Features:

A Message from Claes Nobel

A Message from Outgoing Student Council

Advisory Board Highlights

New Student Council

College-Bound Advice

The Value of Taking AP Classes

Begin College Applications Now

My Take on the SAT

Getting a Head Start Never Hurt Anybody

Spotlight on Service -- From your own Backyard to a Nicaragua Village

The Power of Committed Citizens -- Helping the Poor in Nicaragua

J.M.H. Academy Volunteer Effort -- Cordele, Georgia, Health and Rehabilitation Center

Giving Back to Your Local Community

Special Opportunities -- Students Take Advantage of Exciting Programs

AFS Exchange Program -- Living in Brazil

Summer Business Institute -- LEAD (Leadership Education and Development)

Summer in Switzerland for Natasa Kovasevic

Food for Thought

For the Devout Carb-Quitters: New Bread that is Literally Nothing

Living Successfully
"Begin College Applications Now,"
by Nigar Shaik
Lawrence, New York

Student Council members are often asked for advice on getting into the college of their choice. Outgoing council member and Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship recipient Nigar Shaik responds to this question from a high school member. Nigar graduated from Lawrence High School on Long Island in 2003 and now attends Stanford University.

Question: How do you get into the college of your choice?

Answer: That's a big topic, but I'm sure that, being a member of the NSHSS, your academics and extracurriculars are great. Make sure to package all the great things about you as convincingly as possible. Honestly, set realistic expectations, but apply for reach schools. The most practical piece of advice I think I can give is to START YOUR APPLICATIONS EARLY. I can't stress that enough. Try to get as much as you can done before the summer is over because you'll be swamped when senior year rolls around. Trust me, don't procrastinate.

In addition, since the colleges see you through your applications, make sure to work on them and get friends and family to check over them and make sure everything is accurate. You want to present yourself as best as possible, so take your time and do a thorough job, especially on the essays. Answer the actual questions (rather than forcing a prepared answer into every application), and I think you'll be fine.



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