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(As I sit down to write this blog, I have a headache! The more I study, read, attend webinars, and watch videos about college admissions, the more complicated it seems! If you search, I’m convinced you can find a resource to support any position you want to take when it comes to getting into college.)

That’s why Crosby Scholars is here to help!! You might have heard that taking “rigorous” courses in high school is important for college admissions. This is true. But why?

A high school transcript shows more than GPA and Class Rank. Although helpful, those 2 factors don’t tell the whole story. Admissions officials want to know if students will be able to handle the rigor of college coursework. To make an educated guess, these officials look to see if the transcript shows “rigorous” courses with A or B grades.

So what exactly does “rigorous” mean? It’s widely accepted that AP and IB courses are rigorous. In some circles, honors courses hold the same designation, but not always. Since AP and IB curriculums and standards are universal, there is consistency. Regardless of the school you attend, the expected outcomes are the same. Honors courses, though, lack uniformity from one high school or district to another. So Honors English at one school might be very different at another.

Does rigor impact GPA’s? Yes! Some students and parents have become experts in how to milk every single possible point to build a high GPA. Course scheduling to boost GPA’s has become an art form. Decisions made about what classes to take in high school are often made by how choices might improve class rank. This is nothing new. Years ago a friend of my brother dropped out of typing class because he wasn’t earning an A.

How do colleges evaluate GPA’s?

Did you know that many colleges completely recalculate the GPA’s of applicants?

Here’s how the University of California system does it:

The UC system recalculates applicants’ GPAs. They include only college prep classes. Each A is worth 4 points. An extra point is given for each semester of honors-level 10th & 11th-grade classes. (For out-of-state students only AP and IB classes count.) A maximum of 8 points may be awarded.

The University of Michigan has another approach:

The University of Michigan recalculates GPAs using a 4 point scale for all classes in 9th through 11th grade. Plusses and minuses are ignored (that is, they treat a B+, B, and B- as a B). The university’s website also says, “Additionally, we review the number of demanding courses separately. During the holistic review process the rigor of the applicant’s curriculum is considered.”

Will my college recalculate my GPA? Sometimes it’s hard to find this information unless you contact the school and ask specifically about this. However, most colleges and universities will have similar systems to the examples above. Grades in core courses will be important. Bonus points will be given for more difficult work. Schools will look at your transcript for more than the GPA and rank. This is also why many schools only ask for your unweighted GPA—they will apply their own weighting system.

How much rigor do you need? So does this mean a student should take every possible course with “rigor”? In my opinion, the answer is no. Students should plan a schedule that allows them to take part in other activities they enjoy. Colleges look for good grades, but they also seek student leaders, marching band members, athletes, debaters, researchers, and others. If a student uses every waking moment doing classwork, they can’t build other valuable skills.

Maintaining a balance is key. Too many students today are stressed and anxious a majority of the time. It is good to have a course schedule that is challenging, but not overwhelming. Getting C’s and D’s in rigorous classes won’t help. As parents, we want our kids to be happy. We should help our students find balance while juggling coursework, sports teams, musicals, part-time jobs, and free time. Few students will be ranked number one or have a perfect GPA–and that’s okay. Instead of overly worrying about the numbers, help your child develop their strengths and find success. Remind them of things they do well and encourage them.

Finally, don’t forget that no matter what the GPA, there is a next-step for everyone. Our goal at Crosby Scholars is to help every student find the next-step that is best for them.

GO HAVE FUN!  In the middle of a pandemic, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

By Jenniffer Jamison

Nope, I am totally serious.  The stress of homeschooling, technology learning curve, lack of social contact with friends and family is the perfect reason to add a little fun to your current situation. 

First – Fun is relative.  You might not agree with my definition of fun.  That is okay.  You have to discover what fun looks like for you.  I found an article on Fun written by Rebecca Crespo “Ten Simple Benefits of Having Fun”, on www.minimalismmadesimple.com.  She states that there are two living creatures to look to for guidance on having fun, Children & Dogs.  Think about it, she is right.  Both children and dogs, explore new things, have a sense of wonder and play.    They don’t take themselves so seriously. 

Then, I thought, I need to prove the importance of having fun.  Scientific proof that fun helps with learning and relieving anxiety, and everything else that goes with it.   BORING.  Reading all the data is itself the opposite of FUN! 

Next, I thought I should take a look at the group of people this blog is written for, teens and their families.  This is when I found some examples that took some ingenuity and thought.  I will not bore you with facts about the frontal lobe and cognitive behaviors of teens.  Needless to say, they don’t always think everything through.  They also want to prove to the world that they are so grown up while really still being a child at heart. 

Sixty days ago if you told me that Graduations were going to be postponed, college orientations go virtual and the possibility of not being on campus for the freshman semester was a thought, I would have told you that was CRAZY.  Well, here we are. 

Once the initial newness of the Zoom conference call wore off for my middle school student, we had to look for different ways to keep her engaged and interested.  Middle School students are not the only people in this boat. 

The more you dread something the less you will want to do it.

Add a little fun and like May Poppins says “Snap the jobs a game, and every task you undertake becomes a piece of cake, a lark a spree it’s very clear to see….Okay, finish the song.  You know you want to ….”Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.”

You don’t have to look far on the internet for examples of how people are either dreading zoom calls or disrupting them.  I love the one where the class made it look like they were passing a pencil from one window to the next. 

Some people say that was a waste and a shame – I say what a way for teamwork.  You know it took those kids some problem-solving skills to figure out how to make that a seamless process.  Looking for the videos I found the same class had about 10 other videos posted with different ideas, dancing, sleeping, etc. Everyone had to work together to produce the outcome.  And guess what — It was fun!  While I am not encouraging kids to be disrespectful to their teachers or employees to their bosses, I believe the teacher was in on this.  This is something they will share with others (clearly), talk about, have others talking about.  I am sure something from that experience will help them in the future.  So I say— Worth it!

There are times to be serious but I believe you have to add a little fun, especially in the current time of unknown anxiety and increased isolation. 

While you are having fun you are also, learning, experiencing new things, sharing with others, team building, and problem-solving.  Some might even say the exploration of fun, hobbies & interests can add to finding the right career path and building your college resume. 

I asked our Facebook community what they are doing to have fun and below is a list of things that were shared. 

1. Get Moving– Run, Walk, Jump, Skip just start moving. Exercise helps with mood and energy levels.

2. Get Outside – Something about nature that is calming.  I am currently typing this blog outside and I have to say I feel inspired.  Just look at that blue sky! Sunrise, sunset, meteor shower this month, and a couple of really cool Moons.  Look it up.

3. Get Together – In a socially distant way.  There are ways to be with people.  You cannot isolate yourself completely.  Being with others will have a positive effect.  Can’t walk 6 feet apart from a friend then take your dog for a walk.

4. Play Games – UNO, Monopoly, Cards, Sorry, Trouble, Pictionary, Tabu, Trivial Pursuit, etc.  I dare you to go find your family’s stash of old board games.  Play one a week.

5. Cook – Great time to learn your Mom’s recipes for when you go to school or try something new.  Better yet grab the family recipe box on the back of the top shelf in your kitchen.  Find the recipe handwritten by your grandmother and go for it.  Just no bread — you will not be able to find the ingredients at the store right at this moment. 

6. Explore your Family – Ancestory.com is a great way to learn about your family tree.  Too techy for you, then pick up the phone and call your grandparents, aunts, and uncles.  Heck, ask your parents about when you were a little kid or better yet when they were a little kid.  You will not regret this time. 

7. Explore a Hobby – Sewing, art, writing, dance, playing an instrument, learning a sport.  Pick something you have wanted to learn for a while and go for it.  You might find something you are really good at and a new passion.

8. Help Others – You can find great joy in helping others.  Find ways to help your family, neighbors, and community.

9. Clean your room — Now some of you are calling foul – That is not fun!  You never know what you are going to find at the bottom of that pile of clothes and clearing the clutter from your life might have a positive effect on your mood.  I know your MOM will think that it is FUN!  “Happy Mother’s Day?”

10. BE YOU – Everyone has a different opinion on what fun is.  Go figure out what that is for YOU and do it!

 All of this requires action so GO have fun! 

We tell students to learn to advocate for themselves. But what does that mean? I looked in my thesaurus (I still own an actual paper copy!) to see what words are similar to advocate. Many were listed, here are a few of my favorites. Champion. Speak well of. Stand behind. Support. Speak for. These words help describe what it means to be an advocate—for oneself or for others.

When we self-advocate, we are usually seeking a change to a current situation. People who do this successfully know a few secrets.

Let’s use an example of a student who feels they were awarded a grade on a group project that is unfair. After the steps, I’ll share examples of how this might work.

1. Know the facts of the situation. Take out the emotion and write down the specific points that you know to be true. Do this at the beginning!
   • Example: How many group meetings were you a part of? What specific tasks did you personally complete? What did you do to try and get the group working better? What and when did you communicate with other group members and/or the teacher?
2. Figure out what you want the outcome to be. People will be easier to convince if they know what you are looking for.
   • Example: What do you think your grade should have been? (This should be supported by your evidence in step 1) Do you want your grade to change? Do you need information on how to start some other action?
3. Carefully put into writing what you listed in steps 1 and 2. Be specific about the words you choose so that you set a tone of cooperation. Avoid words that are emotionally charged.
   • Example: Leave out adjectives and adverbs. That is where your emotions will show the most!
4. Follow the “chain of command”. Start your communication with the person closest to the situation. Give them the first opportunity to respond. For example, if you have a concern that you were graded unfairly, start with the person who awarded the grade. Your first communication should not be with the superintendent.
5. Be appreciative. Whether you achieve your desired results or not, thank the people who listened to your appeal. Being polite will reap many rewards in the long run!

Consider these two e-mails:

Which of these students is self-advocating? Which is mostly complaining? Put yourself in the teacher’s shoes. Are you more likely to change the grade for Susan or Sam?

Are you frustrated with your academic record so far? Do you wish to make better grades in the future? Maybe you are satisfied with your grades, but you would like to raise the bar a little higher and instead of making straight B’s, start throwing some A’s in the mix. If you have not discovered what type of learner you are, now is the time! Understanding how you process and learn information will help you navigate the study methods that work for you.

Maybe you are a visual learner because you have the ability to synthesize information presented to you through visuals such as charts or graphs. Data is best understood through various visualizations.

Maybe you are an auditory learner because you find that taking notes in class is a distraction. Perhaps you feel that you can remember information being taught if you can maintain your attention and not be distracted. You might be an auditory learner if you find group activities helpful, when you can discuss the material with others.

If you are a reading or writing learner, you might find that taking notes and looking through powerpoint slides helps you recall the information for the test. This is my learning style. I process information as I write it down, so taking notes is absolutely paramount to my success.

Maybe you are a kinesthetic learner, one who has to take a hands on approach to learning. For you, interactive learning is key.

So what do you do after understanding your learning style? Research different study methods that work for your learning style. Need somewhere to start? Here are several study techniques that are inspired by the research of Barbara Oakley, presented in her book, A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel in Math and Science(Even if you Flunked Algebra).

1. Use recall. After you read a page in a book, look away from the page and try to recall the main ideas. You can think through them or say them out loud.
2. Test yourself. Create a practice test or make some notecards.
3. Chunking the material. Group large amounts of information in smaller sections in order to memorize it more effectively.
4. Space out your repetition. Don’t spend an excessive amount of time studying just one subject but divide your study time with several.
5. Take breaks. You can’t study for five hours straight without a break. Take little breaks along the way! Just like an athlete needs a break from physical exertion, your brain needs a break, too.
6. Use simple analogies to explain complex concepts. Try to think of a way to explain the concept to a ten year old. The additional effort you put into explaining it allows you to encode (converting neural memory structures) what you have learned.
7. Focus. Turn off your phone for thirty minutes at a time so that you aren’t distracted. If you are constantly distracted during your study time, you will not be effective. During each break, give yourself a small reward.
8. DO THE HARD WORK FIRST! While you have the most energy, focus on the harder stuff earlier on in the day.

By Jenniffer Jamison

For the last 13 years you have been working towards one goal, completing your high school education.  Some of you started thinking about graduation even in Pre-school.  If you are a senior right now you might be able to look back in your photo album and find a picture of you in a cap and gown at the end of Kindergarten.  Didn’t graduate from kindergarten, what about grade school, middle school, etc.  Being the mother of 3 children at some point I have even scoffed at the idea of a graduation from elementary school or middle school, until you don’t have the opportunity. 

Graduation!  Have you planned for it?  Have you imagined it?  This year, your senior year was cut short.  No one could have possibly imagined a worldwide pandemic bringing the country to a halt and preventing seniors from experiencing the final quarter of their senior year.  So this is happening to everyone.  How are you handling it? 

First, don’t lose sight of the wonderful experiences you have had over the past 13 years.  Starting in kindergarten – 12 grade.  Schools, teachers, friends, activities, class parties, pep rallies, promotion/graduation from k, 5^th & 8^th grade.  I am sure you have many memories of 9 – 12^th grade.  Games, dances, prom, yearbooks, clubs, activities, competitions, friendships, etc.  Savor all that you have experienced.  Don’t let the current situation take away from 13 years of education, fun, friends and family.  

1. Look through old yearbooks.
2. Dig through old photos.  (Trust me your Mom has already started this exercise!)
3. Get creative and share pictures of your fellow graduates from years gone by.  Use #2020rememberwhen?

Second, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments.  Formally mark the occasion.  I have seen many examples of families marking this special occasion from signs to drive by parades and even online senior awards ceremonies just for their students.  There is no right or wrong way to celebrate.  This is totally up to you.  Here are some ideas:

1. Decorate your door at home to celebrate your senior year.
2. Put a banner or sign in your yard celebrating your accomplishment.
3. Pick up your Cap & Gown and cords, honor sashes and pins & have a backyard photo shoot to mark the occasion. 
4. Participate in virtual celebrations with your high school, clubs, organizations, etc.  (Crosby Scholars Iredell County will go live on our Facebook account on April 21, 2020 at 6 pm to celebrate our seniors)
5. Create and mail out your Graduation Announcements.  These can be homemade or more formal.  Your friends and family are at home and would love to get mail.  Be sure to include a photo and a note about what you plan to do next. 
6. Create a family celebration/ceremony and include family using Zoom, FaceTime, Skype or another online meeting tool.

Last, but not least, look forward and highlight your future plans.  I know this is a very unsure time.  Many of you know what is next.  Let the world know what is next and then start planning for your future. 

1. Wear that College gear with pride!
2. Explore your colleges and universities’ websites and virtual tools.
3. Join group pages on social media to get connected.
4. Crosby Scholars Iredell is going to offer Zoom calls for all the scholars planning to attend the same school, so you can get to know other students from Iredell County that will be in the same place next year.
5. Start planning!  Dorm room, class registration, orientations. 

Allow yourself to see the light at the end of this tunnel.  Let yourself be excited and anticipate all of the wonderful experiences and adventures that are to come.

The class of 2020 can get down about the current situation or you can use this time with family and friends to connect, remember, celebrate and plan.  I am not sure you will believe me, but what you are going through right now will make this moment in your life MORE memorable and just imagine the stories you will have to tell your kids and grandkids.  #2020rememberwhen?

The Crosby staff chose this “online” topic back in December. We had no idea that in a few weeks everyone would be using online courses. The original idea was to explore whether online learning would be a good option for you or your student. That ship has sailed, so now I want to talk about dealing with this new reality.

It’s true that not all learners prefer, nor thrive, in an online learning environment. But there are things you can do to make the best of our current situation.

I am inspired by a book I liked as a child, What Good Luck, What Bad Luck, by Remy Charlip. It has been published more recently as Fortunately. I wish I had the talent to create fun illustrations like the original story…

Fortunately, we live during an age of connections through technology.

Unfortunately, we live in a world under attack by coronavirus and have no choice right now except to interact at appropriate social distances.

Fortunately, many online resources are being offered for free during this time.

Unfortunately, not everyone has good access to a reliable internet connection.

Fortunately, faculty are good at “learning how to learn”.

Unfortunately, teachers had very little time to prepare for this transition to online learning.

Fortunately, learning to work more independently is a good thing.

Unfortunately, in this situation, it’s kind of like learning to swim by being thrown in the deep end of the pool.

Fortunately, teachers have flotation devices and tips on how to swim!

Unfortunately, many students aren’t good at asking for help—especially by e-mail or text.

Fortunately, Iredell Crosby Scholars staff had been working with Zoom for several months.

Unfortunately, we still need more practice!

Fortunately, we are all in the same boat.

Unfortunately, that means we are all learning to paddle at the same time.

Here are some ways to look for the silver lining while social distancing–

Consider it a free trial! By working online now, every student is getting a taste of what it is like. Use this time to think about what you like about it. Better to find out now that online is not for you than to pay for a course that you end up dropping.

Practice working independently. In a virtual environment, it’s not as easy to raise your hand and get a question answered. We have experienced this in our own work environment recently. If we were at the office, we could call everyone over to our screen to show an example. When we meet on Zoom, trying to juggle everything makes it much harder to do that! Sure, we use e-mail and text, but it’s not the same as asking in person and getting immediate answers.

Learn new technology. We have had Zoom in our office for several months now. We are learning by doing—that is a great way to increase skills! It’s okay to have glitches and technical issues. Everyone is in this together and experiencing similar frustrations.

Use available help if you need it. If you are struggling, let your teacher know! Find out what extra resources are available to you. Many internet options are available for free all the time. During this pandemic, there are even more free resources thanks to companies that want to help. On our website homepage is a list of many of those that we have heard about. Check it out!

Have fun and participate! Contribute to the online sessions by asking questions and entering the discussion. Wear a silly hat or shirt—everyone could use some fun about now. Be positive for your own good and the good of others. Make a list of crazy things that are happening so you can look back and say “remember when…”!

Make a plan. Many students run into trouble with online classes because they don’t do a good job of pacing themselves. Get a calendar and map out your assignments for the day and/or week. Create a list of things you need to get finished each hour or day. Don’t expect that you will be able to read 200 pages in a day—break down those large assignments into smaller pieces. For example, read 20 pages every weekday morning and another 20 in the afternoon. After a week, you will have covered the 200 pages! Make sure you check your assignments regularly to see if there are changes. Don’t procrastinate! The sooner you get your work done, the sooner you can do something you really enjoy!

The Crosby Blog has to be written and there is a pandemic, what’s the point?  I will tell you I have started this blog no less than 5 times.  First, I was going to connect a song and its message to a powerful inspirational message.  Clearly that did not happen.  Next, I came up with a list of 10 things you can do to be a successful student during your virtual learning experience.  I am sure that has been written by others and everyone is done reading it.  I even thought about writing about making the best of a bad situation.  Then I thought…I don’t want to write a Blog. 

Sound familiar? My kids are in the same boat.  They want to do their best but they really don’t want to do anything at all.  Motivation is gone.  Maybe you are in middle school and you can’t figure out how to submit that PDF doc your teacher is asking for in just the right way.  Maybe your Internet is not good at home and you are having problems accessing your assignments.  Maybe you are a senior so bummed about missing Prom that you don’t want to do anything. 

I am going to tell you my favorite quote from the movie Moonstruck.  “Snap out of it!”  Cher delivers the line with a slap in the face.  I will refrain from the slap.   But it is time to “snap out of it”.  This is the new normal and we all have to figure out the way that we are going to be able to meet our school, work and family expectations. 

How do we SNAP OUT OF IT?

• Get up and put forth the effort!

This is not going away.  You can’t hide from this.  So read your emails, follow instructions and ask for help.  Keep trying until you figure it out. 

• What you are doing is important and will make a difference!

So many students are disappointed with what they are missing and they wonder if the assignments or work are really going to make a difference.  I think the phrase I have been hearing the most is “What’s the point?”  Your actions will have a consequence and you still have control of your effort. 

• Look for fun ways to encourage and motivate others around you. 

Take a moment to observe the people in your circle:  parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends.  Do they look tired, sad, stressed?   What can you do to help?  Call, face time, text, email, send a card.  There are so many ways you can spread a little joy and encourage others.  You will find your spirits lifted as well.

I know it is hard.  This new unknown is scary and hard.  YOU have something that no one else has and what you do is important and will make a difference.  There is a point.  When we pass through this time, you will look back and have learned something new about yourself.  This experience will change us and will make us all better.  Time to Snap out of it!