Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Choosing the Right College for YOU




Finding the right college can be a tangled process. When looking back on college tours, everything seems to be jumbled together and differences between each school often can't be narrowed down.It is helpful to have a set of criteria when beginning your college search. Figure out what is most important to you and then take note of how each school fits that desired mold as you go through the process.

The basic building blocks for choosing the right school are:

  1. Curriculum - You're going to school for the education, right? So when you are searching for schools, look one that offers classes pertaining to your desired major. If you are undecided about what you want to study, a school with a wide-variety of liberal arts programs will be fine. You can take many different classes that narrow your interest.
  2. Location - Are you a home-body or are you eager to move far away? Location is a major factor on college decisions. You can choose anything from commuting to a nearby campus, to moving hours away. Keep in mind that no matter what school you choose, there is a possibility that you may become homesick. Don't worry! This happens to just about everyone. Get involved, make friends, decorate your room, and do whatever else will make your campus feel like a home away from home. 
  3. Size - Terrified of feeling like a little fish in a gigantic ocean? A big school may not be for you. Keep in mind the number of people who attend each school that you are looking at because that number can really contribute to your college experience. Also remember that no matter what school you choose, class sizes will get smaller and smaller the further you are along, so don't let huge lecture halls deter you from choosing the school you want!
  4. Cost - Tuition isn't the only cost to think about when choosing your school. Financial aid and scholarship is also important. A school with a higher tuition may offer more financial aid and scholarships than a school with a lower tuition. Look at what the average student pays after these factors have been weighed in and base your decision off of that final number.
  5. Culture - Culture is something that people often don't weigh into their decision, however it can be the most important aspect of a college experience. Sometimes an average campus visit can't give you a feel for the true culture of a school. If you know someone who attends a particular school, ask if you can stay with them for a day. Hanging out on campus in a casual setting can give you a better feel for what the school and the students are really like.
Have more questions about the college search process or just need advice? Feel free to ask either through the OU Upward Bound Facebook or email jenkins.emma.may@gmail.com.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Study Tips for Success



Studying can be tedious, especially if you aren't doing so in an effective way. Check out our 10 study tips to help gear you toward success!

  • Study alone
Studying with a group of people may seem like a fun, productive idea, but it usually doesn't turn out that way. Working around other people (especially friends) is an easy way to get off topic. Try studying alone for a set amount of time and then hang out with your friends after!
  • Don't cram
The worst way to study is to try to cram in all of the information the night before your exam. It is best to start preparing a week-or-so before the exam and to study in increments each day. That way you are remembering a smaller amount of information at a time and building on it each following day. 
  • Find a go-to study spot
Having a go-to study spot is essential. Everyone works best in different settings, so it is important to figure out which setting works best for you. Some students work best in the library, whereas others study best in their own room.
  • Clean/organize your work area
No matter where you're studying, it is important to keep your area clean and organized. Get rid of other homework or anything else lying around able to cause distractions. Get out all of the materials you need to study and organize them accordingly.
  • Get rid of your cell phone
Cell phones are a major distraction. One text from a friend and your mind could be off-topic for the next 20 minutes. Let your friends know you are studying and keep your phone off or away until you are completely finished.
  • Organize your notes
This can often be the most difficult part in the studying process. If a study guide was given by the teacher, use your notes to fill it in. If not, highlight key terms and put it into an order that makes sense to the bigger theme. 
  • Make flashcards
Flashcards are traditional and effective. Writing down the terms and definitions helps you process the information and quizzing yourself on the flashcards helps with memorization. 
Quizlet is a site where you can make online flashcards. It will even read read the words to you!
  • Take a break
It's extremely difficult to stay focused for prolonged periods of time. Taking a break is vital to the studying process. You can take a walk, grab a bite to eat, or just take a minute to lean back and relax. After your break you will re-gain some energy and be ready to pick up where you left off. 
  • Get some sleep
Sleep. Is. Crucial. 
Pulling an all-nighter is neither healthy nor productive. Getting a good night of sleep is essential to having your mind and body alert and ready to take an exam.

If you follow these tips, a lot of stress will be lifted off of your shoulders on exam day. Take a deep breath and be confidence in your studies!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

About Us

Ohio University Upward Bound helps to prepare potential first generation college students with the skills and confidence to conquer post secondary education.

We offer two different sessions to students:

  • Academic year phase - attempts to aid students in college planning
  • Summer residential phase - students spend six weeks at Ohio University's campus taking summer classes to further prepare them for their college or career choices.
Upward Bound eligibility is determined by the following factors:
  • Annual family income and/or
  • Prospective first-generation college student status
  • Freshman, sophomore, or junior in one of Upward Bound's 17 partnership high schools
  • 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA
The seventeen area high schools that are partnered with Ohio University Upward Bound are:
  • Alexander Local
  • Athens City
  • Chillicothe City
  • Crooksville Exempted Village
  • Eastern Local
  • Federal Hocking
  • Logan-Hocking
  • Meigs
  • Miller Local
  • Morgan Local
  • Nelsonville-York
  • River Valley
  • Southern
  • Trimble
  • Jackson
  • New-Lexington
  • Vinton County
To apply for the Upward Bound Program, students can get an application from their high school guidance counselor after the informational session or download the online application to be completed and given to the guidance counselor to send to the Upward Bound office.
Deadline for the submission of applications is Friday October 17th, 2014.

Download the Upward Bound Application