Stress is something that everyone experiences; however, the triggers and manifestations of stress differ for everybody. As illustrated in the Yerkes-Dodson Human Performance Curve, a little stress can be good; it keeps us focused and motivated, and can positively impact performance. However, too much stress can be physically debilitating and can decrease productivity, performance, and cognitive function--a particular issue when engaged in a high cognitive activity, such as standardized tests. While effective time management, productive study habits, and strong organizational skills can help combat stress, there are also coping mechanisms that you can utilize to help mitigate stress.
COllege Admissions News and ACT / SAT Strategy
Stay current with the latest undergraduate college admissions news and proven ACT and Digital SAT strategies.
Posts by Lisa Alvarado:
How to Ace the ACT Writing Section
Writing an essay in 40 minutes can be a daunting task. The ACT graders expect you to write a well-developed, coherent essay about a topic that you may not be familiar with. However, knowing more about the ACT Writing section, and what graders are looking for can help you to prepare for this task effectively.
The Anatomy of Great Online Reputation Management
Every tech-savvy student realizes that there’s a ton of information about them online (most of which they’ve posted themselves) and that this information is widely accessible by their peers. Fewer students consider how their online presence will impact their admissions to colleges or to the work-force. And fewer still consider how they can take control of their online presence to ensure a positive impression of them shines through amongst the cluttered returns of a Google search.
College Application Timeline
SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR
JUNE
- Take the ACT/SAT
- Take time this summer to volunteer or shadow a professional
JULY
- Go on campus visits to start narrowing down your college list
AUGUST
- Get started on Common App Essay* (brainstorm, outline, drafts)
- Create a college list taking into consideration: academics, graduation rate, majors, size, location, school resources, campus life.
- Be sure to apply to at least 4 schools. Your college list should include at least:
- 1 Safety school (a college you’re confident that you can get into)
- 2 Good Fits (colleges that you’re pretty sure you can get into)
- 1 Reach (a college you have a chance of getting into, but it’s a stretch)