Don't Freak Out!!

Right now, you're sitting at your computer, thinking, "I have so much to do, that I don't know where to start!"  College applications are due soon, you are looking for scholarships, and tracking down teachers for letters of recommendation is hectic.  First, breathe!  Everything is going to work out...you just have to get organized.  To make the process easier, here are some tips!

1. Buy a desk calendar.  Write down all of your application due dates.  This way, you can see when your applications are due.
2. If you HAVE asked teachers for recommendation letters, remind them!  Teachers are busy people.  Just like you forget things, they do too! We're all humans here, so make the effort to give periodic reminders.
   
3. If you HAVE NOT asked teachers for recommendation letters...ASK NOW!!!  As I mentioned earlier, teachers are very busy people.  Not only are they educators, they have lives outside of school!  By asking early, you give teachers time to compose strong, effective letters of recommendation.
4. Set aside time to work specifically on applications.  As a high school student, you have a hectic schedule.  School, homework, extra-curricular activities, jobs, sports....the list goes on!  By setting aside at least 30 minutes per day, you can make a lot of progress.  The time builds up over the week!
5. Stay positive!  It's a crazy time right now, but it will all be worth it by graduation!!