Radford gives college tips

One out of four college students dropped out in 2010. “Part of the reason is that they’re totally unprepared for the college experience,” John Bryson, national speaker and college ministry veteran, said. Many students wait until junior or even senior year to start researching colleges.

Thankfully, Jana Radford, the college and career counselor in the guidance office in the A Building, helps students from getting completely lost. “As long as my door is open and no one else is in my office, and I’m not on the phone, you are more than welcome to come and see me.” Her best periods are second, third, and sixth.

Radford recommends checking out the cost. With tuition rising, it can be a struggle to cover expenses. She also warns against not getting fooled by companies that want “fifty dollars to find you a scholarship.” They may say, ”Oh, we don’t care about your grades or ACT score,” but that “is simply not how it works,” Radford said.

Money does not solve everything, however. A 2010 report by ACT, the IOWA testing company, estimated one-third of 2010 freshmen would not return for sophomore year. Students should ask questions about what colleges do to retain freshmen at their schools. The college should help students adjust and keep their grades up, because so many students get homesick or leave due to failing grades.

Students should also be asking themselves questions about what they want out of a college by taking into consideration where they will feel comfortable. If students are shy, they may not want a big college with crowds and a classroom with 300 other students. However, a very outgoing person may enjoy a bustling campus with lots of clubs and organizations. Some students cannot wait to get far away, but if some get homesick easily, they may want a college close enough to come home on weekends.

Radford also suggested looking over websites started by students, Rate My Professors.com. Most people think it is a joke, but students seriously share useful information. One student may say the teacher is very “hands-on” and students who prefer a different style can avoid the teacher’s class.

Students should also make certain a college is reputable. “If a college doesn’t ask for your records…(or claim) they will guarantee admission, or scholarship money without seeing your grades or ACT scores, then that’s not legitimate,” Radford said.

Likewise, it is not always easy to determine if a college is accredited. Often a “big governing body will accredit a college, but each department major area also has a level of accreditation.” For example, the Education Department and Business Department have separate accreditations by governing bodies.  Radford says websites can provide that information. Radford said, ”…a lot of times you’ll work more with (the department) than you will with the university as a whole.”

There are many schools with locations all over the United States that are wonderful. Radford says these schools can be a good thing if the student is willing to stay on top of things. Lots of times students just assume that the school is going to put them on the right track and everything is going to be just fine, but it is the student’s job to make sure that the school is doing everything they can for them.

Radford said that a student knows they have made the right college choice when they feel comfortable at that school, when there are enough things they like to make them stay and enjoy it. “I hate to be philosophical, but deep down you’ll just know.”

Give me a break–before college

College time is right around the corner and some seniors are guessing whether or not to do the unthinkable–take a break before starting college. While there are those who agree that a break is much needed, there are those who are skeptical.

“Even with a little bit of a summer break, by taking time off you forget how to study and the work it takes to be a student,” college and career counselor Jana Radford said.

Last year, only about 7.6% of graduates in America delayed their entrance to school by one year, and only 29% of those took that year to travel (instead of working at home) according to theexpeditioner.com. American students took what is called a “gap year.”

What exactly is a “gap year”? According to gapyear.com, it is a constructive time out – a person can go anywhere and do anything they want. A student could be learning a new language for a year or studying abroad in China.

While some students know exactly what they are going to be doing for the rest of their lives, others feel that they need to explore their interests because there are too many things they want to do.

“I really think that it depends on the person, but I do think it would be beneficial to most students, although it could result in a lack of motivation and they might not want to go,” senior Jessica Quinn said.

According to today.msnbc.msn.com, some of the most prestigious universities in the nation are urging their students to consider something that would make most parents cringe– the idea of putting off college, for a year, in favor of some much-needed downtime.

Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way – provided they do not enroll in a degree-granting program at another college according to admissions.college.harvard.edu.

Princeton University has a program called a bridge year. Students who want to take some time off before college can use it. By spending a year before matriculation living in a different culture and working on bridge year, participants will develop an international perspective commitment to public service that will inform their four years at Princeton, according to the author Shirley M. Tilghman.

Of course, seniors get buckled down with choices of where to go after high school. Students are asked what subject they will major in, and the answer seems to change everyday. It is not that the students do not know what they want to do; it is the mere reason that interests in certain majors seem to fade.

The summer break gives all students time to think and relax. For some students this feeling of relaxation is extended for a period of time.

“They’ll either forget what they need to know or keep putting it off, and eventually they will just end up not going all together,” senior Briana Ogle said.

No matter what the situation is, it is not an easy choice. A break is much needed, yes, but for how long? That answer is up to the individual parents and their senior, and the collective decision between them is the route traveled by the student. Choosing wisely is key.

Seniors should study these tips to defeat the ACT

As many seniors know, the ACT is coming up soon, and preparing for the test is a necessity.  Seniors may have trouble studying for this test, but that is completely normal.

The ACT is a test that colleges use to predict future success for seniors.  To take the ACT, seniors have to register and pay $33 for the basic test (math, science, reading, and English) or $48 for the basic test plus the writing portion.  The writing part of the ACT is optional depending on what college seniors choose.  Each category is scored separately and then they are averaged together for the final score.

Important tips to help seniors on the ACT include the following:

-Read all directions gradually and thoroughly.  Seniors need to understand what they are supposed to do on the questions so they do not get them all wrong.

-Read all questions and answers carefully.  Even one word can make a difference in the meaning of the question. Seniors can misread questions and answers easily, and end up getting them wrong even though they knew the right answer.

-Do not spend a long time on a passage or question.  Spending too much time on one question can make seniors lose time and end up not finishing the test.

-Answer every question or be penalized. If seniors have trouble on a question they should just skip it and go back later, or guess. They are not penalized for guessing.

-Answer every question; seniors are not penalized for guessing. Making an educated guess can sometimes be the only option when test takers do not know the answer. It is better to guess then to not answer at all.

-When the “five minutes left” is announced pay attention.  This helps seniors know they have five minutes left and need to start guessing so they are not penalized.

-Use a No. 2 pencil with a good eraser to erase wrong answers fully.  Seniors need to use a No. 2 pencil so their test can be graded.  The machines that grade the ACT will count every answer wrong if answered in pen, marker, or anything that is not a No. 2 pencil.

-Answer every question; seniors are not penalized for guessing.  It is better to guess then to not answer at all.

-Answer easy questions first then more difficult ones last.  Answering the easier ones first can save time for seniors to fly through those and head on to the hard ones last where they can spend much needed time on the difficult ones.

-Use the process of elimination.  Looking at all of the answers and then eliminating the obviously wrong ones can save a lot of time and lower answers down to two instead of four.  It gives seniors the ability to get more of their answers right.

-Recheck every question.  When seniors recheck their answers they may find that their answer made no sense at all and they can change it to the right one.

-Do not continue after testing has been called.  Seniors who do this will be disqualified and earn a zero for the test.

Taking the ACT more than once is recommended if students scored low.  Also if students do not enjoy the score they made, they can retake it and make a higher score.

“I recommend taking the ACT once and just seeing how you perform on it, then when you get your score back you can decide whether or not you want to take prep courses,” College and Career Counselor Jana Radford said.

Certain colleges, such as the University of Florida, University of Alabama, and most of the colleges in California, require the writing test.  Many others, including the University of Memphis and University of Mississippi, do not require it.  Seniors can visit the ACT student website for a list of colleges and their requirements.

When seniors register, they have four college choices where their scores can be sent.  If they want to choose more than four colleges they have to pay $10 for each additional college.  Normally students do not choose more than four colleges unless they are unsure about which college they want to attend.

Testing Dates

-Dec. 11
-Feb. 12
-Apr. 9
-June 11

Calculators not permitted:

-TI-89
-TI-92
-TI-Nspire CAS Note: TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted.
- HP 48GII
-HP 40G
-HP 49G
-HP50G
-Algebra FX 20
-ClassPad 300
-ClassPad 330
-CFX-9970G

The night before the test, seniors need to get plenty of sleep and place what they need for the test somewhere they will not forget it.  Seniors need to bring their ID, admission ticket, and the right calculator for the ACT.

Counselors advise students to study hard and get involved

With the year in full swing, students need to start thinking ahead to the end of the year and their future after high school. Thankfully, the counselors are eager to help and have advice for each grade level at BHS.

Seniors–Andrea Beck
I am thrilled to be your counselor once again. You are an amazing group of students and will continue to accomplish great things this year. Remember your job this year is to be a student… a good student! Do your work. Do it well. Be proud of it and yourself! Walk across the stage in May with your head held high! Graduate from BHS with a solid plan for YOUR future! Mrs. Radford and I are eager to help you work through life’s dilemmas, stay on track to graduate with high grades, navigate the world of college applications, and brainstorm career options. Please stop by and see us throughout the year. We want you to become the best version of yourself. Enjoy this year and all that is to come!
Just a few reminders:
1. Keep your grades up…ALWAYS turn in EVERY assignment. Review each night.
2. Take the ACT at least one more time. Scoring a 21 will earn you the TN HOPE Scholarship.
3. Stay tuned to the daily announcements for college representatives and military recruiters during 4th period.
4. Attend the BHS College/Career Fair on Monday Oct.11

College and Career–Jana Radford

Welcome back! As Bartlett’s College and Career Counselor, I am here to help students choose a career path, which college to attend, improve their ACT/SAT scores, and prepare for life after high school. Here are some important things to do in order to have a successful senior year!

*Have your parents e-mail Mrs. Radford to be added to the senior parent e-mail list.
*Apply to 3-5 colleges NOW!
*Follow all college and scholarship committee deadlines and application procedures.
*Attend the Bartlett High School College and Career Night on Monday, October 11th from 6pm-7:30pm in the cafeteria.
*Attend the Bartlett High School Financial Aid Night on Monday, November 8th from 6pm-7pm in the cafeteria.
*Make sure Mrs. Radford has a copy of your resume, especially if you will need letters of recommendation.
*Continue to do your best!

Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can also have their parents e-mail Mrs. Radford to be added to the monthly parent e-mail lists. All students should be focusing on making good grades, as well as finding ways to be involved and become a leader at Bartlett and within the community.

I have an open door policy and am here to answer any questions you may have. Have a fabulous year!

Juniors–Anita Martin
We are glad to have you back, and my wish for you is that you have an awesome junior year as you continue to uphold the tradition of excellence and achievement at Bartlett High School. I hope you continue to set goals and increase your academic efforts so you will have many options for the future. Become involved as a leader in our school community. That’s what has made this school so special.
There are a number of events to remember. Sign-ups for the PSAT are now underway. See me in the Guidance office. Keep in mind that juniors will all take the ACT in March, so start preparing by using an ACT study disc or attending community classes that are offered for ACT Prep. Start thinking about options after high school and visit with college and technical school representatives who come to the Guidance office during 4th period. Start narrowing your possible choices to five or six schools, and drive by and check out campuses when your family is on a road trip. Remember, we have stand-alone semesters now, so you must pass the semester; you can no longer average the two semesters for a passing grade. Have a great year!

Sophomores–Christine Bryan
Congratulations, Class of 2013, you’ve officially survived your freshman year! Now that you know the ropes, it’s time to hit the ground running. You all had a great first year and my challenge to each one of you is to continue to push yourselves. Don’t settle for just “squeaking by” for this will not get you where you want to go. Challenge yourselves this year to step it up, strive to study more, to make better grades, volunteer, and to get involved! Only you can determine what your high school experience will be like so continue to make the most of it and be sure to take advantage of all that is offered here.
As sophomores, each one of you will be required to take the PLAN test on Wednesday, November 3. This is a “pre-ACT” test that can be a powerful predictor of success on the ACT. I would also like to encourage the honors students to take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 13. The PSAT is a preliminary SAT test and is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. The PSAT costs $20, and you can sign up with Mrs. Martin in guidance. These tests are valuable resources in helping you determine your strengths and weaknesses and are great practice before you take the ACT and SAT.
One important change this year I would like to keep in mind is the new board policy that states semester grades will be stand-alone. This means that students who fail one semester in a yearlong course will have to repeat the semester, even if they average a passing grade for the year. This is a big change, and it places even more emphasis on passing all courses each semester. I challenge you to work hard from the very beginning and to always put your best forward so that this does not become an issue. In doing so, it will also help you to earn the 11 credits it takes to be a junior next year.
My hope for each of you is that you will have a great year full of growth and success. Remember it’s important to come to school everyday, listen in class, ask questions, study, complete all assignments (including homework), and get help when you need it.
As always remember that I am here for you, and if you need anything please come see me! I am looking forward to another wonderful year with the very best class!

Freshmen–Brenda Pilant
Welcome to Bartlett High School and to a new phase of your life, which is sure to be exciting!
EVERY grade counts in high school, and we want to make sure that you start off on the right foot. Your high school experience and future are in your hands. You are responsible for the decisions that you make and for your success here. Remember that the decisions that you make now will begin to shape your future. Because of this, it will be important to remember a few helpful tips:
1. Read and understand the student handbook. By understanding the rules and expectations, your transition to this new environment will be smoother.
2. The grades you earn during your freshman year will be looked at by colleges or employers one day. Stay on top of your schoolwork and your grades. Try your best not to fall behind, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Checking Power School and your teachers’ web pages will help you to say on top of your grades and work.
3. Get involved in the school! There are so many ways to become an active part of the school. Whether this is through the band, the choir, theater, athletics, or a club, there is really something for everyone. Students who participate in extracurricular activities prove to be happier and to perform better academically.
4. Encourage your parents to join the PTSA and to be active in the school. The PTSA is an easy way for parents to become involved and to stay informed. Our PTSA is a great help to both the school and the community.
As your counselor for the next four years, I am here to help you in any way I can. My job is to help make your transition to high school as smooth as possible and your time at BHS a successful experience! I truly want to see each and every one of you to enjoy high school and to achieve your goals. I believe that in each of you lies the ability to reach your dreams, and I am excited to be a part of that. I can assure you that there will be challenges and frustrations along the way, but there will also be exciting and rewarding times. Bartlett High is one of the best high schools in the country, so be proud to be a part of this school and make the most of your time here.
If you need anything, I am available in the Guidance Department or by phone at 343-2620 ext. 224. So let the fun begin, and again, welcome to Bartlett High School!

Scholarships offer solution to student dilemma

The stories from graduates of college are infamous: the “delicious” generic cereal by the pound, mac-n-cheese, and (when the student feels like he should splurge) off-brand noodles.

During college, students finally face the facts–college is expensive. In fact, 52.9% of college students will apply for student loans, and according to a College Board analysis of Department of Education data, “60% of bachelor’s degree recipients at for-profit colleges graduate with $30,000 or more in debt from student loans.”

Scholarships are one of the few ways to discontinue the “debt factor.”

One is able to find scholarships mostly anywhere. All a future college student needs to do is research online. Many scholarship websites such as, fastweb.com or scholarships.com offer scholarship money that, sometimes, goes unclaimed.

Also, calling the financial aid office to colleges will help those with financial need.

” . . . the college’s financial aid department works in terms of helping with financial aid, said Radford, college counselor. “Normally a scholarship office and financial aid office are kind of tied in together. Admissions can give you information on it and point you in the right direction.”

Although signing up for any scholarship is a good idea, some may be considered “essential.”

“The Hope scholarship is just for people who are staying in Tennessee,” said Andrea Beck, senior guidance counselor. “Everything else depends on what school your applying to and what you want to major in.”

The Hope scholarship requires only a 21 on the ACT or a 3.0 GPA, for people who are staying in state. The application for the scholarship is from FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), a form high school students will fill out their senior year.

“[Applying for FASFA gives the student] loans, grants, and work-study money,” said Radford. “Loans are money that you do have to pay back.  Grants are money that you do not have to pay back. Work-study is like having a job on campus, but instead of the money going towards anything you would want, it goes to educational expenses.

“Another place [to find a scholarship] is to check with their parent’s employer or even their employer,” said Radford. “A lot of companies offer some kind of scholarship or financial assistance to students.”

Now that the student has looked at a scholarship, it’s time to begin to write some essays.

According to Gen and Kelly Tanabe in “How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay,” “Make sure your essay fits the theme, answer the underlying question, share a piece of your life, show passion, be specific, have a thesis statement, build on your accomplishments, avoid the sob story, show positive energy, and find other’s opinions of your essays.”

Students should make sure their essays are logical (don’t just write random stuff,) and spend some time working on them. It may not seem to be the best way to spend the weekend, but it will benefit the student in the end.

Although the majority of scholarships are only for seniors, many scholarships are offered for any high school student. Some scholarships even range from ages six to sixteen, like the “Help Santa find the real perfect Christmas tree” a scholarship from the National Christmas Tree Association, and last year, Best Buy held a scholarship contest for all high school students, not just seniors.

Scholarship money does not have to go straight to tuition. If the student has applied for scholarships and the student has gotten tuition paid for, the student can put some of that money towards books and dorm expenses.

A good way to plan ahead for not only scholarships but applying for college applications is to focus on keeping grades up, getting a good ACT score, and being involved in school activities such as sports, clubs, or throughout the community.

Students are also able to contact their counselor, or go to the college and career night which is being held October 11.

Scholarships may seem daunting, but simply applying for some can get a student some money towards college. Students, avoid the debt and break out the pen and start writing.

News brief: BHS: Planning for the future

Not many schools can say they have a a College and Career Fair, much less one that features over 70 schools and universities. On Monday, Oct. 11, Bartlett will be hosting its annual College and Career Fair in the cafeteria from 6-7:30pm. Schools such as Memphis, Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU, and all the UT’s will be there, in addition to many other well-known universities. Numerous speakers will discuss topics such as preparing for the ACT and getting financial aid. The fair is open to anyone in grades 9-12 and everyone who attends will have an opportunity to win door prizes.

Dorm room decor for dummies

With senior year coming to a close, stores like Target, Wal-Mart, J. C. Penney, and Kohl’s are preparing for the truck loads of college students that will be coming to their stores in search of must-have dorm room supplies.

“My mom’s goal in life is to please me, so she insists on decorating my dorm room,” senior Austin Boyd said. “She will make sure that I have all of the essentials that I need, such as a flat screen TV, a nice refrigerator, a few lamps, and a comforter ensemble with a matching furry rug. My mom knows that I like the way fur feels on my feet. I like fur.”

Although these may not be essentials to everyone, rugs, desks, lamps, and comforter sets are items that college students search for in order to glamorize their dorm rooms.

“My roommate and I found some really nice stuff at Target,” senior Sean Haley said. “We made a gift registry for our families, and we were able to color coordinate everything. I also like Target because their prices are really reasonable.”

Target is not the only store with reasonable prices. Wal-Mart and Kohl’s have colorful comforter sets for only $29.99, while Bed Bath & Beyond has nice desks and lamps for unbelievable prices.

As always, there are those freshmen who are thrilled about living on campus while others have decided to live at home. No matter where upcoming freshmen decide to live, they can still re-decorate their rooms and/or add furniture in order to give their room a more college feel.

J. C. Penney has numerous bean bag chairs that college students use while talking on the phone, studying, or watching TV. These chairs are only $7.99, and they will add originality to any room or dorm room.

“I am staying at home so that I can stay more focused during my freshman year,” senior Rebbecca Quirate said. “Over the summer my mom and I are going to paint my room and buy me a new comforter set. I want to find some kind of desk too, I want to feel that I am living on campus even though I am not really there.”

With so many colors and patterns to choose from and economically friendly prices, students can mix and match room decor until they have created their dream room.

Sports Brief: Softball player signs for cross-country

Senior Jordan Saliba, a softball player for the Lady Panthers, signed with Freed-Hardeman University of Henderson, TN. However, contrary to her current athletic position, Saliba will not play softball for the Freed-Hardeman Lions.

“Freed-Hardeman doesn’t have softball,” senior Carly Williamson said. “So Jordan is signing on for cross-country.”

Present at the college signing were softball coach Katie Maroon, girls’ cross-country coaches Steve Sullivan and Catherine Jones, and assistant principal Ken Demetriou, along with girls from both the softball and cross-country teams.