Direct Hits Blog

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As you enjoy the IDYLLIC (simple and carefree) days of summer, you may be feeling NONCHALANT (coolly unconcerned) about the IMPENDING (imminent) senior year, but the HIATUS (break) from schoolwork is almost over. When you add college applications to a schedule already filled with the MYRIAD (many) commitments to AP classes, extracurriculars, and SATs, you’re facing an EXCEEDINGLY (exceptionally) busy fall semester.  But by starting on your college applications during the summer, you can FORESTALL (prevent) some of the typical senior stress.

We EXHORT (strongly urge) you to print out the 2012-2013 Common Application and start filling it out. ACCUMULATING (gathering) all of the necessary biographical information now will be a major BOON (benefit) for you this fall when you’re scrambling to submit your college applications. PERUSE (examine) the Common Application essay topics. The college essay is your opportunity to DEMONSTRATE (show) who you are beyond your test scores, GPA, and resume.  RUMINATE (ponder, muse) about meaningful or interesting events in your recent life.  A small encounter described vividly will usually result in a more focused and effective essay than a long, DIFFUSE (scattered, dispersed, discursive) story.  Steer clear of travelogues!  As with any writing, specific details can make the difference between a MUNDANE (ordinary) and a SCINTILLATING (sparkling, brilliantly clever) essay. RUMINATE (ponder, muse) on possible topics and begin your first draft. ESCHEWING (avoiding) the PEDESTRIAN (commonplace, unoriginal) and instead crafting a compelling essay will showcase your personality and interests to admissions officers. By starting early, you will have time for your ideas to CRYSTALLIZE (to assume definite form), as well as time for several drafts that can CULMINATE (come to completion, reach a point of highest development) in an IMPECCABLE (flawless, perfect) final essay.

Getting organized is INDISPUTABLY (undeniably) a way to MITIGATE (relieve, ease) your senior stress. Make a list of colleges to which you’re considering applying and find out online their admissions requirements and deadlines. Make a METICULOUS (very exacting) checklist of admissions requirements for all your colleges. It would also be PRUDENT (sensible) to write down on a calendar all application and scholarship deadlines, dates for open houses, and SAT and ACT test dates.  If your schools PRESCRIBE (require) supplements to the Common Application, download those forms and start working on those essays and short answer questions.

If you’re planning to take the October SAT, register online now. New security measures have been implemented by both the SAT and the ACT to keep in CHECK (to halt or restrain) the CHICANERY (deliberate trickery) that came to light last year.  Students will now be required to upload a photo of themselves when registering for these exams. The photos will appear on the students’ admission tickets and on the test site rosters available to proctors. Then the photos will be attached to any score reports sent to high schools and colleges.

Begin now— since you will have a DEARTH (shortage) of spare time once school starts.  Register for SAT prep classes and plan a study schedule for the upcoming months. To start improving your SAT scores, get the Direct Hits vocabulary books now!