Getting Into College — Continued from page 18.
long way. Of course it is common sense to thank your interviewer at the end of your interview, but sending a note post questioning is sure to leave a lasting impression. Every aspiring lady, and gentle- man, should always have a stack of stylish but sensible notecards on hand. Snail mail is a dying art form, so even if you think your inter- view sent your acceptance astray, a hand written thank you note can very quickly move your “maybe” into the “future students” pile. Etiquette is easy. It is just up to you to decide whether your time will allow it.
STEP 7: FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP The students of today have so many pressures put on them. Unlike our parents and grandparents, our goal is not only to get into col- lege, but to get into the right college. And, even after applications have been sent, reviewed, and accepted, celebration is still far into the future. Because a college education is almost a mandatory com- ponent for future success, the competition to get into the “right school” is high, and with the rise in competition comes a skyrocket- ing price tag. Each school is different, but the process is virtually the same. Many schools in the United States accept FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but deadlines differ. Check on each school’s website, or speak with an admissions officer to find out the exact details of their financial aid package. Prior to applying it is important to figure out whether your school is need based, merit based, or simply rewards scholarships. Once you have come to understand the institutions financial situation, you can begin searching for outside funds. Nowadays, people can get a scholarship for virtually anything. If you’re short, or tall, blonde or brunette, there will always be someone offering you a financial incentive. There is no harm in applying. So, as tedious as the process may be, fill out those applications and you can only be rewarded.
STEP 8: STRAYING AWAY FROM SENIORITIS As spring semester comes rolling in, many seniors are subject to senioritis. Symptoms and side effects include: • skipping class, • stopping work, • sleeping in, and • showing up in sweats. If this is you on a regular day, then congratulations on even making it to senior year. However, if you see any of these symptoms arising and they are not a part of your daily routine, take a look at yourself in the mirror and remember that no one makes it to the finish line by stopping dead in their tracks. Don’t sell yourself short by think- ing you’ve already made it to the other side. School still matters. Stay focused and attentive in all your classes, study for exams, and properly complete your projects. After all, although high school might be coming to an end, in just a few months you’ll be entering the courtyards of college and your workload will do anything but dwindle. Take advantage of your last few months of schooling secu- rity, and pay your respects to the teachers who helped you get to where you are going next. Savor all that you can, and graduate with a gold star.
STEP 9: WAITING IT OUT
The only thing more daunting than applying to college is waiting to get accepted. When the New Year rings in and you’ve completed your applications, the only thing left to do is wait. So, as horrible as these first few months of the year may seem, trust in the fact that you have done all that you can. As previously mentioned, stay abreast of the goings on at schools, but also take some time for fam- ily, friends, and yourself. Unless you’ve applied early decision, there
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is really no point in refreshing your inbox every five seconds during the final days of winter. Rather than balling yourself up in the cor- ner and pulling your hair out, get up, get dressed, and go out. These last few months could very well become your most cherished mem- ories, so embrace them. As hard as it may be, once acceptance sea- son begins do your best to maintain a modicum of composure. Congratulate friends that have found out, your time will come too. Be delicate to those who are disappointed, but don’t allow yourself to settle in their slump. If you happen to be with the first batch of acceptances, gloat with grace. There is no reason to hide the good news, but also keep in mind that many of your peers are still anx- iously awaiting the news.
STEP 10: CELEBRATE
Once acceptances start coming your way, the clouds will clear and you will welcome in the next chapter of your life. The only thing left to do is decide. Whether the choice is clear, or you are still feeling out a few schools, take solace in the knowledge that the choice is ultimately yours. After the pro and con lists have been delineated, a decision has been made, and a down payment made, it is finally time to pull up a seat, elevate your feet, and celebrate. Whether you’re going to the college of your dreams, or taking an alternative route, you’ve made it through high school and the rest of your life is right in front of you. Let go and dance your heart out at prom, toss your cap at graduation, and savor every moment you can by making each second a blissful memory.
So, there you have it. As your high school career comes to a close, so do the steps of getting into college. The best knowledge you can take with you from high school might not be the Pythagorean Theorem or the scholarly elements of literature, but the lessons of life and eti- quette. A few more tips to remember include:
Guide With Grace. Truly successful people not only are good at what they do, but also do good with what they have.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. Life is full of pressures and obsta- cles that might get you down. However, by taking a step outside and remembering where it is you want to end up will always help to get your head back in the game.
Stay True to Who You Are. No matter where life’s path may lead you, or what journeys you might embark on in the future, remem- ber that you can always come home. High School seems to be the place you love to hate, but will quickly turn into the place you miss the most (or at least that’s what Paramount Pictures has led us to believe). Stay true to who you are, and you will be invincible.
I would also like to give a final shout out to my Graduating Class of 2013! We’re almost there! Embrace these last few months because we have nothing but bright lights and crazy adventures ahead of us. And now, as we move our tassel to the other side we look onto the class of 2014... follow these steps, and you’re bound for success. Here’s to all of us!
Alyssa Magsano is a senior dance major at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas. She was a previous student at the National Ballet School of Canada, and has participated in the summer programs at the National Ballet School and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. In addition to her love for dance, Alyssa has also acquired a passion for writing. This past summer she completed a three week creative writing and journalism program at Columbia University. After graduation, Alyssa hopes to pursue a career in both dance and writing.
DANCE! NORTH TEXAS a publication of the dance council of north texas vol. 16 • no. 1
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