter. Parents also often recommend their babysitters to other friends, so if you get a few clients, then it can be easy to expand. This is very flexible and you can work on your own time, so there is no need to worry about work if out of town this summer.

2. Pet sitting

If you are in town on Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day, pet sitting could be a great way to make easy money because a lot of people take vacations and boarding facilities are full. There is a pretty high demand for pet sitters in the summertime! At popular vacation times, you can take on multiple households and really make some cash. Reach out to anybody you know with pets who could be going out of town at all this summer! The job is often easy and typically only requires you to stop by a few times throughout the day to care for the pet.

3. Social Media Manager for a Business

Working for a business does offer a steady and predictable flow of income. With so much business advertising relying on social media campaigns, many businesses could need somebody young to help them out. I think this would be a really fun job to have, especially if you are active on social media already. You could search for job openings near you to see if any businesses need people to work on social media.

3. Lifeguard

With this job, you can also get the benefit of working with a team and having scheduled hours with a supervisor. It also teaches responsibility and helps you gain important skills that could help you save a life. In addition, this job is very enjoyable! Hours are flexible and most of your job is sitting by a pool in the sun. Who doesn’t love a nice tan? You do have to complete a lifeguard certification course before taking on the job, but this job can be very rewarding to teens and has a social aspect in that most people working are fellow teens!

4. Restaurants

Many restaurants and fast food places require workers! This job would entail more of a schedule and structure as opposed to freelance work. It is fairly easy to find a job opening in this field because so many places have needed more workers after COVID. This job also has the benefits of working in a team environment, and is an overall very rewarding experience! Whether it is a server, hostess, or working the cash register, the restaurant industry could use more workers! The pay can be very good, as well!

6. Camp Counselor

So many programs put on day camps for children over summer break and are always in need of counselors! Sleep-away camps can be a fun way to earn some cash as well. You could get all the benefits of going to summer camp with more responsibility and a salary! If you enjoy working with kids, this job would also really suit you! It teaches you to be a leader and problem-solver, as well as basic childcare skills! If you love camp, this is the job for you!

7. Driver

Similar to babysitting, if you have a car and can drive, many busy parents are willing to pay you to drive their kids places. This is an easy way to make some quick cash and can be done alongside other jobs easily since it is not very time-consuming. Just remember to stay safe on the roads!

Click here to sign up for jobs on websites to find what you’re looking for in your area!

Indeed.com, Linkedin.com, Hireteen.com

Even if you just want to take it slow this summer, click here to see some fun ways to kick back and relax!

The post Summer Job Ideas for Teens appeared first on GirlSpring.

Photo by Yan Krukau

Scholarships are the key to making college dreams more affordable, and the earlier you start, the better! If you’re looking to snag some scholarship money, below are some tips to help you stand out and maximize your chances of winning.

1. Stay informed

Scholarships can sound very overwhelming. To get your familiar with the process, let’s start with some rapid fire questions!

When do I start applying to scholarships?

In your senior year of high school!

How do I know if I’m eligible for scholarships?

Scholarships will always have information about eligibility on the application. Read carefully!

I don’t have a good standardized testing score. Should I even try?

100% yes! Some scholarships will not ask for your score at all!

I don’t think I’m considered for needs based scholarships. Do I have any luck?

Yes! Though most scholarships are needs based, a good search can land merit-based scholarships!

I feel lost about this. Who should I go to?

Definitely talk with your school counselor! Not only are they knowledge about scholarships, but they can even refer you to ones! Reddit is also a great place to discover scholarships or get proofreading help (though since it’s an online community, stay safe with what information is out there!)

2. Start Early

Make sure to start as early as possible. Begin your scholarship search in August of your senior year and start applying by September. This gives you plenty of time to research, prepare, and stay ahead of deadlines. Plus, starting early means less stress when things get hectic later in the school year. Remember, even if the fall semester has passed, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing left for you! While it is ideal to start in the fall, thousands of scholarships run through the spring, and even the summer. Better late than never!

3. Start Local

Check out scholarships in your city or state first. Local organizations often offer scholarships with less competition compared to national ones. Reach out to community groups, businesses, or even your school counselor for leads.

4. Make Your Search Specific

Tailor your search to YOU. Look for scholarships based on your gender, future major, career goals, personal experiences, or challenges you’ve faced. The more specific the scholarship criteria match your life, the better your chances of standing out. Take advantage of your differences! There are scholarships for all types of criteria, even tall people and gingers!

5. Keep a Tracker

One of the best tips for receiving scholarships is to have a tracker. Use a spreadsheet or notebook to jot down each scholarship, its deadline, and what’s required (like essays or recommendation letters). This way, nothing slips through the cracks, and you’ll feel super prepared. This is the tracker I use and it is very detailed and helpful!

6. Get Recommendation Letters/Documents Early

Some scholarships require recommendation letters, so be sure to check which ones do and ask your teachers or mentors for them as soon as possible. Giving them plenty of time shows respect for their schedule and ensures your letters are thoughtful and detailed. The absolute worst situation is finding an amazing scholarship, but not having enough time to request a recommendation. Don’t worry about asking for too many, teachers will most likely reuse what they’ve written!

7. Watch Out for Scams

Stay safe while searching! Avoid scholarships that ask for your Social Security number, charge a fee to apply, or seem sketchy. Checking the winner list can ensure validity as well as if the scholarship is outdated or not. Some scholarships will slowly stop after a few years, but never disclose it directly. When in doubt, run it through your school counselor.

8. Reuse Essays and Extracurricular Descriptions

Always remember–work smarter, not harder. Many scholarships have similar prompts, so don’t be afraid to reuse essays and activity descriptions where it makes sense. Be sure to tweak them to fit the specific scholarship requirement!

9. Don’t Dismiss Small Scholarships

Even small scholarships add up! A $500 award might not seem like much, but a few of those can help cover books or other expenses. Plus, smaller awards usually have fewer applicants, so your chances of winning are higher.

10. Stay Competitive

Scholarship applications are like mini competitions, so don’t hold back! Showcase why you’re the best fit by highlighting your extracurriculars, achievements, and goals. Submit as many applications as you can—you never know which one might be your ticket to success.

I hope these tips make you feel better about your scholarship journey! If you’re looking for a general scholarship community, check out r/scholarships on Reddit! I found most of the scholarships I applied to through there! For more scholarship tips, check out this Girlspring article about business scholarships and helpful information! Best of luck!

The post College Scholarships Tips appeared first on GirlSpring.

Start Early

The earlier you begin preparing, the less stress you’ll experience on move-in day. Start by creating a packing checklist and organizing your tasks over a few weeks. This will prevent last-minute scrambling. Break the packing into smaller tasks—like clothes, school supplies, and toiletries—to keep things manageable.

Declutter and Downsize

Packing for college is a great opportunity to simplify your life. You likely don’t need to bring everything from home. Assess what’s essential and avoid overpacking. Donate or sell items you no longer need. By minimizing what you bring, you’ll save space and avoid unnecessary clutter in your new living space.

Coordinate with Roommates

If you have roommates, it’s crucial to communicate and coordinate what each of you will bring. For instance, one person can bring a microwave, while another brings a mini-fridge. Sharing a list of who’s bringing what will prevent duplicate items and help avoid conflicts in shared spaces. Discuss cleanliness and common area rules to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Pack Strategically

Packing efficiently is key to making your move easier. Label your boxes with clear descriptions (e.g., “bathroom essentials” or “winter clothes”) to find things quickly. Use space-saving bags for bulky items and roll your clothes to maximize space. Pack a “first-day” bag with essentials like toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothes so you won’t have to dig through boxes upon arrival.

Arrange Transportation

How you get your belongings to college is a major part of the process. If you’re not driving, think about asking family or friends to help or look into moving services. You can find quotes online for professional movers at www.shiply.com. Make sure you know the college’s move-in schedule and parking policies to avoid confusion. Planning transportation ahead of time will help things go smoothly.

Complete Administrative Tasks

Take care of any administrative tasks well before you move in. Ensure that your health records, vaccinations, and insurance are in order. Verify your class schedule and confirm that you’ve registered for all necessary courses. Make sure your student ID and campus email are set up so you’re ready to go when you arrive.

Prepare for Homesickness

Leaving home can bring feelings of homesickness, especially at the beginning. Stay connected with friends and family through calls or video chats. Bring comforting items, such as photos or a favorite blanket, to make your dorm room feel more like home. Be patient with yourself during the adjustment period, as it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions.

Stay Organized and Flexible

Stay organized but flexible throughout the process. Use a calendar to keep track of important deadlines and move-in dates. Expect a few hiccups along the way, but try to stay calm and focused on the bigger picture. The goal is to enjoy the journey and embrace the excitement of this new chapter.

The post A Guide to Take the Stress Out of Moving to College appeared first on GirlSpring.

If you’ve clicked on this article, you’re likely a high school student heading into your senior year, and if you’re anything like me during that time of my life, you’re scratching your head wondering how in the world you’re going to approach the monolith that is the college application process. Never fear, here are a few tangible tips and strategies to hopefully give you an idea of where and how to start. 

Many of these tips come from what I wish I would’ve done, what I did that worked, and advice I received from others that helped guide me through the process. Before we begin though, I must say that everyone finds that certain strategies work best for them, so feel free to take or leave my advice. 

1. Do your research

Conveniently this is the first tip, reinforcing the idea that this is where you should begin. Do your research! This is something that I wished I had done more of. The very first step you should take when beginning the application process is to make a list of all of the colleges you want to apply to (this list can change as you go along, but it’s good to get an idea of what you’re getting yourself into before you start).

Before you add a college to your list, do some digging on its practicality for you—is it actually affordable? No, really, even with the financial aid they offer, will you be able to pay for it? If the answer is no, eliminate it from your list. Also look into whether they have an undergraduate program that fits your chosen career path, because major and program options vary from school to school.

Be stingy with your talents and only share them with the school that can help you get to where you envision yourself in ten years. Don’t just add a college to your list just because you like how its name would sound on your resume (I’m definitely guilty of that).

2. Applications cost money and time

Do yourself a favor and check the application fee for the schools you have on your list—it’s probably going to be higher than the number you’re imagining. Not only do individual schools charge an astronomical amount to merely submit an application, but College Boards CSS Profile; used for financial aid purposes at many institutions, also charges a fee to send your financial aid application to the schools of your choosing. Needless to say, the bill adds up quickly, yet none of it goes towards your tuition.

This is another moment where the phrase “be stingy” comes into play, since you’re paying such a weighty sum to apply to these schools. Be sure you pick places you can actually envision yourself living and learning at. Also, check and see when free application week is for your state as well as if you qualify for an application fee waiver. Use these opportunities to save some cash!

Time Consumption

In addition to being financially costly, applications also cost quite a bit of time. Almost all of the more prestigious schools have additional essays required beyond just the standard personal essay. These are called supplemental essays, and they take lots of time to brainstorm ideas for, write, and edit. While some supplemental essay prompts are the same across schools, you still will be spending hours completing each application if you’re putting your best effort in. This is yet another reason why you should put a cap on how many schools you apply to. 

I made the mistake of constantly adding schools to my list just because they sounded nice, and I found myself overwhelmed with the endless amount of essays I had heaped on top of the homework and extracurricular work I already had on my plate. Remember, senior year is probably going to be just as academically rigorous as your previous school years, unless you lessen your course load. Be kind to your future self by being smart in how much work you take on.

3. Prioritize college applications, not scholarship applications

This tip should be viewed subjectively based on your financial situation. I would recommend completing your college applications before looking at scholarship applications for a couple reasons. For one, the applicant pool for scholarships during the fall of your senior year is huge. If you wait until after Christmas when you’ve finished all your college applications, the applicant pool will be much smaller and you’ll have a much better chance of being chosen. 

Secondly, there are tons of scholarships out there, so once you finish applying to schools, you’ll likely have an arsenal of essays at your disposal. You can choose scholarship applications with prompts that match with what you already have written, thus saving you lots of time.

I would prioritize your college applications during the fall semester unless there are some large scholarships that would make a significant dent in your tuition.

4. Apply early

There are several types of application deadlines that you should familiarize yourself with. I won’t explain them here because there are several complexities to each type, but what I will say is this: if a school that you are applying to has an early action deadline, apply early action! Firstly, you get that application off your plate early on in the process, which helps eliminate stress. Secondly, fewer people apply early action, so the applicant pool is smaller, thus increasing your chances of acceptance. Take advantage of these benefits by applying early!

5. Set aside time to work

As you’re trying to strategize on how you want to approach filling out your applications, I would recommend making a loose schedule for when you want to have certain elements of your applications completed. This is not something I did, but I sorely wish I had. Don’t be too strict on yourself in terms of meeting these deadlines. Instead, use them as a way to gauge your progress so that you stay on track.

I made the horrible, horrible mistake of procrastinating on my applications, and because of this, far too many essays were written the night before they were due. They didn’t turn out horrible, but they could have been better if I had carved out time to edit and revise them. Work in advance and do not procrastinate. I certainly do not recommend it.

I once heard another senior who had also just gone through the application process say that she carved out a couple of hours every Saturday morning to work on her essays, and I thought that was a great idea. You don’t have to put in a ton of time all at once as long as you work on them for short amounts of time consistently.

Preparing to Apply

Hopefully these tips give you some strategies you can use when getting started on your college applications. While the application process may seem scary, how it plays out is entirely up to you and your attitude. By working ahead and not procrastinating, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress, and by maintaining a positive attitude no matter the decision you receive, you’ll be able to maintain a level-headed perspective that will serve you and your mental health well.

For more college application tips, check out 5 College Application Tips to Reduce Stress here!

The post The Ultimate College Apps Guide: Preparing to Apply appeared first on GirlSpring.

Navigating Doctor’s Appointments

Understanding how to schedule and attend doctor’s appointments is crucial for your health and well-being. Start by making a list of your medical history, including any allergies and medications. When you need to see a doctor, call ahead to schedule an appointment, and don’t hesitate to ask questions during your visit.

Knowing how to communicate your concerns effectively will help you receive the best care. Familiarize yourself with insurance information, too; you’ll need to understand coverage and co-pays when making appointments.

Understanding Credit Scores

Building a strong financial foundation begins with understanding credit scores. A credit score measures your creditworthiness and affects your ability to secure loans and credit cards. Learn the factors that impact your score, such as payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history.

Start building your credit by opening a student credit card or becoming an authorized user on a parent’s card. Make small purchases and pay off the balance each month. This responsible behavior sets you up for future financial success.

Cooking and Grocery Shopping

Knowing how to cook is a game-changer in college. Start with simple recipes that allow you to experiment and develop your culinary skills. Learning to prepare healthy meals will save you money and provide nourishment.

Grocery shopping is another essential skill; make a list before heading to the store to avoid impulse purchases. Familiarize yourself with store layouts and compare prices to find the best deals. Cooking for yourself will keep your body fueled for studying and allow you to explore your tastes and preferences in a safe environment.

Basic Auto Maintenance

Understanding basic auto maintenance is essential if you have a car. Learn how to check your oil, tire pressure, and windshield wiper fluid.

Read your vehicle’s manual to understand recommended maintenance schedules and what to do in case of a breakdown. Taking care of your car helps you avoid costly repairs and keeps it running smoothly during your college adventures.

Doing Laundry

Mastering laundry may seem simple, but it’s a skill that many overlook. Start by sorting your clothes into whites, darks, and delicates.

Read the labels on your garments to understand washing instructions and drying methods. Learning how to use the washing machine and dryer, including proper detergent measurements, keeps your clothes looking fresh and extends their lifespan.

Lock Picking in Emergency Situations

While it may sound unconventional, learning basic lock-picking skills can prove useful in emergencies, such as accidentally locking yourself out of your apartment or car. Investing in tools for lock pick training provides you with the practice you need to handle these situations effectively. While you should always prioritize safety and legality, understanding how to unlock doors can save you from being stranded.

These six adulting skills teenagers should learn for college life will equip you for success and prepare you for college life and beyond. Embrace these skills as part of your journey into adulthood, and you’ll thrive in your new environment!

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Gilmore Girls is a 2000’s television series starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. The two actors take on the role of mother and daughter. This show is filled with twists and turns and drama that will keep you hooked. The plot outlines a young mother from a high-class family, running away and adopting a simpler and quieter life.  She raises her daughter by herself and builds a community of her own. The daughter, Rory, is smart and driven with a goal to one day attend Harvard University. But throughout the show, we see her goals somewhat shift.

I first started watching Gilmore Girls almost 3 years ago. To this day, every time fall rolls around, I know that it’s time to rewatch! Now, it is important to keep in mind that this show can be watched year round, but it has a special feeling when you watch it around fall. From meddling grandparents to small town life, this show has it all. It may be hard for some to stay engaged with all seven seasons of the show. Personally, I was also struggling to get to the end. However, after watching the whole show, I knew that I would rewatch it for years to come. So now, three years later I still have the same opinion.

Usually, I bundle up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and just let the show play, and no matter how many times I watch it, I always see something new or different. So I recommend that everybody watch the show. It may not be educational, but it is a great way to relax and have a laugh! 

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