Rite of Passage: Taking the SAT

The following blog post is written by CIA member Colby E. Sites. Colby took the SAT on March 8 for the first time. Juniors looking to go to college should take the exam for the first time this spring so that they have scores ready for their college applications. [If you need help registering, make an appointment with Miss Loh]. Below is Colby's reflection on the exam and ways to tackle it.

After studying (or not studying) for weeks preparing for the test, the day finally comes to go bright and early to take one of the most grueling tests of your life. Going to your testing center and waiting to start, students are alphabetized into classes to take the test, and then four hours later the test is over. Simple, right? Wrong! The hardest aspect of the test is having the perseverance to remain focused as you face 10 sections of mathematics, critical reading, and writing (not necessarily in that order) questions. Trust me, it is easy to daydream of the moment you close the test booklet and walk out the door mumbling how much you hate the test, but those moments of fantasy are critical during test time. For most sections, students only have 25 minutes to answer nearly 20 questions, and some sections may only give you 15 minutes, or even 10 minutes.   Here are a few mental tips to prevent a totally meltdown during the test:

- PACE YOURSELF: This is "your" SAT. The scores reflect the capabilities of your own thinking. Do not get discouraged when another student finishes the section with 10 minutes to spare. Read the questions carefully and move thoroughly.

- BE CONFIDENT: The student next to you is not Einstein or Stephen Hawking. They are a regular high school student just like yourself taking the same type of test, and the test in front of you is just a test; it will not make or break your future if you score in the lower percentile. Do not psych yourself out of believing that you cannot knock this test out of the park.

- REMAIN PLEASANT: Remember, this is almost a four hour test, and it is important to remain happy and laugh. If you dread going back after each testing break and starting over, then this will seem like a never ending test. Positive motivation will speed up the test in your mind.

- BRING FOOD AND WATER: At times your brain will need rejuvenation from overusage during the test. During break sessions, take time to ease your mind and eat something to give you energy. Whatever helps you stay alert and focused is up to you, so if a Hershey Bar will get you to a 2400 (the highest score you can earn) compared to an apple, by all means dig in.

The SAT is a "right of passage" for kids going into college because there is no way around them. In my opinion, take them once and see how you score, and if you are unhappy go give it one more shot, but do not waste your money trying improve your score. If a college wants you, they will accept you because there is more to the college process than a simple SAT score. The SATs are hard, and they will make you question life itself because you will despise them so much, because no one enjoys taking them. Go in, get it done, and cross it off your list of things accomplish before going to college.

--Colby E. Sites

Major Monday: Radiography

In honor of our upcoming trip to Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, today's post will focus on a very popular health science major: radiography!

What is radiography?
Radiography is a technique that utilizes electromagnetic radiation other than visible light to view a human internally. Radiographers learn how to use high-tech equipment to create digital images. Radiography students learn how to prepare and place patients, as well as learn how to expose and develop radiographic films.

Why major in radiography?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences, but find blood makes you squeamish, radiography allows you to work in a medical facility without dealing with too much blood. Additionally, radiography is only a 2-year degree which may be a perk for students who do not want to attend school for a very long time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of radiography is expected to increase by 21% over the next ten years, which is much faster than the average field.

What courses do I take to become a radiographer?
Imaging Equipment, English, Radiation Characteristics and Production, Radiographic Pathology, Introduction to Computer Tomography, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, College Algebra, Ethical and Legal Dimensions in Health Sciences

Major Monday: Biology

So many students love the science courses offered at JBHS. Are you wondering if majoring in biology is the right move for you? Read on to learn about the major and to find out if it is a good fit.

What is the biology major?
According to the Princeton Review, "[Biology majors] focus on the living world, on everything from microscopic organisms to the human body. They look at all of the elements and questions surrounding life, from questions about reproduction, to the ways in which our physical environment influences the way we grow and develop." Since biology has so many avenues of exploration, there are sub-categories that students may pursue, such as molecular and cell biology. 

Why major in Biology?
As a biology major, you will learn a variety of skills that will make you marketable in many industries. Besides getting to grapple with some of the world's largest scientific questions, you will get hands-on experience in laboratories and tons of opportunities to conduct research. You will learn how to communicate and collaborate with others and will improve your technical writing skills. You will gain a stronger ability to analyze massive amounts of data and will grow confident when drawing conclusions. Additionally, biology majors learn how to problem solve on large and small scales. 

What courses can I take as a biology major?
Biology, biochemistry, neurobiology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, anatomy & physiology, cancer cell biology, immunology, epigenetics, marine biology, etc.

What kind of jobs can you get with a biology degree?

• Clinical molecular geneticist
• Professor
• Doctor
• Veterinarian
• Pharmacologist
• Research Scientist
• Science Writer
• Marine or wildlife biologists
• Ecologist

JB Attends the College Summit: Part 2

Below is our Part 2 of 2 of our College Summit reflection series. This reflection is written by Sarah Lechleitner, one of our Junior College Ambassadors. 

            On February 25, I had the opportunity to visit Franklin and Marshall College with a group of juniors from JBHS. Franklin and Marshall is a liberal arts college that sits in the heart of downtown Lancaster, PA. We had the opportunity to not only tour the college, but to talk to professors, eat in the dining hall, and even hear the college president, Dr. Daniel Porterfield, speak to us regarding his ideas about education.     

            After about a two hour drive, the first part of our college visit started with meeting some of the professors. Each of us had been asked to choose two majors that we had some interest in before we left for the trip and when we got to F&M, we each had the opportunity to sit down and talk with professors that teach in our desired fields. In my case, I got to sit down with Professor Crannell, a mathematics professor, and Professor Morford, who teaches Chemistry at F&M. Both of these teachers were able to give me a better idea of what college classes were really going to be like. They both emphasized that many college students change their minds about what they really want to major in, and they advocated keeping an open mind when it comes to college.

            Later in the afternoon, we got a campus tour and we got to listen to Dr. Porterfield speak. The campus is very well laid out and according to Miss Loh, a former F&M student, you can walk across the whole thing in about eight minutes. The campus is split up into different "houses" and each student is put into a different house when they come to the school. Each house has its own distinct colors and mascot and this system helps new students feel welcome to their new school. At the end of the day, we got to hear Dr. Porterfield speak to us about his views on education. He believes in a very friendly system that allows for teachers and students to communicate one on one. He even keeps ice cream in his office for students that come and visit him! He tries to make sure every student is known by name and that is a very important part of what F&M has to offer.           

            What the trip really gave me was the opportunity to see a college in action, so to speak. I got to see what everyday life is like for the students at F&M. If you are looking at a school, and you really think that you like it, make sure you go for a visit. There are people there who want to talk to you! All of the professors and administration at F&M were very friendly about talking to us and answering our questions. If you are looking for a small, friendly, liberal arts college that really values you as a student, then definitely take a look at Franklin and Marshall. 

-Sarah Lechleitner

Major Monday: English

This week's major is English! Many students at JBHS really enjoy English class, but some people aren't sure how they can major in this subject in college. Here are some facts about the major so you can familiarize yourself with it!

What is the English major? 
According to College Board, studying English is more than just reading novels, short stories, plays and poetry. College Board states, "you'll have to examine what you read and come up with opinions about it. For example, you might have to explain a book's main theme or what it reveals about cultural stereotypes." English majors will be asked by their professors to produce their opinions in the form of class discussions and essays. English majors have the opportunity to cater the major to their personal interests. Advanced courses allow students to focus on certain authors, locations, or time periods of their choosing.

Why major in English?
English majors learn how to develop strong core skills that can be transferred to a number of jobs. English majors learn how to clearly convey messages and ideas to a variety of audiences. Students learn how to develop a coherent stance on a position or issue and convince others of their stance as well. English majors also have to read a lot for courses, but they learn how to quickly synthesize information and summarize it accurately for others. Since they read a lot of material, English majors develop strong time management skills because they need to effectively balance their homework and other responsibilities.

What courses can I take with an English major? 
Creative Writing, Introduction to Pre/Post-1800 Literature, Women Writers, Myth & Fairytale, Nature & Literature, Literary Theory, Poetry, Science Fiction, British Literature, American Literature, Writing 4 New Media, Renaissance Studies, The Age of Satire, and MORE!

What can I do after college with a degree in English? 
Here are some positions held by English major graduates!

• Technical Writer
• Journalist
• Publisher
• Copy Editor
• Public Relations Specialist
• Social Media Manager
• Lawyer
• Grant Writer
• Librarian
• Teacher
• Human Resource Employee
• Fundraiser

JB Attends the F&M College Summit

On February 25, 17 juniors from JBHS were invited to attend the Franklin & Marshall College Summit, a day-long event for juniors from rural PA. Coordinated by the Pennsylvania College Advising Corps, juniors received the opportunity to see Franklin & Marshall College, a private liberal arts college, in action. Below is Part 1 of 2 student reflections on the day's events. Part 1 is written by JB College Ambassador Colby Sites. Colby writes about his experiences and provides some facts he learned on the trip:  

On Tuesday, a group of JBHS Juniors and I got the privilege to walk the campus of one of the most prestigious colleges that not only does the state of PA have to offer, but also the country.  Franklin & Marshall College is a true liberal arts school and their liberal arts background is apparent just from  walking around the campus.  If you are looking for a school that will give you a stronger education higher compared to other schools, then this is the right choice for you.  

Our trip began with about a two hour ride East towards York until we reached the school.  After getting settled in, we got a chance to meet with some of Franklin & Marshall's professors.  If you have a preconceived idea that professors would be uptight, high- strung individuals, you could not be more wrong.  After giving us the information about the majors of the school, the professors took an interest in our plans for the future and gave us pointers on how our studies in college would affect our search for jobs after graduation.  After that, we talked to the Admissions Department and a Dean of a residential house.  They eagerly answered our questions on financial aid,  student life, dorm life, and cost of attendance.  One point that will stick with me is that the "sticker price" at F&M is around $61,000, but you will never pay that amount.  Think of it this way: the price tag is $61,000, but the school will give you special deals through financial aid that will help with the cost.  

The second part of our trip was the campus tour and meeting the President, Dr. Daniel Porterfield.  The campus is well laid out so the dorms are easily accessible, and you can walk to your classes and be there on time.  There is "Harry Potter" style housing where you will be placed in a house that will have its own identity: constitution, colors, mascot, name, etc.  In the winter, it is hard to go outside and have club activities, so we did not see much student interaction; however, when the temperature starts rising the quad comes alive with students.  

The best part of the whole trip was hearing Franklin & Marshall College's President speak.  I have been on a fair share of tours myself and have heard numerous presidents talk, but I have never heard someone like President Porterfield.  Not only was his relationship with the students of the college impressive, but his ideals on education really drove home the point that here at F&M you are receiving the highest quality of learning. During our presentation, he said, "education is a spring board into life" and F&M is gearing up their students to take that jump.  

You may begin having second thoughts upon hearing; $61,000, Liberal Arts, and tougher education, but you shouldn't.  Will the classes be tougher? Yes, but do not doubt your abilities because if you have interest in applying to this school or on the fence about going for a visit, this is definitely a school students need to see!  If you have any other questions, talk to Miss Loh in the guidance office, because she is THE expert on the school. 

--Colby E. Sites