Question: As a rising senior, how do I find which colleges are the best match for me?
X REPLIES: OMG SENIOR YEAR!! The year that most students dread because of college applications but also enjoy since there are many senior activities. As first semester begins, your college advisor will notify you about the college process through emails. It is important to have a rough draft of your college list. Here are some tips on starting your college list:
- Observe your traits. There is a college out there for everyone. In order to find the right one for you, identify your likes and dislikes. Think about your hobbies and how you want to carry that out in college. Ask yourself questions: Do I work better is a big community or alone? Under what circumstances do I learn best?
- Figure out what your ideal college would be. What do you imagine college to be like? What do you think the campus will look like? What will the students be like? Use your imagination to decide which schools you should apply to.
- It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay if you are in a dilemma between some colleges. Ask for help early and often. Go to your guidance counselor and the college office during your free periods or lunch. They will always be there to guide you through choosing colleges.
- Be proud of who you are. Regardless of your grades or SAT scores, be proud that you are applying to colleges that have what you are looking for. Look for a college that will love, honor, and want you.
I hope these tips have helped and I wish you the best of luck on the college process!
Question: Dear XYZ, I am really interested in the science field and wanted to learn more about how to work in a lab setting. Are there any good science programs that I can join?
Y Responds: It is great to hear that you are interested in the fascinating field of science. There are many science programs that you can apply to in New York City. You can search up high school science programs, and Google will give you a plethora of programs. If you are interested in a specific branch of science, make sure to include the name of that branch in your Google search. For example, if I was interested in genetics, I would look up genetics programs for high school students. Many of these programs are very riveting and fun. You will be informed on how to conduct an experiment, how to work with others in a lab, how to use lab equipment, and about lab safety. It is an enriching experience and looks great on your college application. Not only that, some of these programs even give you stipends after you have completed them.
Here are some examples of programs you can join:
1: Urban Barcode Program
2: Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at American Museum of Natural History
3: Hk Maker Lab
4: Summer Neuroscience Program at Rockefeller University
5: Summer Science Research Program at Rockefeller University
6: Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) at Icahn School of Medicine
7: Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU
In addition to these, there are many more interesting programs. These programs are different from each other. It is important that you research and find out which program you would like to attend. Also, pay attention to the requirements for each program. For example, some programs may only accept students who are 16 years or older. Another important reminder is that you will have to fill out applications for the programs. Some of them require you to submit your transcript, write essays, and get recommendations from teachers or mentors from a different context. So, make sure that you submit all the required documents before the deadline.
I hope you have fun searching for and applying to different programs. Stay curious and never give up!
Question: What are some techniques for self care?
Z SAYS: It’s so important to make sure you take good care of your body, mind, and soul every day, not just when you get sick. Learning how to eat right, exercise, and have a break time. Even if you’re surrounded by a pile of work, taking a break and having some rest won’t hurt. Here are a few ways to start with your self-care:
- Make sleep part of your self-care routine. Sleep can have a huge effect on how you feel both emotionally and physically. Not getting enough can even cause major health issues. But stress and other distractions can wreak havoc on our sleep. Adjust your nightly routines and eating/drinking habits.
- Eat right for self-care. The food we eat has the potential to either keep us healthy or contribute to weight gain or diseases such as diabetes, but it can also keep our minds working and alert. Eating the right foods can help you prevent short-term memory loss and inflammation.
- Go on a mini trip. Taking a self-care trip can make a huge difference in your life. Even if you’re not feeling particularly stressed, getting away for a weekend every now and then can help you disconnect, relax, and be rejuvenated. These trips don’t have to be extravagant. A simple walk in the neighborhood or visiting a friends house can be just fine.
- Take care of yourself by getting organized. Getting organized is often the first step to becoming a healthier you, because it allows you to figure out exactly what you need to do to take better care of yourself. A small change, like keeping a planner or a calendar on the fridge, can help you write down all your responsibilities and appointments.
I hope you are not too hard on yourself, and always remember to take some time from your day to relax.