issue two of the compass

THE SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL

C MPASSIssue Two, Volume I | October 15, 2010 | Southport High School | 971 East Banta Road Indianapolis, IN 46227

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Living in a whole new world College Prep Guide (page 2 & 3)

College Edition

Photo by Brandon Bushong.

A student’s 36-hour view of college (page 4) Primeros en familia a perseguir una educación universitaria (pagina 7)

October 15, 2010 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE TWO VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL2

College Prep Guide Tips and advice from Southport graduates, the

difference between high school and college, information about colleges in Indiana and more.

{what’stheDIFFERENCE}So what makes high school and college so different. Southport graduates have the answer for you.

“The biggest difference between college and high school is that nothing is really manda-tory. You don’t have to do your homework. You don’t have to study. You don’t have to go to your classes. No one (is) going to hold your hand through it and watch over your shoulder to make sure you’re getting your stuff done. However, if you don’t do any of the above, you will suffer major consequences. You don’t want to be in debt for classes that you failed.” - Abbey Allen, University of Indianapolis

“In college, you have tons of free time and you get tons of time to hang out with friends, but this could be because I live on campus. In high school I never EVER studied, but now I do!” - Rachel Dougherty, University of Evansville

“I would advise students to learn how to study. Even if you’re doing well in a class and do not need to study to get a good grade, study anyway. Most people come to college and don’t know how to study because they never did in high school. So take the time and teach yourself how to study.” - Kate Busch, Indiana University

Form good study habitsTip #1

“The biggest difference is the work load. It’s hard to balance studying and homework with other obligations, and still have a little fun on the side. I don’t want my entire college career to be about school, but I don’t want to fail my classes either.” - Morgan McClellan, Franklin College

Tip #5“Stay off Facebook as much as possible. Facebook is pretty much a college student’s worst enemy when work needs to get done. Procrastination begins on Facebook.” - Michelle Marshall, Indiana University

Don’t get distracted

Tip #3

Get organizedTip #2

Plan ahead

“The advice I would tell current high school stu-dents is to do your best in high school. Don’t slack in your classes because it’s easy to. Also, take your SATs as much as possible. I wish I had done better in high school to better prepare myself for college.” - Kristen Hagenmaier, Ball State University

Don’t get behindTip #4

“I wish I had done better in high school and planned my college life out better so I could’ve gone to Ball State or some big college right off the bat. So I suggest to all the students now to get their stuff together. College is right around the corner. Really, it came faster than I ever thought it would.” - Kelsey Danbury, Ivy Tech

“You have to be really organized. I have a calendar in my dorm that has club meet-ings, games, events and my work schedule on it. I also write out a schedule everyday so I know when I have time to eat, study, do homework or hang out. It’s so easy to lose track of time because there is some-thing going on every night. You just need to know when it’s alright to have fun and when you have to focus on schoolwork.” - Holly Barr, University of Indianapolis

OCTOBER 15, 2010 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE TW0, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL 3

{highschoolCHECKLIST}

Freshman YearPlan out your classes: Colleges care about what classes you take and will be more impressed by challenging courses.

Get involved: Stay active in clubs, sports and other ac-tivities throughout the year, as admissions officers look at students’ extracurricular activities when considering them for admission.

Get an early start: Create list of colleges and universities in which you are interested and start visiting colleges.

Sophomore YearPrepare for standardized testing: Take the PSAT in October for practice. Also start preparing for the SAT. Colleges will look at your score when you apply during your senior year.

Take honor-level classes: Ask if AP or other honors courses are available. See if you are eligible and enroll in them your junior year.

Stay on task: Continue extracurricular activities and continue visiting colleges to narrow down your choices. Talk to your parents and high school counselor about colleges that interest you.

Junior YearStart taking standardized tests: After you take the PSAT in the fall, determine whether you want to take the SAT, ACT or both. Colleges have different requirements so prepare to take the tests accordingly.

Maintain grades and activities: Continue taking chal-lenging courses and try to obtain leadership positions in your activities and sports. Start putting together an activity resume.

Continue your college search: Attend college fairs to get more information and continue visiting colleges and talking to college students. Start deciding where you want to apply your senior year and look into how and when to apply to those colleges on their websites.

Get started: Start filling out college applications. Most applications must be done before Thanksgiving.

Review your test scores: If you are unhappy with your results, sign up to retake the test. If you haven’t taken the SAT and/or ACT, make sure you sign up right away.

Apply for scholarships: Check the guidance office or use online scholarship search engines to find scholar-ships. Helpful websites include: www.fastweb.com and www.collegeanswer.com.

File your FAFSA: Make sure you apply and submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by the March 10th deadline.

Make your decision: Decide on which college to attend and notify them of your final decision by the required date. Make sure you notify the colleges you will not be attending as well.

Senior Year

Indiana UniversityBloomingtonTotal undergrads: 32,490Full-time freshman enrollment: 7,553Percent applicants admitted: 73%In-state students: 68%In-State tuition and fees: $9,028Room and board: $7,918Average financial aid package: $10,480Website: www.iub.edu

Ball State UniversityMuncie

Total undergrads: 17,737Full-time freshman enrollment: 6,149

Percent applicants admitted: 74%In-state students: 90%

In-State tuition and fees: $8,214Room and board: $8,438

Average financial aid package: $9,489Website: www.bsu.edu

Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteTotal undergrads: 31,145Full-time freshman enrollment: 6,149Percent applicants admitted: 73%In-state students: 62%In-State tuition and fees: $9,070Room and board: $9,120Average financial aid package: $10,950Website: www.purdue.edu

Indiana State UniversityTerre HauteTotal undergrads: 8,460Full-time freshman enrollment: 1,912Percent applicants admitted: 68%In-state students: 91%In-State tuition and fees: $7,714Room and board: $7,752Average financial aid package: $9,065Website: www.indstate.edu

QUICK FACTScollege What do you need to be doing to prepare your-

self for college. Use this check list to stay on task. Information from www. knowhow2go.org.

University of Southern IndianaEvansville

Total undergrads: 9,648 Full-time freshman enrollment: 2,052



Average financial aid package: $8,172Website: www.usi.edu

University of Indianapolis Indianapolis

Total undergrads: 3,792Full-time freshman enrollment: 752



Average financial aid package: $18,127Website: www.uindy.edu

OCTOBER 15, 2010 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE TWO, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL4

by Brittany Hemphill Reporter

The sight of the Ball State University sign made the knots in my stomach tight-en even more than they already were. I took a deep breath and glanced at my dad, extremely nervous, as college students went about their daily campus life on the other side of the truck’s window.

As I sat passenger seat while my father, drove past interstates and yellow corn-fields, I thought about ways to postpone the assignment. I was so nervous, almost panicking, about the idea of going to col-lege for a night and the following day. At first, when I took on the assignment, I was excited and ready to go. Little did I know, however, just how out of my comfort zone I would be.

When I found out I was going to be spending the night with 2010 Southport graduate and college freshman Emily Theis at Ball State University for a night—I figured it would be a piece of cake. I’d go there, I would sleep, I would wake up, I would go to classes. I just didn’t consider the little things like where I was going to sleep or if I would fit in. It wasn’t until I was halfway to Muncie that I realized I was a little less prepared for what I was about to do than I thought.

The panic had fully set in as I was wait-ing in my dad’s truck behind the massive dorm, searching for Theis’s somewhat familiar face to appear. I had no idea how the Ball State campus was set up and only knew vaguely of where she would be coming from. I was freaking out even more, wondering if I should have studied a map. Finally, I saw Theis appear. I gave my father a nervous smile, pulled my backpack onto my shoulders and grabbed my pillow. I heard the truck start up and glanced over my shoulder to see my dad leaving. I was 100 percent sure that I was not ready for this.

While both are about getting the grade,

high school and college are completely different. While there are some similari-ties between the two, to most freshman, college is a whole new ball game. Having to wake themselves up in the morning, remember to do the dishes and laundry, get to classes on time and other responsi-bilities are the new and scary side of the experience. But, the actual transition from being surrounded by friends and family to being in a whole new environment is also extremely tough for most freshmen.

One in every four college students will drop out. According to anycollege.com, the leading contributing factor to the 25 percent college dropout rate is the way frazzled and overwhelmed freshmen tend to “jump ship” before actually giving the whole college experience a chance. Home-sickness is something that nearly every freshman experiences in some form, and it can be tough to overcome.

“You’ll feel creepy or uncomfortable but you have to realize that everyone feels creepy and uncomfortable,” said Theis. “I

think it’s important to realize you’re not alone, and you’re not the only one—cut yourself some slack and just keep going.”

So, I kept go-ing even though I wanted to freak out. I was here to get a story, and I was definitely out-side of my comfort

zone. I was, as I found out, just like other college freshmen on their first day at Ball State.

I followed Theis inside the big dorm building which, on the inside, appeared more like a hotel lobby to me than the image of a dorm in my mind. It had nice glass doors and tons of couches and chairs to sit on and do homework. A desk, much like the hotel check-in desk, was nestled in a corner and students were all over the place.

Websites like collegeboard.com and those of popular department stores often post college checklists during the back-to-school season with tons of items that col-lege students should buy for their dorms.

What most students probably don’t think about when they’re shopping for their dorm is one crucial thing: space.

Theis and her roommate Molly Meyer, from St. Louis, shared a room smaller than my own. It was completely full— mini-refrigerator, two bunk beds with desks underneath, small television, small dresser and so much more. The two girls had dressed the dorm room up, though, with rugs, posters and lights, giving it a more cheery atmosphere.

Granted a dorm room is supposed to be partly students’ space to go back to each night and take a breather, Theis stressed the importance for a college student to not spend too much time alone and to get involved. Many college advice websites suggest that students, especially on the first day, keep the door of their room open as a sign of welcome to the people on your floor. As I walked through the

hallways of the dorm, I found that many students actually did just leave their door open while they did their homework or just chilled out in their room.

College is a social atmosphere, which can make solitude hard to find.

“It’s not miser-able here,” said Theis, “but some-times it’s easier to just want to be alone. I have found that when you want to do that, at least go outside and do your homework and read. If you keep putting yourself alone, then you’re blocking yourself from meeting people.”

Living in a dorm means that students

Student’s 36-hour college experience opens eyes to how different the average

college life is from high school.

Living in a whole new world

SeniorTommy Tran “Not knowing what I’m going to do in life. I don’t know what I’m going to do. By the time I do sit down and decide it’s going to be really hard on me.”

Biggest College Fear

SeniorLibby Kemp “Getting too distracted, not staying on course, hanging out with friends too often. Just not doing my homework because I don’t feel like it.”


OCTOBER 15, 2010 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE TWO, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL 5

have to share rooms, bathrooms and space. Eight girls on one floor share two private stalls with a toilet and a shower in each one. In the honors dorms there was

a little kitchenette for the students to share with cabinets and a sink to wash dishes. There was also a television and a couch in that area.

Also, students are constantly awake and active all throughout the day and night.

At night I could hear conversations from students walking by in the hallway. It was two o’clock in the morning and I could still hear people walking around and laugh-ing. It seemed like the day extends later in

college, even if a student has classes in the morning.

The next day when I walked with Theis to her classes, I saw students everywhere. I didn’t really realize how many people attended Ball State until I actually got there. Students would sit on benches with books or notebooks or huddle around a tree. Couples shared blankets on the grass. People were everywhere, and it was all very different from high school in that aspect. Students were free to do whatever they felt like.

Another cool thing about college is that students can find and meet new people is through clubs and activities on campus. Colleges and universities typically offer so many more clubs and organizations than a typical high school does. Ball State has over 350 organizations on campus. There’s something for everyone’s in-terests, and it’s a great way to get into

the social aspect of college—one of the biggest and most anticipated parts of the entire experience.

“You’re in a new place and it’s weird,” said Brian Meekin, Associate Director of Admission and Orientation at Ball State. “So, what do you do? You take a look around you and get involved.”

The abundance of things to do and take part in at Ball State was one of the things that really surprised me. At the corner of an intersection on campus there was a column covered with papers and fliers about the Greek life, small concerts, sporting events and everything from the accounting club to the video game devel-opers club. A boy dressed up in a banana costume and holding a guitar was with another boy handing out fliers for a rock concert they were playing in. There really is something for everyone.

Even with meeting tons of people and having new friends, many students find that being away from the family and friends back home can be extremely dif-ficult.

“I wish I would have prepared mentally more,” said Meyer, Theis’s roommate, who only knew one other person from her high school who was also attending Ball State. “but I don’t think there was much I could have done to prepare.”

It can be hard for most to decide how to prepare for the move to college. Students often are not sure what to expect when they first arrive.

“The first six weeks are the most im-portant,” said Meekin, “because they’re the hardest.”

To help the freshmen begin getting used to college life, many colleges use the first week as an easy-going and relaxing week to get settled and moved in. Ball State’s first week is known as “Welcome Week” and is filled with tons of “get to know you” activities for freshmen. By doing this Meekin hopes each person will have at least one friend to begin the year off with.

“What we try to do during orientation is get them comfortable,” said Meekin. “We want them to feel like this is where they’re supposed to be and spend the next four years of their life.”

The program helps acquaint students with each other, but it doesn’t always make the homesickness go away. Pictures of Theis’s parents, boyfriend, friends and dog, Cricket, are taped to the walls of her dorm room and are spread about in pic-ture frames. They are constant reminders that Theis is away from home and that the people she loves are elsewhere.

“I didn’t expect a lot of the mental stuff that I dealt with once I got here,” said Theis. “I thought I would just miss people or feel out of place sometimes, but you don’t realize that you’re coming to a place where people don’t understand your sense of humor, or people don’t know your spiri-tual background, or people don’t know your problems or what you’re good at.”

Photo by Brittany Hemphill.

DO Bring something to hang from your bed (if it’s going to be lofted) where you can drop whatever you have with you right before you go to sleep. It doesn’t have to be big – just enough room to drop your phone or book.

DO Bring plenty of 3M Command sticky products – and a variety of them. You’re going to want to dress your dreary room with pictures, posters, etc. For regular pictures, sticky tack is much cheaper and works just as well.

DO Bring an assortment of storage and organizing containers. You never know the spaces or items you’re going to need to arrange. Remember hooks that can hang over the door, desk drawer organiz-ers, small boxes, etc. Be creative!

DO Bring a first aid kit. You can get sick at college, so pack the traditional stuff: pain medicine, a thermometer, band-aids and antibiotic cream, a hot/cold pack, stom-ach medicine, etc. Don’t forget to bring and take vitamins too to keep yourself healthy.

DON’T bring anything that you can rent or borrow. Lots of dorms have a vacuum cleaner, pots and pans and other room essentials at the front desk or in the laundry room. Also, if there’s anything you can easily share with your roommate, share it.

DON’T bring your whole wardrobe. If you’re close enough that you’ll be going home, leave things like heavy coats or special-occasion outfits at home until you’ll need them. Leave the things that are cute/stylish but uncomfortable. Col-lege includes lots of walking.

DON’T bring tons of decorative stuff that will take up workspace, like too many picture frames or little decorative pieces. You don’t want to clutter up the little space you have with things that don’t serve any purpose.

Packing for College:

The Dos and Don’tsWorrying about getting ready for college? Here are some tips on what to bring and not bring to college from Southport graduate Emily Theis who is currently a freshmen at Ball State University. Photo above contributed.

SeniorLibby Kemp “Getting too distracted, not staying on course, hanging out with friends too often. Just not doing my homework because I don’t feel like it.”


It can be hard to find your place in college. But, the colleges strive to enable their students to have a great time on campus and, especially, to make the first couple of weeks for freshmen enjoyable. Like Ball State, many colleges also host a “Welcome Week” the first week when students arrive. Berkeley, Penn State, Ohio State and many more colleges have programs similar to this one. In example, Berkeley hosts convocations, activity fairs, picnic dinners and tons of get to know you activities for freshmen to become acquainted with each other and the campus before school starts.

According to Theis, the Ball State Welcome Week was activities designed to get to know the people in the dorms. Ball State had a hypnotist come in and other fun activities.

Once classes begin, however, things really begin to get serious and the students’ ability to handle respon-sibilities is tested. Believe me, most of the classes are not like high school.

In college classes things are a lot harder. Most teachers do not remind students to complete their work nor do they waste any time in class. It’s expected and as-

sumed that students are going to do their best work, not assumed or hoped.

“You have to prove yourself to your professors because they haven’t heard of you before,” said Theis. “They haven’t had you before, and they haven’t had your siblings before.”

Theis is taking honors classes at Ball State and is enrolled in 17 credit hours—only one hour away from the maximum amount allowed.

Classes in colleges definitely test stu-dents’ ability to handle a lot of responsi-bility at one. Homework and class work are often piled on pretty heavily and is an important part of the curriculum. Ball State suggests that for every hour spent in class two or three hours outside of class are spent studying. The subject matter is a lot more in-depth than most high school classes. Instead of just graz-

ing the surface of a subject the professor digs down deep into it.

“Academi-cally in college, you’re much more responsi-ble for yourself and time man-agement,” said Theis.

I went to two college classes during my visit. The first was a Spanish class,

and the second was a Humanities class that was required for all of the Honors students.

The classes were both in rooms that lacked any personal touches to them—there weren’t any pictures or post-ers on the walls. I found that extremely odd, so after Humani-ties I asked Theis and found out that the professors have offices rather than classrooms to that are “theirs.” Each professor has a certain number of office hours set up during which students can come in and get ex-tra help or talk to the professor if needed outside of class. I found that to be really interesting, and I’m sure, with the heavy workload, a teacher-student bond would be great to have.

Another thing that really surprised me was that it appeared that attendance wasn’t a huge issue in the classes. In fact, at the end of the Spanish class the teacher just sent around a paper and had people sign it to say they were in class. In Humanities the teacher didn’t make it obvious that he was taking roll call. In college, students are paying for the classes and their own education, so

if they don’t go to class, it then it’s their money.

After those two classes, I spent some time just hanging out on campus. I found it re-ally easy to just blend into the background and watch everyone else. There were so many differ-ent “types” and stereotypes of people at Ball State. There’s no

doubt in my mind that, in time, everyone can find a place where they fit in and become comfortable in college.

“Now I feel a little more comfortable here and a little more prepared for the unexpected,” said Theis. “I’m more aware that this is a new place and I’m going to face things that are hard and new to me.”

During my final hours at Ball State, I found myself losing the anxiety and fear of being in college. In fact, I found myself wishing that I could just skip the rest of high school and jump right into it. It’s an exciting opportunity to go to college and to begin a whole new chapter of one’s life. Is it scary? Completely, but the scary experiences are when people often learn the most. After all, college could possibly be the biggest learning experience of a lifetime.


(Left) Columns are often covered with fliers for many activities going on around campus. At Ball State University there are over 350 different student organiza-tions. (Middle) Southport alum Emily Theis studies in her dorm on Wednesday, September 22nd . Ball State admissions counselors recommend for every one hour in class that students spend two or three hour studying outside of class. (Right) Theis’s Humanities class meets twice a week. Photos by Brittany Hemphill.

SeniorKimberly McClintok “Starting in January. I am graduating in December from Southport and going to ivy Tech for the spring semester... So it’s coming in about 10 weeks.”


SeniorCaitlyn Rose “Money. Paying for it, not being able to afford it. Just basic financial aid situa-tion because even if you get that, it’s not going to cover everything.”


OCTOBER 15, 2010 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE TWO, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL 7

by Jessica De La Cruz Reportero

Estudiantes entran a la escuela listos para trabajar y aprender. Van de clase a clase con mochilas cargadas con libros y libretas. El reloj marca las horas que pasan día tras día, acercándose al gran día: el día de graduación.

Cuando llega la hora de graduarse, llega el tiempo a entrar al mundo real y experienciar una educación más allá de la preparatoria. Estudiantes toman caminos diferentes para alcanzar esa meta donde se encuentran con obstáculos y dificultades que vencer.

Seniors Beatriz Olgín y Sylvia Torres son dos estudiantes hispanas que se graduaran este año. Las dos, Olgín y Torres, son las primeras en sus familias que continuarán a la universidad después de graduarse.

Desde de que era niña, Olgín ha querido ser pediatra. Ahora que ha llegado el tiempo de avanzar con la oportunidad para perseguir su sueño, ella ha tomado acción aplicando a universidades y postulando becas también.

“Tengo todos los papeles y estoy en el proceso de mandarlos, pero en realidad sólo es sentarme y contestar sus preguntas,” dijo Olgín. “Tú sabes, diciéndoles como soy y que he hecho, y donde quiero estar.”

Olgín se mudó de la Florida para vivir con su hermana mayor cuando era freshman. Este año escolar Olgín decidió mudarse con su hermano mayor y primo.

“Decidí mudarme de la casa de mi hermana este año porque ella tiene sus propios hijos y pensé que tendría que mudarme tarde o temprano, entonces ¿por qué no ahora?” dijo Olgín.

La escuela sigue siendo un enfoque muy grande para Olgín pero su último año en preparatoria sí, es diferente a otros años.

“Mi primer año fue fácil porque lo único que hice fue enfocarme en la escuela,” dijo Olgín. “No tenía un trabajo y no practicaba ningún deporte. Mi año de sophomore y junior practiqué deportes. Este año es

un poco diferente porque estoy viviendo sola y tengo que preocuparme por los biles y luego también por la tarea.”

Aunque Olgín no vive con sus padres y vive por su cuenta, ella no está muy estresada sobre pagar los biles y hacer la tarea.

“Estoy feliz que lo averigüé (situación de vivencia). Si lo hubiera hecho ahora o el próximo ano cuando me fuera a la universidad, de todos modos hubiera tenido que encontrar un lugar mi propio lugar,” dijo Olgín

Olgín está preparada para ir a la universidad después de graduarse con la ventaja de tener la experiencia de vivir por su cuenta. Torres ha tenido una experiencia que la ha preparada para la universidad.

Cuando Torres tenía doce años ella se mudó a los Estados Unidos con sus padres. Ella tuvo algunos problemas con el lenguaje y adaptarse a la cultura.

“Cuando yo llegué aquí fue para mí como es para todos los Latinos. Fue difícil aprender inglés y también dejar tu escuela, tus amigos, y maestros allá en México,” dijo Torres. “Pero para tener un buen futuro necesitas adaptarte porque no puedes cambiar como son las cosas.”

Torres también es la primera en su familia que va asistir a la universidad. Por esa razón, Torres tuvo unos problemas cuando llegó la hora de aplicar a universidades y por becas.

“Ya que mi papás no tienen una educación universitaria, no están tan informados como lo quisiera que estuvieran,” dijo Torres. “Los quiero y los aprecio y sé llegar adonde quiero estar y como conseguir la información que quiero saber.”

Torres cree que siendo Hispana no ha hecho su meta de ir a la universidad imposible. Si ha tenido dificultades pero nada que la ha impedido a seguir adelante. ELL ayudante, la señora Daisy Fuentes, ha ayudado a Torres a aplicar a varias universidades.

“La he ayudado en línea a registrase para el SAT y también hemos buscado becas,” dijo Fuentes. “Hay composiciones que tienen que escribir y le he ayudado, si no ayudándole con su gramática.”

Con la ayuda de Fuentes, Torres participó en un programa llamado “Stepping Stone”, la cual le dio una beca, durante el verano. El programa dura una semana y ayuda a estudiantes Hispanos a prepararse para la universidad.

La madre de Torres, Leonor Gutiérrez, está muy orgullosa de lo que ha logrado su hija.

“Sí, estoy muy orgullosa de ella porque, ahorita que está yendo a la escuela, veo que le está echando muchas ganas,” dijo Gutiérrez. “Es una niña que se pone a estudiar. Siempre está ocupada con la escuela y se enfoca mucho en las escuela.”

Olgín y Torres todavía se están para ir a la universidad después de este año escolar. Olgín no ha decidido a cual universidad quiere ir, pero quisiera que su área de estudio principal fuera en bioquímica y medicina. Torres piensa asistir IUPUI después de graduarse y estudiar para ser maestra o contadora.

For an English translation of this story, visit www.shsnewsbureau.com

Primeros en familia a perseguir

una educación universitaria

Senior Sylvia Torres repasa una prueba durante su clase de matemáticas el viernes, ocho de octubre. Foto tomada por Brandon Bushong.

Estudiantes superan obstáculos para realizar su meta

de asistir a la universidad

Decidir a cuales universidades aplicar:-Buscar información sobre universidades en línea el tercer año de la preparatoria

Asegurarse que haya tomado el PSAT y SAT el tercer de la preparatoria o el principio de cuarto año

Aplicar a universidades el cuarto año de la prepa-ratoria en el otoño: - Si califica para lonche reducido o gratis, calificara para suspensión de pago para aplicar

Hablar con consejero para pedir carta oficial de notas y saber el promedio de calificaciones

Conseguir cartas de recomendación de maestros

{comoAPLICAR}Qué hacer cuando se aplica a universidades. In-formación dada por la señorita Barrett. Visitar www.shs.newbureau.com para más información.


The Compass is Southport’s newsmagazine, published in tabloid format every other issue of The Journal, Southport’s newspaper. The Compass will provide a more in-depth look at a different topic that varies per issue.

Q: During the application process, what are some important differences students should look at between small and big schools?Winningham: When they’re applying for schools, they should look at if they have the particular major they’re interested in...Look at the environment in terms of what kind of school you want to be part of. Do they want to be where there are tons and tons of different things that go on and they can disappear in the mass numbers...Or do they want to go to a small school where they will be noticed by the professors and be more of an individual than one of the mass.

Q: What are some of the benefits of going to a small school?Winningham: The benefits of going to a smaller school are that you’re going to be known by the professors and students on campus. You’re going to get a lot of individual attention and you’re going to be held accountable by your professors...Smaller schools tend to focus on teaching. The professor’s job is to teach and help you be successful when you graduate.

Q: What kind of students to best at small schools?Winningham: The ones who are very passionate about what they want to do... Usually ones who have leadership roles and are involved with things outside the classroom tend to do better at smaller schools.

Q: What’s the hardest thing about choosing between small and big schools?Winningham: The hardest thing about choosing between the two would be figur-ing out what kind of school you want to go to...If you’re trying decide between the two, definitely go on a campus visit.

Q: What’s some advice you have for how to pick the school you want to go to?Winningham: A campus visit, it’s going to give you an idea of what life is going to be like living on campus and going to school there and experiencing the environ-ment you’re going to have on campus. The campus has to fit you and you have to fit the campus.

Q: What’s some advice you have for future freshman on how to get the most out of a small school experience?Winningham: Try to get involved with as many things as you can... You don’t have to make a big commitment... Also use all resources available to you.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to say?Winningham: I think the process has to go way back sooner than senior year. You can’t go back and change anything academically. Kids who slacked off freshmen or sophomore year are going to feel it when they start the application process.

Q: During the application process, what are some important differences students should look at between small and big schools?Terrell: The campus visit above all is critical. The student has to feel comfortable with the environment, people who are there and the programming because they will be spending a considerable amount of time, four to six years and have an investment that’s going to go along with that.

Q: What are some of the benefits of going to a big school?Terrell: I think it gives you a better understanding from a global perspective. You’re going to be immersed with students from literally every county in the state, people from 49 states and large enclave of international students. So you will experience that global perspective that will go on once you enter the work force.

Q: What kind of students to best at big schools?Terrell: Quantitatively, students that came in last year had an average of a 3.4 GPA, ACT score of a 23, and SAT score of 1590. Those students who fall within those averages are doing very well here and are doing very successful. If we move to the soft things, the tangible items, students who ask questions, they don’t just want to take the stock answer and think outside the box.

Q: What’s the hardest thing about choosing between small and big schools?Terrell: I think students often struggle with finding what they want out of any in-stitution and feeling comfortable with that huge investment that they are making.

Q: What’s some advice you have for how to pick the school you want to go to?Terrell: From my professional view and also a parental standpoint you have to go with where you feel the most comfortable. That you have the feeling in your gut, in your heart and know “this is where I want to be, this is the environment and the faculty I will do best with” is what should drive your decision.

Q: What’s some advice you have for future freshman on how to get the most out of a big school experience?Terrell: Get involved... School isn’t just about academics and doing well in that field. That’s not what makes you that whole person. If you don’t get involved and step out of your comfort zone in those areas then you’re not going to get the full college experience.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to say?Terrell: Really start making these decisions as early as possible. If you can sit down as a family and narrow it down to two or three or if you’ve made your final decision that will really take a lot of the stress off.

Q & A with admission counselors from Marian University and Ball State UniversityInterviews conducted by Emily Odle.

small school BIG SCHOOLVS.

Sean WinninghamMarian University Admission Counselor

Beth TerrellBall State University Admission Counselor

Managing EditorsSHIVANI PARIKSHAKADRIENNE WAGNER

ReportersBRITTANY HEMPHILLJESSICA DE LA CRUZ

Editor of The CompassEMILY ODLE

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