College in a Can
Sandra and Harry Choron
Houghton Mifflin Company
College in a Can
Books by Sandra Choron The Book of Lists for Teens (with Harry Choron) The Caregiver’s Essential Handbook (with Sasha Carr) The All-New Book of Lists for Kids (with Harry Choron) Elvis: The Last Word (with Bob Oskam) The Book of Lists for Kids (with Harry Choron) The Big Book of Kids’ Lists Rocktopicon (with Dave Marsh and Debbie Geller) Everybody’s Investment Book (with Edward Malca) National Lampoon’s Class Reunion
College in a Can Sandra and Harry Choron
houghton mifflin company boston • new york • 2004
Copyright © 2004 by Sandra Choron All rights reserved For information about permission to reproduce selections from this book, write to Permissions, Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10003. Visit our Web site: www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com. ISBN-13: 978-0-618-40871-9 ISBN-10: 0-618-40871-1 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Choron, Sandra, date. College in a can / Sandra and Harry Choron. p. cm. ISBN: 0-618-40871-1 1. College environment — United States — Miscellanea. 2. College students — United States — Conduct of life — Miscellanea. 3. Education, Higher — United States — Miscellanea. 4. Universities and colleges — United States — Miscellanea. I. Choron, Harry. II. Title. LB3605.C56415 2004 378.19'8 — dc22 2004042719 Book design by Melissa Lotfy Printed in the United States of America QUM 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
“7 Students Who Learned More on Their School Breaks Than They Did in School,” from Taking Time Off, by Colin Hall and Ron Lieber, copyright © 2003 by Princeton Review Publishing, L.L.C. Used by permission of Princeton Review, a division of Random House, Inc.
FOR OUR LOVING PARENTS Morris and Sonia Choron, and Kalman and Fay Samelson, who valued our education and welfare above all
Acknowledgments
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e’d be nothing without — Kathi Kamen Goldmark, our party hearty expert and muse; Amy Wuhl Seefeldt, whose fresh ideas and enthusiasm resulted not only in many of the lists that follow but also in the tone throughout; and Kira Sexton, who was always there with great lists, more lists, and then some; Michael Simmons, our favorite Y.I.P.P.I.E.; and Steve Leeds, who knows everything there is to know about the music business; Dave Barry, who is too funny for words (at least any we can think of) and Judi Smith; Rebecca Erbstein and Grant Loude of Jeopardy!; Kristin Battista and the National Mental Health Association; Ron Norton of the Kentucky Kernel; and Warren Kozireski of College Broadcasting Inc. for their entertaining contributions and help throughout; Sara Schaumburg, who provided inspiration and honesty; Our talented editor, Susan Canavan, whose values and good cheer always inspire us to do our best; Sarah Gabert, who gives new meaning to the word “thorough”; the aptly named Susan Abel; our sharp-eyed manuscript editor, Monica Jainschigg, and all those at Houghton Mifflin who played on the team; Ellen Rosenberg, whose wonderful book Growing Up Feeling Good started it all; Casey Choron, our most respected critic, our trusted adviser, our best friend.
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CONTENTS Introduction
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•
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Collegeville, U.S.A.
Top 10 Worst Reasons for Choosing a College • 2 12 Things You Probably Wish You Had Known Before You Got to College • 4 7 Things About Ivy League Schools That They Don’t Want You to Know • 5 17 Bizarre College Courses • 6 Some Student Stats • 7 5 Weird College News Items, 2003 • 8 8 Ways in Which the Bible Would Be Different If College Students Had Written it • 9 8 Presidents Who Never Attended College • 10 Top 10 TV Shows Among College Students • 10 Top 10 Magazines Among College Students • 10 Top 5 Newspapers Among College Students • 10 The 13 Most Important Issues Currently Facing the Nation, According to College Students • 11 What College Students Really Want • 11 The Best Student Publications • 11 The Top 12 College Radio Stations • 13 2002 CBI National Student Production Award Winners for Television • 15 15 College Urban Legends • 16 2002 CBI National Student Production Award Winners for Radio • 17 10 Haunted Colleges • 20
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The 25 Best College Nicknames • 22 The 10 Oldest Colleges in America • 23 6 Fraternities and Sororities for Gay Students • 24 The 10 Most Difficult Colleges to Get Into • 26 The 4 Youngest College Students • 27 The 5 Most Notorious College Football Rivalries • 28 The 8 Most Common College Mascots • 29 Is Your College Gay-Friendly? • 30 33 Successful People Who Never Graduated from College 14 Celebrities and Their College Majors • 32 10 Famous Resident Assistants • 33 24 Great Movies About College Life • 34 10 College Movie Bloopers • 38 Life According to the Class of 2008 • 40 The 7 Oldest College Graduates • 41
2
•
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College Life 101
Carpe College: The Essential 67 • 44 The College Students’ Bill of Rights • 47 28 Things to Bring to College • 50 What Your Computer Color Says About You • 52 What Your Choice of Computer Font Says About You • 52 Smileys • 53 The 10 Biggest College Time-Wasters • 54 The 8 Hardest Things About Being a Freshman • 54 7 Ways to Tell Right from Wrong • 55 15 Advantages to Living off Campus • 56 16 Advantages to Living on Campus • 57 24 Tips for Getting Along with Your Roommate • 58 The Ideal Roommate for Your Astrological Sign • 60 The Roommates’ Bill of Rights • 61 How to Fight Fair • 63 Dorm Shui: 15 Space-Saving Tips for Small Dorm Rooms • 64
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13 Cheap Decorating Ideas for Your Dorm • 65 29 Instant Messaging Phrases • 66 10 Ways to Make New Friends • 67 10 Cures for Homesickness • 67 18 Ways to Get More Sleep • 68 17 Ways to Avoid the Freshman Fifteen — or Twenty — or Thirty • 70 12 Tips for Surviving the College Cafeteria • 71 How to Eat Healthy at 9 Fast Food Restaurants • 72 14 Safe Snacks • 74 7 Top Snack Preferences Among College Students • 74 What Your Snack Preference Says About You • 74 11 Meals You Can Make in a Toaster Oven • 76 8 Things to Consider Before You Have a Body Part Pierced . . . • 77 . . . and 7 Things to Consider If You’re Going to Do It Anyway • 78 To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo • 79 10 Campus Protest Hot Spots • 80 How to Stage a Successful Campus Protest • 82 How to Handle Racism • 83 Fighting Hate on Campus • 86 Greek Trivia — 15 Facts • 88 6 Myths (and Facts) About Hazing • 89 Stop Hazing Now! • 91 17 Examples of Hazing • 92 4 Bad Reasons for Considering a Transfer to Another College • 93 5 Good Reasons to Transfer • 94 7 Students Who Learned More on Their School Breaks Than They Did in School • 94 9 Good Reasons to Study Abroad • 97 14 Reasons to Skip Class • 98 9 Organizations That Sponsor International Volunteer Programs • 99 10 Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up for an On-line Degree • 101 12 College Habits That Follow You Home • 102
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3
Get Smart
Dave Barry’s Guide to Choosing a Major • 104 8 Simple Secrets of Successful Students • 106 11 Great Motivators • 108 How to Calculate Your GPA • 109 101 Books They Expect You to Have Read by the Time You Get to College • 110 How to Get the Most Out of Orientation • 118 Prof Profiles • 119 What You Can Learn from the Syllabus • 120 15 Tips for Course Selection • 121 How to (Really) Choose Your Major • 122 What Your College Major (Probably) Says About You • 124 5 Ways to Sleep in Class and Look As If You Are Awake • 126 13 Strategies for Managing Your Time • 128 7 Qualities of a Good Mentor • 130 12 Common Supports for Students with Learning Disabilities • 131 How to Size Up a Teacher • 132 10 Things That Annoy Teachers the Most • 132 How to Understand Everything the Professor Says • 133 9 Tips for Meeting with — and Impressing — Your Professors • 133 5 Ways to Ask a Teacher for Help • 134 The 8 Links in the College Food Chain • 135 9 Ways to Deal If the Teacher Hates You • 136 How to Stay on Top of the Grading System • 137 How to Get a Grade Changed • 138 The 10 Best Excuses You Can Give Your Professor If You Get Caught Sleeping in Class • 140 15 Phrases to Listen for When the Teacher Is Lecturing • 140 16 Tips for Taking Great Notes • 141 10 Steps to Writing a Great Essay • 142 70 Abbreviations and Symbols to Use When Taking Notes • 143
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11 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Turn In an Essay • 145 10 Great Sources of Research Information • 146 4 Ways to Avoid Plagiarism • 147 How to Give a Great Speech, No Matter How Nervous You Are • 148 How to Win a Debate, Hands Down • 150 8 Professional On-line Homework Help Resources • 151 How to Customize Your Textbook • 152 How to Preread Any Book in 30 Minutes or Less • 153 8 Ways to Jog Your Memory • 154 12 Mnemonic Devices • 155 16 Exercises for Overcoming Math Anxiety • 156 The 3 Worst Places to Study • 159 5 Aromas That Help Keep You Mentally Alert • 159 The 4 Best Places to Study • 159 If You Study to Music • 160 10 Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk • 161 7 Common Distractions from Studying • 162 10 Study Habits That Really Work • 162 How to Study • 164 How to Form Your Own Study Group • 165 5 Myths About Tests • 166 28 Tips for Improving Your Test Score Without Even Studying • 167 10 Exercises for Your Brain • 168 10 Foods You Should Eat Before a Test • 171 15 Tips for Reducing Test Anxiety • 171 6 Aromas That Will Help You Relax • 172 What to Do If You Catch Someone Cheating • 174 What to Do If You Are Caught Cheating • 175 How to Deal with Failure Successfully • 176 What You Can Do About an F • 177 30 Steps to Writing a Great Term Paper — NOT! • 178 You Know You’ve Been in College Too Long When . . . • 179
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4
Party Hearty
11 College Pranks, from Stupid to Spectacular • 182 How to Fit In Anywhere • 183 10 Reasons Studying Is Better Than Sex • 184 Go Greek! • 184 Don’t Go Greek! • 185 How to Size Up a Club • 187 How to Start a Club • 188 12 Ways to Make Sure Spring Break Is Fun • 188 Top 6 Spring Break Locations • 189 Spring Break Packing Checklist • 190 10 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself — Instantly! • 191 6 Ways to Tell a Friend to Cool It • 192 7 Reasons Not to Drink • 193 How to Drink Responsibly • 194 8 Statistics About Drinking on Campus That Speak for Themselves • 195 9 Hangover Cures, Just in Case You Blow It • 196 10 Nonalcoholic Cocktails • 196 11 Zero-Proof Games • 197 15 Drugs You Shouldn’t Take (and What Will Happen If You Do) • 200 College Fads Through the Ages • 201 Drug Use on College Campuses • 203 10 STDs and What You Should Do About Them • 203 13 Ways to Get Dates • 206 11 Tips for Speed-Dating • 206 6 Reasons Not to Date Your Professors • 207 18 Tips for Shy Students • 208 25 Cheap Dates • 209 Date Rape — and Beyond • 210 What You Should Know About Date Rape • 211 8 Examples of Sexual Harassment • 212 12 Misconceptions About Birth Control • 214 Sexetiquette • 216
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Practical Matters
How to Make All Four Years Count • 220 The ABCs of Success • 224 How to Break Bad News to the ’Rents • 226 The 10 Best National Discounts and Freebies for Students • 228 How to Identify Scholarship Scams • 229 8 Facts About the Federal Work-Study Program • 230 How to Avoid Scholarship Scams • 231 7 Things They Don’t Tell You About Loans and Scholarships • 231 6 Kinds of College Loans • 232 14 Interesting Scholarship Programs for Undergraduates That You May Not Know About • 233 4 Federal Tax Credits for Students • 235 10 Wacky Scholarships and Grants • 236 9 Characteristics of the High-Risk Student • 237 25 Money-Saving Tips for the Economically Challenged Student • 238 6 Ways to Get Cheap Textbooks • 239 1 Reason Not to Buy a Used Computer • 241 6 Ways to Get the ’Rents to Send More Money . . . • 241 . . . and 4 Ways for Them to Get It to You Fast • 241 6 Tips for Finding a Job on Campus • 242 5 Tips for Getting the Best Internships • 242 20 Off-the-Wall Ways to Make Money • 244 11 More Traditional Ways to Make Money • 245 How to Balance Schoolwork and Your Job • 245 10 Stain-Removing Hints • 247 6 Tips for Choosing a Bank • 248 9 Tips for Managing Your Checking Account • 248 Glossary of College Finance Terms • 249 10 Things You Should Know About Credit Cards • 251 3 Alternatives to Regular Credit Cards • 252 32 Dorm Safety Tips • 253 22 Personal Safety Tips • 254 What You Should Know About Reporting Campus Crimes • 255 contents
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7 ATM Safety Tips • 256 10 Signs of Depression • 257 7 Ways to Handle Depression • 257 5 Tips for Coping with Disaster • 258 19 National Hotlines You Might Need • 260 11 Laundry Tips • 263 Cars on Campus • 264 15 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs • 264 What to Do If You Get Arrested • 266
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Brave New World: Life After College
23 Things That Will Change the Second You Graduate • 268 10 Common Fears of College Grads • 269 10 Questions to Ask Before You Take a Risk • 270 10 Essential Tips for Networking • 270 The 9 Most Common Lies Job Applicants Tell • 271 18 Things You Can Do If You Just Graduated and Have No Idea Whatsoever About What You Want to Do with the Rest of Your Life • 272 14 Ways to Describe Yourself • 273 Graduation Etiquette • 274 11 Questions You Should Always Be Prepared to Answer • 275 11 Creative Things You Can Do With Your Diploma • 276 Great Graduation Gifts • 276 8 Ways to Make Sure Your Graduation Day Is Memorable • 277 37 Great Commencement Addresses • 279 Cap and Gown Trivia • 284 Arguments Against Grad School • 285 Arguments for Grad School • 285 10 Tips for Finding the Best Graduate Schools • 286 6 Reasons to Join a Professional Association • 288
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So You Want to Be a Philosopher • 288 6 Ways to Get the Alumni Association to Work for You • 289 How to Be a Good Alum • 290 7 Ways to Turn Your Favorite Pastime into a Career • 291 Possible Career Choices • 292 How to Get a Job as a Teaching Assistant • 296 How to Use the Internet to Find a Job • 296 The 10 Fastest-Growing Occupations, 2000–2010 • 298 17 Tips for Acing Any Job Interview • 299 How to Dress Like a College Graduate • 300 What They’re Looking For • 302 How to Ask For — and Get — Great References • 302 12 Questions to Ask a Potential Employer • 304 The 5 Biggest Mistakes Job Interviewees Make • 304 The 6 Biggest Mistakes People Make on Their Resumes • 305 7 Things to Ask for If They Won’t Meet Your Salary Requirements • 306 102 Words That Will Look Good on Your Resume • 307 12 Advantages of Moving Back Home • 308 What to Do If You Can’t Pay Back Your Student Loan • 308 9 Ways to Get Out of Repaying Your College Loan • 310 4 Reasons That Stafford Loans Are Forgiven • 310 You and the IRS • 310 7 Steps to Establishing Credit • 312 How to Scratch Your Entrepreneurial Itch • 313 The 8 Most Unpredicted Living Costs • 314 The 5 Biggest Surprises for Those Who Have Never Rented an Apartment Before • 314 10 Clauses to Avoid When Signing a Lease • 315 17 Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment • 316 3 Things to Do If You Experience Housing Discrimination • 317 How to Keep Learning Forever • 317
Index 319
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INTRODUCTION
W
e wrote this book with three important points in mind:
1. You’re busy. Yeah, like you have time to read another book. Fact is, you’re already loaded down with enough textbooks to break Arnold Schwarzenegger’s back. So here’s what we did: we culled the most important information from hundreds of Web sites, books, magazines, scientific studies, and the experts themselves to present you with the essentials. Do you really have time to read a guide to college that spends six pages urging you to get involved in extracurricular activities (duh?) or thirty pages suggesting that you adhere to the kinds of safety precautions with which most third graders are already familiar? College in a Can dispenses with the lectures and gives you the information you need in a concise, fun format. No need to read this book from beginning to end — jump in anywhere. You have your own priorities, and whatever they are, we’ve tried to address them all. We’re hoping that you’ll thumb through the pages to find your own beginning, middle, and end, and that you’ll find something useful everywhere you look. 2. You’re smart. You wouldn’t have gotten into college without the ability to figure out certain basics for yourself. You already know that impressing your teachers will help you toward your goals, whatever they are. But did you know that there are five basic “prof profiles” and that there are simple ways to get on the good side of even the most challenging types? Similarly, we assume you’ve already figured out that you need to study for exams. But did you know that certain foods can help keep you alert during tests? We offer these, along with the best study tips and shortcuts out there, in the hope that you’ll find the most efficient methods that work for you. Think of yourself as being in
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college not necessarily to learn everything you need to know, but to learn how to learn in a classroom that’s even more important than the one you’re in now: life. 3. You’re there to have fun, too. We’re positive that some of the most important lessons you absorb in college won’t be learned in the classroom, so we’ve included plenty of information to help you through the parties, the relationships, and the good times that make up the college experience. We’re hopeful you’ll get a great education in the years that you attend college, but what a shame it would be to miss out on the fun of what could be the most carefree years of your life. The college urban legends you’ll find here, along with our list of wacky grants and scholarships, best movies about college, and Dave Barry’s hilarious guide to choosing a major, are included to remind you that laughter and good humor can help get you through the most trying times.
T
hink of college as the most lavish buffet you will ever experience. Try it all. Once you find your favorites, don’t be shy about going back for more.
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Collegeville, U.S.A.
top 10 worst reasons for choosing a college Despite all the information available, many students select a college for all the wrong reasons. Here Joseph A. Fantozzi Sr., associate director of admissions at New York City’s Hunter College, states the absolute worst reasons for choosing a particular college. Surf the CollegeBound Network (www.CollegeBound.net) for more information. (Reprinted with permission from CollegeBound on-line magazine.) 1. “It’s the cheapest.” Don’t assume that you can’t afford an expensive college, even if your family doesn’t qualify for government aid. Most private colleges offer scholarships of their own, including many that are merit-based. Even if you are not a top student (although that certainly helps!), you may possess some other quality for which an alumnus or private donor has set up a special scholarship. Contact the financial aid office at the college for more information. 2. “It’s the most expensive.” On the other hand, don’t assume that the higher the tuition, the better the school. Public colleges are often able to provide a high quality education at a reasonable price, thanks to government support. 3. “They’ve offered me the most scholarship money.” Don’t compare apples with oranges. If college “A” is offering $5,000 in grants, and college “B” is only offering $1,000, college “A” must be the better deal, right? Not necessarily. Subtract the amount of grants from the total cost of education at each school in order to get the real cost of attending. And remember: Most scholarships have conditions attached (i.e., you must maintain full-time status and a certain grade point average in order to retain the award). 4. “I know I’ll get in.” While it’s important to apply to a “safety school,” one for which you are well qualified, don’t cross your dream college off the list without first doing your homework. Although most schools are vague when it comes to revealing admissions criteria, you can get a sense of your chances of acceptance by reviewing the profile of the previous year’s fresh-
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man class. Ask about mean SAT scores, the range of high school averages, the number of students with class ranking similar to yours, and the percentage of all applicants that were accepted. If you think you might be a “borderline” case, find out which secondary factors are considered (e.g., interviews, essays, letters of recommendation, extra curricular activities) and make sure you are competitive in these areas. 5. “They offer the hottest ‘Who-Wants-to-Be-a-Millionaire-by-Age-25’ major.” While it’s fine to set high goals for yourself (including financial goals), it’s important to be realistic. No college can guarantee financial success for each of its graduates. It’s going to depend largely on your ambition, hard work, and luck. Also, since many college students end up changing majors, it’s a good idea to enroll at a college that has a wide selection of programs. 6. “They’re ranked number one in the Moron’s Guide to Colleges and Universities.” There are a number of excellent guidebooks that offer information about colleges and universities, all of which should be considered important resources in your selection process. However, be careful about those rankings. Take a good look at the criteria on which the rankings are based; some of these factors may not be that important to you. Stick to the hard facts (student-faculty ratio, class size, percentage of courses taught by teaching assistants, etc.). 7. “The campus is pretty.” Although aesthetics are important (after all, you don’t want to spend the next four years in a dump), you need to look beyond the beautiful to the practical. What will it be like in February when you are crossing the quad with a stiff winter breeze blowing at the icicles forming on your nose? If it’s a very large campus, ask about transportation between buildings. 8. “My favorite celebrity went there.” Colleges love to turn to successful, well-known alumni when promoting their schools. This is fine, as long as the alum’s degree is fairly recent and had something to do with his accomplishments. If a highly successful Wall Street executive majored in business six years ago at Lotsabucks U, that might be an indication of the quality of that school’s business program. However, if a philosophy major
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from the College of Existentialism happens to become a famous actress twenty years after graduating, that doesn’t really tell you much about the college’s quality. 9. “It’s a great party school.” It’s important to pick a school that has an active campus life, whether you plan to live on campus or commute. A major part of your college experience, after all, will come from interacting with other students in clubs, organizations, and social situations. If there are too many distractions, however, you may have difficulty concentrating on studying, not to mention attending 8 a.m. classes. 10. “It’s where my boyfriend or girlfriend is going.” Get real! If the relationship ends, you may find yourself trying to figure out how you ended up at a college that doesn’t suit you in any way. If the relationship survives, the distraction might just affect your grades and/or stifle your social life. Either way, you’ll most likely find yourself wishing you’d given your college choice more serious thought.
12 things you probably wish you had known before you got to college 1. You’ll want to sleep through your first class no matter how late you scheduled it. 2. College kids also throw paper airplanes and spitballs. 3. Nobody cares how smart you were in high school or that you were the editor of the yearbook. 4. You can go out on a school night. 5. You can study really hard and still fail a test. 6. You can know nothing and sometimes get an A on a test. 7. You can get along with any roommate if you try hard enough. 8. Being homesick isn’t nearly as annoying as actually going home for a visit. 9. Some of the most valuable lessons you’ll learn won’t be in class. 10. You could be one of those people that your parents warned you about.
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11. You can feel lonely even when you are surrounded by friends. 12. Friendships come in many shapes and sizes.
7 things about ivy league schools that they don’t want you to know Attending an Ivy League college is prestigious and expensive. But some say it’s really not worth it. Here’s why. 1. The expense of an Ivy League education doesn’t always translate into higher career earnings. Bright students attending other universities can do just as well if not better than Ivy Leaguers. 2. Ivy enrollments are made up of as much as 40 percent legatees (the sons and daughters of former alumni), who generally have lower admission standards than other students. This has the effect of giving other students a lower acceptance rate. 3. The bragging rights of parents are far outweighed by the stress felt by their kids. 4. Grades are sometimes inflated at the Ivy League schools, who strive to maintain an image. It may be more difficult to get into Harvard than it would be to maintain a good GPA there. 5. It is often better to attend a university that has a great reputation for a particular field of study than an Ivy whose program is not as comprehensive. 6. Some of the professors, while considered tops in their fields and great thinkers, are actually not very effective as teachers. They sometimes spend more time involved in their own research and projects than focusing on their students. 7. Some students claim that going to an Ivy is all about making connections and not much else.
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he average Ph.D. thesis is nothing but a transference of bones from one graveyard to another.
collegeville, u.s.a.
— J. Frank Dobie (teacher and folklorist)
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17 bizarre college courses If your parents are footing the bill for your college education, they might think twice about paying for one of these courses. 1. “Philosophy and Star Trek” at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) examines such questions as “Is Data a real person?”, “Is time travel possible?”, and “Can a person survive death?” 2. “Seeing Queerly: Queer Theory, Film, and Video” at Brown University (Providence, R.I.) asks, “While cinema has typically circumscribed vision along (heterosexually) normative lines, can film also empower viewers to see ‘queerly’?” 3. “Cultural History of Rap” at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (Los Angeles, Calif.) offers a discussion on rap’s “musical and verbal qualities, philosophical and political ideologies, gender representation, and influences on cinema and popular culture.” 4. “Death, Suicide and Trauma” at UCLA examines the “definition and taxonomy of death; new permissiveness and taboos related to death; romanticization of death; role of individual in his own demise; modes of death; development of ideas of death through life . . . partial death, megadeath [not the band]; lethally psychological autopsy; death of institutions and cultures.” 5. “Language and Sexual Diversity” at the University of Minnesota deals with the usage of language in “lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities” and the “ways in which sexual diversity affects language use.” 6. “Women’s Studies 348,” offered at Maine’s Bowdoin College (Brunswick, Maine), asks the central question, “Is Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony a marvel of abstract architecture culminating in a gender-free paean to human solidarity, or does it model the process of rape?” 7. “Sex and Death” at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, Pa.) examines the question of “whether we need to liberate death now that (maybe) we have figured sex out.” Huh? 8. “The Bible and Horror” at Georgetown University seeks
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to answer the question: “What might religion and horror (or the monstrous) have in common?” 9. “Conspiracy Theories,” a class at the University of Maine, Machias, lets students track such odd occurrences as unusual deaths, rumored government intrigue, and extraterrestrial sightings. 10. “Ecofeminism” at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Fla.) addresses the notion that “Western tradition’s naturalization of women and feminization of nature, drawing the conclusion that the domination of women and the domination of nature are intimately connected and mutually reinforcing.” 11. “Race and Sport in African-American Life” at the University of Texas is concerned with “how sports have been used to justify and promote antiquated, eugenic and ultimately racist notions of blackness.”
SOME STUDENT STATS Student Monitor is a research firm that clocks the habits of college students for the purpose of selling this information to marketers, who in turn try to sell you everything under the sun. Their studies are conducted annually among 1,200 students in one hundred different schools. This list, and the five that follow, are taken from 2003 studies. • One-third of all college students come from just four states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Massachusetts. • There are approximately 9.2 million students currently enrolled in fouryear colleges. • The top two hundred schools represent 50 percent of the national student population. • Forty-three percent of all students live off campus. • Eighty-five percent of all students attend college in the same state as their residence. • In a typical month, students make fifteen long-distance phone calls. • Nearly half of all students visit the Internet more than once daily. • Fifty-five percent of college students with credit cards pay off their entire balance each month. • The average monthly credit card bill for college students is $725.
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12. “Bodies Politic: Queer Theory and Literature of the Body” at Cornell University (Ithaca, N.Y.) ponders such notions as “How do concepts of perversion and degeneration haunt the idea of the social body?” and “How are individual bodies stigmatized, encoded and read within the social sphere?” 13. “Daytime Serials: Family and Social Roles” is a course given at the University of Wisconsin (Madison, Wisc.) on soap operas. Will Sonny leave Carly? Will Jack and Brenda ever get back together? 14. “Ghost Hunting 101” is a continuing-education course offered at the University of Louisville. It includes field trips to seek out the causes of paranormal occurrences. 15. “Tough Women in Detective Fiction,” at Washington & Jefferson College (Washington, Pa.), is an English course that examines heroines from pulp fiction to TV police dramas. 16. “Handwriting Analysis for Personal and Career Growth” at Bellarmine University (Louisville, Ky.) will help students learn “how you think, behave, and come across to other people.” 17. “Prisons in Theory and Practice,” offered at San Diego State University (San Diego, Calif.), includes a five-day tour of eight prisons at which criminal justice majors are lectured by hardened inmates and have to observe dress and behavior rules.
5 weird college news items, 2003 1. In order to gain better working conditions and increased pay, female nude models at the Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia join a union. They maintain that posing in the nude is grueling work and that the lack of adequate heaters and private changing areas warranted this action. 2. After months of negotiating, the Kentucky Mountain Bible College had the 666 prefix in their phone number changed: “666” is the biblical mark of the beast, or the devil. 3. The manufacturers of Lifestyles condoms conducted the largest and most accurate measurement of penis size ever. Company representatives went to Cancun, Mexico, during Spring Break and got one thousand guys to drop their trousers, get
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aroused, and let a team of nurses measure them individually. The guys were supplied with appropriate magazines and other items to put them in the mood. Each penis was measured by two of the four nurses. 4. A Teamsters local in Oakland, California, protested Mills College’s use of goats to clear brush off its land. Since the union has a contract with Mills, a Teamsters official said the college should either replace the goats with union members or unionize the goats. 5. Every year the students at Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, hold an event called the Rat Olympics. But now the U.S. Olympic Committee has demanded that the name be changed because it infringes on its own name. The event — involving a long jump, tightrope walk, rope climb, weightlifting, and hurdles — will be renamed.
8 ways in which the bible would be different if college students had written it 1. The Last Supper would have been eaten the next morning — cold. 2. The Ten Commandments would actually be only five — double-spaced and written in a large font. 3. A new edition would be published every two years in order to limit reselling. 4. Forbidden fruit would have been eaten because it wasn’t cafeteria food. 5. Paul’s letter to the Romans would become Paul’s e-mail to
[email protected]. 6. Reason Cain killed Abel: They were roommates. 7. Reason Moses and his followers walked in the desert for forty years: They didn’t want to ask directions and look like freshmen. 8. Instead of God creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh, He would have put it off until the night before it was due and then pulled an all-nighter.
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8 PRESIDENTS WHO NEVER ATTENDED COLLEGE 1. 2. 3. 4.
George Washington Andrew Jackson Martin Van Buren Zachary Taylor
5. 6. 7. 8.
Millard Fillmore Abraham Lincoln Andrew Johnson Grover Cleveland
top 10 tv shows among college students According to Student Monitor: 1. American Idol 2. Friends 3. MTV 4. The Simpsons 5. Real World
6. The Osbournes 7. The Sopranos 8. Saturday Night Live 9. Cribs 10. Road Rules
top 10 magazines among college students According to Student Monitor: 1. Cosmopolitan 2. Maxim 3. Sports Illustrated 4. People 5. Time
6. Rolling Stone 7. Glamour 8. Newsweek 9. ESPN: The Magazine 10. Seventeen
top 5 newspapers among college students According to Student Monitor: 1. New York Times 2. USA Today 3. Wall Street Journal
4. Los Angeles Times 5. Washington Post
And 52 percent of the students polled don’t read any newspapers at all.
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the 13 most important issues currently facing the nation, according to college students According to Student Monitor: 1. War 2. Terrorism 3. The national economy 4. AIDS 5. Crime 6. Moral values 7. Drugs
8. Biological/chemical attack 9. The world economy 10. Abortion 11. Health care 12. The quality of education 13. Civil liberties
what college students really want Students polled (by Student Monitor) indicated these as their primary goals, listed here in order of the most popular response. 1. Satisfying career 2. Happy marriage 3. College education for their kids 4. A job that pays more than an average salary 5. Good friends 6. An interesting job 7. Control of their own schedules 8. Lots of money 9. A job that makes a contribution to society
the best student publications Since 1925, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) has awarded annual gold and silver prizes for collegiate publications in the categories of magazines, newspapers, and yearbooks. Publications are judged on writing/editing, design, content, concept, photography, and arts and graphics. The gold crown winners represent the top awards; silver crown winners take second place. Here are the results of the 2003 competition. collegeville, u.s.a.
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GOLD CROWN MAGAZINES The Briar Cliff Review, Briar Cliff University (Sioux City, Iowa)
GOLD CROWN NEWSPAPERS College Heights Herald, Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, Ky.) Daily News, Ball State University (Muncie, Ind.) Daily Northwestern, Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.) F Newsmagazine, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, Ill.) Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University (Bloomington, Ind.) Kansas State Collegian, Kansas State University (Manhattan, Kans.)
GOLD CROWN YEARBOOKS Corks and Curls, University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Va.) Royal Purple, Kansas State University (Manhattan, Kans.) Sooner, University of Oklahoma (Norman, Okla.)
SILVER CROWN MAGAZINES Convergence, Humber College-School of Media Studies (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) Dollars & Sense, Baruch College/CUNY (New York, N.Y.) Hair Trigger 24, Columbia College Chicago (Chicago, Ill.)
SILVER CROWN NEWSPAPERS Crimson White, University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) The Daily Texan, University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Tex.) El Don, Santa Ana College (Santa Ana, Calif.) Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa) Michigan Daily, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Murray State News, Murray State University (Murray, Ky.) Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, Tex.) State Press, Arizona State University (Tempe, Ariz.)
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SILVER CROWN YEARBOOKS The Bluestone, James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Va.) Bruinlife, University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Calif.) Ibis, University of Miami (Coral Gables, Fla.) Michiganensian, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Rotunda, Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Tex.)
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university is what a college becomes when the faculty loses interest in the students. — John Ciardi (American poet)
the top 12 college radio stations Steve Leeds is well known throughout the music biz as a record promoter, and we’re grateful to him for this list of his picks for the best college radio stations in the country. 1. WFUV is the listener-supported radio station of Fordham University. The station originates from the Bronx, N.Y., at 90.7FM. Given the geography of Manhattan, it is a challenged signal, and the station is working on getting a secondary signalrepeater in Manhattan proper. While it is an NPR affiliate, the station’s on-air staff are paid professionals. Among the DJs are five veterans from NYC’s WNEW-FM. The programming is an eclectic mixture with an emphasis on singer/songwriters and folk. 2. KCRW is the community station of Santa Monica Community College that serves the L.A. community, Orange County, Palm Springs, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. The award-winning station broadcasts at 89.9FM. It is member-supported, and is also an NPR affiliate. Its eclectic programming includes news, public affairs, and radio drama, but the station’s true forte is its music programming. Such high-profile shows as “Morning Becomes Eclectic” and “Chocolate City” are quite influential in the Hollywood media scene. Music Director Nic Harcourt, aside
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from hosting “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” has a national profile and is often called upon to host or moderate national events. 3. WXPN is the noncommercial public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania. It broadcasts throughout the greater Philadelphia area and southern New Jersey at 88.5FM, with a reach extending to Baltimore and Harrisburg. The station’s programming is an eclectic mix of music including jazz, folk, world beat, and alternative rock. WXPN is staffed by industry professionals but supplemented by interns and volunteers. WXPN’s signature show, “World Café,” is syndicated and hosted by David Dye. Programming executive Bruce Warren is nationally known and highly respected in the noncommercial radio universe. 4. WERS is the listener-supported radio station of Emerson College in Boston. Broadcasting at 88.9FM, it is one of the few stations in a major market that is 100 percent student run. This provides students under the direction of a professional staff a real opportunity to learn about broadcasting. The station programs a true mixture of all types of musical genres and provides a healthy schedule of live musical performances. 5. KUSF is the radio of the University of San Francisco, broadcasting at 90.3FM. The station is staffed by interns and volunteers and is truly a community effort, as a lot of the programming is underwritten by local merchants. Their programming schedule reflects the diversity and multicultural aspects of the Bay Area. KUSF has been given the rights to be the San Francisco affiliate of the New York Metropolitan Opera. While much of the typical broadcast day is devoted to new music, daily fare also includes astrology; Chinese, Jewish, Turkish, Polish, German, and Brazilian programming; and ragtime. 6. WRAS is the student-run radio station of Georgia State University. The station is staffed 100 percent by both undergrads and grads. Broadcasting at 88.5FM, it originates in Atlanta and provides a viable musical alternative for the local music scene. Other than broadcasting the school’s sports teams, the bulk of the daily programming is music, hence their handle “Album 88.” 7. WDET has unique origins. It started in 1949 as a community station owned by the United Auto Workers Union, primarily to serve its members. The union gave the station to Wayne
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2002 CBI NATIONAL STUDENT PRODUCTION AWARD WINNERS FOR TELEVISION Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. (CBI) addresses itself to students involved in radio, television, Webcasting, and other related media ventures. Their annual awards are presented for commitment to education and the pursuit of excellence through active involvement in electronic media. These were awarded in 2003.
Best Newscast: Colorado State University (Fort Collins, Colo.) Best News Reporting: Ithaca College (Ithaca, N.Y.) Best Feature Broadcast: Rowan University (Glassboro, N.J.) Best Technical Production: University of Miami (Miami, Fla.) Best Sportscast: University of La Verne (La Verne, Calif.) Best Sports Play-By-Play: University of La Verne (La Verne, Calif.) Best Music Video Production: Pepperdine University (Malibu, Calif.) Best Public Service Announcement: University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Tex.)
State University in 1952. WDET is Detroit’s NPR affiliate and broadcasts at 101.9FM. Although the station carries hourly news and some of NPR’s daily features, the bulk of its programming is locally programmed music. WDET is staffed by professionals, supplemented by community volunteers and interns. 8. WSOU is the college station for Seton Hall University based in South Orange, N.J., that broadcasts at 89.5FM. WSOU’s unique proximity to New York City has allowed the station to have a great musical impact on the rock scene. Until a few years ago, WSOU was the premier “metal” radio station. University officials forced some mainstream into WSOU’s format, and early support for acts like Sevendust, Megadeth, White Zombie, and even Pearl Jam helped develop regional consumer awareness. Currently WSOU’s programming also includes news and sports, as well as an eclectic modern rock mix. 9. KXEP broadcasts at 90.3FM as the listener-supported radio station of the University of Washington in Seattle. Programming is predominantly a mixture of musical genres with some public affairs weekend programs. Some of the on-air hosts are industry types, although KXEP has both high school and collegeville, u.s.a.
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college internships. From the music industry perspective, Seattle has always been and continues to be a hotbed for new talent as well as a significant retail market for the consumption of new cutting edge music. Hence the importance of KXEP to the industry. 10. WDBM is the student-run radio station for Michigan State University in East Lansing, broadcasting at 88.9FM. Known as “Impact 89,” the station is staffed by students but overseen by faculty staff member/founder Gary Reid. The programming is music-based with a wide spectrum of genres and, in the absence of any other local outlet for modern rock programming, WDBM has a significant audience. As a side note, radio consultant and Classic Rock founder Fred Jacobs got his master’s and taught radio at MSU. 11. WVFS is the volunteer-run radio station for Florida State University in Tallahassee. It broadcasts at 89.7FM and is known as V89. It is positioned as a training facility for both students and the community. Programming is predominantly a blend of musical genres with news and call-in programs. While the school may not be known for its telecommunications program, V89’s existence has created a niche for local commercial broadcasters to launch a modern rock broadcast outlet. 12. WTUL is the student-run radio station of Tulane University in New Orleans. Broadcasting at 91.5FM, the station is funded by the student body, with supplementary support from local businesses. There is a full-time adviser on staff. WTUL describes its 100 percent music-programming format as progressive, meaning it offers a true alternative to what is heard on commercial radio. The station also publishes a monthly local arts magazine, Vox.
15 college urban legends Mention the phrase “urban legend” to most people and they’ll think of alligators in the sewers or the criminally insane fugitive with a hook for an arm. College culture has spawned its own equivalents. Did any of these really happen? We’re not sure, but our neighbor’s cousin’s housekeeper swears these are true!
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2002 CBI NATIONAL STUDENT PRODUCTION AWARD WINNERS FOR RADIO Best Newscast: WNUR — Northwestern University (Chicago, Ill.) Best News Reporting: WUAL — University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) Best Feature Reporting: WNUR — Northwestern University (Chicago, Ill.) Best Documentary: WMUL — Marshall University (Huntington, W. Va.) Best Technical Production: KTSW — Southwest Texas State University (San Marcos, Tex.)
Best Sports Reporting: WNUR — Northwestern University (Chicago, Ill.) Best Sports Play-by-Play: WGLS — Rowan University (Glassboro, N.J.) Best DJ Aircheck: WCRX — Columbia College (Chicago, Ill.) Best Promo for Station or Student Media Outlet: KTSW — Southwest Texas State University (San Marcos, Tex.)
Best Public Service Announcement: KTUH — University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Best Advertisement: WZND — Illinois State University (Normal, Ill.) Best Advertising Production: KCSU — Colorado State University (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Best Student Media Web site: WZND — Illinois State University (Normal, Ill.)
1. “A Final Solution.” A student, while taking his finals, snaps under the pressure and thrusts two sharpened pencils up his nostrils and into his brain, killing himself instantly. 2. “Safety in Numbers.” A student having a difficult time finishing an important exam writes for a full five minutes after the professor has called “Pencils down.” The professor disqualifies the student when the exam is finally handed in. The student asks the professor: “Do you have any idea who I am?” The professor replies, “No, but I’ll certainly know who you are when I give you a failing grade.” The student knocks the finished exams out of the professor’s hands, mixes his in with the pile, and runs out of the room. He gets a B+. 3. “Halloween Massacre.” A psychic guest who predicted the World Trade Tower disaster on Oprah predicts that a serial
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killer dressed as Little Bo Peep will appear on a Big Ten campus in Michigan on Halloween. The killer will murder about twenty people in a dorm located near railroad tracks with a name beginning with an “H.” 4. “The Kidney Snatchers.” A drunken student wakes up completely naked in a bathtub filled with ice. He looks down at his chest, which has “CALL 911 OR YOU WILL DIE” written on it in lipstick. He calls immediately. The EMS operator tells him to check his back. He does, only to find a nine-inch slit on his lower back and that one of his kidneys — worth $10,000 on the black market — has been stolen. 5. “Nightmare Picnic.” A premed student and his girlfriend go on a picnic. They are making love in a clearing underneath a tree when a thunderstorm erupts. Lightning strikes them and fuses their bodies together. The guy survives but his girlfriend doesn’t. As they lie there, welded together, a bear smelling food on the girl’s face begins eating the girl’s body while her date is powerless to do anything. 6. “The Fatal Tan.” A young coed is so intent on looking good at the prom that she ignores the safety warnings that she is to tan for only thirty minutes a day. After her first session she decides she needs a deeper tan, so she goes to another salon where she tans for an additional half hour. She then goes to a third salon for another session and then a fourth. The following day she is found dead, her internal organs fried by the tanning beds. 7. “The Tragic A.” It is believed that a standard college regulation specifies that a student whose roommate commits suicide automatically receive a 4.0 grade point average for the current school term. The type of death required to qualify a student for a 4.0 average varies. At different schools it is said that a roommate’s murder, accidental death, violent death, slow drawn-out death (such as cancer), or death from any cause is covered by the regulation. Murdering your own roommate disqualifies you, however. Another version specifies that a dead roommate entitles one to free tuition that year. (This legend was the basis of two films made in 1998, Dead Man on Campus and Dead Man’s Curve.)
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8. “Pavlov’s Professor.” A psychology class learning about conditioning decides that they want to try it out on their professor. They’ll train him only to write on the right half of the blackboard. When he’s writing on the left side, they are noisy and don’t pay attention. When he writes on the right side, they listen attentively. They finally have him so well trained he uses only a tiny corner of the board when he writes. Another variation of this legend eventually has the professor standing on one leg while lecturing. 9. “The Make-up Exam.” Two students go skiing for the weekend. They decide to blow off the math exam that they have scheduled for Monday morning so that they can get some final runs in before they head back to school. They tell their professor that they had a flat tire and couldn’t get back in time for the exam. The professor agrees to give them a make-up exam the following day. He puts them in separate classrooms. The first part of the exam, worth 10 percent of the grade, is quite easy, and both students breeze right through it. The second portion, worth 90 percent, has only one question: “Which tire?” 10. “Sinking Libraries.” College and university libraries across the country are rumored to be sinking because the architect forgot to figure the weight of all the books into the design. 11. “Blinded by the Light.” A group of college students drops acid at the beach and stares at the sun until they all go totally blind. 12. “Madonna’s Revenge.” Statues on a college campus come to life when a virgin coed walks by. 13. “Good Will Hunting.” A student arrives late for math class and finds two problems written on the blackboard. Believing the problems to be homework, he copies them in his notebook. A few days later he hands the solutions in to his professor. The professor turns up at the student’s door a few weeks later with the student’s solutions written up for publication. Turns out that the two problems were not a homework assignment after all — they were problems previously thought to be unsolvable, and which the instructor had used as examples in his lecture that day. 14. “Follow Directions!” A professor hands out a test con-
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sisting of a long worksheet with a list of forty instructions. The first item on the list reads “Read everything on this page before commencing.” Succeeding instructions include things like “draw a triangle,”“write your name backwards,”“clap your hands when you reach #12,”“when you reach #20 stand up and say ‘I’ve reached line 15.’” As the legend goes, various students reach these points and make the proper announcements. But only those students who truly followed the directions and read all instructions first save themselves trouble: the fortieth instruction reads, “Do only commands 1 and 40.” 15. “Essay Question.” A final exam consists of only one question: “What is the difference between ignorance and apathy?” An unprepared student hands in his paper with only the following: “I don’t know and I don’t care.” He gets an A+.
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cademe, n.: An ancient school where morality and philosophy were taught. Academy, n.: A modern school where football is taught. — Ambrose Bierce (American author and satirist)
10 haunted colleges Does your college have things that go bump in the night? The colleges listed below are all reputed to be haunted. 1. The Academy Building at Bradford College (Bradford, Mass.) has had many ghost sightings. Legend has it that when the college had been a girls’ school, a student (Amy) became pregnant by a priest, who tried to prevent the girl from revealing this and killed her. It is her ghost that haunts the college. 2. Jefferson Hall at Camden County College (Camden, N.J.) used to be a monastery before it became a learning institution. A monk who lived there supposedly hanged himself on the third floor of the building. Students of the college have reported hearing footsteps in the halls, and college security guards are said to avoid patrolling this floor of the building. 3. In 1898, Tillie Smith, a kitchen worker at the Centenary Collegiate Institute (Hackettstown, N.J.) was murdered. Reportedly, her ghost has been seen roaming the school grounds ever
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since. The school’s theater company even conducts tours tracing the steps that Millie took on the night she was killed. 4. Many of the students, alumni, and faculty have reported inexplicable occurrences at Centre College (Danville, Ky.). Spirits have been observed walking the halls and opening and closing doors. Breck Hall has been the scene of numerous sightings; students there report having been awakened by intruders that turned lights on and off, opened windows, and turned radios on, although the rooms were locked. 5. Custodians at Columbus State (Cleveland, Ohio) have actually quit their jobs because of mysterious disturbances that some attribute to the fact that the school was built on a site once occupied by a Catholic church. It is reported that the spirits of those who were buried there become annoyed and agitated every time a new structure is placed above them. Some security personnel even refuse to patrol certain floors alone. 6. A light in a room on the upper floor of Drew University (Madison, N.J.) has often appeared to be mysteriously turned on despite the fact that no one can enter the locked room. When security guards investigate, they find no one there, yet chairs and tables in the room are also often rearranged. 7. Lewis and Clark College (Godfrey, Ill.) is said to be haunted by the spirit of Harriet Newell Haskell. She had been with the school for over forty years, was vital to the school’s administration, and was trusted and revered by all the students. It is believed that she never left the school, even after her death. Her footsteps are reportedly heard in the corridors. 8. New Jersey City University (Jersey City, N.J.) is said to be haunted by the ghost of Margret Williams, most likely a former professor at the college. Sightings of her spirit have been reported in a tower just above the Margret Williams Theater. The classroom closest to the theater is also reputed to always be extremely cold, despite the fact that several new heating systems have been installed to heat the room. 9. A number of ghost stories have been associated with Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio). Pomerene Hall is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of Dr. Clark, a professor who committed suicide there in the early part of the twentieth century. His wife, who swore she would never leave him, haunts collegeville, u.s.a.
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Mirror Lake, which is nearby. Bricker Hall is said to be haunted by the spirit of Herbert Atkinson, a member of the Board of Trustees, who died in the 1950s. His ashes were placed in the wall of the building, and he has been seen drinking punch in the lobby. Similarly, Orton Hall, the oldest building on campus, is said to be haunted by Edward Orton. 10. Several spirits have been seen at Hobart Manor at William Paterson University (Wayne, N.J.). A servant who once lived there has been seen, as has Jennie Hobart, the wife of the former owner of the building. Footsteps, as well as the sounds of a crying baby, have been heard. A man wearing a cape and top hat has also been spotted.
the 25 best college nicknames There are fifty-seven colleges nicknamed the Eagles, forty-four named the Tigers, and forty named the Bulldogs. Here are our picks for nicknames that are a bit more obscure and certainly more original. 1. Anteaters — University of California, Irvine (Irvine, Calif.) 2. Banana Slugs — University of California, Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, Calif.) 3. Battlin’ Beavers — Blackburn College (Carlinville, Ill.) 4. Black Flies — College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor, Maine) 5. Blue Hose — Presbyterian College (Clinton, S.C.) 6. Claim Jumpers — Columbia College (Los Angeles, Calif.) 7. Dirtbags — California State University, Long Beach; men’s baseball only (Long Beach, Calif.) 8. Ephs — Williams College (Williamstown, Mass.) 9. Flying Queens — Wayland Baptist University; women’s basketball team (Plainview, Tex.) 10. Geoducks — Evergreen State College (Olympia, Wash.) 11. Gila Monsters — Eastern Arizona College (Thatcher, Ariz.) 12. Hardrockers — South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (Rapid City, S.D.)
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13. Horned Frogs — Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Tex.) 14. Ichabods — Washburn University (Topeka, Kans.) 15. Keelhaulers — California Maritime Academy (Vallejo, Calif.) 16. Medics — Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, Pa.) 17. Moundbuilders — Southwestern College (Winfield, Kans.) and Southwestern College of Christian Ministries (Bethany, Okla.) 18. The Rock — Slippery Rock University (Slippery Rock, Pa.) 19. Stormy Petrels — Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, Ga.) 20. Student Princes — Heidelberg College (Tiffin, Ohio) 21. Trolls — Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, Ill.) 22. Vixens — Sweet Briar College (Sweet Briar, Va.) 23. Wahoos — University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Va.) 24. Wonder Boys — Arkansas Tech University (Russelville, Ark.) 25. Zips — University of Akron (Akron, Ohio)
the 10 oldest colleges in america Al-Azhar University, founded in Cairo in 972 a.d., is the world’s oldest university. It was first established as a mosque but was also a center for both religious and secular studies. The following are the oldest universities in the United States: 1. Harvard University (Cambridge, Mass.) was established in 1636 by a vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. 2. College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, Va.) was chartered by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1693. 3. St. John’s College (Santa Fe, N.M.) was founded in 1696. George Washington’s step-grandson and two nephews attended. 4. Yale University (New Haven, Conn.) was established in 1701 after ten Connecticut congregational clergymen specifically donated books with the intention of founding a college in their colony. collegeville, u.s.a.
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5. In 1749 in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin presented his vision of a school in a pamphlet titled Proposals for the Education of Youth in Pensilvania (sic). This led to the formation of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the nation’s first modern liberal arts college, in 1751. 6. Moravian College (Bethlehem, Pa.) was founded by the Moravian Church in 1742. It was originally established as separate schools for men and women, and the two institutions merged in 1954. 7. University of Delaware (Newark, Del.) was founded in 1743 but was prevented from becoming chartered as a college by the American Revolution: the state legislature finally came to its rescue in 1833. 8. Princeton University (Princeton, N.J.) was chartered in 1746, and was known as the College of New Jersey until 1896. It became fully coeducational in 1969. 9. Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Ky.) was established in 1749 and was originally known as the Augusta Academy. 10. Columbia University (New York, N.Y.) was founded in 1754 as King’s College by royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York.
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f course there’s a lot of knowledge in universities: the freshmen bring a little in; the seniors don’t take much away, so knowledge sort of accumulates. — Abbott Lawrence Lowell (American educator, president of Harvard University, 1909–1933)
6 fraternities and sororities for gay students On university campuses, gay and lesbian students are joining together to combat homophobia and institutional discrimination. Gay students are more visible now than they ever have been, with gay and lesbian groups and gay fraternities — and sororities — more numerous than ever. But challenges remain, including
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opposition from some religious and conservative groups on campus. Still, the odds are that there’s a gay fraternal organization at your college or university. For more information, contact the two national gay fraternities, Alpha Lambda Tau and Delta Lambda Phi, which are among the organizations listed below. 1. Alpha Lambda Tau International Social Fraternity, Inc: This fraternity provides social, educational, financial, career, and character-building opportunities for gay, bisexual, transgender, and alternative-lifestyle-friendly male college students through motivational, creative, and meaningful recreational, scholastic, and community service programs. Alpha Lambda Tau is the smaller of the two national gay fraternities. You can contact them via e-mail at:
[email protected]. 2. Delta Lambda Phi: This national fraternity allows gay, bisexual, and progressive men to experience brotherhood in a safe, supportive environment. It is one of the fastest growing fraternities in the country with eighteen chapters, approximately three hundred members and nine colonies — or groups — in the process of becoming chapters. To find out if there is a chapter at your university, contact Delta Lambda Phi via e-mail at:
[email protected]. 3. Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Inc: This, the first gay fraternity for men of color, was founded in 1985 on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla. The organization can be contacted via e-mail at www.dpu.org. 4. Gamma Lambda Mu: The brothers of GLM pride themselves on their sense of community and service. To be sure that other students on campus take them more seriously, they have included a law saying that they can’t date one another. Currently, this fraternity is thriving at Florida International University (Miami, Fla.). 5. Beta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc: This “National Feminine Minority Lesbian Sorority” caters to feminine lesbian women. However, they do not discriminate against any race or against women who are bisexual or heterosexual. The first chapter of Beta Phi Omega was established in 2002 in Tallahassee, Fla. 6. Omicron Epsilon Pi Sorority, Inc: This is the country’s
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first Greek letter organization to cater specifically to the needs of lesbian women with an emphasis on lesbians of color. Omicron Epsilon Pi prides itself on the services it makes available to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, as well as its mission to improve the lives of women everywhere.
the 10 most difficult colleges to get into According to USNews.com, the following colleges and universities have the lowest acceptance rates, making them the nation’s most competitive in terms of admissions. 1. Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, Pa.): Considered one of the finest music conservatories in the world, the Curtis Institute of Music trains exceptionally gifted young musicians for performing careers on the highest professional level. It provides merit-based full-tuition scholarships to all its students, attracting the most talented young musicians from around the world. Only 7 percent of all applicants gain entrance. 2. United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, Conn.): The academy is tuition-free, and there are no congressional appointments. You’ll be evaluated on your academic standing and your personal merit, skills, talent, and achievements. All your accomplishments count. Only 7 percent of applicants get in. 3. The Juilliard School (New York, N.Y.): All applicants for admission to the Juilliard School must perform in person for members of the faculty according to the requirements in their respective departments. Only 9 percent of applicants for the dance, drama, and music programs gain admittance. Students may be scheduled for a personal interview by members of the faculty and/or administrative staff during the audition period. 4. Harvard University (Cambridge, Mass.): Most students admitted rank in the top 10 to 15 percent of their graduating classes. The majority of students admitted represent a range of scores from roughly 600 to 800 on each section of the SAT I as well as on the SAT II Subject Tests. Experience with extracurricular activities and good teacher recommendations are highly
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THE 4 YOUNGEST COLLEGE STUDENTS 1. When Michael Kearney entered Santa Rosa Junior College, he was six years, seven months old. He earned the distinction of becoming the youngest college graduate ever, obtaining his B.A. in anthropology at the University of South Alabama at the age of ten years, four months. 2. Greg Smith was solving math problems at the age of fourteen months, graduated with honors from high school at the age of nine, and graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Richmond, Virginia, at age thirteen. He has met with several world leaders, such as Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, and has appeared on numerous television programs. 3. At age twelve, in 2001, Nicole Tan became the youngest student to ever attend the University of California, Davis. She had fourteen units of physiology, chemistry, and Chinese before she entered college. Her younger brother Andrew graduated the same school at fifteen, and was the youngest student there before Nicole. 4. Jessica Meeker enrolled in college at the age of twelve. She has earned an associate’s degree and is now working toward a bachelor’s degree from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts.
suggested. In 2002, 19,609 students applied but only 11 percent got in. 5. Princeton University (Princeton, N.J.): Of the 14,521 students who applied in 2002, only 12 percent were admitted. Of those applicants offered admission to the most recent freshman class that just entered, 25 percent scored below 680 on the SAT I Verbal, 50 percent scored between 680 and 770, and 25 percent scored 770 or higher. On the Math SAT I, 25 percent scored below 700, 50 percent between 700 and 790, and 25 percent scored 790 or higher. 6. Columbia University (New York, N.Y.): Only 12 percent of applicants are admitted each year. The middle 50 percent range of SAT I scores is 1,370–1,510; 88 percent of accepted students were in the top 10 percent of their class; and 96 percent of accepted students were in the top 20 percent of their class.
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7. Stanford University (Stanford, Calif.): Only 13 percent of the 18,600 applicants are accepted each year. SAT scores for both verbal and math exams should be in the 700–800 range each. Of the freshman class, 87.5 percent were in the top 10 percent of their class. 8. United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, Md.): Applicants must obtain a nomination from an official source — a U.S. House Representative, a senator, or vice president of the United States. Only 13 percent of applicants are admitted. 9. Cooper Union (New York, N.Y.): Because tuition is free, Cooper Union is one of the most difficult colleges to get into. Only two hundred freshmen, or 13 percent of all applicants, are admitted each year. The middle 50 percent of the Art freshmen have a high school average between 88 and 96 and SATs between 1,060 and 1,240. The middle 50 percent of the Architectural freshmen score a high school average between 91 and 97 and SATs between 1,350 and 1,440. The middle 50 percent of the Engineering freshmen score a high school average between 93 and 99 and SATs between 1,320 and 1,460. 10. Yale University (New Haven, Conn.): In 2002, of the 12,900 applicants, only 16 percent were admitted. The SAT requirements for admission are a score of 690–780 on the verbal portion and a math score of 690–770. Class rank is also an important criterion for admission. Of the freshman class, 95 percent were in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.
the 5 most notorious college football rivalries While most college football games are taken fairly seriously, a full-fledged rivalry will rattle fans to their core. The following have been rattling fans for decades. 1. Alabama vs. Auburn — This match-up is considered to be one of the greatest rivalries in college football. When this game takes place the state comes to a standstill. The trophy is far less significant than ownership of the state’s bragging rights.
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2. Ohio State vs. Michigan — Called “The Big Game,” this yearly feud began when Michigan beat Ohio State 22–0 the day the new Ohio Stadium opened. Over the years people like Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler have helped maintain the mystique of this rivalry. 3. Oklahoma vs. Texas — The winning team of this game, also known as “the Red River Shootout” wins the Golden Hat. But the real prize is the supposed ownership of the Red River for one year until the next game. Played on a field that is equidistant from both schools, it’s also one of the longest-played rivalries on a neutral field. 4. Army vs. Navy — This rivalry, which dates back to 1890, got so heated that in 1894 President Grover Cleveland held a special cabinet meeting to discuss the feud, which resulted in a suspension that lasted five years, when President McKinley had the games reinstated. 5. Texas vs. Texas A&M — Preceded each year by an enormous bonfire, which tragically led to the death of 12 in 1999, this rivalry is the subject of many off-season debates. To say that this game is taken seriously by the players, fans, and alumni is a gross understatement. This game was named the fiercest college football rivalry in a USA Today on-line poll.
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man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad. — Theodore Roosevelt
the 8 most common college mascots Here are the most common college mascot names and the number of schools that have chosen them: 1. Eagles — 57 2. Tigers — 44 3. Bulldogs — 40 4. Cougars — 30 collegeville, u.s.a.
5. Panthers — 30 6. Lions — 31 7. Wildcats — 31 8. Bears — 23
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is your college gay-friendly? It’s one thing for a college to spout rhetoric about freedom of sexual orientation, nondiscrimination, and tolerance for all lifestyles. The truly gay-friendly colleges do more — they have established programs to further the education and advancement of their gay student body. If the following resources are not available at your school, you may want to help establish them — no matter what your sexual preferences. 1. Is “sexual orientation” included in the college’s nondiscrimination statement? If not, why? Was the idea never presented, or was it considered and defeated? 2. Does the school have a gay student association? Is it active? Does it receive the same funding and support as other similar clubs? 3. Is there an office within the administration that provides counseling, resources, and support for gay students? 4. Is there a gay studies program or classes on gay history, literature, and sexuality? 5. Is there a gay alumni group or a group of gay faculty members? Are they active in public affairs? 6. How does the administration deal with crimes against gay students? Is there a special process for reporting such discrimination or abuse? 7. Does the school sponsor speaking programs on gay issues? Is National Coming Out Day acknowledged? 8. Does the library offer a wide selection of books and resources on gay issues? 9. Are gay issues discussed in the college paper? 10. What sorts of bumper stickers and graffiti does one find on campus? What t-shirt slogans can be seen on a stroll around the campus? This may be a roundabout way to tell whether the student body is gay-friendly, but people do tend to display their political beliefs, so keeping an eye open for signs — literally — may tell you a lot.
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33 successful people who never graduated from college 1. Bill Gates — Microsoft founder 2. Paul Allen — Microsoft founder 3. Michael Dell — Dell Computer founder 4. Larry Ellison — Oracle founder 5. Theodore Waitt — Gateway Computers founder 6. David Geffen — Music industry mogul 7. Jay Van Andel — Amway founder 8. Norm Waitt — Gateway Computers founder 9. Richard M. DeVos — Amway founder 10. Steve Jobs — Apple Computer founder 11. Thomas Monaghan — Domino’s Pizza founder 12. Ernest Gallo — E. & J. Gallo Winery founder 13. Bob Pittman — MTV founder 14. Peter Jennings — News anchor 15. Walter Cronkite — Journalist/news anchor 16. Harry S. Truman — U.S. President 17. Debra Fields — Mrs. Fields Cookies founder 18. Stephen Spielberg — Movie director 19. John Glenn — Astronaut/senator 20. Ralph Lauren — Clothing designer 21. Rosie O’Donnell — Actress/talk-show host 22. Wolfgang Puck — Restaurateur/chef 23. Ted Turner — Turner Networks founder 24. Dan Aykroyd — Actor 25. William Faulkner — Author 26. Edward Albee — Playwright 27. Woody Allen — Actor/film producer 28. Ellen DeGeneres — Comedienne 29. F. Scott Fitzgerald — Author 30. Tom Hanks — Actor 31. Rush Limbaugh — Talk-show host 32. Steve Martin — Actor 33. Yoko Ono — Musician
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14 celebrities and their college majors 1. Oprah Winfrey was a speech and drama major at Tennessee State University in Nashville. She received a full scholarship. After graduation she went on to become the first black woman to anchor a news program in Nashville. 2. Mira Sorvino graduated from Harvard with a degree in Asian studies. The Academy Award–winning actress is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. 3. Kiss’s front man, the ever-audacious Gene Simmons, was an education major at Richmond College in New York. He taught school for a short time after graduation in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood of New York City. 4. Renowned film director Steven Spielberg did not receive his college degree until 2002. The film and electronic arts major completed his degree requirements through independent study. He finally earned his degree at California State University by completing a series of term papers. In light of Spielberg’s success as a director, the university waived the twelve-minute film requirement necessary for graduation. 5. Bruce Lee, martial artist supreme, was a philosophy major at the University of Washington in Seattle. He dropped out after three years and became a kung fu instructor. 6. Academy Award–winning actress Jodie Foster graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in literature from Yale University. 7. Monty Python founder John Cleese is a graduate of Cambridge University in England, where he studied law. Other Python alumni have similarly prestigious academic backgrounds: Graham Chapman (medicine) at Cambridge, Eric Idle (literature) at Cambridge, Michael Palin (history) at Oxford University, and Terry Jones (medieval literature) at Oxford. The only American in the comedy troop, Terry Gilliam, studied political science at Occidental College in California.
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professor is one who talks in someone else’s sleep. — W. H. Auden (American poet)
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10 FAMOUS RESIDENT ASSISTANTS While the following have achieved notoriety and financial success, their positions as RAs were anything but glamorous. It’s nice to know that there was a time when they weren’t above dealing with noise complaints, roommate conflicts, and the other mundane realities of dorm life.
1. Paul Reiser, actor — Binghamton University 2. Katie Couric, Today Show host — University of Virginia 3. Donna Shalala, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services — 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Syracuse University Hillary Clinton, senator — Wellesley College Wesley Snipes, actor — State University of New York, Purchase Sheryl Crow, musician — University of Missouri at Columbia Tucker Quayle (Dan Quayle’s son) — Lehigh University Mike Ditka, legendary football coach — University of Pittsburgh Chyna, WWF wrestler — University of Tampa John Nabor, Olympic swimmer and commentator — University of Southern California
8. Actor Peter Falk studied at Hamilton College, received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the New School for Social Research, and then went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University. He worked as a management analyst for the Budget Bureau of the State of Connecticut before becoming an actor. 9. Mick Jagger was a business student at the rigorous London School of Economics when he, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones formed the Rolling Stones. He continued his studies even after the band started performing professionally, but his business-school training must have helped him recognize a promising opportunity: He sold his soul to rock and roll soon after. 10. Golfing powerhouse Tiger Woods studied economics at Stanford University. Given his tournament winnings and product endorsement contracts, we’re guessing he focused in macroeconomics. collegeville, u.s.a.
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I
f you have a college degree you can be absolutely sure of one thing . . . you have a college degree. — Author unknown
11. Steve Martin majored in philosophy at Long Beach College (now California State University, Long Beach) and at UCLA. He briefly considered becoming a philosophy professor before turning to comedy. 12. David Letterman majored in telecommunications while at Ball State University in his home state of Indiana. It’s unclear whether or not Stupid Human Tricks formed a part of Letterman’s senior thesis. 13. Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, majored in psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he presumably learned a thing or two about the average American male psyche. Even with two additional minor courses of study in writing and art, Hefner doubled his course load and graduated in just two and a half years. 14. Actor, businessperson, and philanthropist Paul Newman received a bachelor’s degree in English from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. After graduating, Newman studied acting at the Yale School of Drama and the Actors Studio.
24 great movies about college life 1. Breaking Away (1979): A group of recent high school graduates from a working-class neighborhood enter a collegiate bike race in an attempt to beat the school team. The tensions between the locals and the college students highlight themes of class, how one decides to go to college, and the role of a college education. 2. Good Will Hunting (1997): A troubled, boozing, and brawling young man (played by Matt Damon) from workingclass South Boston is a math genius. An MIT professor (Stellan Skarsgard), a therapist (Robin Williams), and a female student at Harvard (Minnie Driver) all help nurture his intellectual gift. This film shows the divisions between town and gown, while at the same time providing insight into the difficulty of finding one’s true self.
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3. Back to School (1986): Rodney Dangerfield plays Thornton Mellon, a clothing tycoon who never attended college. His son (Keith Gordon) challenges him to go back to school to see how hard university life actually is. In short order, Thurman has a blast, gets closer to his son, and executes a nutty rendition of “Twist and Shout.” 4. The Freshman (1990): Clark Kellog (Matthew Broderick) is a naïve guy from Vermont who gets mugged on his first day of college in New York City. He needs money — fast — so he gets mixed up with the mob and an endangered species of lizard (a Komodo dragon). Compared to the mafia, college is a breeze. 5. Loser (2000): Jason Biggs plays Paul Tannek, a smalltown boy who wins a scholarship to a fancy New York City college. Paul’s roommates ridicule him and the only person he can talk to is Dora (Mena Suvari), a cocktail waitress/student who’s having an affair with a pretentious literature professor. If you ever feel like college is just too overwhelming and generally not worth it, Loser might be worth a look. 6. With Honors (1994): A Harvard senior’s computer crashes, taking his thesis files with it. Then he loses the hard copy of his thesis. A homeless man (Joe Pesci) finds the thesis and agrees to return one page a day in exchange for food and shelter. The student learns about love, generosity, and the meaning of living a good life. 7. Dead Man on Campus (1998): The only way two students can pass their classes is by having a roommate who will commit suicide. They seek out the most depressed student on campus and convince him to transfer into their dorm room. While satirizing academic narrow-mindedness and parental pressure, this film also looks at how obsessive students often are. 8. Love Story (1970): A wealthy, preppy Harvard Law student (Ryan O’Neal) meets a poor Radcliffe student (Ali MacGraw). Overcoming all odds, including his overbearing father and both of their backgrounds, they fall in love, only to face the challenge of a fatal illness. If the term “tear-jerker” wasn’t invented to describe this film, it should have been. 9. Higher Learning (1995): This film explores the conflicting desires that college students have between wanting to broaden their horizons and meet new people and wanting to collegeville, u.s.a.
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stick to the safety of what — and who — they know best. It also covers the very uncomfortable territory of racial tensions and racial hatred on campus. 10. School Daze (1988): This early Spike Lee musical, starring Laurence Fishburn, explores the lines that unify and divide the student body at Mission University, an historically all-black college. 11. Soul Man (1986): After Mark Watson’s (C. Thomas Howell) father spends his college tuition buying a condominium in Barbados, upper-middle-class white student Mark must find another way to pay for college tuition. He discovers the perfect scholarship — but there’s one problem: It’s for African American students. Mark downs some tanning pills, dons an Afro, and is on his way. As an “African American” law student, Mark experiences discrimination and racism for the first time, and his adventures make up the best parts of this film. 12. Real Genius (1985): This film portrays a group of college science students (including Val Kilmer) at a fancy college who unknowingly work on a weapons system that their evil professor (William Atherton) plans on selling to the government. These brainy classmates exemplify the virtues of cooperation, teamwork, and intelligence without ever behaving like nerds. In this film, it’s cool to be smart. 13. Wonder Boys (2000): A professor and has-been novelist at a Pittsburgh college (Michael Douglas) is left by his wife, enticed by a sexy student, annoyed by an eager acolyte (Toby Maguire), and told by his mistress (Frances McDormand) that she’s pregnant. When his literary agent (Robert Downey Jr.) arrives in town with a transvestite in tow, all hell breaks loose. While your college may not be nearly so kooky, the high jinx in Wonder Boys will have you looking twice at your seemingly genteel professors. 14. The Sure Thing (1985): Happy-go-lucky Gil (John Cusack) takes a cross-country trip with bookish Alison (Daphne Zuniga) — he to meet a girl who will sleep with him, she to see her older boyfriend. Instead, they find friendship and love. This wonderful road movie satirizes the lengths college students go to
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in order to hook up with their ideal woman or man. At the same time, however, it has tons of heart and integrity. 15. Chariots of Fire (1981): Two unlikely athletes — one a Protestant divinity student, the other a Jewish Cambridge student — run for England at the 1924 Paris Olympics. While depicting the highs — and lows — of world-class, competitive athletics, this film also portrays the difficulties of overcoming such institutional hurdles as anti-Semitism and class prejudice. 16. Drumline (2002): This spirited movie about a university marching band features Devon (Nick Cannon), a cocky kid from Brooklyn who wins a snare-drumming scholarship to college. During the school year, Devon gets a girlfriend, clashes with his stodgy band director and discovers that though he can’t read music, he’s a natural musician. Devon quickly rises through the marching band’s ranks, learning the virtues of teamwork along the way. 17. Animal House (1978): Every school needs an organization like the fictional Faber College’s Delta House, where the members make little effort to hide why they’re at college and in a fraternity — to get smashed and meet girls — even if it means being on “double-secret probation,” leaving dead horses in the dean’s office, maintaining a 0.00 grade point average, and staging a hostile takeover of the town’s big parade with a float that says “Eat me.” 18. Revenge of the Nerds (1984): This movie celebrates the triumphs of a gang of slide-rule-equipped geeks as they seek revenge on a rival fraternity full of preppies and jocks. 19. American Pie II (2001): Hoping to lure babes to the beach, a group of guys rents a beach house the summer after their freshman year of college. After watching this film, you’ll start to wish that these were your friends — and that this was your beach house. 20. Gross Anatomy (1989): Joe Slovak (Matthew Modine), a brilliant first-year med student and nonconformist, is tested by the toughest class — and professor — in medical school. Joe also falls for his lab partner (Daphne Zuniga), whose plans do not include romance. 21. The Paper Chase (1973): The first year of Harvard Law
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School seen through the eyes of a student who develops heroworship for the most difficult law professor on campus, Professor Kingsfield (John Houseman). The law student must decide whether he has what it takes to succeed, and what his definition of success is. 22. Legally Blonde (2001): Californian, Homecoming Queen, and Fashion Merchandising major, Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) aces the LSAT and gets into Harvard Law School in an attempt to win her boyfriend back from an East Coast smarty (Selma Blair). This post-feminist tale makes nods to “The Paper Chase” and shows Elle winning over her classmates and learning that she is capable of much more than she imagined. 23. The Graduate (1967): Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) is just out of college and uncertain about what to do next. He is aimless in the present and confused about his future. He has an affair with an older woman (Anne Bancroft), falls in love with her daughter and learns about the power of plastics. 24. The Big Chill (1983): The ultimate college reunion movie, a group of friends (including Kevin Kline, Jeff Goldblum, and Glenn Close) gather for a funeral ten years after they graduated from the University of Michigan. They dance to music (ostensibly) from their college days, reminisce about past relationships, and reflect on their lost idealism.
10 college movie bloopers What kind of example is Hollywood setting? 1. American Graffiti: There are dozens of mistakes in this film; for instance, Steve’s Impala and Carol’s sister’s car have the same license plate number; and when Terry and Debbie are at the canal and leave the ’58 Impala for the field, they exit the car from the driver’s side and walk to the left — but when they come back, they approach the car from the right. 2. Animal House: The “Welcome Alumni” banner is torn in half by Bluto early in the movie, yet during the parade scene, which takes place later on, it’s magically restored.
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3. The Freshman: In the scene where Matthew Broderick first meets Penelope Ann Miller at her father’s home, she claims that the Mona Lisa over the fireplace is the original. The original Mona Lisa is roughly 8 1/2" by 11" — not nearly as large as the painting over the fireplace. 4. Good Will Hunting: Pay close attention to the classroom scene in the beginning of the film, when the blackboard mysteriously changes as the professor turns the class over to the student assistant. 5. Legally Blonde: During the scene where Elle is at the nail salon, she tells her friend that she is moving back to California. She’s been crying, and her mascara is running. The camera cuts away, but when it returns to Elle’s face her mascara is fine. 6. Revenge of the Nerds: In a bedroom scene close to the beginning of the movie, the boom can clearly be seen at the top of the screen. 7. Road Trip: When Beth goes to Boston to tell Tiffany about her affair with Tiffany’s boyfriend, she finds the wrong Tiffany at the KA sorority house. Kappa Alpha is a fraternity, not a sorority. 8. Scary Movie 2: In one scene, Cindy’s being chased by a skeleton. You can see the skateboard attached to the skeleton to move it across the screen. Similarly, when Cindy runs into Hanson at the hot-dog stand, the battery pack for her remote microphone can be seen under her clothes. 9. The Son-in-Law: Rebecca and Crawl fly to Rebecca’s home in the Midwest for Thanksgiving. Yet when her family is waiting at the airport, you see a sign behind them that says Wasco, California. 10. With Honors: Brendan Frasier’s cast is not always on the same leg.
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f you feel that you have both feet planted on level ground, then the university has failed you. — Robert F. Goheen (president of Princeton University, 1956–1972)
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life according to the class of 2008 Each year, the staff at Beloit College in Wisconsin prepares a list to give the faculty a sense of the mindset of the year’s incoming freshmen. Members of the Class of 2008 were generally born in 1982, the year the E.R.A. went down to defeat, AIDS was designated a top priority after it killed 164 people, and the Weather Channel and C-SPAN first appeared on cable. 1. Grace Kelly, Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter, and the E.R.A. have always been dead. 2. Somebody named George Bush has been on every national ticket, except one, since they were born. 3. The Kennedy tragedy was a plane crash, not an assassination. 4. A “45” is a gun, not a record with a large hole in the center. 5. Iraq has always been a problem. 6. M*A*S*H and the Muppet Show have always been in re-runs, and Bert and Ernie are old enough to be their parents. 7. “Ctrl Alt Del” is as basic as ABC. 8. The year they were born, AIDS was found to have killed 164 people; finding a cure for the new disease was designated a “top priority” for government-sponsored research. 9. We have always been able to reproduce DNA in the laboratory. 10. Paul Newman has always made salad dressing. 11. There have always been ATMs. 12. Toyotas and Hondas have always been made in the United States, and there’s no such thing as a Datsun. 13. There has always been a national holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. 14. Three Mile Island is ancient history, and nuclear accidents happen only in other countries. 15. Around-the-clock coverage of Congress, public affairs, weather reports, and rock videos has always been available on cable.
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THE 7 OLDEST COLLEGE GRADUATES 1. Kathleen Cross Cooper graduated from the University of Delaware in 2002 at the age of eighty-eight with a degree in fine arts. She attended class until her arthritis got the best of her, and she had to complete her degree long distance. 2. At the age of eighty-two, Marguerite Shotwell became the oldest grad ever at the University of Florida. She received her degree from the university’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 3. Lithia Greenman received a degree in Liberal Arts and Humanities at the age of eighty-seven. She attained a 3.8 grade point average at Dutchess Community College. Her goal after graduation was to transfer to Marist College to obtain a bachelor’s degree in English. 4. Dorothy Long graduated from Central Florida Community College with an associate degree in science. She got her GED at the age of seventyfive. According to Dorothy, “You’re never too old to learn.” 5. Raymond King began his college education at the age of sixty-seven and at seventy-seven earned his fourth college degree as a master of arts in Chinese literature. (He already held bachelor’s degrees in Japanese and Chinese literature and an associate degree in real estate from City College of San Francisco.) He is the oldest graduate in the history of San Francisco State University. 6. Ocie Tune King is possibly the oldest person to graduate from college. She earned a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree at the age of ninety-four, seventy years after she took her last class at West Virginia University in 1929. She needed to complete twelve hours of sociology to graduate. 7. At eighty-three years of age, Joe Andreano is the oldest graduate of SUNY Brockport. He received a B.S. degree in criminal justice.
16. Congress has been questioning computer intrusion into individuals’ personal lives since they were born. 17. Calvin Klein has always been affordable. 18. Coors Beer has always been sold east of the Mississippi, eliminating the need for Burt Reynolds to outrun the authorities in the Smokey and the Bandit films. 19. Gas has always been unleaded. 20. Elton John has only been heard on easy listening stations. collegeville, u.s.a.
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T
he teacher is one who makes two ideas grow where only one grew before. — Elbert Hubbard
21. What’s a return key? 22. They neither know who Billy Joe McAllister was, nor wondered what he was doing on the Tallahatchee Bridge. 23. They have never thought of Jane Fonda as “Hanoi Jane,” nor associated her with any revolution other than the “Fitness Revolution” videotape they may have found in the attic. 24. If they vaguely remember the night the Berlin Wall fell, they are probably not sure why it was up in the first place. 25. “Spam” and “cookies” are not necessarily foods. 26. They feel more danger from having sex and being in school than from possible nuclear war. 27. There has been only one Pope. 28. They have always been able to make phone calls from planes. 29. Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic. 30. They have likely never played Pac Man and have never heard of Pong. 31. What’s an 8-track? 32. They have always had PINs. 33. They have always had an answering machine. 34. Most have never seen a TV set with only thirteen channels, nor have they seen a black-and-white TV. 35. Peeps are not candy, they’re your friends. 36. They have never seen a first lady in a fur coat. 37. Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show. 38. Popcorn has always been made in the microwave. 39. They have never seen Larry Bird play. 40. They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. was. 41. Michael Jackson has always been white. 42. The only band that Paul McCartney is associated with is the Beatles. 43. There has always been MTV. 44. They learned what sex is and isn’t from Bill Clinton.
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2
College Life 101
carpe college: the essential 67 1. Take advantage of the widest range of choices you’ll ever have available to you. Try a little bit of (almost) anything. 2. Keep your eye on the big picture. You’re not here to learn everything. You’re here to learn how to learn. 3. Keep a journal, even if you only make entries occasionally. 4. Whenever you get special permission for anything, get it in writing. 5. Proofread everything you turn in at least three times. Get a proofreading buddy and agree that you will always help each other out. 6. If something at school is confusing you, whether it’s advanced calculus or the fastest route to the library, get answers to your questions as soon as possible. 7. Don’t make excuses. No one cares about them. 8. Use sunscreen. 9. Once in a while, play “devil’s advocate” with yourself just to make sure you’re making the right decisions. 10. If you fail a course, repeat it as soon as possible, so it doesn’t loom over you. 11. Make friends with all the teaching assistants. 12. Network like crazy. 13. Write letters to speakers and tell them what you thought of their presentations. 14. Always be on the lookout for a direction, a job, a new contact. Have a system for collecting information about your contacts. 15. Develop a file system and clean out unneeded papers occasionally to make room for the new. 16. Be aware of your short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Make sure that each of these is being addressed every day. 17. Develop good reading skills. Learn a speed-reading system but know when not to use it. 18. Eat well; exercise; practice (nonalcoholic) relaxation techniques. 19. Go to your classes.
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20. Know your resident and academic advisers. Even more important, make sure they know you. 21. Get to know the secretaries in the departments of the subjects that interest you the most. 22. Keep running lists of questions you have and check them off as you get answers. 23. Acquire good memory skills — see Chapter 3, “Get Smart.” 24. Find something that motivates you and hang onto it. 25. Know yourself — your limits, the study habits that work best for you, your strengths and weaknesses — and base your major decisions on these. 26. Join clubs. If one club doesn’t work for you, join a different club. 27. If you can’t find a club that interests you, start one. 28. Use sunscreen. 29. Always know which people you would turn to for three great recommendations. 30. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It’s college, not your whole life. 31. Make sure your instructors know you by name. 32. Find a mentor as soon as you can. 33. Volunteer to work on school research projects. 34. Always work at improving your computer skills. 35. If you’re really good at something, let people know. (Does someone need your help?) 36. If you don’t know something that everyone else seems to know, don’t be afraid to ask. Everyone was a freshman once. 37. Make summer and vacation time count; do something that contributes to your education. 38. Make eye contact. 39. Make learning fun. Compete with yourself; make it your own private game. 40. Be ready for the bad days; you will have them. 41. Don’t compare yourself with everyone else. 42. Develop a support team with friends and contacts who complement each other. Sometimes you’ll need a strong thoughtful type to get you through a problem; and sometimes
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you’ll need a free spirit who knows how to cast aside worries and teach you to let the wind blow back your hair. 43. Know how your time is being spent. 44. Don’t waste time sleeping. 45. Get lots of sleep. 46. Smile at people. Sometimes you think you are smiling and you’re not. Practice in the mirror. 47. If you have a disability, get help for it immediately by finding out what special facilities might be available to you. 48. Don’t assume that all rules apply to all classes. 49. Don’t assume that tests are always held in the room where classes are held. 50. Don’t assume anything. 51. Read all your mail and your e-mail. 52. Participate. 53. Deal with health issues before they start interfering with your activities. 54. The cafeteria is a great place to socialize and a lousy place to study. 55. Go to seminars, career fairs, lectures, and concerts, especially if they’re free and if refreshments are served. 56. Learn to manage your time. 57. Keep a reading diary in which you jot down a few sentences about every book you read, including the title, author, a two-sentence description, and a line or two about your response to the book. Do this for the rest of your life. 58. Use sunscreen. 59. Run for office. 60. Get a Web site and use it to connect with others who share your professional aspirations. 61. Don’t live off campus until you’ve made a lot of friends. 62. Volunteer. Be a good person. 63. Be humble. Remember the famous quote attributed to Mark Twain: “When I was boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” 64. Things change; expect the unexpected; be flexible.
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65. Take risks, but calculate them first. 66. Always be on the lookout for your next job. 67. Take a few moments each day to be grateful for who and where you are, no matter what’s going on.
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he purpose of a liberal education is to make you philosophical enough to accept the fact that you will never make much money. — Author unknown
the college students’ bill of rights Small liberal arts college or huge state university — no matter where you go to school, you, as a college student, have a right to expect the following amenities: 1. Adequate Housing: Depending on where you go to college, you may be housed in either a spanking-new building or the run-down dorm on campus that everyone else is glad they don’t live in. Whatever the case, your school must provide you with four walls and a roof (one that doesn’t leak every time it rains). If you are attending a huge university or a state school, try to find out far in advance what the university housing situation is. At some of these schools there aren’t enough university dorm rooms to go around, and out-of-state students are expected to arrange for their own accommodations. 2. A Healthy, Affordable Meal Plan: It doesn’t have to taste good, but your college or university should provide you with a selection of hot food, cold food, and probably vegetarian food on a daily basis. There should be enough to eat for everyone (as long as you don’t sleep through lunch and then wonder where all the food went), and your meal plan should be reasonably priced. 3. A Safe Environment: If your school has a large campus or is located in an urban area, the university should provide latenight shuttles between the libraries and the dormitories. And regardless of the size of the campus, there should be adequate security, courses offered in basic self-defense (this is especially
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important for women), well-lighted buildings for you to study (and party) in, and well-lighted paths for you to walk on. 4. A Physical Fitness Facility: Just in case you want to take a break from the ongoing pizza-eating contest and release some endorphins, you should have access to an exercise facility. It doesn’t have to have an Olympic-size pool or a weight room worthy of the Gold’s Gym franchise, but your university should provide a reasonable exercise facility for its students. 5. Handicapped Access: No matter what your particular handicap may be, your university is required to provide proper entry to its buildings, bathrooms, and dormitories. Your college also needs to provide appropriate amenities for its hearing and visually impaired students. 6. Student Health Services: The doctors and nurses at your school’s health services don’t need to be brain surgeons, but they should have some medical training and they should have appropriate supplies. They should also be able to refer you to other health professionals, whether it’s for psychological counseling or birth control needs. 7. Access to the Classes You Need to Graduate: Whether you pick the most popular major at your university or the most uncommon one, you should be able to get into the classes you need in order to graduate. This means that your college should have enough sections available for required courses so that all the students who need to take these classes have access to them. (No, this doesn’t mean that the university has to accommodate your sleep/wake cycle. If you don’t want to take a required class at 8:00 a.m. and that’s the only time it’s offered — that’s your problem.) It also means that if you need to take “The History of the Cathars” in order to complete your major in Medieval French History, this class should be offered more than once every seven years. 8. The Opportunity to Graduate in Four Years: Owing to budget cuts and decreased hiring in academe, many universities claim that they cannot provide the appropriate classes and professors to allow their students to graduate in the normally allotted four-year period. This is unacceptable. You don’t have an extra year to spend hanging around campus (life is waiting, after
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all), nor will your parents be eager to pay for an extra year of tuition. 9. Classes Taught by Professors, Not Teaching Assistants: With the exception of the occasional survey-lecture small group, your classes should be taught by professors (full, assistant, associate, or adjunct) and not TAs. You and your parents aren’t dropping a fortune on college so you can spend four years being instructed by graduate students barely older than you. 10. Financial Aid for Those Who Truly Need It: Your university should offer a variety of financial aid packages for students and their families who qualify. It is unacceptable for your university to expect that students who cannot afford their tuition must take out huge loans and go into debt when they are just starting out in life. 11. Office Hours with Your Professors: Your professors are there for you — or should be. Even if you attend a huge university where research is paramount and teaching is considered secondary, your professors must make themselves available to their undergraduate students. They should announce their office hours at the start of the semester and adhere to that schedule. 12. Quiet Places to Study: Maybe you chose your school because of its resemblance to (the fictional) Faber College in the movie Animal House. But you’ll still need to study. So if it’s a constant party at your frat house or if your dorm room is always rocking, you should be able to get some peace and quiet at the library or a room in the student union or the computer center. 13. Computer Center: Everyone has a computer and you will probably bring yours to college with you. But computers break down — usually at the most inopportune times — and you should have reasonable access to your school’s computer center. Computer time — and computers — should be available to all students free of charge. Your college should also provide you with e-mail access. 14. Entertainment: Your school isn’t required to show complimentary movies around the clock or keep you swimming in alcohol-free punch for four years, but there should be enough on-campus activities available for students so that you don’t have to go trolling the local mall during your down time.
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15. An Ombudsman: An ombuds-what? An ombudsman is your advocate within the university. His or her sole — and official — purpose is to represent the college’s students to the administration. It is the ombudsman to whom you should go if your basic needs as a college student are not being appropriately met.
28 things to bring to college Some of these are obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to overlook the obvious. 1. Computer. You will use it more than you ever believed and learn to love your Internet connection as if it were a family member. Staying connected with the high school gang, researching, and writing papers is so easily done in the comfort of your cozy little room. Don’t forget your anti-virus software and all the necessary literature and warranties. Opt for a laptop. 2. Organizer/PDA. Once you set foot on campus, you will have a lot of deadlines, and it’s hard to remember everything. So whether it’s a paper planner or a high-tech electric organizer, find a system that suits your needs. 3. Lots of underwear and socks. This will cut down on the number of times you will have to do laundry. 4. Your high school yearbook and some photos of your family. These will get you through the inevitable attacks of homesickness. Plus, going through the yearbook with a date or roommate can be a good ice-breaker. 5. A working camera. What better way to let your family know how you are and what college life is like than sending them photos of your campus and friends? 6. A good attitude. College is an opportunity for you to rededicate yourself and get a fresh new start. If you’ve made mistakes in the past, here’s a chance to move on to a new improved you. 7. A microwave and a mini-fridge. These are great if you’ve got the room and they’re allowed. 8. An open mind. College is a new experience, and an open
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mind will help you make the most of it. You’ll meet all sorts of different people, and it’s best not to prejudge anyone. 9. Lotsa quarters. You’ll need them for doing laundry and for vending machines. 10. Milk crates. You can use them as laundry baskets, bookshelves, and storage space. 11. Your social security card. 12. Your checkbook. 13. Insurance policy (medical, dental, auto, and homeowner) information. Make sure you have the policy name and number, contact information, and phone number. 14. A plunger. Shit happens. 15. Plenty of blankets and afghans. College dorm air conditioners have two settings . . . off and freeze your ass off. 16. Post-it notes. You’ll really use these handy little reminders. 17. Your favorite stuffed animal. 18. Stamps. 19. Fan. Double check with your college or university whether or not your hall is air-conditioned. 20. Cell phone. Chances are, you’re already connected to your parents’ every word by one of these. So don’t forget it when you leave for school. Most college long-distance rates are slightly more expensive, so make sure your plan covers calls to home and friends. 21. TV and VCR. 22. A pair of rubber flip-flops for use in the shower to avoid athlete’s foot. 23. A bottle of one of the many products available for eliminating odors from clothing and other fabric. 24. A bottle of “wrinkle releaser,” which can make a slept-in shirt look as if you’ve just ironed it. 25. An alarm clock — or two. You’ll need something to help you wake up from a nap or to make it to your finals on time. And you’ll always need a Plan B. 26. Extension cords. 27. A dry-erase board for reminders and messages. 28. A lightweight vacuum.
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what your computer color says about you This information is based on the findings of Charles Moore, news editor and columnist for www.applelinks.com. 1. People who favor white computers are generally standoffish and aloof. They tend to be perfectionists and are extremely self-disciplined. They also tend to be somewhat inhibited and can sometimes seem to be indifferent to others, as well as being self-righteous. 2. Preferences for black computers indicate worldly people who also have an inclination toward being extremely methodical. They tend to be overachievers and are very fastidious with facts; they strive for perfection. They also tend to be obsessivecompulsive. 3. The choice of blue for a computer suggests that the user is a tender, warm-hearted, and secure person who is sensitive to others and is highly trustworthy. People who prefer blue tend to be introspective and thoughtful and have conservative views on life. 4. People who prefer beige tend to be very practical types. They are good at their jobs and are attentive — sometimes frugal — about finances. They tend to rely on others to be trustworthy and dependable, and they don’t like surprises.
what your choice of computer font says about you This list is based on a study called “The Psychology of Font” that was conducted by Dr. Aric Sigman, a hypnotherapist and biofeedback expert. 1. Using a large font or using all capital letters generally reveals a friendly and extroverted person. (Use of capitals is, of course, considered “shouting” and should be avoided in e-mails.) 2. The use of a small font generally describes a more conservative and introverted personality. 3. A cursive font is more commonly used by someone who is creative and has a romantic spirit.
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SMILEYS They’re little billboards on the Information Superhighway, adding fun, humor, and self-expression to your e-mails. They’re also known as emoticons. To decipher a smiley, turn the page 90 degrees to the right. Don’t be surprised if it takes a moment to decipher some; when you do, you’ll be laughing out loud. :>D
:-) ;-) :-( (-: :-e :’-( :’-) :-# O :-) >:> :-X (:-. . . . . =):-)= d:-) @@@@@@@ :) %-) 8:-) :-)-8 2B^2B :<) <:-( L:-)
The basic smiley A wink and a smile A frown User is left-handed User is disappointed User is crying User is so happy he is crying User wears braces User is an angel User is a devil User’s lips are sealed User is crying User is Abe Lincoln User likes baseball User is Marge Simpson User has been staring at the computer screen for 15 hours User is a little girl User is a big girl User is William Shakespeare User attended an Ivy League school User is flunking out of school User just graduated
4. The use of a colored font denotes a person who needs to express creativity. 5. A straight font such as Helvetica is most commonly used by someone who tends to be rigid in his or her thinking.
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the 10 biggest college time-wasters 1. TV 2. Computer games 3. Fast food (and the time it takes to make those late-night runs) 4. Reading in bed 5. Sleeping 6. ’Net surfing 7. IMing 8. Fraternity and sorority shenanigans 9. E-mail 10. Hangovers
the 8 hardest things about being a freshman 1. You’re homesick. That’s natural. Call home as often as you want to. Admit you’re homesick, even if you can’t do anything about it. Just talking it out with your folks might make you feel better. 2. If you’re shy, you’re worried about meeting new people. Especially if you haven’t come to the school with friends from high school, just wandering the dorm hallway could be scary. Remember that there are plenty of others here in the same boat; find someone who needs a friend as badly as you do. Here’s another trick: Think of someone you know who is always at ease with strangers. When you meet new people, pretend you are that person. (See “18 Tips for Shy Students” in Chapter 4, “Party Hearty.”) 3. It’s hard to maintain your old friendships, which are now long-distance relationships. Yeah, things change and people move on. Your closest friends will remain your best buds no matter how often you communicate. And you don’t have to tell your best friend every detail of every day. Save the good stuff for when you’re together again on school breaks. 4. Going back to school after your first visit home is always sad. Your visit back home was the best — they cooked your favorite food and hung on your every word. Why do you have to
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go back to school? Because you do. Try to have something fun scheduled upon your return to school so you won’t spend that evening drowning in your sorrow. 5. You’re not used to this lack of privacy. Most freshmen are shocked to learn just how little time they have to themselves. And when they are “alone,” it’s in a dorm with lots of other (sometimes very noisy) people. Solution — find a place on campus where you can go to be alone when you need to. Scope out a remote spot that’s perfect for thinking or meditating. 6. You’re now a little fish in a big pond, after having been a respected high school senior. You have to start somewhere. Here’s your chance for a great lesson in humility. 7. You’re embarrassed if you’re still holding onto some of your childhood habits. If you look around closely, you’ll see you’re not the only one in the dorm with a teddy bear, a good luck charm, or some other item from home. 8. You just don’t know what you’re doing here. When you’re lonely and overwhelmed, it can be easy to forget what brought you here in the first place. Think about the college application process and recall why you were so excited when you found out you were accepted. Think about your long-term goals and picture yourself successful. If you’re planning on going into medicine, hang a toy stethoscope on your bulletin board to remind you that that’s where you’re headed.
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he advantage of a classical education is that it enables you to despise the wealth which it prevents you from achieving. — Russell Green (American sociologist)
7 ways to tell right from wrong Especially when you’re in a new environment and exposed to new ideas for the first time, things can get confusing. Black seems white, white seems black, and suddenly you find yourself considering things that made you cringe just a few short months ago. Here are some ways to help you make up your mind about whether something is right or wrong for you. college life 101
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1. Forget what everyone else is saying. Does this thing make sense to you? 2. Will doing this thing be good for everyone involved? 3. What are the consequences of this action? Will it lead you to a place you might not want to go? 4. Will you be proud of yourself when it’s over? 5. Would the person you most admire in the world encourage you to do this? 6. If everyone in your family found out that you did this thing, would they be proud of you? 7. If there was a story about this in tomorrow’s paper, who would read it and how would they react?
15 advantages to living off campus There are advantages and disadvantages to living off campus. A good first step is to evaluate your individual needs and preferences. The next two lists should help. Here are some of the advantages to off-campus living: 1. It’s usually cheaper to live off campus. 2. You can come and go as you please. 3. You get to determine what the house policies are. 4. You can hand pick your own house, room, and housemates. 5. You’ll have the privacy of your own room. 6. You can invite anyone over at any hour you want. 7. You can get a break from being on the campus. 8. More closet space. 9. You get to cook your own food and do your own shopping! Advantage or disadvantage? You decide! 10. Greater sexual freedom. Not that this really matters. 11. A private apartment is usually quieter, has fewer distractions, and is better for studying — unless you share it with a noisy bunch of people. 12. It’s cool. 13. Parking will probably be easier. 14. No more sharing the bathroom with twenty strangers. 15. You may be allowed to have a pet.
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he primary purpose of a liberal education is to make one’s mind a pleasant place in which to spend one’s leisure. — Sydney J. Harris (author and columnist)
16 advantages to living on campus 1. Most residence halls are fully furnished. 2. The college will be responsible for all maintenance and repair charges. 3. You won’t need to worry about utility, waste removal, or water bills. 4. You’re closer to the mainstream and will know more about what’s happening on campus. 5. You won’t need a car, nor will you have the expense of commuting to campus. 6. The campus might be a safer place, since it will be patrolled by security services. 7. Your food will be prepared for you. Granted, it’s food from the dining hall, but at least you won’t go hungry. 8. You won’t have to worry about subletting your apartment or paying rent for the summer if your lease is for the entire year. 9. You meet lots of people. The friendships you can build in the residence halls can last a lifetime. 10. Living on campus may give you the opportunity to meet more of your classmates. 11. You’ll have easier access to campus recreational facilities and athletic events, and may become more inclined to become involved in student organizations. 12. You’re within easier walking distance of classes, the library, and other academic resources. 13. You may have a better chance of forming or getting involved in a study group. 14. You won’t have to deal with the nuisance of grocery shopping every week. 15. As part of the campus community, you’ll know what’s happening on campus and off. 16. The best reason to live on campus: The closer you are to class, the later you can sleep. college life 101
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24 tips for getting along with your roommate How you and your roommate get along can determine exactly how much you’ll enjoy your first year at college. Having a roommate can be a challenge, and being able to share is the key to a good roommate relationship. If you have a severe problem, consult your RA. 1. If you arrive earlier than your roommate, don’t grab the best of everything; wait until your roomie arrives before you decide which bed, dresser, and closet is yours. 2. Don’t decorate the room without your roommate’s approval or cooperation. 3. Keep an open mind. This may be your first time away from home; listen to new ideas and concepts before you reject them and respect the rights of others to see things differently. 4. When you entertain friends in your dorm, invite your roommate to join in. If that’s not practical, find someplace else to hang out with your friends. Create rules about what’s allowed when one of you is studying. 5. Establish rules with your roommate but be flexible if conditions change and new rules are called for. If your roommate suddenly needs four hours of quiet time while he studies each night for the LSATs instead of the two-hour rule that’s already in place, be a sport. 6. You don’t have to be best friends. You don’t even have to be friends. You just have to respect each other. 7. If you do become friends, that’s great. Just don’t get so dependent on each other that you wind up feeling suffocated at some point. Keep your options open, always. 8. Express yourself. If something is bothering you, don’t let it fester. 9. Don’t gossip or spread rumors. 10. Mind your own business. Never read someone’s journal or personal mail without being invited to do so. 11. Don’t offer advice or an opinion unless you are asked for it. 12. Ask before you borrow anything, even if it was okay when you borrowed it the last time. If you break something, re-
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place it with a new one. Even if something was dirty when you borrowed it, return it clean. 13. Agree on a wake-up routine, especially for days when one of you gets to sleep late. 14. Agree on how much privacy and space each of you prefers. 15. Write down any messages that are left for your roommate and be sure to deliver them. 16. Don’t borrow money from your roommate. Guaranteed, it will lead to trouble. 17. If you like rap and hip-hop and your roommate is a Kenny Chesney fan, don’t assume that you and your roommate are not going to get along. Find some common interests that you do share before deciding that he’s a hopeless cause. And, hey, you both might enjoy some classic rock. 18. If the Hungry Man dinner you bought at the store yesterday disappears for no apparent reason, it might be because you drank your roommate’s last soda last night and didn’t replace it. Learn to share or set down a no sharing rule. 19. Pay your share of everything on time, but avoid buying things like furniture and appliances together unless you’ve agreed on what will happen to the big-ticket items once the two of you split up. 20. If you’ve received a shipment of goodies from home, share. 21. Get headphones for listening to music when your roomie is sleeping or studying. Ask before you turn on a TV or anything else that might be distracting. 22. Be neat. If you can’t be neat, at least make sure that your stuff doesn’t interfere with someone else’s ability to move around the room. You and your roommate may have entirely different ideas of just how clean your room should be. Discuss the concept of “neat” and let your feelings be known early. Of course, if you’re both slobs this is a nonissue. 23. Take out the trash when it needs to be taken out, even if it’s not your turn to do so. 24. Respect whatever security rules you agree on, like locking the door. You might not be worried about having your things stolen, but it’s not just your things that are at stake. college life 101
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the ideal roommate for your astrological sign Aries — A strong personality like yours won’t mesh well with a shy or wishy-washy roommate. And you don’t have patience for wallflowers or for whining. You need someone who can hold his or her own, whether it’s time to hit the books, clean the room, or order a pizza. Best roommate bets: another sun sign, such as the fiery Sagittarius, or an earthy, bullish Taurus. Taurus — You take college seriously and expect your roommate to do the same. Loud music and late night soirees in your dorm room are not for you. Your ideal roommate is as dedicated to his or her studies as you are, yet also likes to have a good laugh — as long as it doesn’t interfere with reading Middlemarch. Best roommate bets are the sensitive Virgo or the ethereal Cancer. Gemini — Some people may say that you’re two-faced — but then they don’t really know you. You like to party and study. You like to eat and exercise. You prefer someone with interests that are as eclectic as your own. You won’t do well with a roommate who is steadfast in his or her opinions and likes and dislikes. Your ideal roommate choice is the creative and spiritual Pisces or the versatile Sagittarius. Cancer — You are sweet and perceptive, dreamy and moody. If you like someone, you really, really do. But if you don’t — look out! You need a roommate who is sensitive to your moods and can respond appropriately. Your most compatible roommate is another Cancer (who will know just when to steer clear of you and when you both need a night out on the town) or an easygoing Libra. Leo — The lion likes to have his or her own way — whether it’s sleeping on the top bunk or listening to your favorite music. You are full of energy and opinions, are always up for a good time, and need to always be surrounded by friends. Your roommate can’t be too sensitive — but you won’t do well with an argumentative soul, either. You’re right, after all — doesn’t everyone know that? Best room-
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THE ROOMMATES’ BILL OF RIGHTS 1. The right to be treated with respect. 2. The right to have a roommate who will respect one’s personal belongings.
3. The right to an equal share of space in the room. 4. The right to sleep without undue disturbance from noise, roommate’s guests, etc.
5. The right to be listened to. 6. The right to make mistakes — and be responsible for them. 7. The right to express feelings in a manner that does not violate the dignity of others.
8. The right to say no without feeling guilty. 9. The right to have preferences and have them be as important as one’s roommate’s.
10. The right to read and study in one’s room free from undue interference. The right to a clean environment in which to live. The right to free access to one’s room and facilities. The right to personal privacy. The right to host guests with the expectation that one’s guests will respect the rights of roommates and other hall residents. 15. The right to be free from fear of intimidation and physical and /or emotional harm. 16. The right to expect reasonable cooperation in the use of the telephone. 17. The right to expect that any and all disagreements will be discussed in an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect; and that it is acceptable, when any roommate feels it necessary, to involve a residence hall staff member in such discussion.
11. 12. 13. 14.
mate choices are the quirky Aquarius or the judicious Libra. Virgo — An artistic, sensitive soul like yours doesn’t thrive in the presence of a bossy, loud roommate. You much prefer the company of another introspective personality, someone with whom you can talk about anything . . . while college life 101
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A
lot of fellows nowadays have a B.A., M.D., or Ph.D. Unfortunately, they don’t have a J.O.B. — “Fats” Domino (rock ’n’ roll forefather)
happily vacuuming the dorm lounge together. Being able to see art house films together is a plus. Your ideal roommate is the equally sensitive Cancer or an earthy Capricorn. Libra — Everyone loves you — haven’t you always known that? The Libra is a gregarious, friendly sign and you sometimes have trouble making time for all of your many social commitments. You won’t do well with a roommate who is very introspective. You are most compatible with the mysterious Scorpio (whom you find fascinating) or the strong-minded Leo. Scorpio — You keep your emotions under wraps, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have tons of feelings. In fact, you’re one of the most emotional signs of the Zodiac. You need a roommate who is willing to take the time to get to know you and who won’t take your friendship for granted. Your best roommate bets are the patient Capricorn or the level-headed Taurus. Sagittarius — Your adventurous personality does best around others who are equally eager to scout out a good time, find an off-beat place to study, or travel to distant shores during Spring Break. You don’t enjoy the company of homebodies or quiet, studious types. Your most compatible roommate is the expressive Aries or the inventive Aquarius. Capricorn — You know what you like and you like to spend time with the people you like doing the things that you like to do. Some people may find you too particular, but you prefer to think of yourself as passionate and exacting. Your ideal roommate is another strong-minded Capricorn, or the self-aware Scorpio. Aquarius — Your quirky, ever-changing personality needs a roommate who can keep up. You like to do something one day and then — voilà! — you’re on to something entirely different. You aren’t at your best with a roommate
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who prefers the same routine day after day. Best roommate bets are the equally quixotic Gemini or the funloving Leo. Pisces — A passionate person like you needs a roommate who is equally interested in everything — and who is willing to stay up all night discussing the universe with you. You don’t do well around people who aren’t willing to debate and concede points. You like people who are equally passionate about their schoolwork and their extracurricular interests. Your ideal roommate is a bighearted Taurus or the sharp-witted Virgo.
how to fight fair No matter how much you and your roommate seem to like each other, the fact that you’re living together in something that’s only a little larger than a shoebox is going to cause friction. Here are some tips for getting through the inevitable rough spots. 1. Don’t assume your roommate knows what’s on your mind. If there’s a problem, assert yourself clearly and quickly. 2. Stick to the subject. If you’re arguing about the fact that your clutter is making studying impossible for your roomie, don’t suddenly bring up the missing Twinkies. Deal with that after this fight has been settled. 3. Don’t constantly be defensive. Listen to what he has to say. If you’re wrong, admit it and apologize. 4. If you can’t seem to express yourself, e-mail your roomie and try to air your feelings that way. But don’t write anything in anger. If you must rant and rave, write the letter but don’t mail it. 5. Every problem doesn’t have to be someone’s fault. Blaming someone is a lot less important than solving the problem. 6. If you’ve won a battle but not the war, recognize the victory for now and put the rest aside for another time. 7. Once the argument is settled, invite your roomie out for something pleasant, so the day ends on a happy note. 8. Don’t go to bed angry. Get the problem solved today, if possible. college life 101
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dorm shui: 15 space-saving tips for small dorm rooms If you’re living in a dorm room, chances are you started feeling cramped for space the second you moved in. The first thing you’ve got to do is get rid of anything you really don’t need. Here are some tips on how to maximize your minimal space. 1. Talk to your roommate before you move in to decide who’s bringing what. If he has the perfect TV set, you can bring the stereo. 2. Visit a large discount store like Target or Kmart for products such as shelving, shoe racks, over-the-door racks, and closet and drawer organizers. You can also look for these items at garage sales and used furniture stores. 3. Think seasonally. Don’t bring your winter coat with you in August. You’ll have an opportunity to get that from home after a visit, and you can bring back your summer clothes at the same time. 4. Use wooden or plastic crates for storage. Stack them to make bookcases. Or invest in cheap shelving, like the Elfa system, to create a space for everything. 5. Get a hutch to place over your desk for more shelves and space for supplies. 6. You save space if you can place your dresser inside a closet instead of having it take up space in the room. 7. Get rid of your trash every day. 8. Inflatable furniture can easily be deflated and stored when not in use. 9. You can create some extra under-the-bed storage space by raising your bed with blocks under the legs. 10. Don’t let your dirty laundry accumulate. Clean your clothes at least once a week. Remember that the more often you do your laundry, the fewer clothes you’ll need. 11. Need an end table? Stack your books high enough and you’ve got one. Use the largest books at the bottom of the pile and make sure you can see the spines, so you can find the books you need. 12. If you brought a trunk with you when you moved in, use
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it as a coffee table. Store your sweaters or off-season clothing inside. 13. Hang flower baskets from the ceiling, but instead of filling them with flowers, use them for storing toiletries, desk supplies, socks, and accessories. 14. Tack costume jewelry and other small accessories on your bulletin board. 15. Beg for an iPod as your next birthday present. No more messy CD collections.
13 cheap decorating ideas for your dorm Your dorm room is your home away from home. Use your imagination to make it your own. Here’s a chance to get funky; don’t be afraid to try new things. Items you once thought tacky and cheap can be made to appear fun and whimsical. Take advantage of this chance to go a little crazy, design-wise. 1. The cheapest way to turn a drab room into something special is to paint it, but since that’s rarely an option, try covering the walls with tapestries or tacking bright-colored bed sheets to the walls. 2. Remember that light colors will make a room seem larger; dark colors will make it appear smaller. 3. Turn CDs into instant wall art by using sticky-tack to hang them on the wall. Or hang them from a mobile. Just remember that cluttered walls make a room seem smaller. 4. You can use glow-in-the-dark electrical tape to make designs on the floor. 5. Bed sheets are inexpensive and can go a long way. They can be cut and trimmed, transformed into decorative pillows, café curtains, placemats, vanity skirts, tablecloths, or shower curtains. They can even be painted and used as a dramatic backdrop for a living area or bedroom. 6. Place glow-in-the-dark stars all over the ceiling and walls. 7. A couple of plants always make a room look better. Just be sure they are in a well-lit area — or get nice fake ones. A bonsai tree is an excellent space-saver. college life 101
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29 INSTANT MESSAGING PHRASES It’s been predicted that IM will soon surpass e-mail as the most common type of on-line communication. Here are twenty-nine ways to do it with style.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 1 5.
AFK — Away from keyboard 16. G — Grin B — I’m back 17. G2G — Got to go BBFN — Bye-bye for now 18. IMHO — In my humble opinion BBL — Be back later 19. IMO — In my opinion BFN — Bye for now 20. JK — Just kidding BG — Big grin 21. L8R — Later BO — Brain overload 22. LOL — I’m laughing out loud BRB — Be right back 23. NE1 — Anyone CMIIW — Correct me if I’m wrong 24. OMG — Oh my gosh CU — See you 25. ROFL — Rolling on the floor CUL8R — See you later laughing EG — Evil grin 26. TIC — Tongue in cheek FIIOOH — Forget it. I’m out of here 27. TTYL — I’ll talk to you later FITB — Fill in the blank 28. WB — Welcome back FUBAR — F#*^ed up beyond all 29. YOMAMA — Your mother recognition
8. Mirrors — even small ones — hung in strategic spots will make the room seem larger. 9. Interesting sources of light can really perk up a room. Consider strings of lights (they come in all sorts of cool shapes — chili peppers, cowboy boots, pink flamingoes) festooned across the wall or over your bed, or interesting paper lanterns. 10. Old t-shirts can be made into interesting-looking pillow shams or just tacked to the wall like wall hangings. 11. Put sand in a few clear drinking glasses and stick some plastic photo holders (available at most party stores) directly in the sand. Pictures of your favorite vacation spots will look great displayed this way. 12. Cover your walls or bulletin board with ticket stubs, programs, and memorabilia from the year’s events. 13. A long set of venetian blinds hung from the ceiling makes an interesting and flexible room divider, affording a little extra privacy when the blinds are closed.
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10 ways to make new friends 1. Learn to be assertive. Get involved in classroom discussions. Let others know that you’re friendly and have a positive attitude. If you see someone who interests you, don’t be afraid to make the first move. 2. Live on campus. You’ll have better opportunities to make new friends and be more inclined to join campus organizations and clubs. 3. Hang out in well-populated areas. If you’re looking for a job, try to find one that offers exposure to the crowd. 4. Sometimes making eye contact and smiling will break the ice. A simple “hello” can at least let someone know you’re aware of her. 5. Form a study group or a club if you can’t find one you want to join. 6. Doing volunteer work can help you boost your selfesteem, make you more comfortable around others, and help you find kindred souls. 7. Surf the school’s Web site often to find out what’s going on. Get involved. 8. Don’t prejudge people on the basis of some negative experiences you’ve had. Judging someone based on a preconceived notion will usually work against you. 9. Learn to accept the differences in people and admire them for their individuality. 10. If you only know three people, invite them to a party or outing, asking them to each bring two other people you don’t know. You’ll have a crowd before you know it.
10 cures for homesickness 1. The best cure of all is time. As you become more involved with your classes and friends, you’ll begin to feel more at home. Wait it out. 2. Spend some time getting involved with your school before you go back home to visit the friends and family you love and miss. Don’t spend too much time looking back — it may impede your moving ahead. college life 101
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3. Recognize that there is nothing wrong with feeling sad and homesick. Also, understand that if you are having a great time at college it doesn’t mean that you are being disloyal to your friends or family. 4. E-mail family and friends often; they miss you too and will love hearing from you. Send a “newsletter” to all. 5. You are not alone. Seek out someone who feels the same way and might want to share the misery. 6. If your parents are phoning you every day, tell them to stop. When they call they’re just reminding you of the distance between you. 7. Decorate your room with some items that you’ve brought from home to create a home-away-from-home feeling. Just leave some room for photos of all the new friends you’re going to make. 8. Write a poem or essay about how you feel. 9. Stay busy. Plan your day so there’s not a lot of extra time to mope. 10. Talk about your feelings. You should be able to confide in your roommate, your RA, a counselor, or a teacher. They have a lot of experience with homesickness (your roommate) or homesick students (the other three), and they will be sympathetic toward you.
18 ways to get more sleep 1. Avoid exercise before bedtime. Exercise will increase your heart rate and speed up your metabolism, thereby making it more difficult to fall asleep. 2. Have a glass of milk. The enzyme tryptophan, which is found in milk, induces drowsiness. 3. Because it takes two hours for coffee to achieve maximum effect, avoid drinking coffee after 7:00 p.m. You may get wired if you don’t. 4. Drinking a beer or two may make you feel drowsy but will actually interfere with the quality of your sleep by creating a state of restlessness. 5. If you are having difficulty falling asleep, try imagining
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that you are in a relaxing atmosphere or create a detailed pastoral scene in your mind. Visualization techniques will serve to distract and unclutter your mind. 6. Don’t eat too close to bedtime. Your sleep can be disrupted and you may feel tired in the morning if your stomach is working overtime. 7. If you are hungry and must eat, have a light snack. Going to sleep hungry can interfere with a restful sleep. 8. Exposure to sunlight and the outdoors promotes a more restful sleep. 9. Make sure that your room is dark (get a sleep mask) and quiet (get earplugs) and neither too hot or cold. 10. Using a source of white noise such as a fan or a noise generator can help relax you. 11. You’ll like this one: Stop studying at least half an hour before you plan to go to sleep to avoid excessive mental stimulation. 12. Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep. This will help train or condition your body to go to sleep when it gets there. 13. Make sure that your clock faces away from you. This will prevent you from becoming anxious about not being able to fall asleep right away. 14. If the bed is as uncomfortable as most dorm beds are, put a foam egg crate or featherbed between the mattress and the sheet for a better night’s sleep. 15. Don’t take naps during the day. 16. If you’re having trouble sleeping because you’re worried about not waking up for something important, use two alarm clocks. 17. If it’s the wee hours and you still can’t fall asleep and you have to get up soon, try not to panic; it will only stress you out. Don’t stare at the clock or calculate how many hours of sleep you’re not getting. Even if you’re just lying there listening to the sound of your own breathing, your body will still get some form of rest, and you will make it through the next day. 18. You’ll sleep better overall if you generally go to sleep and get up the same time each day.
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17 ways to avoid the freshman fifteen — or twenty — or thirty There are tons of excuses for putting on weight in your first few months away from home. You’re not being served balanced meals by someone who actually cares about your dietary habits; you’re constantly on the run, making fast food your New Best Friend; like there’s time for exercise — not; plus, inviting someone to share a sausage pizza — or beer, the worst of the calorie culprits — with you can be a great way to make friends in a new environment. Nevertheless, you’re going to have to deal with those extra pounds, and the sooner you tackle them, the less liable they are to interfere with your self-image. Don’t get caught up in that cycle. Even if you just follow a few of these tips, you’ll be doing yourself a great favor. 1. Eat breakfast. Optimally, you should be eating three times a day, which will go a long way in helping you avoid the need to snack. If you’re going to skip meals, remember to at least keep breakfast on your list of musts. 2. If carrots and apples just don’t do it for you, opt for pretzels and unbuttered popcorn rather than potato chips and candy. 3. Don’t punish yourself for putting on a few pounds, but, on the other hand, try not to feel sorry for yourself when you pass up something yummy in favor of a svelter you. Ben and Jerry aren’t leaving the planet anytime soon. 4. Eat the same food you eat now but eat smaller portions. Eat half the sandwich, half the French fries. Don’t eat the whole burger bun. Cut your soft-drink intake by half. 5. Drink eight glasses of water every day. 6. We know you don’t have time for exercise, but find a way to do it anyway: Jog to class, walk or ride a bike instead of driving or taking the bus, do sit-ups while you’re quizzing yourself for the exam, take stairs instead of elevators. 7. Sign up for at least one phys ed class each semester. 8. Get a weight-watching buddy and keep each other honest. Share your best tips. 9. Weigh yourself once a week.
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12 TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE COLLEGE CAFETERIA Every college is different, yet one thing seems to remain constant: The food sucks. Here are some tips for negotiating your way through one of the most perilous challenges that college has to offer.
1. Eat the worst stuff first. You’ll enjoy your meal more if you get the muck out of the way.
2. “Culture Week” sounds like a chance to sample goodies from around
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
the world. It’s not. It’s an excuse for the chef to throw whatever he wants in a blender and claim that “you have to develop a taste for it.” Eat off campus that week. Beware of misleading adjectives. “Fresh” often means “recently defrosted.” “Creamed” usually means they poured milk over it. Try not to order anything with a lot of adjectives in its name. If the dish has a foreign word in it, find out what the word means before you order. If the person serving it can’t seem to look you in the eye as they dish it out, pass. Compote = compost. Anything called “surprise” will be just that. If there’s a long line in the cafeteria, don’t assume it’s because the food is good. Chances are people are asking a lot of questions about the mystery items. If there are six knives sticking out of the peanut butter crock, look elsewhere. You want nothing at all to do with croquettes. No one — not even scientists — know exactly what goes into a croquette. Stay away from blue food. Not all mystery items are bad. Mystery meat is to be avoided. Mystery ice cream can be a whole other story.
10. Read nutrition labels. 11. Set aside an item of clothing that fit you snugly when you got to school and try it on often to see how you’re doing. 12. Don’t eat while you study. You’ll be totally oblivious to how much you put in your mouth. 13. Hang out with people who have good eating habits. If a college life 101
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member of your study group insists on Krispy Kremes at every session, suggest that they be saved for the end — and your early departure. 14. Eat sensibly during the week; limit pig-outs, if you must have them, to weekends. 15. Be creative at the salad bar: • Sprinkle grated cheese on fresh veggies and nuke them. • Top half of a large tortilla with beans, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sprouts, fold it in half, and nuke it for a healthy quesadilla. • Fix yourself a salad at the salad bar and then top it off with chicken strips and diced cheese. • If you can’t stand the low-calorie salad dressing that’s offered, find one you like and keep it with you in a small water bottle. Similarly, carry around your own healthful snacks in small Tupperware containers. 16. Familiarize yourself with the calorie content of alcohol; you’ll be surprised at how fast alcohol can turn the Freshman Fifteen into the self-image from hell. 17. If you can’t avoid fast food altogether, read the following list very carefully and choose the healthiest option.
how to eat healthy at 9 fast food restaurants Here’s bad news, good news, and something in between.
1. BURGER KING Bad: Double Whopper with Cheese Sandwich — 920 calories
Better: BK Broiler Chicken Sandwich (no mayo) — 390 calories
Best: Chicken Tenders — 170 calories 2. BOSTON MARKET Bad: Meatloaf Sandwich with Cheese — 860 calories Better: Meatloaf with Brown Gravy — 390 calories Best: 1/4 White Meat Chicken (with skin) — 330 calories
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3. HARDEE’S Bad: Frisco Sandwich — 720 calories Better: Mushroom ’n’ Swiss Burger — 490 calories Best: Hamburger — 270 calories 4. KFC Bad: Honey Barbeque Wings — 607 calories Better: Honey BBQ Flavored Chicken Sandwich (with sauce) — 310 calories
Best: Tender Roast Sandwich (no sauce) — 270 calories 5. MCDONALD’S Bad: Quarter Pounder with Cheese — 530 calories Better: Chicken McGrill (no mayo) — 340 calories Best: Grilled Chicken Salad Deluxe (reduced calorie dressing) — 230 calories
6. PIZZA HUT Really bad: Pepperoni Lover’s Stuffed Crust Pizza, 2 slices — 1,150 calories
Better: Chicken Supreme Thin ’n’ Crispy Pizza, 2 slices — 400 calories
Best: Ham Thin ‘n’ Crispy Pizza, 2 slices — 340 calories 7. SUBWAY Bad: Spicy Italian Sandwich on wheat bread — 482 calories Better: Seafood and Crab Sandwich on wheat bread — 430 calories
Best: Veggie Delight on white bread — 222 calories 8. TACO BELL Bad: Taco Salad with Salsa — 840 calories Better: Mexican Pizza — 570 calories Best: Steak Taco — 200 calories 9. WENDY’S Bad: Big Bacon Classic — 580 calories Better: Junior Cheeseburger — 320 calories Best: Junior Hamburger — 280 calories college life 101
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14 SAFE SNACKS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Air-popped or low-fat microwave popcorn Raw vegetables and low-fat dip Nonfat yogurt with fresh fruit Pretzels (not the whole bag) Frozen fruit-juice bars (but read the labels) Mini-pizzas made with English muffins (or pita bread or bagels), tomato sauce, and low-fat cheese Granola bars Rice cakes with peanut butter and fruit spread Quesadillas made with salsa and low-fat cheese Instant soup High-fiber cereal Peanut butter on apple slices Breadsticks or pita and hummus Fruit spread or nut butter on whole-wheat crackers
7 top snack preferences among college students These statistics were prepared from studies conducted by the Snack Food Association and the National Potato Promotion Board (yes, there is one!) in 2002. 1. Potato chips 2. Popcorn 3. Tortilla chips 4. Snack crackers
5. Pretzels 6. Party mix 7. Cheese curls
what your snack preference says about you Ice Cream — You’re a sensualist at heart. You like to savor your experiences and share good times — and bad ones — with your closest friends. You don’t handle stress well, but enjoy taking things slowly, whether it is a new course of study or a burgeoning relationship. Nachos — You love to travel and discover new things. Your motto is “the spicier, the better,” and you hate to waste
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your time sitting around waiting for things to happen. Sticky situations are your favorite kind, and to you, “cheesy” is a compliment. Pizza — You’re always on the go and expect your friends and acquaintances to keep up with you. You act on the spur of the moment — and you like your slice of life with everything on it. Candy — You’re an intensely social creature. You love to share with other people — your time, your clothes, your advice. You like movies and dancing and reading and running. In fact, there are very few things you don’t like except, perhaps, people who don’t like candy. Dried Fruit — You are always protesting something or petitioning someone. You write a column for the campus anarchist paper and spend your free time composting in the community garden. Your friends are a little scared of you, though they know you’re a big sweetheart underneath it all. Anything Chocolate — You are dreamy and romantic — and you think (you know) that people who don’t love chocolate as much as you do are just plain crazy. Your sense of smell is rivaled only by your sharp-as-a-tack mind. You love the Aztecs for their contribution to culinary history. And nobody makes a cup of cocoa as well as you do. Popcorn — The word “fun” describes you perfectly. You were the school mascot in high school and again in college. You love a parade, and you have yet to miss a single college football game. You belong to a ton of teams and clubs, and your volunteer work is legendary on campus. Trail Mix — You were born wearing a pair of Birkenstocks and have been a vegetarian since forever. Your favorite thing about your college is the campus itself — you can’t understand why all your classes aren’t taught outside. When your roommate gets on your nerves, you like to go hiking or climb a tree.
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have a degree in liberal arts. Do you want fries with that?
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— Author unknown
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11 meals you can make in a toaster oven A supply of small disposable aluminum trays will save you the trouble of having to scrub the metal tray that the toaster oven comes with. Be sure to check dorm rules before you install any electrical appliances in your room. 1. Pizza Bagel — Slice a bagel or an English muffin in half and smother each section with tomato sauce. Cover with cheese. Heat in toaster oven at 350 degrees for approximately 5–7 minutes. If you want to get a little more elaborate add some vegetables or bacon bits. 2. Calzone — Use pita bread instead of a bagel. Cut a piece of pita in half, and spread the inside with tomato sauce. Fill the “pouch” with cheese, vegetables, or meat. Five to seven minutes in the toaster oven at 350 degrees will do the trick. 3. Panini Sandwich — Take two one-inch slices of sourdough bread and drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil on them. Place some sliced or grated cheese (gouda is the best) and ham or turkey in between slices along with some sliced tomato and onion. Add a final layer of cheese and cover with the second slice of bread. Heat in the toaster oven at 350 degrees for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. 4. Cracker Snacker — Put some cheese on each cracker, a slice of tomato and top off with an olive. Place these in the toaster oven for approximately 5–7 minutes. 5. Garlic Bread — Spread butter on French bread, sprinkle with raw minced garlic or garlic flavoring. Broil in the toaster oven for 3–4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. 6. Open-faced Turkey Avocado Melt — Put sliced tomato, cooked turkey, a peeled and sliced avocado, and a cup of Monterey Jack Cheese on two slices of bread and broil in your toaster oven for about 5 minutes. Since you are going to be broiling it’s a good idea to do this as an open-faced sandwich. When the cheese is bubbly your sandwich is ready. 7. Cinnamon Toast — Toast some white bread until it’s nice and brown. Spread on some butter. Combine some cinnamon with white sugar and brown sugar and sprinkle on the buttered
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bread. Place back in toaster over and broil for 1–2 minutes or until the bread looks glazed. 8. South-of-the-Border Melts — Combine some black beans, tomatoes, and chili powder and blend until completely smooth. Place this mixture on a couple of hoagie sandwich buns. Then add some shredded cheddar cheese and some salsa. Place sandwich in a 400-degree toaster oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes. 9. Baked Potato Surprise — Cover a potato with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Remove the potato carefully and cut it in half. Sprinkle some cheese on each half and put it back in the oven for about 10 minutes — until the cheese has melted. 10. Mexican Muffin Pizza — Spread a mixture of avocado, tomato, scallions, bell pepper, and lime juice on each half of an English muffin. Sprinkle some cheese on top and place in the toaster oven at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. 11. Grilled Cheese Sandwich — A no-brainer. Toast some bread. Butter the toast. Place a slice or two of cheese on each half and place back in toaster oven at 350 degrees for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese starts bubbling.
8 things to consider before you have a body part pierced . . . Yes, you’re away from home, possibly for the first time, and yes, there are things you can now get away with that you couldn’t living at home. But before you try anything new, educate yourself. Here are some facts you should know if you’re thinking of getting pierced. 1. Body piercing is unregulated in most states and even illegal in some. This means there are no rules as to how safe or clean the place has to be. You’re taking a serious health risk when you make the decision to get pierced. 2. Self-piercing can result in mutilation, infection, and serious complications. Don’t even think about it. 3. The American Dental Association opposes oral (tongue, lip, or cheek) piercing, calling it a “public health hazard.” college life 101
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4. The American Academy of Dermatology is against all forms of body piercing with one exception: the earlobe. 5. Piercings of the mouth involve using a needle to insert a barbell-shaped piece of jewelry through the midline of the tongue. The side effects of tongue piercing may include pain, swelling, infection, and increased salivary flow. Healing requires four to six weeks, if there are no complications. 6. Both the U.S. and Canadian Red Cross won’t accept blood donations from anyone who has had a body piercing within a year because piercing procedures can transmit dangerous blood-borne diseases. 7. If you choose to have a body part pierced, you run the risks of chronic infection, prolonged bleeding, scarring, being infected with Hepatitis B and C (which can be fatal), permanent holes in your nostril or eyebrow, and, in the case of mouth jewelry, choking and a speech impediment. 8. Most places that do piercing don’t use any form of anesthesia — ouch!
. . . and 7 things to consider if you’re going to do it anyway 1. Make sure the place you’ve gone to do the piercing looks clean — floors, walls, countertops, etc. 2. The piercer should wear fresh disposable rubber gloves and a face mask when he or she works on you. 3. An autoclave should be on the premises. This is a sterilization device that is used in hospitals and doctors’ offices to kill all harmful bacteria. You should ask if they use one. 4. Piercing guns should be avoided because they usually aren’t sterile. 5. Be sure that needles are used only once and that they are disposed of in a sterile container. 6. Once you’ve been pierced, take care of the piercing site by cleaning it with soap and water daily. Avoid picking or tugging at it. 7. Don’t try it yourself; don’t have a friend do it for you. It’s not as easy as it looks.
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t takes most men five years to recover from a college education, and to learn that poetry is as vital to thinking as knowledge. — Brooks Atkinson (drama critic)
to tattoo or not to tattoo There are many reasons why you might be attracted to the idea of getting tattooed. But you need to consider a number of important points before taking the plunge. Hopefully, these facts will guide you in making this important decision. 1. Getting a tattoo is possibly the most radical form of selfexpression. Using your own body as a piece of art can convey any message you wish. You may choose to express your beliefs, emotions, or interests. One thing is for sure: you will make a statement. 2. If done by a trained and responsible professional tattoo artist, the process is not nearly as dangerous as you are sometimes led to believe. On the other hand, most tattooing establishments and artists are not regulated, licensed, or inspected, so you run the risk of infection and other complications, with little or no recourse if something goes wrong. There’s even the possibility of contracting Hepatitis C and HIV if sterilized equipment isn’t used. 3. Getting a tattoo hurts. If you don’t mind getting stung repeatedly by a wasp you may be able to handle getting tattooed. 4. Because most pigments used in tattooing are derived from metals, there is always the risk that your skin may have an adverse reaction. Red pigments used in the tattooing process contain mercury and may result in skin inflammation and, sometimes, lesions. Scarring of the tattoo site may even occur as time passes. 5. Having a tattoo removed can be extremely costly, and about half the people who get tattoos have them removed at some time. The deeper the tattoo, the more difficult and expensive it will be to have it removed. 6. Fashion trends can change and usually do. 7. Tattoos carry a social stigma; potential employers who haven’t had a chance to get to know you can easily be turned off. college life 101
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10 campus protest hot spots We’re grateful to Michael Simmons, long-time journalist and agitator, for this list, which he bases on the Mother Jones 2003 annual roundup of campus protest hot spots around the world. He is also the perpetrator of the list that follows this one. 1. California Community Colleges — When the state announced huge financial cuts and tuition hikes, 14,000 students marched on Sacramento and Los Angeles in March 2003. Governor Gray Davis — he of little spine and recall fame — reduced the cuts and tuition bump by half. Latino students in California are among the most radical and best organized in the country. 2. New York University — Historically a hotbed for those who say “yes” to “no,” NYU students were relentless in their opposition to what would become the fiasco in Iraq. In October 2002, eight of ’em appeared uninvited on MTV’s Total Request Live, wearing “No War in Iraq” t-shirts, before getting the old heave-ho. A nine-hour sit-in at Hillary Clinton’s office, disruption of the United Nations’ General Assembly with chants, and classroom walk-outs soon followed. 3. Howard University — When a dozen black colleges collaborated on Black Tuesday, April 1, 2003, to urge the Supreme Court to uphold affirmative action, the event was hosted at Howard in Washington, D.C., at least partly for its proximity to the Court. That it was April Fools’ Day may have also been someone’s comment on the justices. A poetry slam and teach-in were conducted on Monday; on Black Tuesday a small army descended on the Court and thousands camped outside overnight (the justices ruled for narrow use of affirmative action). Howard has been on the cutting edge of protest for decades — with good reason. For much of its history, apartheid was legal in the American South. 4. University of Michigan — In April 2000, four thousand tokers celebrated the Hash Bash, a protest-cum-pot-party that denounced our nation’s draconian drug laws by breaking them. Only one participant was busted, but then Ann Arbor has a relatively light and enlightened marijuana law for those who light up. In addition, sixteen busloads of Wolverines joined the Black
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Tuesday event in solidarity; it was the U of M affirmative action policy that the Supremes were reviewing. 5. James Madison University — When the governing grownups banned distribution of the morning-after pill at this public university in Virginia in April of 2003, student activists collected almost three thousand signatures in protest. The issue automatically went to the student senate, which overwhelmingly voted to condemn the ban. 6. University of Chicago — Taco Bell’s tomato growers have been accused of mistreatment of migrant farm workers, kicking off a national “Boot the Bell” campaign. On Halloween 2002, campus activists dressed as tomatoes and marched en masse into the administration offices, demanding the closure of the franchise in the university’s food court. Within a month, Taco Bell’s contract was terminated. Rumors that students lost weight, felt healthier, and developed nuanced culinary skills remain unconfirmed. 7. St. Joseph’s University — Last April, Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum compared gay sex to bigamy, incest, and polygamy. Santorum was named commencement speaker in 2003 at this Catholic university in Philly. At the ceremony, onehundred graduates and thirty faculty members added rainbow tassels to their mortarboards and turned on their heels and walked out when Santorum began his address. 8. University of California, Berkeley — What can one say; this is Beserkeley, after all. It was the home of the Free Speech Movement in the early ’60s, which helped to define the very term “campus agitator.” When George W. Bush declared war in Iraq, 1,500 students gathered in Sproul Plaza — original site of the FSM — agitating for Baghdad University’s status as sister school and demanding that the university’s mucky-mucks refuse to cooperate with the feds, who wanted access to student records. A four-hour sit-in shut down school business until the rebels were dragged out by the cops. 9. Yale University — In spite of the billions that flow through this fabled school’s endowment, thousands of university blue-collar workers are paid less than nine bucks an hour. Ten thousand students and sympathizers marched through New Haven, Connecticut, on Saturday, September 13, 2003. Some college life 101
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participants — including oldsters Reverend Jesse Jackson and AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney — got themselves arrested for blocking traffic. The mammoth protest was the culmination of many smaller demos, strikes, and teach-ins. (Note to protesters: Next time, demand that the university rescind Dubya’s diploma. Nobody’s buying this “C student” business.) 10. University of Tehran — While a sit-in at the Dean’s office can merit a suspension on an American campus, the consequences of organized disagreement in Iran are much more dire, with flogging a mere — ahem — slap on the wrist compared to the worst penalty possible. Yet 10,000 students at Tehran University protested for the month of November 2002 when a reformist history prof was sentenced to death for speaking out against clerical interpretation of the Koran. Riot swine dispersed the hubbub but the teacher’s sentence was reduced to a mere seventy-four lashes and eight years in prison (how do they decide these things . . . why seventy-four, not seventy-three?). The courageous young Iranians are still at it, demanding President Khatami resign, risking the wrath of paramilitary thugs.
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liberal education . . . frees a man from the prison-house of his class, race, time, place, background, family and even his nation. — Robert Maynard Hutchins (American educator)
how to stage a successful campus protest We thank Mike Simmons for this one. 1. Know what you’re talking about. Read and share your knowledge with your classmates. Discuss but don’t preach — you’ll only turn people off. Sponsoring teach-ins on specific subjects is a time-honored tradition: “The History of U.S. Involvement in the Middle East,”“Global Trade and Its Impact on Everyday Life,”“The Drug War: From Prohibition to Harm Reduction,”“How a C Student Became President of the United States,” etc. 2. Let the administration know you plan to demonstrate. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights
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says: “Congress shall make no law prohibiting the right of the people to peaceably assemble.” However, there are times — such as when the billy-club-wielding riot squad charges into a peaceable assembly — when having discussed your plans with a dean and/or the campus police makes sense. 3. Notify the press. If your group is organized along consensus principles (the most democratic method), vote for spokespersons who are adept at responding to reporters who think you’re a bunch of dumb-ass young jerks who know nothing. Have a clear and simple set of demands ready beforehand. 4. Prepare for every conceivable response. Depending on the size of the protest, small groups of friends or like-minded people should organize into affinity groups that have back-up plans of where to meet up in case you get separated and generally look out for each other. First-aid kits and wet cloths for tear gas should be on hand. Everyone should carry the phone number of a lawyer, just in case. If you are peaceful, chances are there’ll be no probs — but ya never know. If you are practicing nonviolent civil disobedience and expect to be arrested, have a friend on the outside who’s going to avoid arrest. He or she can do everything from phoning the police station to pestering the desk sergeant as to your whereabouts to watering your plants. 5. Of course, it’s serious, but enjoy it. Protest can — and should — be FUN! Puppets, costumes, witty and clever signs, street theater, and music are excellent ways to communicate your message. Changing the world and having a good time are not mutually exclusive. There are few feelings more satisfying than confronting the powerful when they are disrespecting both your rights and the health of the planet and winning.
how to handle racism Professor Joe Martin of RealWorld University.com bases this list on his experiences as a black student in a predominantly white college during the 1980s. He writes: At the end of her album Rhythm Nation, Janet Jackson conducted a short exercise in which she asked her listeners to close their eyes for a minute. During this time she stated, “In complete college life 101
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and total darkness we’re all the same, only our knowledge and wisdom separates us. Therefore,” she continued, “the next time you open your eyes, do not let them deceive you.” Although it was years ago when I first listened to Janet’s cassette, I never forgot those words. Those words still ring true today as they did when I first heard them. Racism has to be one of the most destructive devices known to humanity. It’s rooted in hatred and is nurtured by ignorance. As a college student who attended a predominantly white university during the ’80s, I endured my share of racism (both with professors as well as students). Episodes of being called derogatory names and receiving threats of not receiving an “A” because of the color of my skin were typical occurrences during my college years. I don’t believe I experienced any more or less hate than the average minority student, but each occurrence was painful nonetheless. Now, I’m not an expert in the field of race relations; however, I do believe I may have some helpful advice on how to handle the demoralizing effects of racism during your college experience. I pray that you will find strength in my words and forgiveness in your heart during those tough times. 1. Believe in yourself so you don’t have to tear down others. One of the main reasons for racism is fear and insecurity. In order to feel good about themselves, some people resort to tearing down others. The best way to deal with a racist is not to become one. It is so easy to respond to hate with hate. But every time you do, you kill off a little piece of you in the process. Hate only destroys the person who possesses it. Don’t do it. Instead, focus on your own greatness. It’s only then that you can appreciate the greatness in others. 2. Use your anger and hostility constructively, not destructively. It’s natural to feel anger and hostility toward a racist. I know because I’ve felt it. Anger and hostility are natural emotions, and shouldn’t be suppressed. However, [they] shouldn’t be used destructively either. Instead, use this dangerous duo to your advantage by channeling them into positive energy. For example, when a racist employer refused to hire me as a bag boy
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(he said that I wasn’t qualified — although the position said no experience necessary), I turned my anger and hostility toward him into positive energy toward my job search in order to find a better job working for a bank (with no experience). This became a small victory for me. 3. Accept the fact that the problem is not yours, it’s theirs. Too many times we find ourselves getting mad, frustrated, and angry when someone hates us because of the color of our skin. But look at it this way, you’re not the racist, they are. That means they have the problem, not you. Just be thankful you don’t have to carry around “their” baggage of ignorance. Isn’t that wonderful? My wife commented that someone made a highly insensitive racial remark during a conversation with her. It really upset my wife. But I asked her, “Whose ignorance is it? Is it yours or theirs?” Case closed. 4. Tactfully make your feelings known to the perpetrator. Sometimes people don’t know that they’re being racially or ethnically insensitive. If it bothers you, let them know about it. If their comment or action was purely unintentional, he or she will surely apologize. If they don’t apologize after you bring the issue to their attention, remember tip three — it’s their problem, not yours. 5. Guard your integrity by standing up for what you believe
in, and always do the right thing (even if it’s not the most popular thing to do). This may be the hardest thing to do, but it’s something you must. Too many times, we allow our friends, or even strangers, to be racially insensitive to others in our presence. Even if their derogatory comments are not directed at you or your race, you should exercise integrity by speaking up about it. Understand, you’re just as guilty as the perpetrator if you say and do nothing. I’m not saying that your action will change their attitude, but it will definitely change their actions and the words they use around you. Also, you will be able to sleep much better at night knowing that you stood up for what you believed in. I think Martin Luther King Jr. said it best when he said, “An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere.”
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fighting hate on campus Visit www.tolerance.org for more information about promoting tolerance in and outside the classroom. 1. Know what a hate crime or bias incident is. Responding to bias on campus — whether it’s a hate crime or a bias incident — requires a basic understanding of hate crimes and bias incidents, as well as local laws and campus rules. For a crime to be considered a hate crime, two criteria must be met: first, a crime, such as intimidation, physical assault, vandalism, or arson, must occur; secondly, the crime must be motivated by bias. Bias incidents vary, but most involve race, ethnicity, and religion. Some are motivated by sexual orientation, gender, or disability. Some incidents may include name-calling, insensitive language, distributing pamphlets, wearing Nazi insignia, and similar provocative behavior. And bias may be actual or perceived, such as when an attack is directed at someone who is thought to be gay — but who might not be. 2. Unite. If hate arrives at your campus, you will probably be outraged. The odds are that there are many other students who feel the same way you do. In order for your college to effectively act against hate crimes and bias incidents, students need to unite into some kind of organization — whether by starting a new group to specifically combat a recent hate crime, or joining up with an already established group. Check with national organizations — The Southern Poverty Law Center, the Human Rights Campaign, the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League, or the National Conference for Community — for suggestions on fighting hate. Keep in mind that national organizations may have different aims than do the students at your university. Another option is to join up with minority student groups. Just be aware that people will be feeling particularly sensitive at this time — especially if their minority group was the one targeted by a hate crime. While you may not be welcomed with open arms, your help will still probably be appreciated. 3. Use available resources. Contact recent graduates of your college who might have information about past incidents
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on campus. Student activists will also be able to help you focus on a plan of action to combat hate crimes and bias incidents. They may have valuable information and advice on organizing fellow students — both on your campus and on other college campuses. Powerful alumni can bring their voices to bear for your cause. Supportive faculty members can often provide vocal support. Many of your professors were probably involved in student-run organizations during their own college days, and can offer valuable suggestions and advice. 4. Support the victim(s). Victims of hate crimes — like victims of any kind of crime — are likely to behave in very personal ways. Some people may need a lot of attention and support to get through their ordeal. Others may want to be left alone. Whatever you do, don’t speak for the victim. Just try to get a feel for what kind of support is needed and act accordingly. If you’re uncertain, ask what you can do to help. And then listen to the answer. 5. Publicize. You may think that everyone knows the facts concerning the episode that has upset you so much. But different people travel in different circles, and many students may not even be aware that an incident occurred. Use as many avenues as possible to disseminate information about the incident. This means distributing fliers, posting a notice on the university Web site, and sending e-mails. You might also want to produce some bilingual materials. If your college newspaper isn’t aware of the incident — or if you think it hasn’t responded adequately — offer to write an article or provide as much information on the incident as it needs to pursue the story itself. 6. Utilize the media. Your job as a student advocate is to make sure that newspaper, TV, and radio reports are accurate, thorough, and responsible. Poor or inaccurate media coverage — and poor handling of the media — can increase anger and
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liberal-arts education is supposed to provide you with a value system, a standard, a set of ideas, not a job.
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suspicion on campus. Some effective ways of working with the media include: providing student contacts for campus and mainstream press, to make sure that student voices are heard; coordinating information among the students so that everyone is well informed and messages are not mixed; and creating a name for the groups that have come together in fighting the bias incident — this will show that there is a unified response to bias on campus. And don’t forget to make use of all media outlets. This includes writing letters to the editor of your local or university newspaper, finding out if you can write an op-ed piece for them, even looking into whether your organization can broadcast public service announcements on radio or TV stations to publicize upcoming demonstrations and meetings. 7. Share your knowledge. No matter what college or university you attend, one thing is certain: Every four to five years, the student population changes entirely. Few students five years from now will have direct information about the hostility that tore apart your campus this year. So when you graduate, make sure that remaining students — as well as sympathetic faculty members and administrators — are empowered to continue on with your campus advocacy work.
greek trivia — 15 facts 1. Sorority and fraternity members are more likely to stay in college than other students. Overall, 71 percent of Greeks graduate college, while only about 50 percent of non-Greeks do. 2. College graduates who belong to a sorority or fraternity tend to be more successful financially than other college graduates. 3. Sorority and fraternity alumni donate more gifts and in greater amounts to their alma maters than nonmembers. In fact, 75 percent of all alumni money given to a graduate’s alma mater comes from Greek alumni. 4. Student members tend to participate more often in cocurricular campus activities. Nationally, $7 million is raised for charity by Greek organizations. 5. Fraternities and sororities provide a viable option for
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leadership development and extracurricular involvement. 6. The first general fraternity (Kappa Alpha Society) was organized in 1750. 7. Forty-three of fifty of the largest North American companies are headed by fraternity men and sorority women. 8. Seven out of ten people listed in Who’s Who in America are Greek. 9. Eighty-five percent of Fortune 500 executives belonged to a fraternity or sorority. 10. Forty of forty-seven Supreme Court justices since 1910 were fraternity men. 11. Seventy-six percent of all congressmen and senators belong to a fraternity or sorority. 12. With two exceptions in each office, every U.S. president and vice president born since the first social fraternity was founded in 1825 has been a member of a fraternity. So have three Canadian prime ministers. 13. Greeks volunteer 850,000 hours yearly across the nation. 14. All the Apollo 11 astronauts were frat members. 15. More than 7 million men and women in the United States and Canada are Greek.
6 myths (and facts) about hazing Hazing is any form of subjecting another student to abusive or ridiculous tricks; to frighten, scold, beat, or harass him or her; or subject the student to personal indignities. It’s illegal in most states, with good reason. Hazing has always been perceived as a secretive activity and often goes unreported when, for example, pledges attempt to gain the “respect” of their tormentors. But hazing incidents have become all too common in the news. A recent Alfred University study reported that 1.5 million students are hazed each year, and that there were over forty hazing-related deaths in 2002 alone. Just as alarming is the fact that hazing doesn’t always take the obvious forms. In 2003 one student at Southern Methodist University died in a hazing incident in which he was forced to chug water from a gallon jug. (The body can process only six to eight liters in a twenty-four-hour period. college life 101
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The student died from the condition known as hyponatremia.) Visit www.stophazing.org for more information about this national epidemic. The following list has been reprinted here with their permission.
Myth #1: Hazing is primarily a problem for fraternities and sororities.
Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools, and other types of clubs and/or organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.
Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others — it is victimization. Hazing is premeditated and not accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading, and often lifethreatening.
Myth #3: As long as there’s no malicious intent, a little hazing should be OK.
Fact: Even if there’s no malicious “intent,” safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be “all in good fun.” For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group members?
Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
Fact: First of all, respect must be earned — not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy, and alienation.
Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can’t be considered hazing.
Fact: In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the
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victim can’t be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent, given the peer pressure and victim’s desire to belong to the group.
Myth #6: It’s difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing — it’s such a gray area sometimes. Fact: It’s not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions: • Is alcohol involved? • Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they’re being asked to do? • Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse? • Is there risk of injury or a question of safety? • Do you have any reservations about describing the activity to your parents, a professor, or university official? • Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew? • If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” the activity is probably hazing.
stop hazing now! Albion College in Albion, Michigan, has adopted the following guidelines to stop hazing and eliminate the physical and psychological consequences. We’re hoping the word spreads. • A pledge/new member shall not spend more than seven hours during the week on pledge activities. • No pledge/new member activity may begin before 8:00 a.m. on any day and shall not interfere with the academic schedule. • No pledge/new member activity shall extend past midnight on nights before class days or beyond 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. college life 101
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17 EXAMPLES OF HAZING Ask yourself if this is what you came to college for. Then ask yourself why anyone who demands pledges to perform any of the following activities should have your respect.
1. Requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, push-ups, runs, or any form of abusive exercise
2. Forcing or requiring consumption of alcoholic beverages or any drug
3. Requiring the ingestion of any undesirable /unwanted substance 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
(e.g., spoiled food, insects) Nudity Paddle swats Pushing, shoving, or attacking pledges/new members Assigning pranks such as stealing, panty raids, and harassing another organization Calling pledges /new members by degrading names Activities that allow pledges /new members less than six continuous hours of sleep Required kidnapping of pledges /new members Forcing pledges to run up stairs while reading out loud Yelling, screaming, or use of obscenities at pledges /new members Activities that encourage pledges /new members to disregard the directions of faculty, staff, or other college officials Burning, branding, or tattooing any part of the body, whether voluntarily or involuntarily Activities that call for blindfolding, confinement, jumping from heights, and other potentially dangerous activities Intentional actions that obstruct, disrupt, or physically interfere with the use of college premises, buildings, streets, or other facilities Activities that encourage breaking laws
• No pledge/new member activity shall be conducted which reflects negatively upon the reputation of the college, the participants, or the organization. • No pledge/new member activity shall include any activity that would violate the College Code of Responsibility.
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• No pledge/new member activity may involve the use of alcohol, including pressure on pledges/new members to drink during visitation. • Pledges/new members shall not be forced to engage in any activity that conflicts with academic activities. Academic activities include, but are not limited to, class assignments, rehearsals, fieldwork, laboratories, etc. • Fines may not be used to coerce pledges/new members to attend meetings and activities. • No activities by the chapter/house/lodge or its pledges/new members may in any way result in damage to personal or college property or to any person. • All competitions between houses must be constructive, not destructive, to the total community. • Pledges/new members and current members are not to tamper with, damage, or vandalize other Albion College fraternity houses or lodges. • No pledge/new member activity may involve hazing of any sort. These prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, physical danger, alcohol and drugs, public nudity, mental anguish, etc.
4 bad reasons for considering a transfer to another college This can get expensive, and chances are you will lose credits and take longer to graduate. So consider this option carefully before you proceed. 1. You’re just not having a good time. Have you really tried to fit in? Have you really applied yourself to the workload? You should stay in a school for at least a semester before you think about a move. Remember that if you do transfer, you’ll have to make friends all over again. 2. You miss your friends and want to be closer to them. There’s no guarantee that your friends won’t transfer at some point. Making the move to be near your girlfriend or boyfriend will only compromise your education. college life 101
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3. You’re not sure what your goals are and feel like you’re wasting time. This kind of indecision will follow you to the next school. Work harder at networking and connecting with people who may give you a clearer idea of what your choices are. 4. The work is just too hard. Not a reason to transfer at all. You may have signed up for the wrong classes, chosen the wrong major, or just run into some bad luck when they were handing out the teachers. Try to solve your problem before you give up. If you quit, there’s a good chance you’ll spend time later on wondering if you could have gotten through after all.
5 good reasons to transfer 1. Your college doesn’t offer the major you’ve finally decided on. 2. Your grades have improved and you’re now eligible to reapply to your first-choice school. 3. Another school has offered you a scholarship, and you really need the money. 4. Personal problems require you to be closer to home. 5. You realize that no jobs are being offered in your area of pursuit and you need to rethink your education path.
7 students who learned more on their school breaks than they did in school You can’t really compare academic life to lifetime experience; they are two completely different aspects of your overall education. Here are some stories that may inspire you, taken from the excellent book Taking Time Off by Colin Hall and Ron Leiber. These students may have taken time off from school, but they did so in order to learn in a much larger classroom — the world. 1. Kristin Erickson was attending a small private school in New York City and wasn’t even sure she was ready for college. Her parents “freaked” and told her she had better come up with a plan of some sort. She did — she signed up for the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) in rural Appalachia and spent time in
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Kentucky assisting health workers and also working directly with patients. She describes her experience: “When I graduated high school I had all these fixed ideas about how I felt about this and what to do about that. When I got to Kentucky . . . a lot of my organized high school ideas were tossed around and smashed. Which was good!” (For more information about FNS, visit www.frontiernursing.org.) 2. Toni Gorog was always interested in science and was majoring in biology at UCLA when, in her junior year, she signed up for “Natural History of Vertebrates.” Her interest soon turned to passion, and it showed; a TA who was planning on spending the following semester studying for his Ph.D. in Brazil invited her along to assist. She loved the fieldwork she did there and fell in love with the country. Today she is pursuing a Ph.D. in biology and reports, “The semester I took off from college probably deserves most of the credit for my current circumstances and the path of study that I chose.” 3. Giev Kashkooli was a sophomore at Brown when he started having doubts that the material he was learning in the classroom would relate to his life’s work. He had been volunteering — working with abused and homeless children — but really was not sure where the future would take him. He made contact with the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem in New York City and spent six months helping to ensure due process for those who could not afford lawyers. “I learned how to read a rap sheet, . . . investigate a crime scene, and read a police report.” Giev worked on gathering information and became involved with members of the community who offered him insight into their lives and plights. He returned to school. Then the summer before graduation, he worked for the United Farm Workers, an experience so rewarding that he wound up working there after graduation. “I learned from my experience taking time off,” he says, “that a lot of the inequities I saw in the world had a political and economic basis. I decided I wanted to learn how to organize for social change.” 4. Kristin Levine had been accepted to Swarthmore, but she just wasn’t sure she was ready. All her life she had waited for something “new and different” to happen, and she feared college would just be an extension of her high school experience. What college life 101
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could be more different than moving to another country? She contacted a service that placed au pairs in homes throughout Europe and soon found herself working for a family in Austria. She took classes to learn German, where she met other girls like herself from all over the world. It was in Austria that Kristin fell in love with opera, which will remain a lifetime passion for her. When she finally returned to school, she got a part-time job teaching German. “But going to Vienna had an even bigger impact on my attitude toward taking risks,” reports Kristin. “Whenever I’m scared about trying something new I think back to the fact that I went to live in a foreign country when I was eighteen.” The thought gives her the confidence to handle anything. (For information on working abroad as an au pair, visit www.interexchange.org and click on “working abroad.”) 5. Carrie Lee Newman was a student at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky, when she attended a lecture by sociologist Arthur Davidson. Carrie had been at NKU for two and a half years and was thinking about a transfer. But she was so moved by Davidson’s lecture that she struck up a conversation with him and mentioned she was looking for something new. The next thing she knew, Davidson had called a friend and arranged for her to work on a cruiser as a deckhand in Alaska. She worked seventeen-hour days, cleaning and restocking the boat between trips, but she also took time to watch the whales, porpoises, otters, and the amazing glaciers. Carrie was so taken with the place that she applied for a transfer to the University of Washington in Seattle — and was rejected. But she had already learned too much about personal resilience to back down. She got two of her professors to write letters of recommendation, and was accepted to UW for the following semester. (For a job site providing links to various outdoor employment opportunities, go to www.coolworks.com.) 6. Tim Holtan was born in Vietnam, orphaned, and brought to the United States when he was still a baby. He was adopted by a family in Baltimore and grew up happily in a community that was almost completely Caucasian. But Tim had a feeling that he was missing an important part of himself. While attending Foothill College in Los Altos, California, he heard about an
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adoption agency in Vietnam that was offering a small stipend and room and board in return for help. Tim jumped at the chance and took off. His work there, helping people who had come to the country to adopt children, was so rewarding he wound up staying an extra two years. He resumed his college career both well traveled and well centered; he had explored his Asian roots and now felt comfortable going forward in life with a strengthened identity. Today, “The majority of my friends are Asian, and the women I date are all Asian. But I like being able to walk in both worlds.” 7. When Ted Conover found himself overwhelmed by a socially homogenous atmosphere after having grown up in integrated Denver, where, as a white student, he had been bused to a black school. He took a year off to work with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) doing community work in low-income areas, but after he returned to his studies in anthropology, he still felt the need to keep moving. Always fascinated by hobo culture, Ted came up with the idea to ride freight trains with hoboes for a year and then write about the experience. He did — his book on the subject, Rolling Nowhere, was published shortly after he graduated from Amherst, and today he’s a successful magazine writer with several books to his credit. Perhaps the most valuable lesson he learned from his experience has to do with risk-taking. “If you’re going to live, in italics, at the highest pitch possible, you have to be ready to try something completely different.” Ted continues to follow his own advice. In 2000, he published Newjack, his first-person account of working as a prison guard at Sing-Sing.
9 good reasons to study abroad If you’re contemplating a change of scenery, check in with the study abroad office at school. You should also check out the current annual Peterson’s Summer Study Abroad, which lists more than 1,800 opportunities worldwide. Studying abroad may not be for everyone, and it’s not something you should consider if what you’re really trying to do is avoid school altogether. But it might be the right move for you if:
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1. You have a real interest in broadening your horizons and understanding other cultures. 2. You’re an education major and interested in new methods of learning. Students often are surprised to discover that most colleges in Europe, for instance, emphasize lectures over hands-on learning and student-professor interaction. 3. Your career goals would be furthered by an understanding of international affairs and economy. 4. You’ll earn academic credit. (But make sure that’s the case for the courses you’re taking before you sign up.) 5. Tons of student travel discounts are available; check with your school’s study abroad office. 6. You’re interested in foreign travel but don’t want to spend a whole semester abroad. There are tons of short-term programs (just two weeks, for instance).
14 REASONS TO SKIP CLASS 1. You didn’t do the class assignment and don’t like to attend class unprepared.
2. The class is before noon. 3. There are two inches of snow on the ground and you assume that 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
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class will be canceled anyway. Your girlfriend or boyfriend is in town for the day. The textbook weighs more than your roommate. You couldn’t loosen the handcuffs. You have a date with the professor’s wife. You can’t solve differential equations in your head. You already understand everything and going to class will just confuse you. Your bicycle is out of gas. The beach is calling your name. You need to sleep in because you stayed up late making up work you missed when you cut the day before. Traffic on campus was so bad you just couldn’t make it. With all the horror that’s going on in the world, does it really matter?
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7. You are patient, open-minded, adventurous, and love new experiences. 8. You’re a language major and would benefit from living in the culture you are studying. 9. You love the idea of nontraditional locations and dream about studying political change in South Africa, wildlife conservation in Botswana, or post-colonialism in Ghana.
9 organizations that sponsor international volunteer programs Interested in digging for archaeological treasures in the Middle East? How about preparing for your career in health by helping a team bring medical care to the far corners of Africa? Or studying conservation in South America by helping to plant trees? Your study-abroad office at school is a good place to start exploring your options. Here are some others: 1. Amigos de las Americas 5618 Star Lane Houston, Texas 77057 713-782-5290 800-231-7796 www.amigoslink.org 2. Council on International Educational Exchange 633 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 212-822-2600 www.ciee.org 3. Global Volunteers 375 East Little Canada Road St. Paul, MN 55117 651-407-6100 800-487-1074 www.globalvolunteers.org
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4. Habitat for Humanity International 121 Habitat Street Americus, GA 31709-3498 229-924-6935 800-422-4828 www.habitat.org 5. Institute for International Cooperation
and Development P.O. Box 520 Williamstown, MA 02167 413-458-3323 www.berkshire.net 6. International Partnership for Service-Learning 815 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017-4594 212-986-0989 www.ipsl.org 7. Operation Crossroads Africa P.O. Box 5570 New York, NY 10027 212-289-1949 www.igc.org/oca 8. Service Civil International 3213 W. Wheeler Street Seattle, WA 98199 206-350-6585 www.sci-ivs.org 9. Volunteers for Peace 1034 Tiffany Road Belmont, VT 05730 802-259-2922 www.vfp.org
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never graduated from Iowa, but I was only there for two terms — Truman’s and Eisenhower’s. — Alex Karras (football player)
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10 questions to ask before you sign up for an on-line degree Going to college via the Internet isn’t a way to get out of doing work. In fact, it’s just the opposite. It takes highly motivated students who can keep themselves organized to take advantage of this newest route to higher education. An on-line degree is most often cheaper than a traditional college education, and if you like sitting in front of your computer, let’s face it: The convenience can’t be beat. But tread carefully here; there’s a lot to be considered. For more information, check out Get Your Degree Online, by Matthew Helm and April Helm (McGraw Hill, 2000), which lists over 1,500 programs and tells you which are accredited. 1. Is the school accredited? There are six sanctioned agencies in the United States that award accreditation to the various on-line schools, and they do so based on the quality of the education that is being offered. Check with the U.S. Department of Education to find out if the school you’re considering is real and recognized. 2. How many courses does the school offer? Generally, the more courses they offer, the more developed they are. 3. How long have they been operating? On-line learning has been popular since the 1980s. If the school just opened its doors within the past year or two, you might want to look elsewhere. 4. What kind of degree will I get? Schools offer everything from B.A.’s to Ph.D.’s. 5. Does the school require you to spend time on a campus? Some schools demand that you show up on a campus for orientation and exams. Find out beforehand if expensive travel will be involved and make proper arrangements early. 6. What student services are being offered? Ask about career planning, tutorial services, libraries, and general student counseling. 7. How many of their students actually graduate? If the ratio is high, they must be doing something right. 8. How many of their graduates actually get jobs? If the college life 101
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ratio is low, there may not be a need in the area you’re pursuing, or the program is simply not effective. 9. Are they willing to give out a list of references? It would be helpful to get opinions from those who have been there and done that. 10. What equipment will I need? You’ll need your computer, a sound card, speakers, and a Web browser if all lectures are conducted on the Web. But some schools send out lectures on videotapes and via other technology. Check first to be sure you have the right equipment.
12 college habits that follow you home A lot changes when you go home for the first time after you’ve been away at college. You’re no longer the center of the family’s universe, the family pet may sniff at you, and Grandma could be parking her dentures in what was once your private bathroom. Get a clue: They’re not the ones who are acting strange! 1. You use your dorm key to get into your bedroom. 2. You hand your mom your ID card to scan before meals. 3. You look for a tray to carry your dinner to the table with. 4. You dial 9 when making a phone call from home. 5. You shower quickly, expecting someone to flush any minute. 6. You carry your shower items to and from your bedroom. 7. You get dressed in the dark so you won’t wake anyone up. 8. You keep trying to stick quarters in the washing machine. 9. You ask friends to sleep over because you’re not used to being alone. 10. You move another desk and bed into your room because there’s too much space. 11. You hoard food under your bed for snow days when you know you won’t want to go out. 12. You miss the smell of popcorn.
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Get Smart
dave barry’s guide to choosing a major One great way to relax when you need a break is to read anything Dave Barry wrote. Here’s his “advice” for college students, reprinted with his kind permission: Many of you young persons out there are seriously thinking about going to college. (That is, of course, a lie. The only things you young persons think seriously about are loud music and sex. Trust me: these are closely related to college.) College is basically a bunch of rooms where you sit for roughly two thousand hours and try to memorize things. The two thousand hours are spread out over four years; you spend the rest of the time sleeping and trying to get dates. Basically, you learn two kinds of things in college: Things you will need to know in later life (two hours). These include how to make collect phone calls and get beer and crepe-paper stains out of your pajamas. Things you will not need to know in later life (1,998 hours). These are the things you learn in classes whose names end in -ology, -osophy, -istry, -ics, and so on. The idea is, you memorize these things, then write them down in little exam books, then forget them. If you fail to forget them, you become a professor and have to stay in college for the rest of your life. It’s very difficult to forget everything. For example, when I was in college, I had to memorize — don’t ask me why — the names of three metaphysical poets other than John Donne. I have managed to forget one of them, but I still remember that the other two were named Vaughan and Crashaw. Sometimes, when I’m trying to remember something important like whether my wife told me to get tuna packed in oil or tuna packed in water, Vaughan and Crashaw just pop up in my mind, right there in the supermarket. It’s a terrible waste of brain cells. After you’ve been in college for a year or so, you’re supposed to choose a major, which is the subject you intend to memorize and forget the most about. Here is a very important piece of advice: BE SURE TO CHOOSE A MAJOR THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE KNOWN FACTS AND RIGHT ANSWERS. This means you must not major in mathematics, physics,
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biology, or chemistry, because these subjects involve actual facts. If, for example, you major in mathematics, you’re going to wander into class one day and the professor will say: “Define the cosine integer of the quadrant of a rhomboid binary axis, and extrapolate your results to five significant vertices.” If you don’t come up with exactly the answer the professor has in mind, you fail. The same is true of chemistry: if you write in your exam book that carbon and hydrogen combine to form oak, your professor will flunk you. He wants you to come up with the same answer he and all the other chemists have agreed on. Scientists are extremely snotty about this. So you should major in subjects like English, philosophy, psychology, and sociology — subjects in which nobody really understands what anybody else is talking about, and which involve virtually no actual facts. I attended classes in all these subjects, so I’ll give you a quick overview of each:
English: This involves writing papers about long books you have read little snippets of just before class. Here is a tip on how to get good grades on your English papers: NEVER SAY ANYTHING ABOUT A BOOK THAT ANYBODY WITH ANY COMMON SENSE WOULD SAY. For example, suppose you are studying Moby-Dick. Anybody with any common sense would say Moby-Dick is a big white whale, since the characters in the book refer to it as a big white whale roughly eleven thousand times. So in your paper, you say Moby-Dick is actually the Republic of Ireland. Your professor, who is sick to death of reading papers and never liked Moby-Dick anyway, will think you are enormously creative. If you can regularly come up with lunatic interpretations of simple stories, you should major in English.
Philosophy: Basically, this involves sitting in a room and deciding there is no such thing as reality and then going to lunch. You should major in philosophy if you plan to take a lot of drugs.
Psychology: This involves talking about rats and dreams. Psychologists are obsessed with rats and dreams. I once get smart
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spent an entire semester training a rat to punch little buttons in a certain sequence, then training my roommate to do the same thing. The rat learned much faster. My roommate is now a doctor. Studying dreams is more fun. I had one professor who claimed everything we dreamed about — tractors, Arizona, baseball, frogs — actually represented a sexual organ. He was very insistent about this. Nobody wanted to sit near him. If you like rats or dreams, and above all if you dream about rats, you should major in psychology.
Sociology: For sheer lack of intelligibility, sociology is far and away the number one subject. I sat through hundreds of hours of sociology courses, and read gobs of sociology writing, and I never once heard or read a coherent statement. This is because sociologists want to be considered scientists, so they spend most of their time translating simple, obvious observations into a scientific sounding code. If you plan to major in sociology, you’ll have to learn to do the same thing. For example, suppose you have observed that children cry when they fall down. You should write: “Methodological observations of the sociometrical behavior tendencies of prematured isolates indicates that a causal relationship exists between groundward tropism and lachrimatory, or ‘crying,’ behavior forms.” If you can keep this up for fifty or sixty pages, you will get a large government grant.
8 simple secrets of successful students 1. They work efficiently. The harder you work, the more you’ll learn, right? Well, maybe not. Studies show that effort all by itself is the single most overrated trait in producing success, when it’s actually one of the least significant factors. How many times have you tried to study and found yourself reading the same paragraph over and over again, words swimming in front of your eyes, with zero comprehension? Setting priorities and working efficiently will get you a lot further than random mental exertion. Really.
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2. They try to find classes that interest them. It’s not always easy, especially when you have to blast through a lot of Gen. Ed. requirements, but you’ll do better if you choose classes that you find interesting. You might be surprised at how much you learn in “The Simpsons and Political Deconstruction of the Twentieth Century,” for example. If you’re a Simpsons fan (and there’s any room in the class), go for it. 3. They follow directions. Take notes. Write stuff down. Make sure you fully understand your assignments. It’s your responsibility to make sure you are clear on what you are supposed to do. If something is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask. 4. They get enough sleep. Nothing is better for good decision making and clear thinking than a good night’s sleep. If you’re not a “morning person” try to schedule your classes in the afternoon. If you can’t, and other people’s partying is keeping you up, buy some earplugs. 5. They eat well. Junk food is cheap, easy, and filling — tasty, too. But your brain will work better if you eat green veggies, fresh fruits, and low-fat protein. You’ll look and feel better, too. 6. They learn from their mistakes. Easy for us to say, right? But instead of trashing yourself or blaming someone else when you screw up, try to see what you can do differently next time for a better outcome. Everyone makes mistakes; if you take responsibility for your actions and learn something from the experience, you’ll be ahead of the game. 7. They network. If you’re a college student you’re part of a community, and it’s likely that others are going through a lot of the same things you are. People who hold certain ideals in common tend to feel more successful than those who hold completely individualistic views. Ask for help if you need it, and try to extend yourself to other students, too. 8. They have extensive experience in the areas that interest them. If you’re lucky enough to know what you want to do after college, get an internship while you’re still in school. Studies show that college students who served in internships were 15 percent more likely to find employment in their chosen fields after graduation, and 70 percent believed they were better prepared for the workplace because of the experience. get smart
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11 great motivators One of the biggest differences between college and your education thus far is that you’ve probably had people around you (the ’rents, in most instances) making sure you’re on top of your responsibilities. Now you’re on your own, and there’s no one around to tell you that you’re falling behind. Keeping yourself motivated is now completely up to you. Problems with motivation are sometimes confused with an inability to handle day-to-day responsibilities. We’re not talking here about a situation where you’ve simply overextended yourself, cluttered your life with too many distractions, or taken such poor care of yourself that you find yourself, more often than not, running on empty. Make sure you’re in the best working conditions possible. If your desk is in a state of constant clutter, chances are you’re going to dread sitting down at it, no matter how driven you are. A real lack of motivation has to do with the feeling that the work you’re supposed to do has no purpose; you feel like you just don’t know what all this effort is for. Here are some ways to remind yourself that you’re in school for a purpose, however elusive it may be at times. 1. Think about the biggest loser you know. Now imagine that you are him or her. 2. Get a visual of your ultimate goal. If you’re planning on going into politics, hang a photo of the president on your wall. 3. “Fine” yourself. Every time you get off track (i.e., you fail to study for an exam; you get a low grade), contribute a small amount of money to a fund. 4. Reward yourself. When you get an A, when you land the internship, when the prof singles you out for recognition, spend the money you’ve been fining yourself. 5. Work in realistic blocks of time, with breaks — or even full-blown escapes — in between. Say, ten minutes off for every hour you study; a movie after an entire day hitting the books. 6. Use checklists to chart your progress. Keeping track of your progress this way will make the process easier; think of these lists as maps that will help you toward your goal.
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HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR GPA 1. List each of your courses, including the number of credits each is worth.
2. List your grade points in each. Grade points are usually assigned as follows:
A = 4 points B = 3 points C = 2 points D = 1 point F = 0 points
3. Multiply the number for each grade by the number of credits in the course and add the results together.
4. Divide the total points by the total of the credits you’re taking. For instance:
COURSE
GRADE
Philosophy Math English French TOTALS
A B– C A–
GRADE POINTS 4.0 2.7 2.0 3.7 12.4
NO. OF CREDITS 3 3 4 4 14
TOTAL PTS. 12.0 8.1 8.0 14.8 42.9
The grade point average here is the total points (42.9) divided by the total number of credits (14), for a GPA of 3.0.
7. Use the buddy system. Find someone who has ambitions similar to yours and work together, reporting progress, solving problems, etc. 8. Think about the worst possible job. How about a lifetime career at McDonald’s? Ask yourself how much fun it might be to spend your days flipping burgers. Think about the looks on the faces of your friends when they come in for lunch and find you at the grill. 9. Give yourself short-term deadlines to meet your longterm goals. If your dream is to become a graphic artist after graduation, challenge yourself to smaller goals: reading the best book on the subject; identifying ten different companies that you might want to work for; getting your resume and portfolio
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together; applying for internships. Create a timeline and check off each task as it is accomplished. 10. Hang out with other highly motivated people. 11. Create rituals that keep you on track. If you’re premed, wear a stethoscope while you study; if you plan on teaching, give a short imaginary pep talk to your imaginary students before you sit down to study each day. These are probably best kept private; the point is, find out what your own best motivators are and implement them, no matter how silly they may seem.
101 books they expect you to have read by the time you get to college Don’t panic if you haven’t read them; just try to get around to them some time before graduation. They’ll be commonly referred to in your courses and throughout your life. Plus, works by these authors are really good books. 1. Allison, Dorothy. Bastard Out of Carolina. A girl named Bone comes of age in South Carolina while dealing with poverty, her mother’s troubled marriage, and the stigma of being considered “white trash.” 2. Angelou, Maya. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This is the coming-of-age story of an African American writer, poet, and actress. 3. Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid’s Tale. This novel imagines a dismal future society where the environment and human health have been ruined, and so fertile lower-class women must function as birth-mothers for the upper class. 4. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Though logic tells her not to, clever Lizzie Bennett falls for the standoffish Mr. Darcy in a lightly satirical look at the manners and mores of the nineteenth-century English upper classes. 5. Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot. In this absurdist play, two tramps wait eternally for the elusive Godot, who might — or might not — represent God. 6. Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. In this deeply dystopian vision of the future, a science fiction classic, a totalitarian regime orders the destruction by fire of all books.
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7. Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. The fiercely independent orphaned title character, a governess, comes of age and grows to love her employer. 8. Brontë, Emily. Wuthering Heights. A turbulent tale of two families on England’s moors, and of the death-defying love between protagonist Catherine and the mysterious, brooding Heathcliff. 9. Calvino, Italo. The Baron in the Trees. Banished from the dinner table one evening, a young count climbs a tree vowing never to descend — and keeps his promise. From this vantage point, he witnesses the Enlightenment. 10. Camus, Albert. The Stranger. The existential crisis of a murderer — a classic of twentieth-century French literature. 11. Capote, Truman. Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Small-town girl Holly Golightly learns about love and life in 1950s Manhattan. 12. Carlson, Lori M., editor. Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States. Through English, Spanish, and Spanglish poems, hard times, good times, memories, and dreams come to life. 13. Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. The title character’s fantastic journey down the rabbit hole, by a Victorian-era mathematician and photographer. 14. Chekhov, Anton. The Cherry Orchard. The master’s last play, in which he chronicles the coming of modernity to a Russian estate. 15. Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. Upon visiting Grand Isle, a resort for the Creole elite, an unhappy wife and mother discovers new traits in herself. 16. Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. Esperanza describes life in a poor, predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago. 17. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. Inspiration for the movie Apocalypse Now, this novella chronicles Marlowe’s journey up the Congo River to find and confront the mysterious Mr. Kurtz. 18. Dante. The Inferno. The Italian epic poet’s timeless and terrifying vision of hell. 19. Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. The French Revolution, from the pen of Victorian England’s greatest storyteller. get smart
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20. Dickinson, Emily. Poems. Good things do indeed come in small packages, as proved by this collection of the best-known works of an eminent American poet. 21. Doctorow, E. L. Ragtime. A panoramic novel, featuring nonfictional characters like architect Stanford White and his mistress, showgirl Evelyn Nesbitt, that dramatizes and examines racism in early twentieth-century New York City. 22. Dostoyevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. A sensitive intellectual commits a terrible crime. He tries to live with the horror of his act by telling himself that he is above the law and human morality. 23. Ellison, Ralph. Invisible Man. Seeking identity during his high school and college days — and later in New York City’s Harlem — a young African American recounts his terrifying experiences. 24. Erdrich, Louise. The Beet Queen. The chronicle of a community of Native Americans in twentieth-century North Dakota. 25. Faulkner, William. As I Lay Dying. The towering, tragicomic tale of Addie Bundren’s burial, seen from the conflicting perspectives of her husband and children. 26. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Jazz-age New York and environs, including the lifestyles of the rich and famous, through the eyes of innocent midwesterner Nick Carraway. 27. Frank, Anne. The Diary of a Young Girl. Thirteen-year-old Anne Frank put a human face on the Holocaust through this brutally honest diary, kept while she was in hiding in Amsterdam during World War II. 28. Gardner, John. Grendel. In this original interpretation of the Beowulf legend, the monster Grendel tells of his struggle to understand the ugliness in himself — and in mankind. 29. Gillan, Maria Mazziotti and Jennifer Gillan, editors. Un-
settling America: An Anthology of Contemporary Multicultural Poetry. Ideas about who or what is an American are challenged by this feast of poetry. 30. Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. When a group of boys is marooned on a desert island, the worst aspects of human nature manifest themselves. 31. Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. Gods and heroes — their
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adventures and their clashes — are brought to life in this retelling of Greek, Roman, and Norse myths. 32. Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. An African American family is torn apart by sudden wealth. 33. Hardy, Thomas. Tess of the D’Urbervilles. A heart-rending saga of love and fate in the south of England during the Victorian era. 34. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. The tale of Hester Prynne, and how she was branded an adulteress in seventeenth-century Puritan Massachusetts. 35. Heller, Joseph. Catch-22. As he frantically tries to survive World War II, Captain Yossarian confronts the hypocrisy of war and bureaucracy in this satirical novel. 36. Hemingway, Ernest. A Farewell to Arms. This love story about an English nurse and a wounded American ambulance officer takes place during World War I. 37. Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. This up-todate version of the Bible is composed of revised text and modernized terms. 38. Homer. The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fagles. Odysseus’ epic travels and temptations are brought to life through this poetic translation. 39. Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. The trials and tribulations of an African American woman in rural Florida at the turn of the twentieth century. 40. Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. In this frightening vision of the future, babies are produced in bottles and live in a soulless mechanized world. 41. Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll’s House. Nora, one of literature’s greatest feminists, steps off her domestic pedestal and encounters the real world. 42. Ionesco, Eugene. Rhinoceros. In this play, humor and terror unite to satirize conformity. 43. Irving, John. The World According to Garp. The episodic,
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eachers open the door. You enter by yourself.
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melodramatic, grotesque, and unforgettable life story of fictional writer T. S. Garp. 44. James, Henry. Daisy Miller. This tragic novella traces a young man’s love for the American girl of the title, among expatriates, tourists, and others in late nineteenth-century Europe. 45. Joyce, James. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. In his first novel, the modern master follows writer-to-be Stephen Dedalus from infancy to young adulthood, relying at times on the stream-of-consciousness technique that Joyce would make famous. 46. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. The life and death of Gregor Samsa, a young salesman who discovers upon awakening one day that he has turned into a bug overnight. 47. Karr, Mary. The Liars’ Club: A Memoir. You will root for the heroine of this painful and humorous memoir of growing up in “a family of liars and drunks.” 48. Keneally, Thomas. Schindler’s List. Oskar Schindler, a rich industrialist, risks his life and personal fortune to save the Jewish workers at his factory during World War II. 49. Kerouac, Jack. On the Road. The Beat Generation classic, an exuberant account of 1950s bohemian life. 50. Kesey, Ken. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The inspiring, heartbreaking story of McMurphy, an inmate in a mental hospital, and his struggle against the authorities. 51. Kincaid, Jamaica. Annie John. A collection of linked short stories, chronicling the coming of age of a precocious young girl on an island in the Caribbean. 52. Kosinski, Jerzy. The Painted Bird. During World War II, an abandoned child wanders through the isolated villages of Eastern Europe. 53. Kushner, Tony. Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on Na-
tional Themes. Pt.1, Millennium Approaches; Pt.2, Perestroika. Playwright Tony Kushner chronicles AIDS in America during the 1980s. 54. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. A young girl named Scout tells about life in a small Alabama town in the 1930s and her lawyer father’s defense of an African American on trial for raping a white woman. 55. McCourt, Frank. Angela’s Ashes: A Memoir. A memoir
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about McCourt’s childhood in Ireland describes severe hunger, alcoholism, and a deadly plague. Somehow, he survives with spirit intact. 56. McCullers, Carson. The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. A sad girl looks for beauty in the ugliness of her small Southern town. 57. Márquez, Gabriel García. One Hundred Years of Solitude. The massive and magical chronicle of the fictional Buendia family of Colombia. 58. Mason, Bobbi Ann. In Country. After her father is killed in Vietnam, Sam Hughes moves in with her uncle, who may be suffering from the effects of Agent Orange. 59. Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. The play follows Willie Loman, an ordinary man, as he faces his failures as a husband, father, and human being. 60. Miller, E. Ethelbert, editor. In Search of Color Everywhere: A Collection of African-American Poetry. This presentation of poetry delights the senses with works including spirituals, rap, and classic poems. 61. Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Sethe murders her infant daughter rather than have the child grow up to be a slave. Later, the daughter mysteriously returns and almost destroys the lives of her mother and sister. 62. Niatum, Duane, editor. Harper’s Anthology of 20th Century Native American Poetry. Through powerful poetry, the century’s finest Native American poets depict their cultural heritage. 63. O’Brien, Tim. The Things They Carried: A Work of Fiction. These stories follow Tim O’Brien’s platoon of American soldiers through a variety of personal and military encounters during the Vietnam War. 64. O’Connor, Flannery. The Complete Stories. Readers are forced to come face to face with complacency and hypocrisy in these stories about misfits in small Southern towns. 65. O’Neill, Eugene. Long Day’s Journey into Night. This painful autobiographical play highlights the delusions of the Tyrone family. 66. Orwell, George. 1984. Written in 1948, this classic foresees a future in which “War Is Peace,”“Freedom Is Slavery” — and human decency is crushed by worldwide totalitarianism. get smart
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67. Ovid. Metamorphoses. Greek myths recounted by a Roman storyteller. 68. Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. This thinly veiled autobiographical novel traces the harrowing mental breakdown of a young poet. 69. Poe, Edgar Allen. Tales. The first short stories published in America, still scary after all these years. 70. Rodriguez, Richard. Hunger of Memory: the Education of Richard Rodriguez: an Autobiography. In order to succeed in mainstream America, author Rodriguez comes to believe that language, culture, and family must be left behind. 71. Rosenberg, Liz, editor. Earth-Shattering Poems. In this collection for young adults, poets from around the world and through the centuries express life’s experiences with exceptional emotional intensity. 72. Roth, Philip. The Ghost Writer. Apprentice writer Nathan Zuckerman travels to the rural home of his literary idol and thinks he encounters Anne Frank there. 73. Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Kicked out of prep school, Holden Caulfield wanders 1940s New York City, doing everything in his power to avoid returning home. 74. Sartre, Jean Paul. No Exit. Hell is other people in this existential drama. 75. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. When his father’s ghost tells Hamlet to kill his uncle, the title character cannot decide whether to obey the command or to avoid doing so, precipitating tragedy. 76. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. A medieval Scotsman sacrifices everything in the name of power. 77. Shakespeare, William. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Four lovers lost in the woods find themselves at the mercy of fairy king Oberon and his accomplice, Puck.
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oes college pay? They do if you are a good open-field runner. — Will Rogers (American humorist)
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78. Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. The Bard’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers. 79. Shaw, George Bernard. Pygmalion. A snooty professor bets his friend that he can transform common Eliza Doolittle into a lady. 80. Smith, Philip, editor. 100 Best-Loved Poems. Shakespeare, English and American ballads, and the classics most of us remember and love are among the treasures found in this publication. 81. Spiegelman, Art. Maus: A Survivor’s Tale and Maus II: A Survivor’s Tale: And Here My Troubles Began. In graphic novel format, the author chronicles his father’s experiences during the Holocaust and the impact on his family. 82. Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. Leaving the Dust Bowl behind during the Great Depression, an Oklahoma farmer and his family head for the promised land of California. 83. Stevenson, Robert Louis. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A thrilling study in the battle between the superego and the id, written years before Sigmund Freud invented those terms. 84. Stoppard, Tom. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. In this comic tragedy, two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet are thrust into a terrifying ordeal. 85. Tan, Amy. The Joy Luck Club. The saga of a ChineseAmerican family in twentieth-century San Francisco. 86. Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. Musings on man and nature, liberty and enslavement, inspired by a year spent in the Massachusetts woods. 87. Tolstoy, Leo. Anna Karenina. The tragic tale of a woman’s adulterous affair. 88. Twain, Mark. Huckleberry Finn. Life on the Mississippi from the point of view of an orphan boy and his friend, a runaway slave, which some have called the Great American Novel. 89. Voltaire. Candide. The Enlightenment-era classic about “this, the best of all possible worlds.” 90. Vonnegut, Kurt. Cat’s Cradle. A science fiction classic by one of the most recognizable voices in American literature.
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91. Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. The inspiring story of Celie, an African American girl who overcomes male brutality with the help of her mentor, Shug Avery. 92. Watson, James D. The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery and Structure of DNA. The author recounts the thrill of taking part in an earth-shattering discovery and explains to the nonscientist how the scientific method works. 93. Wharton, Edith. Ethan Frome. A love triangle that ruins three lives in small-town Massachusetts. 94. Whitman, Walt. Leaves of Grass. The often exuberant poems of America’s most influential versifier. 95. Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest. After being abandoned at Victoria Station, can a baby grow up tofind identity, romance, love, and the importance of being earnest? 96. Wilder, Thornton. Our Town. The character of the Stage Manager views love and death in a small town. 97. Williams, Tennessee. The Glass Menagerie. The memory of his teenage sister — who takes refuge from the world in her collection of glass animal figurines — haunts her brother. 98. Wolff, Tobias. This Boy’s Life: A Memoir. A scamp of a boy survives a difficult mother and a troubled childhood in this engaging memoir. 99. Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway. One crucial day in the life of Edwardian housewife Clarissa Dalloway. 100. Wright, Richard. Native Son. For an African American man accused of a crime in the white man’s world, there are no extenuating circumstances, only death. 101. X, Malcolm, with the Assistance of Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. The controversial black Muslim figure recounts his transformation from street hustler to religious and national leader.
how to get the most out of orientation 1. Show up. Even if your six brothers went to the same school and you think you know the place inside and out, be sure to attend. In fact, go early. 2. Go alone. You might be tempted to go with your friends from high school. Don’t. You’ll be far more open to new experi-
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PROF PROFILES Look past the homework assignment to find out exactly who it is you’re dealing with. Different teachers have different requirements and expectations. The more you know about their particular styles, the easier it will be to score a higher grade. You may not like all these people, but you will have to deal with them. There are five basic types:
1. Mrs. Tingle. She’s cold, demanding, authoritative, and seems to reject most ideas outside her own. You’ll need to be flexible in her class and learn not to take anything personally. Let her rule; she will, anyway. 2. Mr. Chips. He’s authoritarian and somewhat cold, but he knows his stuff and can be warm and kind when you meet him halfway. Brace yourself through the cold spells and do your work diligently; he’s really not that difficult to please. 3. The Absent-Minded Professor. He’s permissive, but not because he’s kind. He seems to have his mind on other things and can’t really get control of the class. He’s smart but communicates poorly, giving fuzzy answers to questions; he isn’t quite sure what, exactly, he wants from his students. Avoid this guy; drop the class if you can. 4. Mr. Kotter. His class is unstructured and always lots of fun, plus he’s warm and kind and always available for you. Trouble is, you don’t learn much in this class. Enjoy the ride while it lasts. 5. Mr. Holland. He’s democratic and accepting. He’s smart, dedicated, and is very clear about what he expects. He may not have the best home life or background, but he’s here for you 100 percent. Pay close attention; he has all sorts of cool life lessons up his sleeve.
ences if you let go of a little security. College is a lot about taking risks; get the hang of it from day one. 3. Talk to everyone. Smile a lot. Collect names and contact info. 4. You’ll probably be given a map of the campus. It’s a good idea to take some time to study it. Get an idea of where the main buildings are and how much time it takes to get from one to another. You’ll feel a lot more secure about being at college if you know exactly where you are. If you can, spend a day doing nothing but exploring the campus. 5. Read up on the professors whose classes you’re taking. get smart
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Find out as much as you can about them from others at orientation. 6. Ask about the courses you’re planning to take. Who are the best teachers? Are all courses offered in both semesters? What are the prerequisites for the courses you’re most excited about? If you can find out which books you’ll be needing, you’ll be able to purchase them early and possibly save money, since you’ll have a little time to shop around. 7. The school probably has a Web site. Check it out to see what information is offered about orientation. 8. Read the catalog as well as the other literature you’re given. Make lists of which activities you want to explore, which clubs you might want to join, and questions you may have.
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good teacher, like a good entertainer, first must hold his audience’s attention. Then he can teach the lesson. — John Henrik Clarke
what you can learn from the syllabus As a college student, you’ll spend a lot of time trying to figure out what the world expects of you. Such mysteries can drive you crazy. Luckily, a lot of the answers are provided in the form of a syllabus, which is created for each course offering. Read it thoroughly and refer to it throughout the semester. Too many students embarrass themselves in class by asking questions that the syllabus has already answered. Don’t be one of them. Here is the information you’ll routinely find: 1. How the professor prefers to be addressed 2. How to contact the professor; his or her office hours 3. What supplies you’ll need for the course 4. What books you’ll need 5. The purpose of the class and the professor’s philosophy 6. What is expected of the student in terms of attendance, class participation, homework, etc.
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7. Rules about submitting assignments and policies regarding lateness 8. The course schedule, including a calendar showing when classes are being held 9. Other details concerning extra credit, absence policies, and retesting 10. Study tips 11. How your grade will be determined
15 tips for course selection 1. Take courses early that offer help with skills you’ll be able to use throughout your time there, such as computer courses, public speaking, debating, and those in communications, especially writing. If there’s a course in credit cards and debt, take it as soon as possible. 2. Don’t leave too much time between courses that offer consecutive education, such as language courses. You’re liable to forget too much during the interim. 3. Make sure you’re aware of drop/add deadlines. If you’ve made a mistake, get out while you still can. 4. Don’t take too many reading courses in one semester. Or too many lecture courses, either. Go for a variety. 5. Don’t take too many pass/fail courses, especially during the first semester. It won’t look good on your record. Find out whether it’s okay to take a pass/fail course in your major. Sometimes it’s not. 6. If you’re an accounting major, remember that this might be your last chance to learn anything about broadcasting, veterinary medicine, or architecture. Keep an open mind when signing up for electives. 7. Try to sit in on a class before you sign up for it. 8. Know the professors. Read up on them; visit their Web sites if they have them; ask other students. 9. Remember that twelve units is usually considered a fulltime load for purposes involving finances and qualifying eligibility.
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10. Don’t procrastinate. Get the hard stuff done early. If you put off a course you’re dreading for the last semester, it will loom over you like a black cloud. Plus, if for some reason the course isn’t offered or you’re shut out (remember that some courses are offered only in the spring or only in the fall), you’ll wind up in school for an extra term. Plan ahead. 11. Know the prerequisites and be sure you’ve taken them, even if you’ve been immersed in the subject your whole life. (Do look into the possibility of getting credit for that course without taking it.) Are there any courses that must be taken simultaneously? Be sure you sign up for courses in the right sequence. 12. If you’re highly motivated, schedule breaks between classes so you can update your notes and study while the material is still fresh. If your mind tends to wander (and your body tends to follow), don’t schedule breaks at all or you’ll wind up skipping the later classes. Three- and four-day weekends have the same effects. Similarly, schedule three- and four-day weekends carefully. 13. Make sure you know where each class is being held, and leave enough time to get from one class to another. 14. If you’re shut out of a class, don’t give up. Put yourself on the waiting list. Make contact with the prof and convince him or her that you’d be a great asset to the class. 15. If you know what your professional goals are, talk to people who have accomplished them already and find out which courses they felt were most important to their success. Talk to an adviser who specializes in your field of interest.
how to (really) choose your major 1. Ignore everybody’s advice. Your mother may wish she had majored in business and your father may want you to learn everything there is to learn about the Civil War, but college is all about you — it’s your big opportunity to discover what interests you most and explore that topic in depth. You’ll be taking courses in your major throughout college, so it’s crucial that you love what you study and study what you love.
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2. Think about college, not graduate school. Yes, you can go to medical school with a bachelor’s degree in government, and fine arts majors get into law school every year. Good grades in interesting, challenging courses are as important to admissions committees at grad schools as degrees in preprofessional programs. 3. Don’t worry! If you are attending a liberal arts college, odds are that you’ll have to fulfill requirements in science, language, and the humanities. You’ll become well rounded whether you want to or not. So why not major in something as idiosyncratic as Russian literature or astronomy? 4. Follow the unbeaten path. If you love languages and have always liked to read, why not major in comparative literature rather than English? Or if you always found the Renaissance fascinating, how about Renaissance Studies instead of the broader area of history? Seek out more obscure areas of study. These departments will be thrilled to have you join them. Classes will be smaller, you’ll get special attention, and your professors will feel grateful instead of put-upon. 5. Take your time. At most colleges, you don’t have to declare a major right away. To test the waters, indulge in as wide a variety of electives as possible. At the same time, try to take courses with a specific focus as well as survey classes — a class in weather systems, for example, instead of plain old earth science. 6. Try the interdisciplinary approach. If you find yourself interested in too many subjects and want to major in everything, look for a department that encompasses many different areas of study under one “umbrella.” Women’s studies, communications, American studies, religion, and classics are all majors that will accept coursework in a variety of areas — often including science, history, art, literature, and more. You will be able to explore a variety of subjects and fulfill your department’s requirements at the same time. 7. You can do anything with anything. A well-educated, thoughtful person is qualified for a variety of different jobs. It doesn’t matter whether you majored in history or herpetology, marketing, or music — getting your first job is always a chal-
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lenge. A “safe” degree doesn’t give you a leg up on life any more than an unusual degree will hinder you. Yes, it’s a scary world out there, but who better to conquer it than you? 8. Pursue the subject you liked best in high school, not the one you did best in. College is very different from high school (you don’t have to get up every morning at 7:00 a.m., for one) and college courses are very different from high school classes. Now is a great time to move forward, to try — and maybe struggle with — new things. Remember, you’re not in homeroom anymore.
what your college major (probably) says about you English — Yes, it’s true that you love to read, but you are about so much more than just books. You love to talk and share ideas and you are that rare creature, a good listener. You don’t have much patience for silly behavior unless it’s in the form of a well-written skit performed by the campus comedy troupe at your college theater. And although you crave order and routine, you would easily drop everything and travel halfway across the world at the prospect of true romance. Business — You are always looking for better ways of doing things. Once you decide to complete a task, you get totally immersed in it and stay that way until your project is complete. It’s almost guaranteed that you sold lemonade in your neighborhood when you were a kid, and when you were older you probably provided baby-sitting and dog-walking services to your local community. Be careful not to spread yourself too thin and let your big projects consume you completely — you will need some time to yourself. Also, be sure to hang onto all your terrific entrepreneurial ideas, even if you can’t use them right now. You never know when the timing will be right to launch your own corporation. (www.seventeen.com quiz “What’s Your Future Career?”)
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Physics — You’re brilliant and you know it, but you’re no snob. The universe is expanding, and so are your horizons — you use your whip-smart mind to meet different people and find out as much as you can about them. People can’t help but be flattered when you turn your attention their way, in part because you usually seem distracted. All of your courses are intense and can be difficult at times, but you never complain — what’s the point of doing something if it doesn’t challenge you? You like to relax with good food and good friends, though it can be a challenge not to debate string theory with your fellow partygoers. Studio Art — You have a reputation as a bit of a recluse, but that’s not at all the case. It’s just that there are so many projects that you need to finish — and so many others you need to begin. You simply don’t have the time to hang out in the rec room playing ping-pong and drinking soda. Besides, you can’t help it if you prefer to make a mosaic from the dorm’s broken bathroom tiles or create a three-dimensional sculpture out of your roommate’s coat hangers than get drunk at a fraternity party. It’s not like you’re antisocial! You dearly love your good friends, and a loyal heart beats strongly underneath your paintstained smock. Economics — You always see the big picture, thinking in terms of trends and forecasts rather than mere dollars and cents. You are practical, but you are also a visionary. Friends turn to you for all kinds of advice, and not just on how to split the bill or what kind of tip to leave at the local diner. You are great at dissecting ideas and then sharing them with others in easily understandable nuggets. To relax, you like to pour yourself a mug of steaming hot java, turn on CNBC, and scan the Wall Street Journal. Psychology — You are constantly quizzing your roommate about her childhood and why she thinks she’s such a slob. Your significant other is sometimes leery of acting impulsively, lest he discover what’s really on his mind.
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5 WAYS TO SLEEP IN CLASS AND LOOK AS IF YOU ARE AWAKE Our thanks to Ron Norton of the University of Kentucky’s newspaper, the Kentucky Kernel. If you don’t think that your professors ever slept in class when they were students, go back to sleep and dream on. Sleeping in class is an epidemic in some early classes covering anything from cellular mitosis to ceramic design. Here are some strategies for counting sheep in class.
1. Two-handed forehead grip — Lean forward with elbows on desk, forming a triangle with forearms and table to brace your head, looking straight down. Act as if you are reading your book or notes. Downfall: possible slippage of forehead. Result: bloody nose, whiplash at best. 2. One-hand chin lift — One arm is free, allowing you to move your pen to add to the illusion of being awake. The other arm cautiously braces your chin, keeping your head in an upright and hopefully locked position. Downfall: uncontrollable swaying from side to side. Result: wrist fatigue similar to that of holding a watermelon in hand for hours at a time. 3. Left-arm-rest-and-still-writing technique — Place left arm on desk with forearm parallel to front desk edge and at right angle to rest of arm. Place head in this nook, facing an open notebook. Move pen back and forth across page, simulating intrigued note taking. Reverse arm position for lefties. Downfall: dropping pen and drooling. Result: ultimately embarrassed about drool stains that you later try to play off as condensation from a beer. 4. Reclined head bob — Can only be accomplished in some classrooms. Recline as if in a La-Z-Boy recliner and act intrigued by the lecture. Works best if you can balance your head in your sleep. Downfall: infamous head bob that you laugh at when others do it. Result: reddening of face and possibly more neck fatigue than Atlas. 5. Stay-at-home rollover — Uh, self-explanatory. Roll over. Turn off alarm after hitting snooze button eight times. Go back to sleep. Downfall: missing class, the lecture, and the eye candy in the third row. Result: depending on the class, either failing a quiz, a test, or the class itself. Note: If you get a poor grade on an exam, tell your teacher the reason you were unprepared is because you slept in class and he never bothered to wake you up.
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You aren’t afraid of confrontation or in-depth discussions about feelings or about statistics. To unwind, you like to see an art-house film and then try to figure out the hero’s motivation — is it purely Oedipal or merely subconscious? Political Science — You like to stay on top of current events, be they national, local, or limited to the hallway of your dorm. Friends come to you for the latest information on everything. You are able to easily convey your knowledge to others — if they asked for it or not. You have the ability to share facts and gossip alike, whether about the development of democracy in classical Greece or your adorable lab partner. You are probably involved in your college newspaper or student government, and hope to nab a summer internship with Amnesty International or CNN. (www.seventeen.com quiz “What’s Your Future Career?”) Linguistics — You like to pick things apart and then put them back together again. Though some claim that you are argumentative, you are in fact merely articulate. You have been known to shout out the origins of an obscure word while nuzzling your significant other. In fact, it takes a strong-minded mate to keep up with your quick mind and high energy level. After a long day in the library, you like to unwind with an impromptu game of Scrabble or Fictionary, and you wouldn’t be caught dead watching network television. Biology — You liked to play doctor when you were a kid. (You still do.) The natural side of life does not gross you out. To you, digestion is not merely fascinating but beautiful. Your friends are always shouting, “Get that thing away from me!” And your idea of a good time is exploring the campus arboretum, or touring the natural history museum with that cute archaeology major. (www.seventeen.com “What Should Be Your College Major?”)
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13 strategies for managing your time To a great extent, your success or failure at college depends on how you manage the twenty-four hours a day you’ve been allotted. If you’re spending hours upon hours surfing the ’net, and it takes you more time to get through your e-mail than it does to do your homework, something is wrong. Your goal, after all, is to learn more in less time and to learn more effectively. Here are some tips to help. 1. Determine where and how your time is spent. Write down your activities, hour by hour, for one week. The categories of time spent should include things like homework, computer e-mailing and surfing, attending classes, socializing, studying, eating, sleeping, working, traveling to and from class, etc. 2. You should spend two to three hours of out-of-class study time each week for each unit of credit you’re taking. So for a three-credit course, you should spend between six and nine hours a week studying this subject. If you are taking a total of sixteen credits in a semester you need to spend thirty-two to forty-eight hours studying each week. If you’re spending more time than that, you probably need to review your study methods to make sure you’re being as efficient as you can be. If you’re spending less, your grades may suffer. 3. When you can, try to stay one day ahead of your classes. If you’ve had a class on Tuesday and it meets again on Thursday, you should spend some time on Tuesday or Wednesday reading the material that will be covered in the next class. Then, since you’ll already be somewhat familiar with the material, it will be easier for you to follow the lecture and take more effective notes; the lecture then becomes something of a review session. You’ll make a good impression on your professor and you’ll get noticed in class discussions. If you can’t do this for all your subjects, do it for just the most difficult classes. 4. Learn to prioritize. Decide which assignment is urgent, and deal with that one first. Don’t start with assignments that are easy or more interesting. Also consider which assignments are the most important in terms of your long-term goals or major.
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5. Break down large tasks into smaller ones. If you have to write an essay, break this goal down into smaller assignments by determining what steps you need to take to complete the essay. Divide these steps into smaller, more manageable tasks. Once you have formulated a task list, try to estimate the amount of time you will need to complete each one. Decide on an amount of time per week that you can commit to completing your essay and try to stay on that track. 6. Learn to multitask — killing many birds with single stones. If you’ve got three papers due in a few weeks, organize your library time so you can do research on all three when you’re there. Is there a subject you’d like to research and write about that would be appropriate not only for your history class, but English as well? (We’re not suggesting that you turn the same paper in to two different teachers, but perhaps the research you do for your French literature class on George Sand can also be useful when you do your paper on France’s industrial revolution for your history class.) 7. If you are holding down a job while attending school, try to find a job that allows you to study on the job, such as a receptionist or a security guard. 8. Make a large wall calendar so you can see the semester at a glance. Hang it in your dorm room and refer to it often. Mark time as it passes so you can see how much further you have to go. 9. Make lists. Make more lists. Then make lists of the lists. Check off items as they are accomplished, and when you have more than half the items checked off, reward yourself by making a nice neat new list. Also make use of such aids as daily planners, Post-it notes, and other devices that remind you of your goals. 10. Try to schedule your study at the time of day that is most productive for you. Are you a morning, afternoon, or evening person? 11. Be sure that your study time is quality time. Don’t study if you’re sleepy. Take a short (ten-minute) break for every hour you spend studying. 12. Choose your study environment very carefully. Pick an environment that suits your personality and that is distraction get smart
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free. Avoid interruptions. Learn how to close the door, or hang up a “Do Not Disturb” sign. 13. Learn to speed-read. Take a course in it, read a book, or study “How to Preread Any Book in 30 Minutes or Less” later in this chapter.
7 qualities of a good mentor The terms “mentor” and “adviser” are used synonymously, but they’re actually quite different. An adviser will generally help you select courses in your given field of study and answer questions about the curriculum and your studies. A mentor, on the other hand, will help guide your personal growth and development as a student and person. The sooner you find a mentor, the sooner you’ll reach your goals. Choose someone in your field of study — a teacher or an upperclassman. Here are some qualities you should look for. 1. Someone who has a good reputation in the field you’re pursuing; he or she is highly regarded on professional and social levels. 2. Someone who genuinely enjoys helping others. 3. A person who can help you develop a positive self-image and share his own insecurities. 4. Someone who will share his professional contacts and help you land internships and jobs. 5. Someone you can rely on to offer support — rather than a lecture — when you confess to mistakes you’ve made. She is never judgmental. 6. Someone who seems to know even more about your abilities than you do and always tries to inspire you to reach new heights. 7. A person who is always in the process of continuing his education in some form so as to stay on top of the newest trends and solutions.
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ollege is a place to keep warm between high school and an early marriage. — George Gobel (1950s TV star)
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12 common supports for students with learning disabilities The most common learning disabilities are dyslexia, a reading disability; and attention deficit disorder (ADD), which involves an inability to concentrate. If you’ve been formally diagnosed with either of these (or with any other learning disorder), seek out these aids, which are commonly offered on campuses. 1. Early or on-line registration to avoid crowds. 2. Reader services, where required texts are read and recorded onto tape either by volunteers or paid staff. 3. Permission to use audiotape to record lectures and tutorials, if this permission is not automatic. 4. Text-HELP: a vocabulary-support software package that talks, types, checks spellings, corrects mistakes, and learns the student’s style of writing and vocabulary to become more effective with use. 5. Access to printed material through electronic format, such as CD-ROM. 6. Word-processing facilities. Most colleges provide these; students with disabilities often are given priority access to this service. 7. Photocopying facilities may be offered free of charge or at a reduced rate to students with disabilities. 8. Copies of lecturer’s notes and/or overheads, which are sometimes made available prior to a lecture so that the material may be followed more easily. 9. Note-taker. A classmate may be employed to take notes for a student who has difficulty writing, or who makes copies of her or his notes for the student. 10. Time extensions on out-of-lecture assignments such as essays, fieldwork, etc. 11. Study skills courses for those who feel they need extra help in writing and research techniques, spelling, and timemanagement. 12. Extra time to complete exams, or someone who will read the directions to the student. get smart
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how to size up a teacher 1. What do others say about him or her? Ask around, but be sure to ask only the smart kids. Students who got bad grades from good teachers often don’t take responsibility. 2. Go to the department head and ask if you can see past student evaluation reports on the teachers you’re considering. 3. Take the first class or two. Just be sure you know when the drop/add deadline is. 4. Does the teacher come to class prepared? 5. Does the teacher show enthusiasm and interest in the subject? 6. Read the syllabus. Does it make sense? 7. Is the teacher at all flexible? 8. Is he professionally accomplished? 9. Does she offer feedback freely? 10. Are his expectations realistic? 11. Does he offer good class notes?
10 things that annoy teachers the most 1. Students who cut class 2. Students who sleep in class 3. Students who are unprepared 4. Students who obviously haven’t read the syllabus 5. Students who are irresponsible 6. Excuses 7. Students who take up valuable class time asking questions to which they should know the answers 8. Students who think they can charm their way through a course 9. Students who ask for help when it’s much too late to get it 10. Illegible test answers that take forever to read
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how to understand everything the professor says In high school, teachers were pretty specific about what they expected; in college, you sometimes need a translator to figure out what is expected of you. Here are some comments you’ll hear often — and here’s what they really mean. 1. “I don’t have the latest department guidelines.” (Meaning: “I don’t know what I’m doing.”) 2. “Talk to me after class.” (Meaning: “Beat it.”) 3. “There are TAs to help you with that.” (Meaning: “Don’t bother me.”) 4. “Today we’ll spend the class reviewing last week’s assignment.” (Meaning: “I lost my class notes.”) 5. “Save your questions for the end of the lecture.” (Meaning: “It’s Friday and I’m outta here early.”) 6. “Attendance is required and will count toward your grade.” (Meaning: “This class is incredibly boring; how else can I get students to show up?”) 7. “Bring your text to class.” (Meaning: “I’m cutting class that day.”) 8. “You won’t be able to resell your textbooks next year.” (Meaning: “I didn’t get tenure.”) 9. “The reading list is optional.” (Meaning: “I’m too busy to keep track of everything that goes on around here.”) 10. “Talk to me about extra credit.” (Meaning: “Paint my house.”)
9 tips for meeting with — and impressing — your professors You want these people to know who you are, so they can place a face next to the name — and the grade. On the other hand, they’re busy, and they don’t need to have their time wasted. Arrange to meet with them when you have something meaningful to talk about — such as questions about tests, concern about
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your overall ability in the subject area, or ideas for independent study for which you would like some guidance. 1. Don’t just show up during office hours. Make an appointment and be there on time. 2. Read up on the teacher prior to the meeting. If she was recently recognized in some way, offer your congratulations; if he recently announced his retirement, let him know you’re sorry he’s leaving. 3. If the teacher has a Web site, visit it before the meeting. You may find out that she prefers to meet with students during early morning hours only or that she never changes a grade. 4. Have a point and state it early in the meeting. Let him know that you’re there to clarify an issue, get a grade changed, or challenge test results. 5. Bring support materials. If you’re there to discuss a test grade, bring the test and your class notes as well. If you have questions about an assignment, bring the textbook with you. Don’t assume that the teacher has copies of materials. 6. Know when to give up. If you’re losing the argument and it’s clear he will not relent, don’t take up more time by whining or complaining. 7. Don’t make excuses. If you’ve missed the last three assignments, no one will care about the reason. 8. Before the meeting ends, talk about the next step: “Okay, I’ll prepare another outline and submit it to you before I do further work”; or “I appreciate your willingness to review my grade; shall I e-mail you in a few days to find out what you’ve decided?” 9. Thank the professor for the time she has taken to meet with you, no matter what the outcome.
5 ways to ask a teacher for help If you wait until the day before the big exam to tell the teacher you’ve been lost since day one, there’s not a whole lot he’s going to be able to do for you. In that case, see the list of “How to Deal with Failure Successfully” later in this chapter. For now, make an appointment (or wait after class and ask if it’s a good time to talk), look him in the eye, and be open and honest about your
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THE 8 LINKS IN THE COLLEGE FOOD CHAIN 1. The Dean — Leaps tall buildings in a single bound. Is more powerful than a locomotive. Is faster than a speeding bullet. Walks on water and gives policy to God. 2. The Department Head — Leaps short buildings in a single bound. Is more powerful than a switch engine. Is just as fast as a speeding bullet and talks with God. 3. The Professor — Leaps short buildings with a running start and favorable winds. Is almost as powerful as a switch engine. Is faster than a speeding BB. Walks on water in an indoor swimming pool and talks with God if a special request is honored. 4. The Associate Professor — Barely clears a Quonset hut. Loses tug of war with a locomotive. Can fire a speeding bullet. Swims well and is occasionally addressed by God. 5. The Assistant Professor — Makes high marks on the walls when trying to leap tall buildings. Is run over by locomotives. Can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self-injury. Treads water and talks to animals. 6. The Instructor — Climbs walls continually. Rides the rails. Plays Russian roulette. Walks on thin ice and prays a lot. 7. The Graduate Student — Runs into buildings. Recognizes locomotives two out of three times. Is not issued ammunition. Can stay afloat with a life jacket and talks to walls. 8. The Undergraduate Student — Falls over doorstep when trying to enter buildings. Says, “Look at the choo-choo.” Wets himself with a water pistol. Plays in mud puddles and mumbles to himself.
request. Be prepared to take criticism, and don’t make excuses for your shortcomings. Here are some things you can say: 1. “I need your help.” 2. “What will it take for me to succeed in this class?” 3. “My grades are disappointing. Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong?” 4. “Are there books, outside of class texts, that might help me?” 5. “I’ve studied the chapter but can’t seem to grasp the concept; could we schedule some time at which you might explain this to me further?” get smart
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9 ways to deal if the teacher hates you They’re human. Maybe you remind her of the guy who dumped her when she was your age. Or maybe he wishes he’d been as popular as you when he was in college. Fact is, they’re just people, and they come with the same foibles and eccentricities as everyone else. So if Mrs. Tingle married the Nutty Professor and their spawn is your psych prof, don’t automatically transfer out of the class. Learn to deal. Here’s how. 1. Try to focus on his strengths. If he’s a brilliant speaker but has no social skills, concentrate on the lecture and forget everything else. He may just be absent-minded, distracted, lacking in social skills, or a plain old jerk. 2. Don’t take it personally. Chances are he’s been that way since day one, and you don’t have anything to do with his perpetual bad mood. Or maybe she has some serious personal difficulties and needs your patience. 3. If the bad behavior seems to be truly directed at you, ask yourself if you’re on his shit list because you’re just not doing the work or participating in class as you should be. Be honest with yourself. 4. Schedule a meeting to talk it out. If you know the ill feeling has to do with your work, say something like “I think we got off to a bad start and I’d like to start over.” If you really don’t have a clue as to what it’s all about, say “I’d like to do better in your class; can you tell me what steps I should take?” If you are surprised to be told that your work is not up to par, don’t be defensive. Listen attentively. Apologize if you’ve been wrong about something. 5. Is there another teacher in the department who can be trusted to keep your confidence? Ask him or her if there’s a way to handle this difficult teacher. 6. Talk to students who’ve had the teacher before and find out how they handled the situation. Getting other opinions might give you some perspective. 7. Don’t suck up; don’t try to become her new best friend by chatting her up. You’re liable to give her the idea that you re-
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ally are a screw-up and have something to hide. Do your best work and let that speak for itself. 8. Think about the students that he does seem to like. What are they doing differently? Ask them for help; try to behave the way they do in class. 9. Be really honest with yourself: Is this really about the teacher or is it about the fact that you’re being challenged in new ways? Maybe he’s trying to send you a message that you really need to heed. Ask yourself hard questions. After all, isn’t that why you came here in the first place?
how to stay on top of the grading system 1. Check out the class syllabus. It is often school policy that professors must inform students of the different percentages of their final grades that each quiz, test, and paper will be worth. Most often, this information will be presented to you at the very beginning of the semester in your class syllabus. So study it! That way, you won’t be surprised — or horrified — to discover that what you thought was an insignificant little quiz is worth 40 percent of your final grade. 2. Check out the professor. Some professors almost never give out A’s, while others automatically give everyone but the stellar and hopeless a flat B. Other professors grade on a scientifically calculated bell curve. See if you can find out from former students or the campus rumor-mill how hard or easy a grader your professor is. That way, at least you’ll know what to expect. 3. Remember — not all assignments are created equal. Your professors will usually tell you when a particular paper or test is going to account for a large portion of your final grade. Usually, the last paper of the term is weighed more than the first one you write for class; the same goes for exams. So don’t panic if you do poorly on your initial assignments and tests. You will probably have the opportunity to improve your grade dramatically. 4. Do your paper work. Find out how much of your grade on written assignments is based on content, and how much is based on presentation — style, grammar, and punctuation. Some professors pay more attention to the details of presenta-
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tion than others. Find out if you should be sweating those capital letters and commas. 5. Be timely. Usually late papers are penalized, sometimes as much as an entire letter grade per day. So don’t dawdle. It’s better to hand in an imperfect paper on time than it is to hand in a perfect one late. And face it: That late paper won’t be perfect anyway. 6. Speak up. Often, professors figure class participation into each student’s overall grade — up to 20 percent in some cases. Even if this isn’t official policy, students who speak up in class tend to get better grades. If you talk a lot, your (grateful) professor may nudge your B+ upward to an A. 7. Be there, or else. Professors often count attendance toward final grades. So if you are a perpetual no-show — even if your work is stellar — your professor may not give you the A you think your work deserves.
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learned three important things in college — to use a library, to memorize quickly and visually, to drop asleep at any time given a horizontal surface and fifteen minutes. — Agnes DeMille (choreographer)
how to get a grade changed 1. Talk to your professor. Let him know that you’re surprised and disappointed at the grade you received. If you got B’s in all your assignments but a C in the course, bring all your papers with you. Explain why you think you deserve a better grade. (Because your parents will kill you isn’t a good reason.) 2. Ask what you can do to improve your grade. Can you retake a test, revise a paper, or do an extra assignment in addition to the required coursework? Some professors will be impressed by your interest and drive. On the other hand, the last thing many want to do is grade yet another assignment. 3. Save the BS. Don’t say that your studies are suffering because your grandmother died, especially if Granny’s alive and kicking. College professors have heard every excuse in the book
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and then some. Honesty is almost always the most effective tactic. It’s far better to say, “Listen, I screwed up. But I want to go the extra mile for this, my favorite class [embellishment is very different from lying]. Please tell me what I can do to change my D to a C [or my B to an A].” 4. Be realistic. No matter how much you beg and plead — and how right you think you are — you aren’t going to get a D changed to a B, and C’s don’t become A’s overnight. So if you received a C in a course and think you deserved an A+, odds are that you and your professor aren’t seeing eye to eye at all. Keep in mind that your main objective is to improve your grade. Don’t even bring up that coveted A+. Instead, ask your professor what you can do to get your C changed to a B. (If you even mention the A+ you think you really deserve, your professor’s laughter may drown out all further attempts at changing your grade.) 5. Find out the time limit. Professors have to register their grades with the school administration, so don’t wait if you want to discuss changing your grade. The last thing you want to discover is that your professor is sympathetic to your cause, but that the situation is out of his hands — he already posted the grades and your C– is on the record. On the other hand, at some colleges and universities you can appeal grades only when the class with the questionable grade is over. Learn the rules. 6. You may need proof. Some universities require written appeals for grade changes and also insist that students prove that their grades were either tabulated incorrectly or “assigned by standards other than those stated in the course materials.” If something is stated in the syllabus and is applied to everyone taking your class, you can’t use that as part of your appeal. Nor is the fact that “My friend in another section was graded easier” an adequate basis for a successful grade appeal. 7. What goes up may also come down. Be aware that by bringing your grade to your professor’s attention you will also bring all your previous coursework (including papers, quizzes, and exams) under renewed scrutiny. While your objective may be to improve your grade, it very possibly might be lowered instead. So decide how strong you think your argument is — if that C is iffy to begin with, think twice before bringing it to your professor’s attention. get smart
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the 10 best excuses you can give your professor if you get caught sleeping in class 1. “They told me at the blood bank this might happen.” 2. “This is just a fifteen-minute power nap like they raved about in that time management course you sent me to.” 3. “Whew! Guess I left the top off the White Out. You probably got here just in time!” 4. “I wasn’t sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new paradigm.” 5. “I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance.” 6. “I was doing a highly specific yoga exercise to relieve work-related stress. Are you discriminatory toward people who practice yoga?” 7. “Darn! Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem!” 8. “The coffee machine is broken . . .” 9. “Someone must’ve put decaf in the wrong pot . . .” And a silent 10. “Thank you, Lord. Amen.”
15 phrases to listen for when the teacher is lecturing When you hear these, there’s a good chance that the next point made will appear on an exam. Also, look at the teacher’s eyes; if he looks down at his notes, he’s checking on an important point he’s about to make. 1. “So in conclusion . . .” 2. “Remember that . . .” 3. “The basic reason . . .” 4. “Essentially . . .” 5. “A perfect example . . .” 6. “Therefore . . .” 7. “Notice that . . .” 8. “So in essence . . .”
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9. “Last but not least . . .” 10. “And most important . . .” 11. “A major development . . .” 12. “Don’t forget that . . .” 13. “The basic concept here . . .” 14. “Finally . . .” 15. “From this we have learned . . .”
16 tips for taking great notes Your notes can be your salvation. Guard them carefully. Be sure your name is in each of your notebooks and files. 1. Sit up front, so you can see and hear clearly. 2. If you can take a tape recorder to school, great. Don’t take notes in this case. Just really listen to what’s being said and process it as best you can. Of course, when you listen to the tape back in your dorm, you’re still going to have to take notes or summarize what’s on it. 3. For many lecture courses, class notes are provided on the school’s Web site. Find out if these are available before you spend hours taking copious notes and keeping them organized. 4. Don’t overwrite. Use an abbreviated outline form. Use symbols instead of commonly used words; learn a version of shorthand. You can use drawings, with arrows, circles, and boxes to show the relationships between certain thoughts. (See “74 Abbreviations and Symbols to Use When Taking Notes” later in the chapter.) 5. You don’t always have to look down at the page when you’re writing. Try to keep an eye on the lecturer. 6. If the teacher is talking too fast, ask her to slow down. 7. Date your notes. It will be easier to locate them for test reviews later on. 8. Number the pages, so your life doesn’t end the day you drop them. 9. Only write on one side of the paper, and keep notes for each class in a separate notebook. 10. Use a ring binder as opposed to a spiral notebook so you can move pages around when you study. get smart
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11. Be sure to take notes on whatever material is on the blackboard. 12. The last five to ten minutes of any lecture usually contain the most important information. 13. Spend a few minutes after class or later in the day organizing your notes. You may want to highlight the important points. 14. Share your notes with others — preferably the best students — or in your study group. Everyone takes different notes, so the more people you share with, the more material you may learn. See if you can organize your friends into a study group. Beware of sharing notes with students who may be even more clueless than you. 15. If you read the assignment before the class, you’ll have a better idea of which points to emphasize in your notes. 16. One of the best ways to learn anything is to write it. Get into the habit of copying your notes over before you start studying.
10 steps to writing a great essay 1. Make sure you understand the assignment and that you’re clear on just how much leeway you have in choosing a subject. If you’re confused about the topic, ask the teacher to clarify it. Assume nothing. 2. Choose a realistic aspect of the subject you want to cover. One of the most common mistakes students make is choosing a topic that they can’t possibly address in one essay. Don’t write about the Industrial Revolution. Write about “the three biggest causes of the Industrial Revolution” or “European influences on America’s Industrial Revolution.” The more specific your topic, the easier it will be to cover all its bases. 3. Gather your resources. Make sure you have access to the books you need and the addresses of Web sites that might be useful. If you need to conduct interviews for your essay, get them done and transcribed. Review all of these materials and keep them handy when you begin writing. 4. Assemble your notes. Go through all of your resources and mark the material you want to include in your essay. If
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70 ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS TO USE WHEN TAKING NOTES You already know many of these abbreviations, but chances are you don’t use them when taking notes. You should. Learn to take notes efficiently, ideally without even looking at the paper you’re writing on. As soon as possible after class, review your notes to make sure you understand everything you wrote down.
c/ca cf diff e.g. esp etc Eng excl ff GB govt i.e. imp incl
information
nineteenth century; similarly C20, etc. about, approximately
prob
probable, probably
probs Q re
problems
ref s/b s/h s/n s/o s/t tech tho thru UK
reference
second third 1920–1929; similarly 70s, etc. answer approximately British
compare difference for example especially et cetera: and so on English excluding following Great Britain government that is important, importance including
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language limited maximum minimum
v viz vs w/ w/o
very namely against with without
note
increased
number
➞
A approx Brit C19
info lang ltd max min N.B. no org p/pp poss
first
➞
1st 2nd 3rd 20s
decreased
organization page /pages possible, possibly
question with reference to, concerning should be
@ / ¶ §
... ...
someone something technology although through United Kingdom
per paragraph section therefore because
"" =
ditto
≠ Æ
does not equal
should have should not
at
<—> // $ 1° 2° # \
is, are, have, has, equals
leads to, results in, causes as a result of parallel money primary secondary number therefore
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you’re not sure whether you’ll need something, mark it anyway, so you can find it just in case. When you’re done doing this, clear everything else out of your work area. 5. Outline the essay. Once you have this done, the rest practically “writes itself.” Your essay — any good essay — should follow this structure: • Introduction in which you state your thesis. Try to come up with an attention-grabbing opener. • A statement of the main points that support your thesis (three is a good number to cover). • A section elaborating on each of your main points. Each of these sections should begin with phrases like “First,”“Second,” and “Lastly.” Give examples and details of the points you make. • A statement of your secondary points (two, perhaps) • A section elaborating on each of your secondary points • The conclusion The more detailed your outline is, the easier it will be to write the final essay. 6. Write the essay, sticking to your outline. If you’re in the middle of a paragraph and you suddenly get another idea, don’t just add it. Consult the outline and add the point to the section where it logically belongs. If you can’t find a place for it, there’s a good chance it doesn’t belong in the essay. Prove your points and give examples. Use direct quotes when you can and don’t paraphrase them if they make a point well enough on their own. Don’t use stiff and formal language if that’s not your style. If you want to make a point that you can’t quite prove — or use a word you’re not sure about — leave a space for it and come back to it later. 7. Edit the paper. Be realistic. If it’s only supposed to be one thousand words long and you’ve gone on for fourteen pages, you haven’t done the assignment. Edit it down; don’t waste your professor’s time by showing off everything you ever learned. Even if you’ve stayed within the assigned length, chances are there are words in each sentence that can be eliminated. Be succinct. You also want to check any facts you’re not sure of, numbers and chart information, and sources. Ask yourself the ques-
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tions from the following list, “11 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Turn in an Essay.” 8. Proofread. 9. Proofread. 10. Proofread. We’re not kidding. Proofreading means carefully reading each word of your essay, checking spellings of proper names, making sure headings are consistent, and that proper punctuation appears throughout. Do not rely on your computer’s spelling and grammar programs for this. If you can, get someone else to read your paper; it’s easy for the same pair of eyes to gloss over the same error time after time.
11 questions to ask yourself before you turn in an essay 1. Does my first paragraph include one clear, concise sentence that really tells what the essay is about? 2. Is my introduction interesting? 3. Is my essay focused and unified? Do all the parts of it address the points I made in the first paragraph? 4. Have I covered all the points in my outline? 5. Have I made statements without proving them or backing them up in some way? 6. Did I prove my point? 7. Do all my sentences follow in a logical order? 8. Does the first sentence of each paragraph give an idea of what the paragraph is about? 9. Does my conclusion sum up all the points covered in the essay and address the questions posed in the introduction? 10. If someone had to guess how much time I put into this essay, what would they say? 11. Have I really addressed myself to the assignment?
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o man should escape our universities without knowing how little he knows.
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— J. Robert Oppenheimer (scientist, father of the atomic bomb)
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10 great sources of research information You’re not limited to textbooks. And you’ll get a better grade if you access information from less obvious sources. In any event, don’t concentrate on any one of these; a good mix will always impress. 1. The Internet — Don’t just Google the subject. Google related areas and check out chat rooms for informal views on the subject you’re studying. You can also post notices to let others know what you’re looking for. Make good use of your school’s Web site. 2. Personal interviews — Don’t be shy about calling community leaders and others in positions of authority to get original information. You can make cold calls letting their secretaries know you have only three questions and that you’ll take up no more than five minutes. Tape the interview. (If you do get the interview, remember to show your appreciation; then add the person’s name and contact information to your list of important contacts for future reference.) 3. Surveys and studies — Check statistical sources for information that supports your work. Check with contacts in specific industries to find the best of these. 4. Government documents — The Library of Congress has thousands of useful documents, articles, and statistics. Access their catalog on-line at www.catalog.loc.gov. 5. Museum collections and exhibits — Also check out the existing monographs or literature on these, available in the gift shop. 6. Trade associations — These often have libraries and archives that you can access. For instance, if you’re working on a communications paper and need information on the sales of textbooks in college markets, you might consult the archives of the American Bookseller’s Association. Find trade associations by consulting the Encyclopedia of Associations (the library probably has it), published by Gale Research. 7. Book reviews — Especially if you’re quoting extensively from one particular book, you might want to check to see how much credibility this volume actually has.
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8. Audiovisual materials — Make use of recordings, photographs, and historical artifacts. 9. Periodicals — Newspapers, magazines, and journals can be most helpful, especially when you’re looking for current trends and developments. Your university library has a computerized database that you can use to search for information. You can even print the article or send it to your computer. 10. Eyewitness accounts — Don’t forget that our senior population includes millions of eyewitnesses to history. Their stories are valuable and could help make your point.
4 ways to avoid plagiarism 1. First, learn what plagiarism is. In brief, plagiarism means including anything that isn’t originally yours in an essay or research paper without attribution. If you borrow someone else’s idea and aren’t clear about where it came from, that’s plagiarism. If you borrow someone else’s idea, putting that idea into your own words, that’s still plagiarism. If you do either of the above and clearly state the source of the idea and the words (in a bibliography and/or footnotes), that’s not plagiarism. 2. Stay on top of things. If you do your required coursework and hand in materials when they are due, you probably won’t find yourself desperate during an exam or madly rushing to finish a paper at the last minute — which is usually when we are most tempted to cut corners by borrowing ideas or copying entire sentences and paragraphs that aren’t our own. 3. Don’t copy information off the Internet. This may be very tempting. I mean, how many original ideas are there in the universe, after all? Why not help yourself to something that is floating around cyberspace? Because your professors are almost as Web-savvy as you are, that’s why. They tend to Google the more unusual or out-of-character topics that their students hand in. If you plagiarized, they will most likely find the very same Internet paper that you copied. This will earn you a big, fat F. Since many universities have stringent policies on plagiarism, your professor may have no choice but to report you to the administration. You will probably receive an F for the entire class and you may even be expelled from school. Really, this does happen. get smart
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4. Don’t ask someone to write a paper for you or collaborate on one with you. Professors know their students’ work. So even if your very own mother or your brilliant girlfriend is just helping you write an essay, your professor will still know when certain word choices and ideas aren’t yours.
how to give a great speech, no matter how nervous you are If the thought of speaking in public sets your palms sweating and your heart pounding, you’re not alone. Public speaking is one of the top fears of most adults. Now is a good time to conquer your phobia once and for all. Here are some tips. 1. Organize your thoughts into a simple outline: an introduction, the body of your speech, your final thoughts. Prepare a card for each part of the speech and list the points you will make. You will speak from these notes. Number your cards, so if you drop them, you can put them back in order easily. 2. Practice — but don’t overdo it. Deliver your talk in front of the mirror a few times but then just concentrate on learning your notes. If you practice too much, you’ll sound overrehearsed and insincere. 3. Don’t be afraid to use humor, which draws in your audience. Another way to do that is to start out with a (rhetorical) question such as “Can you imagine what it’s like to . . . ?” Give them a reason to listen. 4. When you’re talking, try to scan the room so that you’ve made eye contact with most people in the room (or at least a few in each section if you’re in a large auditorium). If you’re too scared to look at all of them or if this distracts you, find a friendly face somewhere in the center of the room and focus on that person. As you get more comfortable, start glancing at the people sitting around that person. If you really can’t bring yourself to look anyone in the eyes, look at spaces just above their heads; you’ll appear to be looking at the person behind them. 5. If you make a mistake, don’t make a big deal about it; you may wind up calling attention to an error no one else is aware of. If it’s an obvious mistake, like your brain goes dead
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and you suddenly forget your last name, just take a few deep breaths, smile at the audience, say “Excuse me” and resume your talk. They’ll relax if you appear to be back in control. 6. When you’re talking, think of someone you know who is confident and would do this perfectly. Pretend you are that person. 7. One of the biggest mistakes people make when they make speeches is they try to cover too much information. When you plan your speech, count on making only three or four main points in the body. 8. Use normal language; be yourself. Don’t use words if you’re not completely sure of their pronunciation and meaning. Your audience will forgive you if you’re nervous, but not if you come off looking as if you’re trying to be someone you’re not. 9. Talk just a little more slowly than you think you need to. Everyone tends to rush. Speak loudly and clearly. Your voice has to be loud enough to be heard by the person sitting farthest away. 10. If your friends try to make you laugh while you’re speaking, smile at them briefly and then don’t look at them again. 11. Smile. A lot. 12. Don’t sway when you speak. 13. Don’t put your hands in your pockets. Use them to gesture, but only if these gestures feel natural. If you tend to fidget, keep your hands at your sides and pinch your index fingers and thumbs tightly to remind yourself to keep still. 14. Use visual aids, but nothing so bulky or unwieldy that it winds up being more of a distraction than anything else. 15. Remember that your audience wants you to succeed. 16. When you’re finished, ask if there are any questions. If you don’t know the answers, admit it and talk about how this might make sense for future study. At the end, say thank you. (It’s polite and also signals to anyone who may not get it that you’re done.)
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he mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
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— William A. Ward
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how to win a debate, hands down 1. Find out the structure of the debate. In some debates, you will need to “show by a preponderance of examples that the resolution is true” to win. This is known as a “Fact Resolution” debate. For “Value Resolution” debates, you have to show that your team best upholds the value of the debate (whatever value or topic is provided). 2. Be informed. You should know the most detailed, specific, and up-to-date information on your assigned topic. This means reading the latest reports, news items, and magazine articles on your assigned topic. Even if your topic isn’t particularly current or “happening,” you will still need to know the latest viewpoints on it. 3. Know both sides of every topic. Aside from the fact that you may be asked to speak either pro or con on any given topic, if you know both sides you can better anticipate your opponent’s arguments. 4. Look at the big picture. A winning debater is aware of how ideas influence one another, and uses those relationships to enhance analysis in the debate. 5. Don’t mess with the evidence. Don’t fabricate or distort information. If you do, you risk losing the debate. Fabrication refers to “falsely representing a cited fact or statement of opinion as evidence; or intentional omission/addition of information within quoted material.” Distortion includes “misrepresentation of evidence or of citation which significantly alters meaning of content.” 6. Be enthusiastic. A winning debater is dynamic and shows a strong commitment to her topic and argument. So even if you think your topic is a dud, by presenting it with flair and verve, you can still impress the judges and your fellow debaters. 7. Even if you lose a debate, you can still win. Unlike some sports, where you need to be fast, strong, tall, or physically adept, debate is for everyone. You don’t have to be book-smart or test-smart to be a good debater. So if you feel you can learn and if you think you are clever, debate is for you. And even if you don’t win your debate, you will come away from the experience better informed than when you started. It’s a win-win situation.
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8 professional on-line homework help resources There are a number of on-line homework help lines. Some are free; others require payment. Check with other students to find out which services have proven the best for various subjects. You do not have to attend the schools that sponsor these Web sites in order to take advantage of them. 1. The Internet Public Library (IPL) is a public service organization and learning/teaching environment at the University of Michigan School of Information whose offerings include Step by Step, a guide to researching and writing a paper; Info Search, which helps students find information in cyberspace and in your library; and links to on-line resources for research and www.ipl.org/teen/aplus/ 2. World Lecture Hall Center for Instructional Technologies, a unit of the Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment at the University of Texas at Austin, offers links to pages created by faculty worldwide who are using the Web to deliver class materials. For example, you’ll find course syllabi, assignments, lecture notes, exams, class calendars, multimedia textbooks, etc. www.utexas.edu/world/lecture/ 3. S.O.S. MATHematics is a free resource for math review material. Browse more than 2,500 math pages filled with short and easy-to-understand explanations — from simplifying fractions to the cubic formula, from the quadratic equation to Fourier series, from the sine function to systems of differential equations. www.sosmath.com/ 4. Math Active offers tutoring on a one-to-one basis using live, on-line tutoring tools, with customized programs to suit your needs. Employs certified math teachers, college instructors, and curriculum specialists. www.mathactive.com/ 5. A+ Homework invites you to e-mail or fax your problems; they provide step-by-step solutions and return them via e-mail within twenty-four hours. The service is guaranteed to be on time or you won’t be charged. Their tutors hold B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. www.aplushomework.com/ get smart
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6. Ask Your Tutor tries to offer a real understanding of material, rather than a textbook response — but it’ll cost you. Their basic package costs about $50 and allows you to ask ten questions; answers are given “as soon as possible.” If you’re on a tight deadline, there’s the “Emergency” package, which costs about $13 per question and delivers the answer within the hour. www.askyourtutor.com 7. Ask Dr. Math is a question-and-answer service for math students and their teachers. A searchable archive is available by level and topic, as well as summaries of Frequently Asked Questions (the Dr. Math FAQ). www.forum.swarthmore.edu/dr.math 8. Homework & Tutoring offers private instruction in math, physics, chemistry, programming, and economics. They charge $20 per hour for answering questions, and you can send them your questions for a price quote. www.homeworktutoring.com
how to customize your textbook You can get more out of the book — though no money for resale — if you make the following “alterations.” 1. If the classroom work follows the book closely, take your notes right in the margins. You can write on blank paper for extensive notes — 5" by 7" Post-it pages are great for this purpose — and then insert them directly into the book. Indicate page numbers on these additional notes so you know what areas of the text they pertain to. 2. There are different theories on highlighting; some say it takes too much time and is distracting when you reread the material and that it’s better to simply make vertical lines in the margins next to important passages. Others swear by multicolor highlighting. Find out what works best for you and stick with that system. 3. When you write in the book, use pencil, so you can erase and change ideas as you learn more. 4. Use abbreviations in the margins to mark items, such as “def ” for definitions, “theo” for theories, and question marks for material you don’t understand. 5. Write your own footnotes at the bottom of the pages to
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elaborate on or connect ideas. Use Post-it notes if there’s no room. 6. If the book is huge and you’re only going to use some of the chapters in the course, you might want to take the book apart and discard the pages you won’t need. You can also take the remaining pages, punch holes in them, and insert them in a ring binder. You’ll then be able to bring only the portions of the book to class that you’ll need for that day. 7. Use plastic index tabs to mark the beginnings of each of the chapters, so you can turn to them easily. This is especially helpful if you’re allowed to use a book during a test. Place tabs throughout the book to mark important sections.
how to preread any book in 30 minutes or less Imagine walking down a long corridor blindfolded. You’ve never been here before and you have no idea what to expect. You’ll be confused, you’ll bump into walls, and you’ll constantly wonder how close you are to the end of the corridor. That’s pretty much what you do when you start reading a book without prereading it. You may feel this is a waste of your valuable time, but think about how much you would benefit from a quick peek down the corridor before you’re blindfolded for that journey. Prereading may take about thirty minutes, but it will save you at least four times that when you finally read the book. • Read all the copy on the front and back cover of the book and the flap copy, if there is any. • Study the table of contents and note how long the book is, how many chapters it has, and how long each of the chapters are. Note how the sections are divided. Does the book have extensive front matter in addition to the introduction? How about back matter? Is there an index you’ll be able to use as you study? Is there a glossary? • Now go through the first third of the book page by page, but only spending as much time on each as it does to slowly turn to the next page. Spend about five seconds on each page. Relax as you do this. You’re not really reading at this point; you’re just scanning the pages. As you turn the pages, scan them to note get smart
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boldface type and anything that summarizes the chapter or the ideas. Note the headings. Are there subheads and sub-subheads, too? Note the types of illustrations and their captions. You don’t need to do this with the whole book unless you suspect that the rest of it is organized differently from the pages you’ve now scanned. • Now go back and read the front matter. Yes, you should read the introduction. • Make a list of the questions you’ll need to answer by the time you’ve finished the book. • Now go through the book, page by page, a bit more slowly but reading only the chapter titles, headings, and chapter summaries; review the glossary. Now you are ready to read the book.
8 ways to jog your memory 1. Type all your notes into the computer or copy them by hand. Writing things down is one of the best ways to learn anything. 2. Use mnemonic devices. The list “12 Mnemonic Devices” follows this one; you can make up others. 3. Use your imagination. Your memory works best when you use both halves of your brain — the left side (which controls things like logic, words, lists, and numbers) and the right side (which controls rhythm, imagination, color, and spatial awareness). If you’re trying to memorize the various chambers of the heart, copy them from the drawing in your textbook and visualize them when you are asked to describe them on a test. 4. To remember long numbers, divide them into a series of smaller numbers and try to create associations for that number. For instance, 186663411 becomes 18 (the year at which you became “legal”), 666 (the devil’s number), 34 (perhaps the number of your house?), and 11(your curfew). 5. To remember dates, associate them with dates you already remember. For instance, April 6 might be four days after your birthday, November 25 is Christmas Day except a month earlier. The year 1519 can be remembered as the ages of two
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people you know. (Don’t forget to update this method each year!) 6. Talk it out. It’s easier to learn material that you’ve heard. Teaching the material to someone else will also be helpful (this is one of the benefits of joining a study group). Or read the material into a tape recorder and listen back to it as you fall asleep at night. 7. Make up rhymes; for instance, to treat shock: “If the face is red, raise the head; if the face is pale, raise the tail.” 8. Put everything on Post-it notes and stick them everywhere until you’ve learned the material.
12 mnemonic devices Mnemonic devices are little games that you make up to remember information that you need to memorize but not necessarily understand. Make up your own and use them freely. 1. The order of the planets: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pies (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) 2. Jupiter’s four Galilean moons: I Eat Green Carrots (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto) 3. Colors of the spectrum: ROY G BIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet) 4. The cranial nerves: On Old Olympus’ Towering Tops A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops (Olfactory, Optic, Oculomotor, Trochlear, Trigeminal, Abducent, Facial, Auditory, Glossopharyngeal, Vagal, Spinal accessory, Hypoglossal) 5. The Linnaean classification of living things: Kings Play Cards On Fairly Good Soft Velvet (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species, Variety) or Kids Pour Catsup Over Green Spiders (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Genus, Species) 6. The order of nerves that pass through the superior orbital tissue in the skull: Lazy French Tarts Lie Naked In Anticipation (Lacrinal, Frontal, Trochlear, Lateral, Nasociliary, Internal, Abducen) 7. The ten essential amino acids: These Ten Valuable get smart
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Amino acids Have Long Preserved Life In Man (Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine, Arginine, Histidine, Lysine, Phenylalanine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Methionine) 8. Geologic periods: CAMels Often Sit Down CARefully, PERhaps Their Joints CREak: Early Oiling May Prove Positively Helpful (Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, Holocene) 9. The functions of blood: Old Charlie Foster Hates Women Having Dull Clothes (Oxygen [transport], Carbon dioxide [transport], Food, Heat, Waste, Hormones, Disease, Clotting) 10. The fates of King Henry VIII’s six wives: Divorced, beheaded, died/Divorced, beheaded, survived. 11. In music theory, the order of sharps in a key signature: Flower Children Get Dumber After Every Bummer, or Fast Cars Get Driven Away, Even Buicks (FCGDAEB) 12. In computer networking, the seven layers of the OSI protocol stack (from the bottom up): Programmers Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away (Physical, Data-link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application)
16 exercises for overcoming math anxiety According to Math: Facing an American Phobia, by Marilyn Burns, reports that two-thirds of all American adults have a fear or hatred of math. If you fit into this group, do what you can to overcome your phobia now. 1. Remember you are not alone. Many people dislike or feel anxious about math. This isn’t just your problem — it’s a math problem. And like all math problems, your anxiety can be solved. 2. Find the source. A bad early experience with math can lead to general negative feelings and anxiety. Try to recall if there was a particular math-related incident that was unpleasant for you. Sometimes just remembering and talking about this event can help you deal with your anxiety.
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3. Start fresh. Even if you already took a particular math class in high school — and did poorly in it — it doesn’t mean that you can’t try again in college. Although you can’t take a class more than once in high school, you can probably find and take a similar class now that you are in college. Now is a good time to use the knowledge that you already have, but in a different environment and with a different instructor. And if you aren’t a particularly strong math student to start with, you will now be entering your class with extra confidence and knowledge. That can’t help but make you feel less anxious. 4. Don’t get in over your head. If you’re an iffy math student to start with, try taking a basic-level math class instead of a more challenging one. Sure, the challenging class will look better on your transcript — but not if you get a D. 5. Call for help — the sooner, the better. Because new math skills always build upon previously established ones, you will want to get help (or go back and review) as soon as you find yourself in over your head, confused, or just not understanding the course material. There are people who love math — who are good at it and can explain it coherently and in a way that you can understand. You need to find one of these people (through your college’s resource center, your academic adviser, or your math professor) and have her tutor you. It will be worth it. You’ll relieve some anxiety, get caught up, and be able to move forward through the newest, latest material. 6. Call for help — again. If your tutor isn’t really helping you, or if you don’t understand him any more than you understand your calculus professor, don’t blame yourself. Different people require different approaches to solving problems. There is someone who can help you — you just need to look until you find him. 7. Get physically comfortable. Find the type of study environment that works best for you. You may like a quiet corner of the library to study in, or you might be most at ease in a rocking dorm room. Now that you’re away from home, you don’t have to turn the music down — unless your roommate insists on it. 8. Do it first. If you do your math coursework last, you may be too tired to tackle it properly. Instead, start with math — espe-
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cially if it isn’t your favorite subject. You’ll be at your most alert — and you’ll get it over with. 9. Be positive. Self-defeating talk can bring you down and make you feel even worse about math. It is better to think and speak positively rather than negatively. You will certainly feel better if you do, and this can only improve your mindset. Also try to avoid professors, tutors, and friends who aren’t supportive of your efforts — or who are too negative themselves. 10. Try a new approach. Sometimes you can free your mind by looking at a math problem in an alternative way. This is especially true if you’ve been staring at the same equation or word problem for fifteen minutes and it looks even more confusing now than when you started. So try to verbalize the problem in front of you — try talking about it with your roommate or math tutor. Or draw a picture of it — anything that will help you to unblock and expand your mind. 11. Ask questions. This is the best way to get a handle on new material. Besides, other students will be glad you asked. 12. Trust your instincts. Don’t put down the way you approach math. Tackle math any way that works for you and that you are comfortable with. Remember, there is more than one way to do a math problem. 13. Take a break. If you are totally stuck on a particular problem or two, take some time off. Get a cup of coffee, take a brief walk, do some stretches. Even doing a different problem can help you get the gears moving again. But don’t forget to go back to working on those troublesome problems. If you keep putting them off, it will only make you feel even more anxious. 14. Do more than just memorize. Try to understand concepts instead of just memorizing numbers. When you’re anxious, memory is often the first thing to go. 15. Go slowly. Don’t pressure yourself. Take pride in the strides you do make. Math anxiety is a slow process. It’s not cured in one day. 16. Remember, they’re just numbers. Sure, math is scary. Equations are frightening and the word “calculus” can make a grown man shudder. But keep in mind that you’ve been dealing
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with numbers from way back when. Hell, you’ve been able to count since forever. So slow down, and remember that you’ve conquered math before and that you will conquer it again.
the 3 worst places to study 1. The cafeteria. You’ll be distracted by friends, noise, and even the odors. 2. In bed. Forget about those “husband pillows” — the ones with arms. Studying in bed may sound fine in theory, but it doesn’t work. Sleep beckons. 3. Anyplace where there’s a television, even if you’re watching a music channel (“It’s practically like listening to the radio!”).
5 AROMAS THAT HELP KEEP YOU MENTALLY ALERT Aromatherapy is the art and science of using aromatic essences from plants to promote balance and harmony within the body. To learn more, visit the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy at www.naha.org. The aromas of these plants help fight mental fatigue:
1. Lemon 2. Cinnamon 3. Peppermint
4. Basil 5. Rosemary
the 4 best places to study “State-dependent memory” is a phenomenon in which people associate learned material with the conditions under which they learned it. In other words, people do better on tests when they do their studying in the same location where the test is given. Thus, the very best place to study would be —
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1. An empty classroom, preferably the one in which the test will be given. 2. The dorm study area. 3. The library. 4. In your dorm room at your desk.
if you study to music There are tons of contradictory opinions about whether this works, leading us to believe that, in the end, it’s a personal choice. If it works for you, here are some tips to keep it manageable. 1. Although there are disagreements as to whether rock, rap, and heavy metal music are conducive to learning, most agree that mellow music does help. Classical music is popular to study to, as are string quartets and piano solos. 2. If you can, stay away from music with lyrics, especially if you’re trying to memorize something. 3. Keep the volume low. If you find yourself moving to the music, it’s probably turned up too loud. If there are others in the room, respect their space and use headphones. 4. Choose music you’re familiar with; it’ll be less distracting. 5. Pick out your music before you start studying so you don’t have to get up and change it often and think about what you want to listen to next. 6. Don’t get so dependent on studying to music that you can’t do without it. 7. Avoid the radio. The commercial interruptions and announcer-babble will only distract you. 8. Once in a while, try studying without music just to see if that works for you, too. You may find out that while music has always helped in the past, this chemistry stuff is a lot easier to absorb when it’s quiet. 9. Once in a while, try listening to relaxing sound effects records — waterfalls, babbling brooks, and other soothing sounds — instead of music.
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10 EXERCISES YOU CAN DO AT YOUR DESK A study break is a five- or ten-minute respite from the books. It is not an hourlong session of Freecell, nor is it “three quick phone calls.” When you take your break, try not to wander too far from your studies. Here are some ways to relax your body so you can return to the books ready for more action.
1. Wrists — Extend your arms out in front of you. Keep your arms rigid but flap your hands up and down 10 times. Now rotate them 10 times to the left, then 10 times to the right. 2. Hands and fingers — Hold your hands out in front of you. Make fists with your hands and hold tight for 2 seconds. Now place your palms down and extend your fingers wide apart; hold for 5 seconds. 3. Shoulders — Lift and roll your shoulders forward five times. Then lift and roll them backwards 5 times. Now shrug your shoulders up to your ears 5 times. 4. Upper back and shoulders — Reach your arms up overhead. Now stretch one arm up high and then the other as if you were climbing upwards. Do this 10 times on each side. 5. Neck — Relax your shoulders. Drop your head to one side and then roll it around in a wide circle 3 times. Now repeat in the opposite direction. 6. Lower back/abdomen — Sit up straight in a chair with your lower back supported, feet flat on the floor. Relax your shoulders and place your hands in your lap. Contract your upper and lower ab muscles while inhaling deeply through your nose. Your lower back will be pushed against the back of the chair. Hold the contraction for 3 seconds, then release. Repeat 3 times. 7. Lower back — Sit up straight. Place your hands on your lower back. Now push your hips forward and your shoulders back, arching your spine. Relax. Repeat 3 times. 8. Lower leg — From a sitting position, extend your legs out in front of you. Stretch your toes out as far as possible. Now pull them in toward you. Repeat 5 times. 9. Upper body — Stand up, feet approximately six inches apart. Gently twist around to one side as far as you can comfortably. Then twist around to the other side. Repeat 5 times. 10. Eyes — Roll your eyeballs in wide circles, first 3 times clockwise, then 3 times counterclockwise.
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7 common distractions from studying 1. Instant messaging — There’s nothing more bothersome than an IM from Craig asking about the party next week when you’re just about to finally grasp quantum physics. Ask your friends not to IM you during study hours, and get into the habit of ignoring those messages that do come in. 2. Phone calls — Turn it off. You can listen to messages later. 3. Visitors — Get two “Do Not Disturb” signs for your dorm — one for the door and the other to hang around your neck if your roommate just doesn’t get it. 4. Hunger — When you sit down to study, assemble some snacks. That way you won’t have an excuse to wander off. 5. Social anxieties — How can you think about World War II when Kelly has been dating someone else and that big frat party is only days away? Tell yourself that the problem is not leaving the planet. There’ll be plenty of time to deal with it after you’ve finished studying. Besides, putting it out of your mind and getting some distance from such problems before you tackle them will help you to eventually determine the best solution. 6. Noise — This includes traffic, people, music, and the general hum of the dorm. Get earplugs, find a quieter place to study, or listen to white noise using headphones. 7. Sleepiness — Wake up and smell the coffee — literally. You can’t learn when your mind is functioning at half its capacity. Make sure you’re well rested before you study (and especially before you show up for a test). All-nighters don’t work!
10 study habits that really work Most campuses offer courses in study skills and offer tutoring services. Take advantage of these, and do so early in your college career — you’ll have that much more time to make use of what you learn. Here are some ideas that will help you. 1. Create a ritual around getting ready to study: eliminate distractions and maybe do some exercises to relax your neck and shoulders. Or you might want to listen to a song that motivates
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you. You can even recite a mantra or a meditation that focuses you. Perform the same ritual each time you study. 2. Try to study in the same place and at the same time each day. You’ll be less prone to distractions, and the continuity will help you concentrate. 3. Before you sit down, gather your materials, load the CD changer if you study to music, turn off the phone, and hang up your “Do Not Disturb” sign. Make sure you have all the books and supplies you’ll need so you don’t have to get up and wander around for these. 4. Be especially careful when you’re studying material on the Internet. Avoid IM’s, and if you find yourself downloading MP3’s or suddenly surfing the ’net to find true love, reel yourself back in and take a moment to focus. 5. Have a clock close by and use it to time yourself. If you have an especially heavy load, break it up into smaller chunks and give yourself, say, an hour for each chunk. Use an alarm clock to let you know when it’s time to move on to the next task. Consult the clock as you study to keep track of the time. 6. Make lists of the materials you need to cover and check them off as you complete them. That way you’ll always have some idea of where you are in the process. 7. Take breaks as you need to, say ten minutes for each hour you’ve studied. These will refresh you, and you can use the time to grab more snacks, rest your eyes, take a bathroom break or exercise (see “10 Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk” earlier in this chapter). Avoid phone calls and even short conversations with your roommate. They can easily escalate into all-nighters. 8. Use scents and aromas that help you concentrate and relax (see “5 Aromas That Help Keep You Mentally Alert” earlier in this chapter and “6 Aromas That Will Help You Relax” later in this chapter). It would be great if you could bring these same scents to the test with you: The association with the scent may jog your memory. 9. Wear “real” clothing. Studying in your pajamas or undies is comfortable — too comfortable. Your body is liable to get the idea that it’s bedtime. Wear comfortable clothing, but save the jammies for later. 10. Have a visual representation of your goal nearby. When get smart
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your mind starts to wander, focus for a moment on the bookshelf to remind yourself that you’re going to be a great writer someday or on a special artifact that promises the excitement of your first archaeological dig.
how to study Cramming doesn’t work, because, simply put, the longer the period over which you study, the more you are likely to learn. In other words, you’ll do better if you spread out four hours of study over the course of a week than if you study for five hours the night before the test. Ideally, you should study for an hour or two a day beginning one week before an exam, and then increase the study time as the big day draws closer. 1. Know how much the test counts toward your grade. Schedule your time and attention accordingly. 2. Preview the work. You should already have preread the text (see “How to Preread a Book in 30 Minutes or Less” earlier in this chapter). Now scan it to get a feel for the main ideas and exactly how much material you need to cover. 3. Make a list of your goals for the study session. Check these items off as they are completed. If you have questions as you study, add them to the list and make sure you have answers before the session is over. Try to break the work down into manageable chunks and assign a time limit to each. Prioritize. 4. Read your notes. Look through your class notes first, then read whatever notes you might have made in the text. Read them again if anything is unclear. Remember that repetition is key to learning. 5. Tackle the hard stuff first. You learn better when you’re least tired (at the beginning of the study session), and you’ll be able to concentrate more easily if you’re not worried about that difficult hurdle. Learn the general concepts and main ideas before you tackle the details. 6. Take notes while you study. Even if you don’t need to write anything down, having a pencil in your hand makes studying an active rather than passive activity and helps beat the boredom.
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7. Make timelines. They’re an excellent way to visualize history or any other series of events. 8. If you get confused or overwhelmed by something you just can’t grasp, ask yourself why. Are you reading too fast? Are you distracted by the music you were hoping would help you concentrate? Are you missing information that isn’t available at the moment? If this is the case, take appropriate notes on these and move on to something you can do. Get help with these points after the session. 9. Test yourself often as you study. Try to link the information you’re absorbing with things you already know. Look at the headings in the textbook and turn them into questions. Think of the points the professor has been making in class; how do these relate to the material you’re reading? Do this after each section of the work. 10. At the end of the session, review your list. Have you covered all areas? Are there any outstanding questions to follow up? Ask yourself general questions about the relationship between concepts to make sure you understand not only the details but the big picture as well. 11. Get a good night’s sleep. You’ll do best on a test if you show up fully rested. Make sure you set not one but two alarm clocks. (Always have a backup!) 12. If you have to cram: Preview all the material by reading main headings, diagrams, and captions; focus on the lecture notes; spend the little time you have with the stuff you know least about; and take steps so that you don’t wind up in this position again.
how to form your own study group If you start your own group, be sure to add that bit of information to your resume-in-progress. 1. Hand-pick the members. Instead of posting signs on the department bulletin board, approach potential members individually. Choose the smartest students for your group. Avoid people who are lots of fun. Be sure you have a good balance of thinkers and doers. get smart
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2. Keep it small; four to five people is best. The more members you have, the more chance there is that the group will lose its focus. 3. Make sure the work is organized among the members, and that everyone knows exactly what is expected. Make up a list of the group’s rules and distribute these to every member. 4. Meet at the same time and place each week. 5. Make sure everyone has contact information for the other group members. 6. Communicate with other study groups to find out how they’re handling the biggest challenges. 7. If the group can’t meet for some reason, explore the possibility of an on-line meeting. There are also study groups on the Internet that you can join. 8. Pull your weight. Show up on time, and live up to your commitments. You’ll inspire others in the group to do the same.
5 myths about tests 1. They accurately measure how much you know. C’mon, everyone knows that tests only measure how much you know about a certain topic at a given time. Usually they don’t even measure how much you know about an entire subject — unless it’s a final exam. So if you are well versed in the Court of Versailles but haven’t been studying for your French History class lately and are a bit fuzzy on the French Revolution, you aren’t going to do so well when you are tested on the French Revolution, are you? 2. They reflect what kind of student you are. If you are a gifted student but aren’t keeping up with your classes, you won’t do well on tests. Likewise, if you aren’t naturally studious but you find one subject particularly interesting and have been taking careful notes in class and staying ahead of the assigned readings, you probably will do well when you are tested. It’s that simple. 3. Smart people are good test-takers. Nope, this just isn’t true. Some people are good test-takers and some people are wonderful paper-writers. And sometimes, both come in one
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package. But more often than not, they don’t. So don’t let one test — or two, or three — make you feel dumb. Everyone has their strengths and their weaknesses. Even people who do well on tests have their good tests (essay exams, for instance) and their bad tests (multiple choice quizzes). If you are a particularly bad test-taker, try to enroll in seminars instead of lecture classes — the smaller the class, the more likely it is that a professor will assign papers rather than giving tests. You can even ask your professor before you sign up for a particular class how many tests you will be given and what their format will be. Then decide if this is the right class for you. 4. If you don’t do well on tests, you won’t succeed in college. If you don’t do well on tests, you don’t do well on tests. You can still succeed in college by reading books, writing papers, and participating in class — by learning, and understanding, the material presented by your professors. 5. Your future depends upon them. Sure, tests are important, but your future academic success doesn’t depend on them exclusively. Even if you plan on attending graduate school (and will have to take the GREs, MCATs or LSATs), your admission will be based on many components, only one of which is test results.
28 tips for improving your test score without even studying Tests to get into other schools, tests to get jobs, tests to take other tests! Do they ever end? No. 1. Make sure you know where the test is being held. We’ve heard tons of stories about students who were completely prepared for the test and showed up in the classroom on time, only to find that the test was being held in some other building. 2. When studying for a test, read the material straight through. Then go back and read it again. This time, underline important points. Circle words that you’re unfamiliar with. When you do your final review, pay special attention to these terms. get smart
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10 EXERCISES FOR YOUR BRAIN Who says waiting in line is a waste of time? Your brain, just like all the other parts of you, needs exercise to function properly. Here are some alternatives to video games.
1. Picture your home. Draw a mental map of all the rooms. Now try to rearrange the rooms so that your house is completely different.
2. Make a copy of a crossword puzzle. Work on one copy of it and time 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
yourself. When you’re done, try to fill in the second copy of the puzzle in half the time. Recite tongue-twisters. Read a magazine article and try to work three facts you have learned into your conversations that day. Think about your favorite book or movie. Now think up a new ending for the story. Write down a word that has more than fifteen letters and see how many smaller words you can make from it. Memorize a poem. Think about how many windows there are in your dorm. How many doors? How many chairs? Closets? Read your computer instruction manual and try to teach yourself to do something new without the computer in front of you. Make a list of five statements that support something you really believe in, like freedom of speech. Now come up with five arguments against the thing you believe in.
3. Never wait until the last minute to study for a test; you’ll panic. The best time to study for a test is two days before. Then, on the night before, review the material and get a good night’s sleep. 4. Divide the test material in half and team up with a friend. Study independently but then get together a few days before the test and take turns teaching each other the material you’ve covered. 5. Talk to the teacher a few days before the test. Say you want to make sure you’re focusing on the right material and explain your understanding of what will be covered. 6. Keep old tests and use them to study for the new ones. Most teachers ask certain kinds of questions, and you’ll be ahead
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of the game — and a lot less nervous — if you know what to expect. When looking through your own tests, pay special attention to the questions you got wrong in the past. Consult other students about past tests. 7. A good way to really learn something is to hear it. Read your textbook out loud or try teaching it to someone else. 8. The night before the test, as you fall asleep, picture the important material in your mind. This is the time when your brain is most open to learning, and you’ll be surprised how much you can memorize at this time. 9. Your brain needs proper food before a test. Eat a good breakfast if the test is in the morning. If it’s in the afternoon, avoid carbohydrates for lunch. See the list of “12 Foods You Should Eat Before a Test,” later in this chapter. 10. Bring everything you think you’ll need to the test — pens and pencils, a ruler and calculator if they’re appropriate, reference books if they’re allowed, and a wristwatch, so you can time yourself. 11. Wear comfortable clothes on the day of the exam. You’ll have an easier time concentrating if you don’t feel restricted in any way. 12. Before you go to the classroom to take the test, find a quiet spot and review the important material again. Last call! 13. Get to the classroom early so you’re ready when the test begins. Don’t sit near friends who might distract you or spook you with their horror stories about their preparation or lack of it. 14. When you read the test instructions, do so slowly and thoroughly. Make sure you have all the pages you’re supposed to have. If you don’t understand something, ask for help right away. Make sure you know whether there will be a penalty for guessing. 15. Take your time on the test. Use all the time allotted. Consult your watch often to keep track of the time. 16. If you’ve memorized lots of details for the test, write down the ones you think you may forget as soon as the test starts. 17. Answer the easy questions first. This will help you build your confidence. If you can’t answer a question, put an X in the get smart
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margin and go on to the next one. You’ll come back to these at the end. Sometimes the answer to a question is in a later question. 18. For true-or-false questions, remember that if part of the statement is false, then the whole statement is false. 19. In tests with true-or-false questions, there are usually more true statements than false. If you have to guess, mark “true.” The more details there are in the statement, the more likely it is to be true. 20. Extreme modifiers such as “always,”“never,” and “all” are likely to indicate a false statement. 21. In matching columns of phrases with each other, cross them out as you connect them. Then deal with the leftovers by process of elimination. 22. With multiple-choice questions, try to recall the answer before you read the choices. Then, as you read the choices, immediately cross out the answers you’re sure are wrong. 23. In most multiple-choice questions, there are at least two possibilities that can be easily eliminated. One is a statement so outrageous that it can’t possibly be true, and another might have at least one obvious clue that it’s wrong. Eliminate these “red herrings” first and make your selection from the remaining choices. This is especially useful when dealing with multiplechoice questions where the choices are all numbers. Chances are, the highest and lowest numbers will be wrong and that the right answer is somewhere in the middle. 24. When two possible answers are very similar to one another, one of them is usually the right answer. 25. In multiple-choice questions, the choice that is longest and most descriptive is usually the right one. 26. For essay questions, make a short outline of your answer before you write the essay. State your main point in the first sentence. 27. Only change answers to questions when you’re sure that you were wrong the first time. Chances are, your gut instinct was correct. 28. When you get your test back, review it carefully. What was the reason for most of the wrong answers? Did you forget to study the material, or did you misunderstand the question? Did
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you run out of time? Take measures to correct your main problem. If you got a lousy grade, use it to inspire you to new heights next time. If you have questions or believe the professor might have made a mistake, schedule an appointment with him or her right away.
10 foods you should eat before a test These foods won’t make you smarter than you are, but studies show they can help keep you alert by fighting the effects of carbohydrates (candy, bread, sugar), which tend to make you calmer, but sleepier. 1. Fish 2. Low-fat yogurt 3. Lean beef 4. Nuts 5. Broccoli
6. Apples 7. Pears 8. Peaches 9. Grapes 10. Peanuts
15 tips for reducing test anxiety Some level of anxiety is helpful — that extra adrenaline keeps you on your toes. But if you’re so nervous you can’t even understand the directions, take a minute or two to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and imagine your paper with a big red A on the first page. Of course, the very best ways to reduce anxiety have to do with being prepared. 1. Study! Make sure to study for a short period of time each day leading up to the test. Cramming doesn’t work. 2. Know what you will be tested on. Ask your professor for specifics. Usually, he will be able to give you a concrete answer — either which chapters you will be tested on or what material you need to know (all about the War of 1812, for example). If the prof hands out study guides, pay particular attention to them. 3. Find out what kind of test you will be given. Will the test consist of essay questions, short-answer questions, multiplechoice questions, or a combination of all three? Also find out if it will be a short or a long test, which will help you prepare. get smart
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4. Ask for help. If you don’t understand a particular concept or theme that you will be tested on, ask your professor for assistance. She should be able to answer any general questions you have and may also provide some extra guidance during office hours. If you need more help than she can provide, she should be able to refer you to a teaching assistant who can tutor you, or to a universitywide tutoring service. 5. Make up your own test. Before you finish studying, spend some time trying to anticipate the questions that might come up; practice your answers. 6. Review old tests. Look at your own and those of others. Many fraternities and sororities keep files on such things. 7. Get plenty of sleep the night before. Sure, you might want to stay up all night studying, but the truth is that if you don’t already know the material you will be tested on, you aren’t going to learn it in one night. And while sleep may seem like a luxury that you can’t afford, shut-eye is crucial to concentration. A well-rested test-taker is much more effective than a tired, cranky one who has trouble keeping his eyes open. 8. Eat well the night before the test and the morning (or day) of the test. Your body needs food for energy. If you don’t eat, it will be harder to concentrate and you will feel sluggish. It might also be difficult to think over the sound of your own stomach grumbling. Try eating a combination of carbohydrates (for stamina) and protein (to relieve nerves). But don’t eat too much chicken or turkey: both contain tryptophan, which can cause sluggishness.
6 AROMAS THAT WILL HELP YOU RELAX Use these after you finish studying, before you go to bed:
1. Lavender 2. Orange 3. Rose
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4. Chamomile 5. Sandalwood 6. Cedar
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9. Go easy on the caffeine. A little coffee (or soda or tea) goes a long way. Too much coffee can make you nervous and jittery and cause your mind to race — all of which add up to anxiety, which you are trying to avoid. 10. Be prepared! Make sure that you have the required pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, and anything else you will need, and that they are all in working order. 11. Get some fresh air. If at all possible, don’t rush right from your dorm room or the library or another class to take your exam. Try to allow yourself enough time to take a walk around the block, sit outside the classroom for a few moments or just have a leisurely stroll (instead of a mad dash) to the location of your test. 12. Breathe. Yes, it may seem simplistic, but when you get nervous, you tend, unconsciously, to hold your breath. And when you hold your breath, you deprive your brain of oxygen. Oxygen is crucial to brain function. And brain function is crucial to doing well on your test. You get the picture. 13. Now breathe deeply. Breathing deeply will allow you to center yourself and calm down. This is especially important at times when we feel like we can’t breathe — when we’re nervous or stressed. So in these instances, take a moment. Breathe deeply and count to ten. Make sure you fill your lungs with air and make sure you empty your lungs of air before you move on to your next breath. This will force you to slow down and allow you to concentrate better. 14. Take a moment to meditate. If you are feeling particularly anxious, take a moment or two and close your eyes. Picture yourself in a very relaxing setting — in the woods, by the beach, sleeping. This may seem like a silly waste of time — you have a test to take, after all — but the more relaxed you are, the more comfortable you will be taking the test. And if you are comfortable and relaxed, the odds are that you will feel more confident. And so on, and so on . . . 15. Find some perspective. It will help you feel less anxious if you remind yourself that this is only one test and that it is a drop in the bucket of experiences that make up your life. This may not seem to be the case at the moment — it might feel as if this test is the most important one that you will ever take. But try to get smart
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remind yourself that many components constitute your grade for this class — and that many grades combine to make up your GPA — and that this is only one of those classes and one of those components.
what to do if you catch someone cheating 1. If you are taking an exam while this happens, cover your paper. This may seem simplistic, but if someone is copying from your work/paper during an exam or looking over your shoulder on a quiz, you can easily thwart him by covering up your work and continuing on as though nothing is wrong. 2. You may have to report it. Some schools require their students to sign an honor code at the beginning of freshman year stating that they agree never to plagiarize and promise to turn in anyone who they catch cheating or plagiarizing. If you signed your school’s honor code and then don’t honor it — and your cheater is caught cheating off of you — you may find yourself in as much trouble as the person who cheated. 3. If your friend “borrows” one of your papers . . . and
you find out after the fact, try to make sure this doesn’t happen again. You might also want to confront your friend and ask her why she cheated off you. She’ll probably be surprised — cheaters usually think they have everyone fooled. There’s a good chance that by merely bringing up the issue it will prevent your friend from cheating off you again. But be wary — it might look to outsiders (professors and other faculty) as though you willingly shared information with your friend. This makes you as culpable as she is. So keep your papers, ideas, and old essay exams to yourself. If your friend asks for help, you might recommend that she check out your college’s many tutoring resources. 4. If a friend “borrows” one of your papers and you find out before he uses it, confront him. Explain that you both could get into a lot of trouble and could even be expelled from the university. Offer to help him find a tutor or to go with him to his professor’s office hours. Also try to keep your personal papers tucked away and out of sight.
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what to do if you are caught cheating 1. ’Fess up. If you were cheating and you got caught, odds are that it was pretty obvious. Professors don’t want to believe the worst about their students, but when all evidence indicates that cheating did occur, they will have to take action. Many schools require professors to report cheating to the administration. And if you go into full denial mode, you are only making yourself look stupider (let’s face it, cheating isn’t smart!) — as well as trying to pull another one over on your teacher. Which will piss him off even more. 2. Be contrite. Once you admit that you were in fact cheating, let your professor know how bad you feel about it. Don’t offer excuses as to why you cheated. Instead, tell him that you’re very sorry for insulting his intelligence (by copying a paper off the Internet or looking over Julie’s shoulder during the exam) and that it will never, ever happen again. 3. Bargain. If you were caught cheating, you will probably have to accept an F on that paper or exam. Sometimes you will fail the class — and, depending on your school’s policy, you may even be kicked out of school. Ask your professor what you can do to avoid failing. Say that you would be glad to accept a D for the semester. If the school is considering expelling you, ask if you can be suspended instead, or perhaps volunteer for community service. And don’t get indignant if your requests are denied. Remember: You’re the one in the wrong here. 4. Gather your resources. Because many colleges and universities have policies saying that students caught cheating will be expelled (you may even have signed such a document), you will want to prove that this was a one-time lapse in judgment. You are actually a person of high moral caliber. So contact some people who can attest to what a stand-up guy or gal you are — other professors whom you have impressed; your minister, rabbi, or priest; even summer-job employers. Ask them if they would consider writing letters attesting to your character. Explain what happened, how awful you feel about it, and how much your education means to you. Make sure that they know you will never again cheat. Most people will be glad to assist in rebuilding your character. get smart
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5. Call your parents. Sure, it’s awful to call your parents and say: Mom, Dad, I got caught cheating. But think how much worse it will be to call them and say: Mom, Dad, I got kicked out of school. Sometimes a weeping mother evokes even more sympathy than a chastised cheater. Perhaps she can convince the dean of students not to expel you.
how to deal with failure successfully Dealing with adversity and failure is one of the greatest challenges we face in life, and how ultimately you handle them is a reflection of your character. Your mistakes are among your best teachers. Embrace them, think about them, be grateful for the lessons they afford you. 1. Accept responsibility for the failure. If it really was your fault, admit it to yourself, your teacher, and whoever else might have been involved. 2. Ask yourself what the specific causes of the failure were. Make two lists: factors that were unchangeable, and those that you can take steps to avoid in the future. 3. Examine the first list. If you wrote things like “it was a pop quiz” or “it rained that day and the delay in getting to the test was unavoidable,” ask yourself if you could have been better prepared, if you could have gotten up earlier to be on time. 4. Think about what you will do differently next time. Picture yourself doing those things. 5. Keep a record of the failure. A test with a giant F circled in red might remind you to take math more seriously next time. But — 6. Don’t dwell on the failure or punish yourself. Onward!
I
t is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot irreverence to their studies; they are not here to worship what is known, but to question it. — Jacob Bronowski
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what you can do about an F 1. Drop the course! If you don’t absolutely need to take this course this semester, see if there’s still time for you to drop it. Within a certain time frame, some universities will allow you to drop a course without having it recorded on your transcript. Other schools require that a “Drop/Fail” be registered, which isn’t ideal but is still better than receiving an F. 2. Request a D. Ask your professor what you can do to get your F changed to a D. You should know that this will probably be an uphill battle. Professors don’t give out failing grades casually. When they do, it’s usually for a good reason. 3. Try to have it changed to an incomplete. If there are extenuating circumstances that explain your failing grade — your father is in the hospital or you have had significant physical, mental, or emotional problems (substantial ones, not your garden-variety college troubles) — tell your professor. Bring doctors’ notes, a death certificate, whatever proof you have that your problems are real, and show these to your professor or to the head of the relevant department. Often you can get an F changed to an incomplete. You will then have a limited amount of time to retake exams or make up papers that you never handed in. Make sure that you stay within this time frame and redo all the required work, since it’s hard — if not impossible — to get a second second chance. 4. Learn from your mistakes. Hey, you must have really screwed up if you failed a course. What happened? Try to backtrack and see where the trouble started. Did you neglect to hand in several required papers? Did you skip classes, fail to pay attention when you did attend class, or space out during quizzes and exams? If you know what you did wrong, you can avoid making the same mistake twice. Sometimes we just have to live with our failures, and now might be that moment for you. 5. Get some perspective. Separate yourself from your grade. This isn’t about you being a failure; it’s about learning what you need to learn more about. Take the course over.
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30 steps to writing a great term paper — NOT! 1. Sit in a comfortable chair in an area that has good lighting and few distractions. Gather all your study materials around you; make sure you have all the supplies you need. 2. Check your e-mail. 3. Review the assignment, making a list of points with which you might need help. 4. Time to get up and stretch. A short walk down the hall to the vending machine should do it. 5. Check your e-mail. 6. Call your best friend to find out if he’s working on his paper, too. 7. Return to your term paper. Check the copyright dates on all your textbooks to make sure they’re recent. Then read the acknowledgments; you never know who’s in there. 8. Check your e-mail. 9. Recheck your supplies. Sharpen your pencils if they need it. 10. Review your assignment to make sure you understand it. 11. Check zits in the bathroom mirror and apply medication as needed. 12. While you’re up, review TV listings to make sure you’re not missing anything important. 13. Arrange all your CDs in alphabetical order. 14. Check your e-mail. 15. Call your friend again to find out if he’s come up with any interesting resources. 16. Time for a snack. 17. Return to the essay. Make sure your chair is comfortable and that there is plenty of good lighting. 18. When’s the last time you called home? 19. Check your closet to make sure you have clean clothes for tomorrow. If you don’t, do your laundry. 20. Review the assignment. 21. Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen in at least five years. 22. Check your e-mail.
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23. If you’re having trouble focusing, listen to your favorite CD. 24. Listen to your second-favorite CD. 25. Check your bulletin board to make sure you haven’t overlooked any important invitations. This is also a good time to redecorate your room. 26. Look at your tongue in the bathroom mirror. 27. Return to your comfortable chair. Change the light bulb just in case. 28. Review the assignment again just for the hell of it. 29. Call your friend and discuss the pitfalls of all-nighters. 30. Write your term paper.
YOU KNOW YOU’VE BEEN IN COLLEGE TOO LONG WHEN . . . 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
You actually like doing laundry at home. Two miles is not too far to walk for a party. You wear dirty socks three times in a row and think nothing of it. You go to sleep when it’s light and get up when it’s dark. You’d rather clean than study. Half the time you don’t wake up in your own bed and it seems normal. Minesweeper is more than a game — it’s a way of life. You schedule your classes around sleep habits and soaps. You know the pizza boy by name. You live for e-mail. Looking out the window is a form of entertainment. It feels weird to take a shower without sandals on. You start thinking and sounding like your roommate. Black lights really seem like the coolest things on earth. Rearranging your room is your favorite pastime. You’re considering a future manufacturing plastic milk crates. You feel at home at Wal-Mart. The weekend starts on Thursday and ends on Tuesday night. Having sex in anything bigger than a twin-sized bed sounds strange. You see 6:00 p.m. as when you get up, not when you go to sleep.
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11 college pranks, from stupid to spectacular Reported college pranks are closely related to urban legends. Did students actually try these? Probably, but we’re not entirely sure. Nor do we suggest that anyone attempt these. But they are, well, funny. 1. Students filled the toilet with dry ice, bubble bath, and the contents of a cut-open chemical light stick, then unscrewed the overhead light bulb. The next person who walked into the bathroom found a green, glowing, bubbling mess pouring out of the toilet. 2. A student remade her roommate’s bed with coat hangers between the mattress and the sheet. 3. Dorm residents all agreed to flush the toilets at the same time — while their victim was in the shower. 4. One student, adept at mountaineering, climbed to the ceiling of a narrow hallway by the technique known as chimneying. Suspended over his victim’s door, he then reached down and knocked. Repeatedly. 5. A student’s roommate drank way too much one Friday night, so, to teach her a lesson, the student woke up her hungover friend on Saturday morning and told her it was Friday and that she had an exam in ten minutes. 6. One victim we heard about woke up one morning to find an obnoxious (if not physically impossible) message printed across his chest in lipstick. 7. At a school that still engages in the retro practice of panty raids, some girls filled their undergarments with mayonnaise before dropping them out the window. 8. The “fake workmen digging up the street” trick is a college classic. In its original form, students masqueraded as real workmen, dug a hole in the street, and left. Days passed before anyone realized that something was wrong, and traffic was a nightmare until the hole was fixed. (In a modern variation, students waited until a real work crew started digging up the street, then reported to the police that college students were once again posing as workmen. They then told the crew that, as part of a
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fraternity initiation, college students were dressing up as cops and would be around soon to give them a hard time . . .) 9. A large number of pigeons released into a gym or lecture hall have been said to cause havoc. 10. Advertising your dean’s job in the local paper would be a terrible thing to do. 11. Umbrellas filled with confetti can brighten a rainy day— yours.
how to fit in anywhere 1. When you go to a party or event, make sure you know the dress code. You’ll feel better if you’re not wearing a formal outfit while everyone else is in jeans, or vice versa. 2. Be polite. Remember all those good manners your mama taught you, and use them. 3. Present yourself realistically. Don’t boast about your accomplishments, especially if you’re prone to exaggerate. Let other people find out over time how spectacular you are. 4. Remember people’s names. 5. Listen to what other people have to say. They might actually turn out to be interesting. 6. Offer to help, if you can. 7. If you’re in a new town, buy a map, walk around, and learn the lay of the land. 8. Don’t assume that your own background is the norm, and keep an open mind when you are presented with ideas that are contrary to your own. 9. If you don’t know something or don’t get a joke, don’t pretend you do. It’s okay to admit you don’t understand something. 10. Don’t talk for the sake of talking. If you don’t have anything to say, say nothing. Just smile. A lot. 11. If someone needs information and you don’t have it, don’t pretend you do by guessing, just for the sake of being helpful. You might be misleading the person. 12. Be a good sport.
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10 REASONS STUDYING IS BETTER THAN SEX 1. You can usually find someone to do it with. 2. If you get tired, you can stop, save your place, and pick up where you left off.
3. You can finish early without feelings of guilt or shame. 4. When you open a book, you don’t have to worry about who else has opened it.
5. A little coffee and you can do it all night. 6. If you don’t finish a chapter, you won’t gain a reputation as a “book 7. 8. 9. 10.
teaser.” You can do it, eat, and watch TV all at the same time. You don’t get embarrassed if your parents interrupt you in the middle. You don’t have to put your beer down to do it. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing, you can always ask your roommate for help!
go greek! 1. Brotherhood: It can sometimes be difficult to meet people in college. Dormitories are often impersonal and random, and despite that questionnaire you filled out, you probably don’t have much in common with your roommate. But as soon as you join a fraternity or sorority, you become a member of a community. There’s the sense of “all for one and one for all” that’s missing from the dorms. Also, as a member, you will see familiar faces all across campus — and you will get to know those familiar faces. 2. Leadership Skills: Each fraternity and sorority member has the opportunity to take on different leadership roles, whether it’s as an officer, an executive, or a committee member. In any event, you will learn how to manage a budget, run meetings, speak in public, and motivate your fellow brothers or sisters. These are skills that you will use long after you graduate from college. 3. Teamwork: The projects and events that Greek societies present are often less important than the process through which
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they came to be. Even if you’re a follower by nature, the special skills of cooperation, tolerance, and knowing how to lend a helping hand can help you through a lifetime. 4. The Parties: Where there’s a sorority or fraternity, there are bound to be parties galore. You’re guaranteed a good social life round the clock. No more loitering around the lobby of your dormitory, desperately trying to make conversation while staring at the Doritos in the vending machine. 5. Study Buddies: Sure, studying is probably not the first thing you think about when you think about fraternities and sororities. But since your fellow pledges will be in the same year as you, odds are that you will have some classes in common. 6. A Nice Place to Live: Greek societies often occupy some of the best real estate on college campuses. This is usually because most of them have been around for a very long time and laid claim to nice houses way back when. As a first-year pledge, though, you probably won’t have a very nice room. And you’ll most likely share your digs with another brother or sister — or two. Still, your frat or sorority house will probably far outshine the dorms. And you get to see those groovy Greek letters every time you walk in the door. 7. Connections, Connections, Connections: Once you join a fraternity or sorority, you immediately gain access to a large social network — increasingly important to college graduates in today’s tight job market. It’s likely that fellow alumni of your fraternity will live in a variety of states and cities across the country; there’s a chance they may be able to help you find a job when you graduate. Keep in mind that the more people you know, the greater your chances of success.
don’t go greek! 1. Conformity, Conformity, Conformity: Sure, fraternities and sororities claim that they search for — and find — diverse members from all sorts of interesting religions and ethnic minorities. But the truth is that each has its own identity, and the members within that group tend to conform quite rigidly to that identity. And those identities tend to be pretty bland. party hearty
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2. A Higher Number of Sexual Assaults: The desire for male bonding — as indicated by the popularity of fraternities — can often lead to forced sexual acts. A large Midwestern university survey proved this by reporting that the men most likely to rape in college are fraternity pledges. The theory appears to be that pledges try to fit into the “frat mold” by doing whatever they can to be included in the bonding. This hyper-male bonding has a direct effect on all forms of rape, not just date rape. Other studies report an increased number of sexual crimes occur when heavy drinking is involved. And fraternity members tend to be heavy drinkers. 3. Racism: From “Island”-themed parties to “Wetback”themed ones, it’s a not-so-secret fact that fraternities often exhibit racist tendencies. Whether this is due to a group mentality that marginalizes those who don’t belong to the group, or the result of the enforced bonding that occurs within small societies (those different from us must be inferior), racism at colleges occurs more often within the Greek system than it does on the rest of campus. 4. Hazing: College is difficult enough without having to shout “Yes, sir!” while some upperclassman whacks your behind with a paddle. Hazing is a drag. It’s annoying, dehumanizing, and, unfortunately, it can also be deadly. Every year, silly stunts — like driving a drunken pledge around town in the trunk of a car — result in senseless deaths. 5. Binge Drinking: The prevalence of binge drinking at fraternities is quite alarming. A recent Harvard University study found that an incredible 86 percent of frat-house residents were binge drinkers. Binge drinking is responsible for numerous student deaths. 6. The Parties — Not What They Used To Be: Most colleges — for good reason — are cracking down on underage drinking. This means that fraternities and sororities, in order to remain in good standing with the university administration and keep their charter, are being more careful about serving alcohol at their parties. So if you join solely for the boozing, you may be sorely disappointed. 7. Close Quarters: You will most likely be living in close quarters with your other fraternity brothers, and privacy is
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going to be a luxury, what with all the house activities. So think twice before you subject yourself to four years of your crowding in with your fraternity brothers’ raging testosterone or your sisters’ hormonal levels. 8. Same Old Faces: Once you join a fraternity or sorority, you’re in. And it’s kind of a pain to leave. If you don’t like someone in your dormitory, it’s pretty easy to avoid them. Not so in a fraternity, where you’ll be eating meals with them and partying with them. You’ll get tired — really tired — of your fraternity brothers. 9. The Expense: Belonging to a fraternity is expensive. There are membership dues and initiation fees, the constant demands to cough up the dough for parties, etc., etc. And this is above and beyond the usual college expenses of books and pizza.
how to size up a club Joining a club that focuses on a specific interest can be highly conducive to what college is about — education, self-improvement, growth. If you’re interested in anything at all, from politics to potholders, there’s probably a club around campus that will welcome your membership. Before you get involved, ask some key questions: 1. Will I have fun? 2. Will I have the chance to make new friends without giving up my old friends and family connections? 3. Do I agree with the club’s purpose? 4. Why am I joining the club? (Beware if the only answer to this question is “loneliness.”) 5. What can I offer the club? 6. What can the club offer me? 7. Will this group of people challenge and interest me? 8. Will I be able to balance membership requirements with my classes and other obligations? 9. How will membership help me to reach my personal and academic goals? 10. Do I meet the requirements for membership? 11. Do I like the other people involved? party hearty
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how to start a club OK, so they don’t have a club for people interested in potholders on your campus. But guess what? You can start one, and it’s probably easier than you think. Your school’s rules may vary on this, but here’s how it usually works: 1. If you can, find someone with a similar interest to help you organize the club. 2. Fill out the required paperwork. This is usually pretty simple, and your adviser (or anyone in the administration office) can help you figure it out. 3. Find a faculty adviser. Some schools require that this person be full-time; others don’t. Check on the rules at your particular school. 4. Develop a club constitution. This doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it sounds; it’s just a document outlining the purpose and activities of the club. Look at the constitutions of other clubs to see what they include. 5. Find out if there’s any school funding available for your club’s expenses. You might be pleasantly surprised. 6. Advertise your first meeting by putting up flyers, posting on-line, getting it mentioned on the campus radio station or the college paper — basically, any way you can. 7. Lure people to the first meeting with free food. 8. Have fun.
12 ways to make sure spring break is fun 1. Let someone at home know where you’ll be at all times. 2. Get all the information about where you’ll be staying before you go there so you can familiarize yourself with the rules. Plan ahead! 3. Pack light. Leave valuables and breakables at home. 4. Leave plenty of time for airport security hassles, and don’t act impatient when delays crop up. 5. Wear your sunscreen. 6. Try to avoid hangovers by drinking lots of water when you drink alcohol.
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TOP 6 SPRING BREAK LOCATIONS 1. Cancun, Mexico: Nothing exotic here (everyone seems to speak English and accept American dollars) but you can enjoy luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and over-the-top nightlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore ancient Mayan ruins, take excursions into the lush jungle, or swim and snorkel with dolphins. 2. South Padre Island, Texas: Enjoy fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and birdwatching on this island near the Mexican border. There are high-quality public beaches, where the gulf waters are shallow and warm. Live bands everywhere — and a party scene that comes alive during Spring Break — guarantee a wild time. 3. Jamaica: Delicious food, laid-back ambiance, mountains for hiking, and pristine beaches make Jamaica a popular destination. Your parents will feel better if you stick to the resort areas of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril — where you can enjoy outdoor sports and thriving art and music scenes. Each location has its unique appeal: for example, Montego Bay boasts four championship golf courses; Negril is known for nude beaches. And of course, there’s reggae everywhere. 4. The Bahamas: More than seven hundred islands offer an array of choices, from beautiful pink-sand beaches to glitzy casinos. Lots of traditional British charm shines through, in spite of the large number of tourists. The islands’ main attractions vary, so do some research before you go — the most popular destinations include Nassau, Grand Bahama, and Paradise Island. Plan to spend your days golfing, sailing, snorkeling, or fishing — and your nights partying at the resorts and casinos. 5. Panama City, Florida: The Boardwalk Beach Resort is Panama City’s famous Spring Break destination hotel, where it’s legal to drink on the beach and the party never stops. Enjoy the “biggest nightclub in the United States,” Club La Vela, or hit the beach for deep-sea fishing, diving, and sunbathing. 6. Austin, Texas: The “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is the place to go if you love — or play — music. Hit the nightclubs on Sixth Street and South Congress Avenue, where you can hear world-class bands every night of the week. Wander around the (supposedly haunted) Driskill Hotel looking for the ghosts of young brides. Enjoy sailing on the lake. And if you’re in the mood for an extracurricular civics lesson, you’re in the state capital of Texas, where the legislature is even more entertaining than the nightlife.
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7. Prevent theft by using traveler’s checks and keeping your valuables in the hotel safe instead of carrying everything around with you. 8. Make copies of your important documents and keep them separate from your ID and passport, in case you do get ripped off. 9. Beware of any deal that seems too good to be true. It probably is. 10. Beware of strangers offering drinks. Don’t leave your drinks unattended, ever. People have been known to slip weird drugs into other people’s drinks. 11. If you have sex, use a condom.
SPRING BREAK PACKING CHECKLIST Travel light. Here are some non-clothing items you should take with you.
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Photo ID (driver’s license and /or passport) Cash and credit cards (most hotels require a credit card for check-in) Health insurance card Emergency contact information Copies of your prescriptions Condoms Sunscreen A small, portable reading light (if you plan to share a room) A small disc player with headphones or some other form of portable music, in case you wind up spending a zillion hours at the airport A small pair of scissors (you’ll be surprised at how often you’ll use them; just don’t try to take them on the plane with you) and a small sewing kit The lyrics to a song you sing well, in case you get asked to sit in with a band (make sure you know your key) Comfy shoes or sandals for outdoor exploring Alka-Seltzer, aspirin, and /or whatever you prefer as a hangover remedy
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12. Learn some useful phrases in the language that is spoken. These (given here with their Spanish translations) might be particularly useful. ¿Donde esta el baño? = Where is the bathroom? ¡Ayudame! = Help me! Alguien se robo mi cartera. = Someone stole my wallet. ¿Estoy perdido, donde esta el hotel ________? = I’m lost — where is the Hotel _________? Necesito comprar algunos condones. = I need to buy some condoms. ¿Cuanto cuesta? = How much does it cost? ¿Donde esta el aeropuerto? = Where is the airport? ¿Ha visto usted a mis amigos? = Have you seen my friends? Se me perdio mi llave. = I lost my key.
10 ways to feel better about yourself — instantly! Your roommate hates you, you just lost your best friend, and even your reflection in the mirror doesn’t want anything to do with you. Been there. Any one of the following is bound to lift your spirits — we guarantee it. 1. Write down what is happening to you in the third person — as though it’s happening to someone else. Write as objectively as you can. Give the story a happy ending. 2. Think about the people who make you feel good about yourself and go hang out with them. If your grandmother is positive you invented sliced bread, call her. Our real friends remind us, in the way they treat us, that we are important to them. Seek them now for a refresher course in exactly what your good qualities are. 3. Create things. Express yourself. Tell the world how you really feel by describing your thoughts in a work of art. Or write a poem about it. Or collect pictures of all the things that are making you feel bad and organize them into a collage. Post your work on the door of your dorm room. Maybe someone out there feels the same way.
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4. Help someone who is even worse off than you. If you can’t think of anyone, you’re not thinking hard enough. Someone somewhere needs your help. Go to their aid and you will find that you will suddenly feel better. Why? Because when you give something away, it reminds you that you had something to give. It makes you feel rich! 5. Go to the beach and stare at the waves or look at the sky at night and contemplate the stars. Or stare up into a tree and try to imagine how old it is and how many leaves it has. You’ll see that the world is much, much bigger than you and your problem. You will be reminded that the earth has been here for a very long time and that the chances of you being the first person to experience your particular problem is pretty slim. Somehow, the planet has managed to survive; so will you. 6. Pray or meditate. Do this with your heart. Prayers and affirmations can be very powerful tools for helping us control our behavior and responses. You can recite religious prayers or you can make up your own affirmations. 7. Read a book. Not just any book, though. Read a book you love. Read one that reminds you of the world you wish you lived in. Read a book that your heart will love. 8. Listen to the music you love. Pay attention to lyrics that have always empowered you. 9. Face up to what’s making you feel terrible. Make a list. Then list all the things you need to do to solve your problem. Then do just one thing on the list. 10. Spend some time with a child; take a babysitting job. Get back in touch with your inner child.
6 ways to tell a friend to cool it If you’re really a friend, you’ll find a way to let your buddies know if they cross the line and start doing things that are inappropriate or self-destructive. This can be tricky, especially if someone is intoxicated, but there are ways to keep everyone safe and appropriate without losing friendships. 1. Remember that you can’t control anyone else’s behavior. What you can do is tell the person clearly how it affects you, and
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take action to protect yourself. Sometimes people will listen and respond positively; sometimes they won’t. 2. Don’t escalate the situation by shouting or starting a fight. Stay calm and speak softly. Try not to sound judgmental. 3. Stick to “I” messages. (“I felt scared when the car swerved just now. Can you please pull over?” is less confrontational than “You asshole! You just ran the car off the road. Let me out!” (“I feel like you’re being an asshole” doesn’t count as an “I” message.) 4. Offer a face-saving way out. Distract your pals with an alternative plan rather than embarrassing them in front of other people. Later, you can arrange a time to talk privately. Write down what you want to say if you need to, and tell your friend clearly that you’re worried, embarrassed, or angry — and why. 5. If your friend keeps putting you in situations where you feel embarrassed or out of control, you might want to consider ending the friendship. 6. If your friend has a problem that is addressed by hotlines or help groups, you can ask for advice on how to deal with the problem.
7 reasons not to drink This isn’t a lecture; it’s just a list. 1. Hangovers 2. The expense 3. Do you really need the calories? 4. Barfing is gross 5. Excessive drinking may lead to alcoholism 6. It can scare people off 7. It’s not healthy
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t is indeed ironic that we spend our school days yearning to graduate and our remaining days waxing nostalgic about our school days. — Isabel Waxman
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how to drink responsibly Fact is, most college students aren’t old enough to drink. And fact is, many are going to do it anyway. If you fall into this misguided group, bring ammo — your good sense, that is. Here are some responsible drinking tips from the University of California, Davis Health Center. 1. Drinking should not be the primary focus of any activity. 2. Respect another person’s right to drink or not drink. 3. Decide ahead of time how many drinks you’ll have at an event, and stick to it. 4. Be really cautious about drinking when you’re taking medications of any kind. For example, antihistamines combined with alcohol can act like a strong sedative. 5. Sip slowly. If you have no more than one drink per hour, the alcohol won’t have a chance to build up in your bloodstream. 6. Eat before you drink. High-protein foods will slow down the absorption rate so that the alcohol will not hit your system all at once. 7. Drinking carbonated beverages with alcohol increases the absorption of the alcohol into your bloodstream, while drinking plain water slows absorption. 8. You and your friends can take turns being the “designated driver” — that is, the person who stays sober in order to drive everyone else home safely. 9. If someone has had too much to drink, make sure he doesn’t get behind the wheel of a car. Help him find a ride with someone sober, or help him find a place to sleep it off. If someone tries to take your keys away because he says you’re too drunk to drive, listen to him. 10. Know that there is no way to sober up quickly — a cold shower, black coffee, oxygen, or exercise only result in a wet, wide-awake (or tired) but still intoxicated person. The amount of alcohol in the blood is controlled only by the liver’s metabolic rate. Think before you drink. 11. A general rule of thumb is that it will take as many hours to sober up as the number of drinks ingested.
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8 STATISTICS ABOUT DRINKING ON CAMPUS THAT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES There’s no point in your reading another lecture on the subject. You’ve heard it all, and you’re now in a position to draw your own conclusions. These may help you get there a little faster. According to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse, these are the consequences of campus drinking, annually. For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Education’s Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, 55 Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02458, 800-676-1730, www.edc.org.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1,400 students die from alcohol-related causes. 1,100 deaths result from drinking and driving. 500,000 students suffer nonfatal injuries. 400,000 students have unprotected sex. More than 100,000 students do not remember if they consented to sex. 6. 1.2 to 1.5 percent of students attempt suicide because of alcohol or drug use. 7. More than 150,000 students develop a health problem related to alcohol. 8. 600,000 assaults take place, including sexual assault and date rape.
12. If someone passes out, roll him on his side (so he won’t choke if he happens to vomit) and monitor his breathing to make sure it is regular. 13. If the person stops breathing and/or becomes unresponsive or if her skin becomes cold, clammy, and blue, try mouthto-mouth resuscitation and call 911 immediately for medical help. These are obvious signs of alcohol poisoning. While you are waiting for help to arrive, lay the person down on her side and help her maintain that position by putting a pillow at the small of her back to prevent choking or vomiting. Stay with her until help arrives. If you are not sure whether someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, play it safe and get help.
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9 hangover cures, just in case you blow it No matter what else you do if you wake up with a hangover, drink LOTS of water and take some vitamin C. Our research tells us that these are among the most popular remedies. Of course, the best cure of all is abstinence. 1. Tomato juice, aspirin, and a long, hot shower. 2. Food supplements such as vitamins B-complex, C, and E, and calcium. 3. Buttermilk. 4. Pepto-Bismol with lots of water. 5. Cold Coca-Cola (diet Coke won’t do it — has to be the real thing). 6. Vegemite on toast. 7. Fresh-squeezed juice, because of the vitamin C and sugar content. 8. Alka-Seltzer — it can bring fast relief. 9. Some milk with bread and butter before you start to drink, if you know ahead of time that you might overindulge, and an aspirin before you go to bed.
10 nonalcoholic cocktails 1. The Goldfish. Pour a cup of orange juice over ice. Fill the rest of the glass with club soda and add an orange slice. 2. Mellow Yellow. In a saucepan, combine 13/8 cups sugar with 13/8 cups water. Bring to a boil. Add 11/2 cups of grapefruit juice, 2 3/8 cups pineapple juice, and 11/2 cups lemon juice. Chill and serve. This recipe makes enough for four people. 3. The Purple People Eater. Combine 3 1/2 cups lemonade with 11/2 cups grape juice. Serve over ice. A variation of this drink, called the Red Riding Hood, calls for 3 1/2 cups of cranberry juice mixed with 11/2 cups of orange juice, also served over ice. Serves four. 4. The Texas Cow. Add a splash of grenadine to a glass of milk. To make a Heifer, add the grenadine to chocolate milk instead.
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5. Tutti-frutti Shake. Blend 11/3 cups chilled apricot or strawberry juice with 2/3 cup cold milk. Serve over ice. Serves four. 6. Virgin Mary. Combine 5 ounces tomato juice with 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce. Shake well. Fill a glass with ice and pour the juice into it. Add a dash of celery salt, a dash of pepper, and a celery stick for garnish. 7. Cherry Bing. Dilute 1 pint of cherry juice and 4 ounces of orange juice in 10 ounces of water. Stir to blend. Add ice cubes. Makes one large drink or two smaller ones. 8. Florida Cocktail. In a shaker combine 31/2 ounces of grapefruit juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 ounces sugar syrup, and a pinch of salt. Fill the rest of the shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain over crushed ice, then add 1 ounce of club soda to the glass and decorate with a mint leaf. 9. Ginger Peach Cocktail. Combine 8 ounces of peach juice, 8 ounces of orange juice, and 4 ounces of lemon juice. Stir well. Add 1 pint of ginger ale. Pour into eight glasses and add a chunk of fresh ginger to each. 10. Mock Manhattan. Start with a shaker containing a few ice cubes. Add 2 ounces orange juice, 2 ounces cranberry juice, a few drops lemon juice, a few drops maraschino cherry juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Shake well. Strain over ice and decorate with a cherry.
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university is a college with a stadium seating over 40,000. — Leonard L. Levinson (author of Webster’s Unafraid Dictionary)
11 zero-proof games 1. Charades: Charades is the king of all party games for a very good reason: it’s fun! You get to watch your friends frantically act out obscure words and phrases (“Middlemarch,”“The Poseidon Adventure”)! You get to make silly guesses without getting penalized! You get to play a team sport without breaking a sweat! party hearty
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2. Botticelli: This is a great opportunity to impersonate a famous actor, writer, musician, or artist without getting into trouble with the law. Have you ever wanted to pretend you were Picasso? How about Avril Lavigne? Now is your chance. Besides, you’ll also discover how culturally literate your buddies are. Sneaky, huh? 3. Fictionary: You’ll never look at words the same way again after playing this engaging game. You and your friends make up fake definitions for real words and then each of you tries to figure out who is fibbing and who is telling the truth. Now is your chance to accuse your roommate of dishonesty without involving a resident adviser. 4. Pictionary: You don’t need to draw well to enjoy pictionary. All you need to play this game is a pencil and some scrap paper, a group of friends, and the ability to guess what your roommate’s stick figure is supposed to represent — whether it be War and Peace or just a cute puppy dog. 5. Sardines: You’ll want to make sure that you smell nice before embarking upon a game of Sardines. Think hide-and-goseek, but with a twist. In Sardines, one person hides and everyone else tries to find him. And when they find him, they join him in his hiding place. Sure, it can get very cozy — but that’s the whole point! 6. Twister: This is a great way to get to know your dorm mates — intimately. Just put your right foot on the yellow dot and then put your left hand on the red dot. This game provides tons of physical fun that will have you twisted up in no time. And it’s guaranteed that you’ll never look at your roommate’s elbow quite the same way again. 7. Adverbally: This game is similar to charades, except that instead of trying to figure out what someone is doing, you try to figure out how they are doing it. First, write down a series of interesting, fun adverbs: affectionately, happily, superficially, etc., and then have one team select one member to be a performer. That team then has to guess which adverb the performer is performing. The performer will want to select an action (hiking, gardening) and then try to do it in the manner of his adverb (happily hike, garden affectionately). The team that is up will accrue one point for every guess and one point for every action
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needed to portray the adverb. The team with the lowest score at the end wins. You’ll have to keep an eye on your watch and just end this game when each team has had a couple of turns. If not, Adverbally can go on forever — happily. 8. Noah’s Ark: If you love animals — and have always wanted to hear your roommate crow like a rooster — this is the game for you. Each player receives an index card with the name of an animal on it. There should be one duplicate of each card/animal. The objective in Noah’s Ark is to find your matching animal — without talking. You must only oink or moo or meow in order to find the one other pig or cow or cat in the group. Once you think you’ve found a match, you go up to Noah (the one person who isn’t imitating an animal) and still not speaking, you make your animal sounds. If you don’t have a match, “Noah” will send you back out to keep on trying. The duo that finds their matching animal first, wins. 9. Blogs: The goal in playing blogs is to detect errors in a speech or a presentation. So first you’ll need to find someone with written material that they don’t mind altering — and then presenting — for this game. Written material can be anything — a report for a class, an essay from a book, a letter from your mother or a speech about the environment. The presenter should add errors (blogs) into her material. Errors can be factual or grammatical. They can be omissions, mistakes, or even contradictions. In any case, the presenter should keep track of the original, correct version of their material so that she can explain each blog to the audience when it is caught. There are really no winners or losers in the game of blogs — only a lot of laughs. 10. Backgammon: It’s challenging, it’s sophisticated, and it comes in a handsome carrying case — what’s not to love about backgammon? Once you and a group of friends are well versed in the game, you might want to set up a backgammon tournament to keep the fun from ever ending. 11. New York Times Crossword Puzzle: Want to get to know a group of like-minded people, and fast? Open up the New York Times crossword puzzle (either on-line or in print) and start calling out those clues. Roommates, neighbors, and passersby will be shouting out “Asp!” and “Gumshoe!” before you know it. party hearty
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15 drugs you shouldn’t take (and what will happen if you do) Your body is a fragile work of chemistry. Screw around with that chemistry and weird things can happen. Bad things can happen. But you already know this. Our best advice about anything you’ve never done before involves moderation and education. To find out more about the consequences of what might seem like a little harmless partying, visit “user-friendly” www.blurofinsanity.com. Here are some facts to help you make some of the most important decisions you’ll face in your lifetime. 1. Pot — Marijuana is readily available and socially acceptable in many circles. Though some swear by its creative influences, it can make you dopey and leave you broke. And even though carrying small amounts is only a misdemeanor in many states, you can still get hauled off to jail, fined, and humiliated. 2. LSD — Acid isn’t addictive but it’s amazingly powerful in a way that can screw you up long after the trip is over, and once you’re on the ride, it’s almost impossible to get off. Plus you can take what you think is a very small amount and find out an hour and a half later that you’re in way over your head. (Do not listen to people who tell you it only takes half an hour to kick in.) 3. Peyote — It tastes horrible, and the “party” will kick off with the overwhelming urge to purge (read “messy”). It can also lead to a hospital visit if you don’t know how to first clean the peyote of any strychnine, which is commonly found on the bud. Peyote can send you on a powerful trip that may cause you to see God, shave your head, and give away all your money. Can be slightly addictive. 4. ’Shrooms — Another mind-altering trip that’s more mellow than acid or peyote but also associated with severe nausea. (What do you think your body is trying to tell you?) Not a good idea for anyone with psychological issues. 5. Cocaine — It’s been said that coke is God’s way of letting you know you have too much money. It’s highly addictive, very expensive, and can rule your life. When you’re high on coke, you tend to think you are charming and brilliant, even if you’re making a total fool of yourself and everyone is laughing at you be-
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hind your back. Yes, it can be fun — unless your heart explodes and you die. Then it isn’t any fun at all. 6. Crack — Also known as freebase, this is the stuff that can turn you into one of those scary drug people overnight. Most people report that once they do crack, all they ever want to do again is more crack; it’s instantly addictive. There’s also something especially hardcore and pathetic about burning crack; very depressing. 7. Qat/Khat — Pronounced “kot,” this is a fairly new drug that is derived from a Middle Eastern plant and typically cooked up using household chemicals. It’s considered to be a form of cocaine but as very little is known about this drug, it’s considered a huge question mark that is best avoided.
COLLEGE FADS THROUGH THE AGES 1920s Raccoon coats Bobbed hair
1930s Goldfish swallowing Flagpole sitting
1950s Panty raids Phone booth stuffing (the record is still held by the students in India in 1951 who started the fad — twenty-five people in one phone booth.)
1960s Piano smashing Lava lamps Love beads
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1970s Streaking Glass eating Pet rocks Toga parties Platform shoes Disco
1980s Rubik’s cubes Pac-man MTV Cocaine
1990s Tattoos Body piercing Beanie babies Raves
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8. Speed/Crystal meth — Methamphetamine is extremely powerful and very addictive. Speed trips can burn your brains out — and the “fun” can last not only for as long as eighteen hours, but even days after, at which time you can still be babbling like an idiot. Hallucinations can be extremely frightening. 9. Ecstasy/X — Also known as MDMA, this one can be very addictive. The trouble with X is that it’s available in many different grades and forms, and it’s impossible to tell what you’re getting until you’ve ingested it. So you’ll hear that some guys did it at a rave (with which it’s closely associated) and are fine the next day. Then you’ll hear about some young woman who took it and wound up killing her parents. The thing is, ecstasy can seriously mess with your serotonin levels, which can lead to long-term psychological problems. There are safer ways to have fun. 10. Inhalants — If sniffing Pledge or Superglue out of a paper bag is your idea of fun, you need help fast. Inhalants are sniffed or snorted; sprayed directly into the nose or mouth; “bagged (inhaling fumes from a paper bag); or “huffed” (putting an inhalant-soaked rag in the mouth). Inhaled chemicals work very fast, and the intense high lasts only a few minutes. But in those short moments, a variety of things can happen, including asphyxiation, choking, suffocation, brain and organ damage, or a variety of accidents resulting from a state of general impairment. 11. Nitrous oxide — The very same stuff the dentist uses is available in balloons. You inhale it, laugh your head off for about thirty seconds and that’s it. Oh yeah — do this a few times and there’s a good chance you’ll start forgetting little details, like your name. 12. Opium — Highly addictive. Opium comes in many grades; consequently, you can screw up your head if you don’t know what you’re taking. This drug is relaxing — so relaxing, you may never again have the need to show up in class. Avoid opium. 13. Ketamine — Very bad stuff. The fact that it was invented as an anesthetic for cats should tell you something. This one causes you to disassociate your mind from your body. So you could be standing around laughing at some idiot falling down a flight of stairs and then realize that you are that idiot.
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14. Heroin — Extremely addictive, expensive, bad, bad, bad. And think of how high you have to get to think it’s a good idea to stick a needle in your arm in the first place. This drug can destroy your life, as once you’ve functioned on heroin, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to function without it. Do heroin and you are a junkie, period. 15. “Study” drugs — Prescription drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall, plus over-the-counter drugs such as No-Doz and diet pills that contain caffeine are often associated with “all-nighter” study sessions. But use them often enough and staying awake without them can be a huge problem. You’re better off taking the D (“28 Tips for Improving Your Test Score Without Even Studying” in Chapter 3, “Get Smart”).
drug use on college campuses Monitoring the Future (MTF) based their survey on the responses of 1,350 college students. They reported that the following percentages of students admitted to illicit drug use on at least one occasion in 2001: 1. Marijuana: 35.6 percent 2. Ecstasy: 9.2 percent 3. Hallucinogens: 7.5 percent 4. Amphetamines: 7.2 percent 5. Tranquilizers: 5.1 percent 6. Cocaine: 4.7 percent 7. Barbiturates: 3.8 percent 8. Inhalants: 2.8 percent 9. Methamphetamine: 2.4 percent 10. Heroin: 0.4 percent
10 stds and what you should do about them STD stands for “sexually transmitted disease” — the unpleasant potential side effect of an active sex life. If you are diagnosed with an STD, it is important to see a doctor immediately and to stop having sex until you are sure you’ve been cured. You also need to let your recent sexual partners know that they should be party hearty
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checked out. (If you’re mature enough to be sexually active, you are mature enough to have this conversation.) If you use a condom each and every time you have sex and avoid intravenous drugs, you will minimize your chances of ever having to deal with any of these unpleasant little bugs, but just in case: 1. Syphilis — Causes rashes and sores at body openings. Untreated, it can lead to blindness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and insanity. Treatment involves large doses of penicillin or other antibiotic for as long as needed. 2. Chlamydia — Causes urethral infections and painful discharges. Untreated, it can damage a woman’s reproductive organs and lead to sterility. Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotic therapy, but treatment for other STDs may not cure it, so it’s wise to have a test once a year. 3. Gonorrhea — Causes burning urination and discharges from the sex organs. Untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, infertility, cervical infection, and blood infection. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, and it’s important to take all the prescribed doses. Your sex partner(s) should also be treated. 4. Herpes — Causes sores on the genitals, fevers, and headaches. It can also cause eye infections, cervical cancer, and pregnancy complications. The sores go away and reappear periodically, but you have the virus for life. There is no cure for herpes, but there are some prescription medications that ease the pain and shorten the attacks. Some people say that too much sun can cause the onset of an attack. Daily suppressive medicines are available, and you should avoid sex and tight clothes during an attack. 5. AIDS — Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is caused by the HIV virus, and knocks out the body’s ability to fight infections. While some treatments can prolong life, AIDS is fatal, and there is no known cure. 6. Hepatitis B — Causes major liver problems and can be fatal. Fortunately, there is a vaccine. Your doctor will recommend bed rest until symptoms disappear, and it may take weeks or months to fully recover. Avoid alcohol and sex during
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convalescence, as well as all medicines not authorized by your doctor. 7. Genital warts — Can lead to cervical cancer in women. Warts may be treated with solution, gel, or ointment; frozen or burned off with laser or electric needle; or fought with interferon-injectable treatment. If warts come back, treatment must be repeated. Antibiotics do not cure this STD. 8. Chancroid — This is a genital ulcer disease that may be associated with an increased risk of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS. Chancroid can be treated effectively with one of several antibiotics. 9. Pubic lice and scabies — Pubic lice are very tiny insects that infest the pubic hair and survive by feeding on human blood. These parasites are most often spread by sexual contact; in a few cases, they may be picked up through contact with infested bedding or clothing. Scabies is a skin disease caused by infestation by a tiny mite. The condition is highly contagious and is spread primarily through sexual contact, although it also is commonly transmitted by contact with skin, infested sheets, towels, or even furniture. Lotions and shampoos that will kill scabies and lice are available both over the counter and by prescription. Creams or lotions containing lindane, a powerful pesticide, are most frequently prescribed. 10. Trichomoniasis — Women experience a greenish yellow vaginal discharge with bad odor, frequent painful urination, inflammation of the genitals, and sometimes pain in the lower abdomen. In men, there’s a discharge and mild discomfort in the penis, and it can result in painful infections in the urethra and prostate. You can harbor trichomoniasis in your body for years with or without symptoms. Metronidazole (by prescription) is one treatment for this and many other parasitic beasts, but the best treatment is prevention. You and your partner should both be treated so you won’t reinfect each other.
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ifty percent of the high school graduates in this country graduated in the bottom half of their class. — Unknown
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13 ways to get dates 1. Do whatever you can to score a couple of great seats for an upcoming hot-ticket event. (For example, bite the bullet and ask your mom to ask her friend to help you get Bruce Springsteen tickets, even though you’re trying to convince everyone that you are no longer relying on family connections, for crying out loud.) You are guaranteed to find someone who wants to go. The part where you charm his or her socks off and get a second date is up to you. 2. Get out and do stuff. You will meet more people outside of your dorm room than in it. 3. Work as a waiter or waitress in the kind of restaurant you like to go to yourself. 4. Hang out in your favorite section of the bookstore and see who else shows up. 5. The library is a great place to people-watch. Learn the art of staring at someone while appearing to be lost in thought. 6. Go to church or temple. You never know. 7. Take classes that attract the opposite sex. 8. Guys: Join Weight Watchers. You’ll learn some healthy eating habits (whether or not you need to lose weight), and meet lots of women who will get cuter by the week. 9. Volunteer for a political campaign and get to know other people who share your ideals and politics. 10. Don’t be afraid to let people know you’re looking. You might get stuck with a few clunkers on blind dates, but you also might meet someone wonderful. 11. Go on-line. Friendster.com is the newest of the muchhailed dating Web sites. 12. Get a job taking surveys or selling to the public — anything that gives you a chance to meet a lot of people. 13. Sign up for a speed-dating event.
11 tips for speed-dating Speed-dating is an exciting and low-pressure way for singles to meet. In one evening you can meet a lot of people in short oneon-one conversations. A group of singles gathers at a café filled
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with numbered “tables for two” and people rotate around, with three to ten minutes to get to know each member of the opposite sex. Here are some tips for successful speed-dating: 1. Dress nicely, but don’t overdress. Make sure your hair and nails are clean. 2. Wear your sexiest underwear. No one will see it that day, but it will make you feel daring and attractive. 3. Don’t belch, fart, or whine about previous relationships. 4. Don’t answer your cell phone while speed-dating. Turn the darn thing off. 5. Be polite, even to people you don’t want to date later. 6. Be honest with yourself. Do you like someone because of their looks or background, or because you really have something in common? 7. Make sure you take notes about each person you meet. 8. Be friendly, but don’t give away personal information until you get to know someone a little better. 9. After you’ve narrowed the list down to the people you’re genuinely interested in, send each one a short note. E-mail is a great way to do this, especially if you’re shy. 10. Don’t wait any longer than three days after your speed date to make the initial contact. 11. Don’t wait too long from the time you make contact to plan a date, either. Within two weeks is best.
6 reasons not to date your professors Bottom line: If you’re going to date a professor, wait until after you graduate. 1. You could be getting someone you care about in a lot of trouble. Your professor could lose his or her job. 2. When your professor has power over your grades, how can you be equals in a relationship? 3. If other people know (or even suspect) you’re having this relationship, they’ll take you — and your grades — less seriously. Some might be jealous. Either way, you’re making a statement you might not want to make. party hearty
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4. There’s something intriguing about a secret relationship, but you wind up lonely on nights when others bring dates and you can’t. 5. If the relationship ends badly, with hurt feelings on either side, this person has the power to sabotage your academic career. 6. Even if the relationship ends well, you’ll never know for sure if your grades were influenced by your professor’s personal feelings, and it will be hard to be in any of his or her classes in the future.
18 tips for shy students 1. Start by figuring out which situations make you feel shy. Is it meeting new people? Walking into a party? Speaking to someone you’re attracted to? Once you understand the circumstances that trigger your shyness, you’ll be better able to deal with it. 2. If you feel your shyness physically (racing heart, butterflies in the stomach, etc.), try some simple breathing/relaxation exercises. 3. Don’t use drinking or drugs to combat shyness. That stuff wears off, leaving you with a hangover, and perhaps the memory of having done something really stupid, so you’ll have a good reason to be more nervous next time. 4. Make eye contact, smile, and say hello as often as you can, to as many people as you can. Small talk (the weather, the long line for the restroom, the nasty English Lit professor) is OK for starters. The point is getting practice talking to people. 5. Asking for simple directions, giving an unexpected compliment, or offering to help with a task are three very simple low-risk ways to practice talking to people. 6. After you’ve had a little practice starting conversations, the next step is developing your conversational skills. You can help keep the conversation going by asking open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. (“In your opinion, what’s the worst rock ’n’ roll song in the world?”“What do you think about the situation in Iraq?”) 7. Really listen to what the other person has to say.
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25 CHEAP DATES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
Go to a bargain matinee at the movies. Better yet, get out your camcorder and make a movie. Get on the guest list (plus one) at your friend’s band’s gig. Rent a video and make spaghetti. Have a walk and a picnic. There’s always free entertainment at the local karaoke bar. Try minor league baseball games. “Go dancing” — bring a portable stereo to an empty parking lot. Build and launch a model rocket. Take the streetcar (or bus, or subway) to the end of the line, have a picnic lunch, and explore that part of town. Go to a free event at your school or local library. Check your school’s Web page for these. Hear an author read at the local bookstore. Check the art museum for free days and /or student discounts. Do your laundry together. You can spring for the fabric softener. Go to the train station or airport and make up stories about the strangers you see walking around. Take a boat ride. Take a long walk across a bridge. Dress formally and go to McDonald’s. Test-drive cool cars. Spend the evening at a coffee bar; play chess or cards. Go to a furniture store and try out all the mattresses. Buy a couple of disposable cameras and have a contest to see who can get the most interesting shots. Attend a free concert. Go to a very expensive restaurant but just for dessert. (Ask about the minimum charge before you are seated.) There’s always bowling.
8. It’s OK to practice your conversation-starters in front of the mirror before you go out. Just don’t let your roommate see you doing it. 9. If you have one close and trusted friend, practice on each other. 10. Notice your surroundings and try not to withdraw into party hearty
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your private little world when you’re around other people. They may seem talented, good-looking, and superior in every way, but they may actually be shy too. Remember that everyone has insecurities and problems. If you can smile and act interested in others, you’re just about there. 11. Imagine everyone in the room without their pants on. 12. Force yourself to take risks. Remember — they can’t arrest you for saying the wrong thing, or even for making a fool of yourself. You have to start somewhere. 13. Take baby steps. If a roomful of people makes your heart stop, just pick a couple of people to make contact with and concentrate on them. 14. Talk more loudly than you think you have to. When you’re nervous and not sure of what to say, you tend to say it too softly for anyone to really hear. Just don’t overdo it. 15. Find other shy people to hang out with. You can spot these people easily; they’re just like you! 16. Don’t overdo it by acting so cocky that people think you’re conceited. 17. Role-play. Think about someone you know who is comfortable in any situation. Pretend you are them. 18. Give yourself a break; don’t put yourself down for your shyness. Shy people are often the most creative, artistic, and brilliant. Understand and appreciate your own strengths and try not to worry so much about being like everyone else.
date rape — and beyond If you’ve been the victim of date rape, meaning someone had a sexual experience with you without your consent, report it to the campus police. As you can see from the following statistics, few date rape cases are reported. The result? There are plenty of young men out there who have no idea that they’ve committed rape and are therefore likely to do it again. Not to mention the thousands of young women who are forever traumatized by the experience. The real problem seems to be that young people are often not quite sure what constitutes date rape or what they can do about it, and it’s for this reason that we, as a society, need to get this subject out in the open where it can be discussed. If
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you’re dead set against reporting an incident to the authorities, at least confide in someone you can trust and, if possible, discuss the situation with the perpetrator in a calm, safe setting. In any event, you’ll need to know you’re not alone. In 2002 the University of Tennessee’s Daily Beacon reported the following, based on information from the Central Michigan University Sexual Assault Peer Advocates Web site; the U.S. Dept. of Justice; the Kansas State University Alcohol and Other Drug Education Service, and other sources. 1. 25 percent of college women surveyed are victims of rape or attempted rape. 2. 85 percent of rapes on campuses are acquaintance/date rapes. 3. 73 percent of those forced to have sex fail to recognize their experience as rape. 4. 90 percent of all campus rapes occur when alcohol has been used by either the assailant or the victim. 5. More than 90 percent of gang rapes involve alcohol. 6. 82 percent of the victims said that the experience had permanently changed them. 7. 30 percent or less of women assaulted by a stranger come forward. 8. 42 percent of college women who are raped do not tell anyone about the assault. 9. 1 percent of male students who rape are prosecuted. 10. 84 percent of college men who committed rape said that what they did was definitely not rape.
what you should know about date rape 1. It can happen to anyone, even you — Unfortunately, this is true. Anyone can go out on a date expecting to have a wonderful time only to discover at the end of the evening that her date can’t take no for an answer. There isn’t anything wrong with you, you weren’t “asking” for it, and this one episode doesn’t automatically make you more susceptible to date rape in the future. Just try your best to make sure it never happens again. So read on . . . party hearty
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8 EXAMPLES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT The UCLA Sexual Harassment Prevention Office, as well as others, defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct involves . . . pressure to perform a sexual act.” Sexual harassment is common, often because people just don’t know the rules. If you’re the victim of sexual harassment, report it to your school’s Sexual Harassment Office or to the Dean of Students. If the episodes are repeated, keep a diary of events and retain any notes or letters you may be receiving. You can prevent sexual harassment by communicating clearly and knowing that “no” means “no,” whether you’re saying it or hearing it. Here are some guidelines, compiled from various sources, to help you clear up any gray areas on the subject.
1. Someone makes unwanted sexual contact such as grabbing, kissing, patting, pinching, or poking.
2. A professor pats you or hugs you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
3. You are promised a better grade in return for sexual favors. 4. Someone repeatedly asks you out after you turn them down and won’t leave you alone.
5. Someone — or a group of people — shouts out sexual remarks or makes obscene gestures as you pass by.
6. Someone constantly makes fun of your sexual preferences. 7. Someone spreads rumors about your sexual activities. 8. Someone asks you sexually explicit questions.
2. It can happen to guys, too — Sure, the mechanics are trickier and it isn’t as likely that a guy will be raped. But it does happen. And it can happen to both straight and gay men. 3. There is no typical date rapist — Cute, easygoing guys are as likely to be date rapists as are unpopular loners. There is no “type” of guy who is more likely than another type to be a date rapist. The only thing date rapists have in common is that they are willing to take advantage of a situation and a person and that they probably can’t take no for an answer. A good way to avoid the miscommunication that often causes date rape is to
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communicate openly if it seems that the date is going to become sexual. 4. Drugs and/or alcohol will impair your judgment — There is no question about it. No matter how cautious you are when you’re sober, and no matter how well you think you can hold your alcohol, we all do things when we’re under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol that we wouldn’t normally do. We’re more compliant, we don’t take things as seriously as we usually do, and we find it easier to laugh things off and go with the flow. But an inebriated woman is much more easily taken advantage of than a stone-cold sober one. And no matter how much you drink, there is always going to be a morning after and there are always going to be consequences that you have to deal with. So watch your alcohol intake and be wary of friends and acquaintances who keep plying you with drinks. 5. Don’t accept strange drinks from strangers — or acquaintances or friends — Even tonic water can be tampered with. And we’ve all heard about the effects of the date rape drug Rohypnol (commonly called Roofies), a very potent tranquilizer. It’s very easy for someone to slip Rohypnol into your drink without your ever knowing it. So as sweet as it may seem when that nice guy buys you drinks, for safety’s sake you will want to order your own drinks, accept them from the bartender yourself and then keep a close eye on them the entire night. And if you come back from the restroom, you will probably want to order a brand new drink. It may seem like you are being overly cautious, but your personal safety is worth it. 6. There is safety in numbers — If you go out with your friends and stay with them the whole night, you are less likely to find yourself alone and in a compromising situation with someone who doesn’t have your best intentions in mind. 7. No means no — No always means no. But when you say “No!” you shouldn’t whisper or giggle or smile. How will anyone ever take you seriously if you don’t take yourself seriously? So when you say no, look your companion in the eye and speak firmly and emphatically and loudly. 8. You should tell someone — but not just anyone — If you are uncomfortable around your resident adviser — or if she is friendly with your alleged attacker — you probably won’t want party hearty
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to tell her that you were the victim of date rape. But you should alert the authorities, whether campus security or the local police. If you’re too upset to contact these authorities all by yourself, find a trusted professor or loyal friend and then tell them what happened. If you don’t like the response you get, go and tell someone else. Keep in mind that this probably isn’t the first time your date raped someone. You owe it to the other women on campus to alert the authorities and make sure this doesn’t happen again. 9. Don’t shower — Rape is an awful thing, and you will want to get rid of this nasty feeling as soon as possible. Resist this urge. The authorities will want to do a rape kit (more unpleasantness) in order to collect evidence against your attacker. They can’t do this if you’ve washed all the evidence down the drain. 10. It’s not your fault — No matter what you did — or didn’t do — you aren’t responsible for someone else’s uncontrollable actions. So don’t blame yourself if your evening turned out awful. It may help you to feel better if you receive some professional psychological counseling. Sometimes guilt and anger manifest themselves in unusual and unfortunate ways. You don’t want one awful experience to ruin your time at college. It doesn’t have to, and nobody should be allowed to have that kind of power over your life. 11. Learn more — The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., and operates America’s only national hotline for victims of sexual assault. Visit www.rainn.org or call 800-656-HOPE.
12 common misconceptions about birth control Birth control information is all around you — on campus, at the local hospital or clinic, at a Planned Parenthood location, and all over the Internet. Yet each year, evidence supports the fact that as savvy as many young people are, they are shockingly misin-
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formed about birth control — and the repercussions can last a lifetime. The following “facts” are actually all false. If any of this comes to you as a surprise, make it your business to learn more, even if you’re not yet sexually active. 1. “You can start the pill any time and it will be effective.” Birth control pills must be taken for an entire cycle before they become effective. 2. “I can take a birth control pill after intercourse and I won’t get pregnant.” (Only if the specific morning-after pill has been prescribed. Regular birth control pills cannot be used this way.) 3. “Vaginal deodorants and vaseline are good contraceptives.” These products are not manufactured for the purpose of birth control and are completely ineffective as spermicidal agents. Plus, if they’re applied internally, they can cause irritation. 4. “The foam is a foolproof method of birth control.” Actually, it’s been shown to be only 75 percent to 90 percent effective, often because of improper application. Even when used properly, foam is only effective for about one hour after insertion. 5. “The condom is a foolproof method of birth control.” Condoms have a failure rate of 4 to 15 percent, for many reasons. Sometimes the condom is defective. More often, it’s applied improperly. It should not be applied too tightly; extra room should be left at the tip so the ejaculate doesn’t force the condom to come off. Condom effectiveness is increased if a spermicidal preparation is used as a lubricant. 6. “Withdrawal is a foolproof method of birth control.” No it isn’t. Penile fluid containing sperm may seep into the vagina before climax. In addition, some men are unaware of exactly when climax begins. 7. “The diaphragm can be removed right after sex.” For maximum effectiveness, the diaphragm should remain in place for about six hours after intercourse. A spermicidal jelly, used in conjunction with the diaphragm, will increase its effectiveness. 8. “I can only get pregnant toward the end of my cycle/on the fourteenth day of my cycle/during my period.” The balance party hearty
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of hormones that regulate the sequence of events leading up to ovulation is a more or less fragile one and is easily affected by many outside factors, including stress, age, and the presence of other substances in the body. 9. “Douching (with Coke/Pepsi/vinegar) right after sex will prevent pregnancy.” Douching is not an effective method of birth control, no matter what substance is used. Furthermore, using preparations not intended for the purpose can cause irritation. 10. “I can’t get pregnant if we do it standing up.” The ability to conceive has nothing to do with sexual positions. 11. “If I didn’t have an orgasm, I can’t get pregnant.” Hormones control ovulation and have nothing to do with orgasms. 12. “I can induce an abortion by taking quinine tablets/aspirin and hot mustard/a hot-milk douche/an herbal douche/a mustard bath.” None of these works, and an overdose of quinine tablets can be dangerous. The only way to get an abortion safely is through a doctor or clinic. Especially since anonymity is often guaranteed, there is no excuse ever to seek homemade “remedies.”
sexetiquette Here are some manners your mama may not have taught you that will make sexual encounters with a new partner less nerveracking. 1. It’s up to the two of you to decide when and where you want to have sex the first time. Neither person should be made to feel pressured or manipulated. It’s better for both of you if you wait till you’re really ready. 2. It’s rude to inconvenience your roommate because you want to have sex. Make sure you work out a mutually agreeable arrangement before bringing dates to your room. 3. It’s really rude to brag about your sweetie’s sexual skills. Keep your sex life private. 4. Bringing up the subject of protection can be awkward, but it’s crucial. Best to broach the subject before you both get naked, with a charmingly simple “So, about protection . . .”
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5. It is absolutely OK for a woman to help a man put on a condom. 6. When you know each other better, you can try out the ridiculous thong he bought you for Valentine’s Day. At the beginning, it’s most important to wear whatever makes you feel relaxed, comfortable, and sexy. 7. It’s always a good idea to keep a glass of water and some Kleenex near the bed. 8. Don’t assume that your partner enjoys the same sexual practices as you. Discuss things like oral sex beforehand. 9. Having sex doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping over. It’s probably a good idea to clarify the plan ahead of time, so no feelings get hurt if one person is settling in for the night while the other is calling a cab. 10. Having sex in a public place can be really exciting, but it can make nonparticipants extremely uncomfortable. It can also get you in a lot of trouble. 11. It’s OK to ask questions first. “Are you sure you’re not still dating my roommate?”“Have you had unprotected sex with a lot of people?”“Do you like it when I do this?” It’s your right to know a few things about someone you’re about to have sex with. 12. Express your appreciation. “I loved that.”“Wow.”“That felt great.”“Oh, do that again!” Everyone loves a compliment, and the added bonus is that your new lover will know what you really like. This is also way better than telling a new partner what he or she is doing wrong. 13. Be sincere. Don’t offer sexual favors you don’t enjoy doing, or are doing only to please the other person. 14. Don’t bring up anyone’s ex during sex (unless it’s to ask, ahead of time, if they’re still seeing each other). 15. Don’t laugh at your partner’s appearance or technique, no matter how funny it seems to you. Trust us on this one. 16. If you’re having sex at your place and you have an answering machine, make sure it’s turned off. You don’t want to hear your mom’s — or another sweetie’s — voice at the wrong moment.
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5
Practical Matters
how to make all four years count So you’re only a freshman. Why think about a career while you’re culture-shocked, sleep-deprived, and knee-deep in researching new ways to avoid hangovers? Because the job market gets bleaker each year, because you’re here to make every minute count, and because someone is footing the bill for all this. It’s like a big test — leave everything for the last minute (year, in this case) and you’re bound to lose out in the end. We strongly recommend that you keep a journal and make entries after each semester in which you record your progress on the following issues.
WHILE YOU’RE A FRESHMAN . . . 1. Take whatever College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests you can — to get course credit and avoid having to take introductory courses. 2. Create a system of organization that will allow you to collect the information you’ll need about clubs, courses, and other activities. 3. Get to know who’s who, what’s what, and where everything is. Take the time to read the literature you’ve been given, and take some time to explore the campus. 4. Meet with your adviser to determine a plan for the courses you want to take. 5. Make sure you know how many credits you need to graduate, which courses are required, when you must choose a major, and any other requirements the school has about course selection. 6. Assess your interests, values, and skills by meeting with a career counselor. 7. Think about what skills you use in your hobbies or activities. 8. Continue to apply for scholarships and grants. 9. Make sure you have all the forms you’ll need to renew whatever student aid you’ve received. Remember that these have to be applied for each year; be aware of the deadlines. 10. Start writing your resume. Don’t be discouraged if there
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isn’t anything on it yet; you’ll spend the next four years filling in the blanks. 11. Start making a list that you will keep throughout college — of contacts who may prove to be valuable references. Make detailed notes about who these people are, their connections, and how you met them. When you write to them three years from now for a reference, it will be helpful to say, “You might recall that we were introduced at the opening of the Museum of Egyptian Art.” 12. Use your general education requirements and elective classes to start figuring out your academic major. 13. List your short- and long-term goals. 14. Ask your parents, relatives, and their friends what they like and dislike about their jobs. 15. Visit your parents, relatives, and their friends at work to see what their jobs are like. 16. Make an appointment with the career office and get a list of alumni, their jobs, and contact information. If you find a career on the list that looks interesting, contact that person and ask if you can job shadow or follow him or her around for a day. 17. When you speak to people about their jobs, find out: how many hours they work a week, what is the typical salary for someone in their field, how much travel is involved, how much stress there is, whether the field is competitive, and how tough it is to get into the field. These are important things to know before pursuing a career. 18. Seek career-related summer employment through your college career center. 19. Get to know the professors in your major. They will be able to tell you about your profession of interest and maybe even give you some connections.
WHILE YOU’RE A SOPHOMORE . . . 1. Meet with your adviser to update your college course plan. 2. Meet with a career counselor again to review your goals and clarify your career options. 3. Choose a major if you have not already done so. practical matters
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4. Review your files. Discard papers you no longer need. Make sure your list of contacts is up to date. 5. Keep working on your resume and apply for part-time and summer jobs. 6. Keep applying for scholarships and grants. 7. File whatever financial forms are necessary to maintain your student aid. 8. Visit your college career center and find out how to apply for a summer internship. 9. Take the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator tests to help you assess your personality type and career interests. 10. Get involved in community service and volunteer opportunities. 11. Attend your career center’s workshops and seminars.
WHILE YOU’RE A JUNIOR . . . 1. Meet with a career counselor again to discuss your goals, career options, questions, and concerns. 2. Meet with your adviser to update your course plan. 3. Make sure your file system is in order. Update your list of contacts. 4. Declare your major. 5. Use your interests, abilities, and values to set your career goals. 6. Conduct informational interviews with people in your field of interest. 7. Actively participate in career-related student organizations. 8. Attend a student job fair. 9. Seek a part-time job or internship in your field. 10. Look at newspaper or on-line job postings that you would potentially apply to after college. See what kind of skills they’re looking for. You might want to take a class or gain some work experience to develop your skills. 11. Keep searching for scholarships and grants; new ones are created each year. 12. Don’t forget to file the annual scholarship renewal forms.
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13. Find out whether there are courses you need to be taking in order to get into grad school; request information about the schools you may want to consider. Take the required admissions tests (which you can take over next year; this will be great preparation).
WHEN YOU’RE FINALLY A SENIOR . . . 1. Revise your resume and have it critiqued by a career counselor. 2. Update those files. 3. Buy and read a book on corporate etiquette. Check out Letitia Baldrige’s New Manners for New Times: A Complete Guide to Etiquette. 4. Meet with your adviser to make sure you haven’t overlooked a course that’s required for graduation. 5. Order your cap and gown; pay any graduation fees. 6. Review your goals with a career counselor and talk to him about the job-hunting process. 7. Participate in a mock interview with a career counselor. 8. Find out from your career center if any companies are coming to your school and interviewing students. 9. Finalize your resume. 10. Write letters to all your contacts. Let them know you’ll be graduating soon and what you hope to pursue. Include your resume. Choose three or four people and ask them to write letters of recommendation for you. 11. If alumni in your field come to your school to speak about their careers, attend their lectures. 12. Apply to graduate school if you’ve opted for this. Retake the admissions tests. 13. Build a network of contacts in your field. 14. Attend career fairs. 15. Intern at a company in your field. 16. Contact alumni through mail, e-mail, or phone to let them know that you’re graduating. Ask them if they can meet with you to help you determine your direction. 17. Interview for jobs toward the end of the school year. If you’re not yet ready to take a full-time position, explain that you are willing to work part-time until graduation, or, in the case of practical matters
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a “hot” job, intern for free until you’re ready to work full-time. 18. Go through all the junk that you’ve been collecting for the last four years. This is the perfect time to clean out your files and closets and organize whatever you’re keeping. Arrange for storage space (the ’rents’ attic?) for the stuff you’re keeping.
THE ABCs OF SUCCESS Avoid being a perfectionist. Of
course some things need to be closer to perfect than others, but obsessing over unimportant details can be a form of procrastination.
Biological prime time is important. That’s the time of day when you are at your best. Are you a morning, night, or afternoon achiever? Use your best time of day for your highest-priority tasks.
Clear your desk and plan your activities for the next day. Do difficult jobs first, when you are at your best. Do minor, less important jobs when you’re tired.
Eliminate the urgent. Urgent tasks
have short-term consequences; important tasks are those with long-term, goal-related implications. Work toward reducing the urgent tasks so you’ll have more time for the important long-term stuff.
Fix definite times when you would
not like to be disturbed, put a sign on your door and allow interruptions only for genuine emergencies.
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Go somewhere where you will not be disturbed if your roommate won’t let you concentrate. The campus library might be ideal. Have the supplies you need (computer paper, ink cartridges, pens, reference books, etc.) accessible and within easy reach.
Internet research can be helpful,
but the Internet offers an incredible number of fascinating ways to waste time. Check your sources and don’t get distracted by wild-goose-chase Web surfing when you’re trying to get work done.
Just do it. Sometimes whining
about how much work you have to do, and agonizing over when and how you’ll get it all done, can take longer than the work itself.
K eep track of the tasks you’ve accomplished by crossing them off your list. You’ll feel like you’re getting somewhere. L et there be light . . . and a decent desk and chair. Set up a well-lit, ergonomically sound study center
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where your mind will go into “work mode” when you sit down. It has actually been proven that students who turn off the TV and work at a desk get better grades.
Make lists of the things you have to do.
No! Learn how to say it, and mean
it, when unimportant distractions threaten to throw you off your schedule.
Organize your work in a way that makes sense to you. No two people are the same. Some people like electronic calendars with lots of reminders; others like to keep notes on a scrap of paper. It doesn’t matter as long as you keep track of what you need to do. Prioritize! Did we mention that it’s a good idea to make a list? List the entries in order of importance and do the most crucial things first.
Understand your personal style.
Can you get by with less than the normal amount of sleep? Do you work best under pressure? Do you turn into a monster if you don’t eat every couple of hours? Know your limits and plan for them.
Value yourself enough to take the
time you need to do things right. It’s wonderful to be a good friend, but don’t let others’ needs for your attention distract you to the point that you can’t find time to do your own important work.
Worksheets might seem dumb, but they can help you figure out how much time you actually spend doing things like eating, sleeping, washing your hair, running errands, and getting to and from class. This information will help you plan the rest of your time to your best advantage.
R eward yourself. Give yourself lit-
X-Men at the Cineplex? See new movies a week or two after they come out and you won’t have to wait in long lines. Or if you can’t wait, bring a book from your required reading list with you.
Set realistic goals. Most people
You can learn anything if you work
can’t read War and Peace in one sitting, or go three days without sleep. Plan ahead.
hard enough. Remember that you got into this school fair and square; you’re as able as anyone there.
Try it, you might like it. Don’t be
Z zzzzzz’s. Short naps and frequent
Quit wasting time. Minesweeper
and Solitaire will still be there when you finish studying. tle treats when you finish tasks.
afraid to experiment with new ways of doing things.
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stretch breaks can help you be more productive.
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how to break bad news to the ’rents 1. Choose your moment. Don’t blurt out the news the second you get on the phone or burst through the front door. Approach them when you know you have their complete attention. If they just found out that your younger brother has been suspended and your sister has run off with the cable guy, maybe this isn’t the right time. 2. Avoid Fridays (it’ll ruin their weekend) or Mondays (which are generally stressful). 3. Talk first to someone who’s likely to know what your parents’ reactions might be so you can plan a strategy. 4. To give them a chance to digest and formulate an objective response, first describe the problem as though it happened to someone else. Then, once you’ve let the cat out of the bag, gently explain the real deal. 5. Is there a hotline that addresses your particular problem? Check out the list of “19 National Hotlines You May Need” later in this chapter. You might be able to talk to someone who can give you an idea of what your options are before you break the news at home. 6. Be prepared to take responsibility for the problem. Start out by letting your parents know you’ve screwed up and need their help. Even if you think the problem resulted from someone else’s actions, tell them up front that you know that this is your problem. 7. Say it with flowers! That won’t solve the problem, but if the trouble has to do with damage that you did, this might be a good way to let them know you plan to make amends. 8. Use a film or book when you introduce the subject. “Mom, remember in that movie Risky Business where the kid loses all his parents’ furniture?” This will remind your parents that you are not the first person to have this problem and that solutions do exist. 9. Put the problem in its proper context. Check the statistics to find out how common this problem is. While you’re at it, look for some solutions as well. Let your parents know you want to work toward a resolution.
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10. Write a letter. If the problem involves a lot of feelings that may not get expressed in the heat of an argument, try writing it all down first. This won’t replace a confrontation, but it will help everyone get an idea of the scope of the problem and where you stand. It will also help you get your story straight in your own mind before you spill the beans. 11. Just do it. You know you’re going to have to face the music eventually. Sometimes the best approach is to just take a deep breath and make your announcement. Be prepared for the inevitable lecture, anger, punishment, and blame. Know that your parents’ first reaction may not be the one they wind up with once they’ve had a chance to digest the news. Trust them. They are, after all, your parents, and they will want to do the right thing for you. 12. Once they start reacting to what you’ve said, let them finish. Don’t interrupt, don’t let out sarcastic remarks, and don’t roll your eyes, no matter what. Stay cool. When it’s your turn to speak, politely ask for the same consideration. 13. At the end of the confrontation, agree with your parents on what the next step is. If there is to be a follow-up discussion, schedule it now. 14. Try offering them a perspective. Send them this letter: Dear Mom and Dad, Sorry I haven’t been in touch lately, but things here have been, well, hectic. I may not have mentioned that we had a very small fire here in the dorm (Mom, I was actually trying to duplicate your fabulous cheesecake using my hotplate — but alas!). Everything is fine now, but I never knew how long it could take for paper to dry. Happily, my final essay didn’t burn, but it was too soggy to hand in once the firemen cleared out and now, well, I guess I’ll just have to repeat the course. But not to worry — it won’t cost you much. In fact, I’m actually going to be saving money on housing. As it turns out, the school has special low-rent dorms for us married folks. I was going to surprise you, but I guess my secret is out now — Wanda (you’ll love her once you get to know her!) and I decided to tie the knot, practical matters
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and we couldn’t be happier. Of course, it’s going to be tough on her, what with the baby due in four short months, but I know that if I take on just a couple more part-time jobs, we can make ends meet. I’ll still have to deal with the lawsuit from the fire, but hell, I’m a philosophy major — I’ll be rolling in dough before you know it. Actually, Mom and Dad, there was no fire, I passed History, I’m not married (or even dating, for that matter), and I have no plans to move. But I got a C– in both History and Calculus, and I’ve maxed out not only my credit card but also my reserve funds. I need another $300 to get me to the end of this month and I just wanted you to see this in its proper perspective. I love you both! Your loving son, ______________ P.S. I really am majoring in philosophy.
the 10 best national discounts and freebies for students 1. Buy your Student Advantage card at www.studentadvantage.com/ ($20 plus shipping and handling) and you’ll get a year’s worth of on-campus discounts, plus discounts at Amtrak, Foot Locker, Greyhound, and US Airways. There will also be a coupon book that gets you deals at Loews Cineplex, Pep Boys, Office Depot, Microsoft, and fast-food chains. 2. www.phonehog.com offers free long-distance calling cards if you sign up for any of their advertised promotions, many of which are also free. This can be a great deal for careful shoppers. 3. www.freebiespace.com is a pretty good, well-maintained Web site that lists free offers of all kinds. 4. Free music CDs, part-time job listings, and free matchmaking services for college students can be found at www.freebiehighway.com/college/. 5. Not just for students, but you can take advantage of
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free cell phone offers at www.cellphoneoffers.com/catalogue/ default/php. 6. Get your International Student Identity Card at www.isic.org and travel the world while taking advantage of over 28,000 student discounts. 7. Get your International Youth Hostel card at www.iyyh.org — simply present your Hostelling International membership card to save on things like: coach fares, car rental, and currency exchange; adventure tours, trekking, and diving; meals, books, and Internet use—and much more. 8. Lots of other terrific international travel offers can be found at www.backpackeurope.com. 9. www.weflycheap.com is one good place (of many) to check for deals on Spring Break and vacation travel. 10. Many local merchants offer 10- to 15-percent discounts if you flash your student ID when making a purchase. It never hurts to ask, and the savings add up.
how to identify scholarship scams The Federal Trade Commission estimates that each year, some 175,000 college students are scammed out of about $22 million. The problem has become so widespread that in 2000 it instituted the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act and a special program — $cholar$cam — to help educate the public and prosecute the culprits. Visit www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship/cases.htm or call 800-382-4357 for a list of convicted scams if you’ve been made an offer. Here are some ways to identify frauds. 1. They come to you completely unsolicited. Fact is, thousands of students seek scholarships each year. Do you really think these funds would be pursuing students if they were on the level? 2. They make promises, “guaranteeing” results they can’t possibly live up to. 3. They tell you they will “do all the work,” including filling out applications and even preparing essays. All you have to do is provide them with personal information. Yeah, right. practical matters
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8 FACTS ABOUT THE FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM 1. The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn enough money to help pay educational expenses. (This doesn’t mean you just show up and they give you a job. It’s still up to you to take the initiative and find work.) 2. The program encourages community service and work related to your course of study. 3. Your wages will be at least the current federal minimum wage, but might be higher depending on the type of work and the skills needed. Your total award depends on when you apply, your level of need, and the funding level of your particular financial aid package. 4. Undergraduates are almost always paid by the hour. Graduate students can be paid hourly or receive a salary. 5. Your school must pay you at least once a month. The school usually pays you directly unless you request that the school make direct payments to your bank account, or toward tuition, fees, room, and board. 6. You might work either on or off campus. If you work on campus, you’ll usually work for your school. If you work off campus, your employer will most likely be a private nonprofit organization. 7. The amount you earn and the hours you work are limited to your total Federal Work-Study award. When your work hours are assigned, your class schedule and academic progress will be considered. 8. To apply, fill out a FAFSA form (get one from your college financial planning office or fill one out on-line). You’ll automatically be notified of the results.
4. They tell you you’ve been chosen because you’re a top student. Be honest with yourself; does a C+ average really qualify you as a “top student”? 5. The offer is made over the phone. Legitimate companies put everything in writing. 6. They tell you they need an immediate answer. 7. They ask you for money, often as much as $500. A sanctioned fund won’t do this.
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how to avoid scholarship scams 1. Never give out personal information to a company you’re not sure about. 2. Check the background of the company making the offer by visiting www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship/ cases.htm. Or Google them. If others have complained about these people, their horror stories may turn up. 3. Ask them how they found you. 4. Make sure the organization has a physical location. 5. Don’t send money. 6. Don’t give them an immediate answer.
7 things they don’t tell you about loans and scholarships This stuff is in small print somewhere; you want to locate it before you sign anything. 1. Some scholarship funding and first-year discounts can mysteriously disappear overnight. Remember that these organizations operate as businesses. If they go under, so does your funding. 2. The amount you are awarded won’t go up just because tuition is raised. 3. Although you don’t have to start repaying loans until you’re out of school (or later), interest on the loan can often start accumulating immediately. 4. Another reason to read all your mail: You may not realize that you must reapply for some scholarships every year. Missing a deadline can prove to be a fatal error. 5. If your sibling is also in college and then leaves, your aid will decrease, since most amounts are based on your EFC (expected family contribution). Once that goes down, so do your funds. 6. If you transfer to another school, you could lose some of your aid. 7. Some scholarships are taxable.
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6 kinds of college loans College loans fall into two main categories: need-based loans (calculated on the student’s or family’s ability to pay) and nonneed-based loans (which may be necessary if you don’t qualify for need-based loans or a need-based loan won’t cover all expenses). Most loans offered as part of a financial aid package are need-based loans. Warning: Some schools have loan programs, passed off to parents as need-based aid, that demand speedy payment at rates that rival Visa and MasterCard. Remember that you are allowed to reject any portion of the financial aid package without jeopardizing the rest. 1. Federal Perkins loans: Formerly known as National Direct Student Loans (NDSL), these are the best of the federally subsidized loans. The loans are made directly to the student; there is no need for the parent to cosign, and the interest rate is low. Payment begins only when the student graduates, leaves college, or drops below half-time status. No interest accrues during college years, and students have up to ten years to repay. Although the money comes from the government, these loans are administered through your college’s financial aid office. 2. Federal Stafford loans — subsidized: To get these loans, a student must demonstrate financial need. The government then subsidizes the loans by not charging any interest until six months after graduation (or leaving school or dipping below half-time status). 3. Federal Stafford loans — unsubsidized: These loans are not based on financial need. You’ll be charged interest from the moment you take out this kind of loan. You have the option of paying the interest while in school, or deferring the interest payments (which will continue to accrue) until repayment of the principal begins. 4. State loans: Some states offer alternative loan programs, with the terms varying from state to state. Unlike state grants, these loans are often available to nonresidents attending college in that state. Some of these loans are available only to students; some to parents as well.
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5. The college’s own loans: These vary widely, but we hear that Princeton University rates among the best, offering special loans to parents at very low rates. If you’re not going to Princeton, compare the loan your school offers with bank and other loans and see how it measures up. 6. Plus loans: These are credit-based loans that allow parents to borrow up to the annual cost of attendance at the college less any financial aid received. Interest rates vary with a cap of 9 percent; repayment begins sixty days after the loan is received and may extend up to ten years.
14 interesting scholarship programs for undergraduates that you may not know about Just because you’re already in school doesn’t mean you won’t be needing more money. There are thousands of scholarships, grants, and paid study programs available throughout the world. Find six thousand of them in Cash for College, by Cynthia Ruiz McKee and Phillip C. McKee, which lists qualifications, contact information, and deadlines for each entry. The following list represents just a smattering of the unusual programs available to students. It’s intended to demonstrate the variety of opportunities out there. 1. The American Society of Travel Agents offers a number of scholarships to students who have an interest in tourism. Contact: The American Society of Travel Agents, 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-739-2782, www.astanet.com. 2. AmeriCorps provides $4,725 a year for up to two years of community service in the areas of education, human services, the environment, or public safety. Living allowances are also available. Contact: AmeriCorps, Office of Recruitment, 1201 New York Avenue, Washington, DC 20525, 800-942-2677. 3. Let them eat cake! Baking School Scholarships offers numerous scholarships and loans to those pursuing a career in baking. Contact: Baking School Scholarships, Allied Trades of the Banking Industry, Inc., Attn: Secretary-Treasurer, Anderson practical matters
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Clayton/Humko Products, Inc., P.O. Box 398, Memphis, TN 38101, 800-238-5765. 4. The Barnum Festival Jenny Lind Contest offers $2,000 and an all-expense paid concert tour of Sweden. Contact: Barnum Festival, Inc., 1070 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604, 203-367-8495. 5. The Black American Cinema Society Filmmakers Grants Program is open to African American students, who may apply for $1,500 grants. Contact: The Black American Cinema Society Filmmakers Grants Program, 3617 Mont Clair Street, Los Angeles, CA 90018, 213-737-3292. 6. The Business and Professional Women’s Foundation offers all kinds of assistance, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to women who are at critical points in their lives financially. Contact: Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, 2012 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-293-1200. 7. The CIA will give financial assistance to students in a number of majors — including but not limited to accounting, engineering, geography, graphic design, and international studies — and might even offer employment. Contact: Central Intelligence Agency, Undergraduate Student Trainee Program, Recruitment Center, P.O. Box 12727, Arlington, VA 22209, 703-613-8388. 8. The Diet Center National Scholarship awards ten scholarships of $3,000 to students majoring in nutrition. Contact: Diet Center National Scholarship, Executive Nutritionist, Diet Center, Inc., 220 South Second West, Rexburg, ID 83440. 9. If you’re a direct descendant of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, you’re eligible for six to eight scholarships of $1,500 to $2,000. Contact: Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Inc., Chairman, 7997 Windsail Court, Frederick, MD 21701, 301-695-3935. 10. Dow Jones awards forty scholarships of $1,000 each year for students who work on their college papers or who are interested in a career in journalism. Contact: Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Newspaper Editing Internship Program, P.O. Box 300, Princeton, NJ 08543-0300, 609-452-2820.
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4 FEDERAL TAX CREDITS FOR STUDENTS The Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001 became effective in January 2002. It provides a tuition tax credit for qualified higher education expenses (the Hope Scholarship) for the first two years of college, and is available to parents and others who pay college tuition for students attending at least half time. It reduces a family’s overall federal tax burden with a maximum tuition tax credit of $1,500 per student, and is available for families with joint incomes below $100,000 or single filers with income below $50,000. Features include:
1. Lifetime Learning Tax Credit: A $1,000 tuition tax credit for qualified higher education expenses for college juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Eligibility is phased out at the same income levels as the Hope Scholarship. 2. Tuition Deduction: A tax deduction for qualified higher education expenses of up to $3,000 per year for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of up to $65,000 for single filers and $130,000 for taxpayers filing jointly. The tax deduction will increase to $4,000 for tax years 2003 and 2004. 3. Student Loan Interest Deduction: Up to $2,500 in annual interest paid for the full term of qualified educational loans is deductible for taxpayers with a joint income below $130,000 (below $65,000 for single filers). For the year 2003, the income phase-outs will be adjusted for inflation and rounded down to the nearest $5,000. 4. Coverdell Education Savings Account (formerly Education IRA): The current contribution limit has been raised from $500 to $2,000. Qualified educational expenses that may be paid tax-free from this account include higher education expenses (tuition and fees) but not personal expenses such as room and board.
11. Intel offers as many as eight hundred scholarships and internships annually to students majoring in computer- and business-related fields. Contact: Intel Corporation, Staffing Department, P.O. Box 1141, Folsom, CA 95763-1141, 916-356-8080, www.intel.com/intel/other/research/. 12. Interested in finding out how they get cheese in a spray can? Kraft Foods gives paid internships to students in a variety of health, nutrition, and science fields. Contact: Kraft General
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Foods Corporate University Relations, Three Lakes Drive, Northfield, IL 60093, 708-646-2000, www.kraftfoods.com/ careers/college/intern/html. 13. Microsoft makes scholarships and paid internships available to over 350 science majors each year. Contact: Microsoft, Attn: Scholarships (or Recruiting Department, if that’s the case), One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, 206-882-8080, www.microsoft.com/college/work.htm. 14. If you’re majoring in animal science or agriculture, you may be able to take advantage of one of the many scholarships offered by the National Future Farmers of America (FFA). There are about three dozen different programs; ask for information on all of them. Contact the National Future Farmers of America, Executive Director, 5632 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309-0160.
10 wacky scholarships and grants 1. The Zolp Scholarship is offered to students at Loyola University (Lewisburg, Penn.), and provides full tuition for four years. In order to be eligible, you must be Catholic and able to prove that your last name is Zolp. 2. The Klingon Language Institute awards the $500 Kor Memorial Scholarship to recognize achievements in the field of language study. You don’t have to speak Klingon (or any other constructed language) to qualify, but creativity is rewarded. 3. The Alice McArver Ratchford Scholarship is available to female students at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Qualified students live on campus, don’t own cars, have never been married, have no other scholarships, and must demonstrate financial need. 4. DePauw University’s (Greencastle, Ind.) Icy Frost Bridge Scholarship is restricted to female music students who can sing or play the national anthem with sincerity. 5. Hood College’s (Frederick, Md.) “Grandma Scholarship” guarantees that selected incoming freshmen will pay the same first-year tuition as their alumnus parent or grandparent. 6. The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship awards
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up to $1,000 to selected left-handed students who will be attending Juniata College (Huntingdon, Penn.). 7. SPAACSE (The Society of Performers, Artists, Athletes, and Celebrities for Space Exploration, Inc.) offers two $1,000 scholarships — one for music, the other for art — to graduating high school seniors who are pursuing an interest in space music (or art) as a means of expressing the beauty and inspiration of the universe. 8. Bucknell University (Lewisburg, Penn.) students who have resided in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, for ten years, graduated from Mount Carmel Public High School, and do not smoke, drink, do drugs, or participate in strenuous athletics might be eligible for the Gertrude J. Deppen Scholarship. 9. Any high school senior in the United States is eligible to win a $1,500 scholarship in the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest. Sit, Daffy, Sit! 10. The Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc. sponsors a scholarship for four parents of multiples in Illinois who are continuing their education.
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man should first direct himself in the way he should go. Only then should he instruct others. — Buddha
9 characteristics of the high-risk student Scholarship and loan companies try to avoid the kind of highrisk student who is unlikely to ever repay the loan. In other words, they’re hoping to avoid those with: 1. Job conflicts 2. Low academic averages 3. Learning disabilities 4. Indecision about academic direction 5. Children and spouses 6. Personal problems 7. Negative self-image 8. Fear of failure 9. Problems with drugs or alcohol practical matters
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25 money-saving tips for the economically challenged student 1. Overdraft fees on your checking account can cost up to $25 — and that’s for each time. Avoid these fees. Know how your checking account works. 2. Pay your credit card bills on time (or even a week early) to avoid interest charges. If you buy something expensive, write a check and send it to the credit card company even if you haven’t received the bill yet. Remember that when you pay late, you’re charged a late fee (could be as much as $35) plus interest on the outstanding balance. 3. Get a low credit limit on your credit card so you’re not tempted to overcharge. 4. Those “free” things you get for using your credit card — air miles, merchandise, store discounts — aren’t free at all. Such cards usually carry more expensive annual fees than the no-frills kind. Look for a card that has no annual fee. 5. Write down all your expenditures and review the list to find needless purchases. If you have to ask the ’rents for more money, you’ll be able to explain why. 6. Make sure you and your parents agree on what money they will send you and what it’s supposed to be used for. Try to set up rules (call it an advance or offer to work for it next time you’re home) for sending more money when you run out. 7. Use your own bank’s ATM to avoid interbanking charges. 8. Never get a cash advance on your credit card. Each of those checks can cost a small fortune. Use your checking account instead. If you don’t have the money in your account, don’t spend it! 9. Cars on campus are expensive, even if they do make life easier. 10. Eat the cafeteria food. 11. Clip coupons. 12. Learn the public transportation system in the area and use it.
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13. Read the list of “6 Ways to Get Cheap Textbooks” that appears just below. 14. Get a low-rate phone card; shop around for the cheapest phone service. 15. Buy generic items at the grocery and pharmacy. 16. Don’t buy expensive “sports drinks.” Drink water. 17. Get a library card and use it to rent videos. If you do rent from a video store, return everything on time. 18. If you have a job and you get a raise, save it; don’t use it to splurge on things you were already doing well without. 19. Read the list of “25 Cheap Dates” in “Party Hearty.” 20. “Fine” yourself every time you get a lousy grade or do something you’ve promised yourself you’ll stop doing. Put the money aside for emergencies. 21. Look for free events — concerts, lectures, demonstrations — when planning dates and outings. 22. Only keep small amounts of cash with you when you’re out shopping. Don’t spend more than you have with you. 23. Be honest with your dates. If you can’t pay, explain the problem and search for alternate solutions together. 24. There’s free food everywhere; free samples are given out at malls and supermarkets, and you can always find a reception somewhere. Time your meals accordingly. 25. Shop at stores like Costco, the Dollar Store, and Target. And don’t forget eBay.
6 ways to get cheap textbooks You’ll be amazed at how expensive textbooks can be. (And most books are more expensive on campus.) You’ll be even more astonished at how little you’ll get back when you try to unload the same books at the end of the semester. As in many areas of life, planning ahead will get you the best deals. Here are a few tips. 1. Bring basic reference books and classic literature with you from home — chances are you read some of the stuff in high school. You can send books cheaply from home using the special
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“bound book” or “media mail” rate. Plan on a couple of weeks for delivery. 2. Many campus bookstores and independent shops in college towns buy and sell used textbooks. Get your required reading list ahead of time and shop early. Avoid books that have already been highlighted unless you know they’ve been owned by an A student. 3. Plan ahead: If you know someone who’s taking a course that you’re planning on taking next semester, try to cut a deal for their books. Can you provide, say, typing services in exchange for the books? (While you’re at it, ask for their course notes, too, but only if they’re doing well in the course.) 4. Check and/or post with on-line listings and classified ads, such as www.craigslist.org. 5. Don’t forget to take advantage of your school and public library. Most universities require professors to put their texts on reserve for the semester. Students can usually check the books out for two hours at a time, and if you’re only reading a chapter or two, this is a great option. Your local public library is also a great place for current fiction and nonfiction, especially if it’s not a book you want to own. 6. Shop on-line — carefully. A little advance research and planning can get you better prices. We did an experimental search for a randomly chosen book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (6th edition, unabridged) by Weston Price, and here’s what happened: • Amazon.com had a paperback available for $19.95. A new hardcover was listed at $34.95 but was unavailable. Used hardcover copies were offered at prices ranging from $50 to a whopping $1,150 for a first edition hardcover in perfect condition. Half.com had an old edition available for $198. • TextbookX.com and Books-a-Million listed the price at $20.95, but had no copies available. • Ecampus.com had no copies available at any price. • Textbookhound.com found two vendors with good deals: BiggerBooks.com had the book available for $15.55, and Wal-Mart had it for $18.86.
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1 REASON NOT TO BUY A USED COMPUTER It’s dumb. Don’t buy a used computer unless the seller is paying you to take it off his or her hands. If you look around at Costco, Sam’s Club, and other discount retailers, you can find fast, powerful, state-of-the-art PCs for about $400. You just can’t do better than that without asking for trouble.
6 ways to get the ’rents to send more money. . . It’s a good idea to talk to your folks honestly about money. Establish rules and stick to them to the extent that you can. But let’s face it — those late-night pizza runs can get expensive! 1. Tell Dad you need money for Mom’s birthday present, and vice versa. 2. Wear your most raggedy clothes when you go home to visit. If they’re also dirty, at least someone may offer to do your laundry for you. 3. Drop hints that cheese puffs are on sale at Wal-Mart, and that’s what you’ve been living on. 4. Ask if they can possibly send you a new #2 pencil, since the one you’ve been using has worn down to the nub. 5. Tell them you’ve been hitchhiking around town late at night because you can’t afford a bus pass. 6. Grovel.
. . . and 4 ways for them to get it to you fast 1. They can make a direct deposit to your checking account, which is really easy if you use a branch of the same bank they use. (If they don’t, give them a supply of deposit slips to your account.) 2. They can send you a money order via overnight mail.
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3. They can “wire” money via services such as Western Union, which are usually available at large supermarkets. 4. The easiest: If you’ve all signed up for on-line banking, your money is just a click away!
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he dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called ‘truth.’ — Dan Rather
6 tips for finding a job on campus 1. Start your job search as early as possible after arriving on campus. Job opportunities decrease as the year progresses. 2. If your school has a student employment office, check those listings first. But remember that some available jobs may not be listed. 3. Check with the departments within your major. 4. Have an updated resume and your class schedule available when applying for any job, on or off campus. 5. Get glowing reference letters from anyone you’ve worked for, even if it was volunteer work. 6. Ask everyone you know — professors, coaches, orientation leaders, administrators, etc. The more people that know you’re looking, the more luck you’ll have finding a job.
5 tips for getting the best internships The best internships will give you experience in your chosen field, along with some mentoring and the opportunity to try your hand at a variety of tasks within the organization. Beware of internships where you’re relegated to doing only menial clerical tasks, though you should expect to do a good deal of that. To gain experience toward your career in international affairs, for example, apply for a White House internship: White House Fel-
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lowships Intern Program, Office of Presidential Personnel, Old Executive Office Building, Room 151, Washington, D.C. 20500, 202-456-6676. As with any job, finding the ideal internship depends on your skills, experience, connections, and how you come across in an interview. 1. Update your résumé. Make sure you have a current resume that lists your academic accomplishments, any awards and honors you’ve received, job experience, interests, and skills. Don’t forget to include your current contact information! 2. Network like crazy. Networking is really just a fancy word for meeting and talking to a lot of people. The more people you talk to, the more people will know that you’re looking for an internship. Making a connection doesn’t necessarily get you the job — but it helps you to stand out from a crowd of applicants. The rest is up to you. Talk to upperclassmen, your professors, contacts you make on the Internet, and people who work in the field that interests you. Don’t forget to attend as many career fairs as possible. 3. Arrange informational interviews. Although you should never ask for a job or an internship during an informational interview, if you’re impressive enough the people you talk to will remember you when they’re looking. Make sure you leave a resume with updated contact information. 4. Reality check. Get used to the fact that you’ll be low on the company’s totem pole and will be expected to do gofering, filing, and photocopying. But a great internship will also offer opportunities to strut your stuff in other areas. Once you become indispensable by doing tasks that no one else wants to do, you’ll have a chance to impress. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative — if you have a terrific idea, maybe they’ll let you run with it. 5. Bring yourself to the interview! Meaning: Take the opportunity to let a potential employer really get to know you. If you’ve been passionate about your area of interest and have pursued it on a nonprofessional basis, take a moment to show off. If you’ve been recognized in the field, even in a small way, let them know.
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20 off-the-wall ways to make money There’s always babysitting, tutoring, and restaurant work, but if you want to do something a little different, consider these alternatives: 1. Jugglers, unicyclists, ventriloquists, clowns, and magicians are in demand for children’s circuses that tour during the summer months, as well as for birthday parties and other events all year long. 2. Believe it or not, some cities hold auditions for prime spots for subway musicians, and you can make as much as $60 per hour. Check with the local transit authority or parks commission. 3. There are hundreds of market research companies that will pay Mystery Shoppers (also called Secret Shoppers) up to $24 per hour to perform a variety of services, usually on a parttime basis. 4. Become a Sears Portrait Studio photographer — the company provides on-the-job training. 5. Look for ads in your school’s psych department. Many graduate programs pay students by the hour to be experimental subjects. 6. Organize a campus music festival. 7. Create a mobile music DJ show for private parties. 8. Help other students figure out how to use their computers. 9. Paint holiday theme decorations on store windows. (Make sure you ask the store owner first!) 10. Lead exercise classes or nature hikes. 11. Video-/audiotape special events and sell copies to everyone’s parents. 12. Raise worms and fish bait. 13. If you have a car on campus, offer competitively priced taxi service to and from the airport. 14. Sell ad time for a specific show on the campus radio station. 15. Join a focus group — it’s a great way to make some fast and easy cash. And there’s no long-term commitment.
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16. Start a service that delivers late-night fast-food restaurant orders to the dorms. 17. Offer a telephone wake-up and reminder service. 18. Dress up in a cute outfit and deliver singing telegrams. 19. Write custom jingles and poems for special occasions and/or voice-mail greetings. 20. Be a nude art model — you probably don’t even have to leave campus for this one. Look for ads in your school’s art department.
11 more traditional ways to make money 1. Join the work-study program at school and look through the school’s career center to find out what’s available. 2. Find manual labor in the neighborhood. You can usually find yard-work, housecleaning, or odd-job gigs if you look hard enough. Put up notices in the surrounding neighborhoods. 3. Wait tables where you can work for tips, especially in expensive restaurants. You can also make valuable connections here if you’re friendly to everyone you meet. 4. Be a tutor. 5. Babysit. 6. Offer word-processing services. 7. Sell your special talent: Are you great at braiding hair? Can you give piano lessons? 8. Design Web sites. 9. Get on the party circuit: Work as a valet, server, or performer. 10. Be a companion to a senior. 11. Sell everything you own on eBay.
how to balance schoolwork and your job Although classes should be your top priority, you’ll find that you have a great deal more scheduling flexibility than you did in high school. With that in mind, here are a few tips for balancing school and job. practical matters
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1. Try to clump your classes together so that you have a block of free time each day. Little bits of free time, like a fortyfive-minute break between classes, are hard to use efficiently. One student we know schedules his classes after 11 a.m. Monday to Thursday so he can travel to his comedy music gigs on weekends. Another arranges a morning class schedule so she can rake in big tips later in the day as a server at a gourmet restaurant. If you have an afternoon class schedule, you might be able to find morning work in a doctor’s office or a café that serves breakfast. 2. Try to find work close to campus, so you won’t waste a lot of time commuting. If you do have to commute, make sure you always have some schoolwork with you so you can use the time for studying. 3. Consider working on campus. You won’t need transportation to get to your job, and hours are often more flexible. You’ll also get to know support staff, administrators, and professors, who may be able to help you realize your career goals later on. 4. Perhaps you can start your own small business instead of working for someone else. Tutoring, babysitting, typing other people’s papers, videotaping weddings, organizing children’s parties, installing computer software, selling handmade crafts or cookies, duplicating CDs and cassettes, walking dogs, or housesitting are a few of the many services you might offer. 5. Make sure the job is worth it financially. If you spend hours commuting to a job that pays minimum wage and isn’t giving you a leg up on your long-term career goals, it might be worth looking into alternatives. 6. If you can possibly arrange things so you can work hard during vacations and long breaks during the semester, do it. 7. See if your boss will help you arrange to get school credit for the work you’re doing, in addition to your salary. Many employers might not think of this themselves, but would be happy to oblige.
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ife is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors! — Louisa May Alcott
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10 S T A I N - R E M O V I N G H I N T S There are some really good commercial stain removers available where laundry detergent is sold. With all stains, the sooner you attack, the better.
1. To remove motor oil from your pants, don’t rub the stain — blot and presoak the area with spot cleaner and then wash the pants in hot water. If this doesn’t work, you might have to bite the bullet and take your pants in to be dry-cleaned. 2. For berry and fruit stains, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 11/2 cups of cold water, and use the solution to sponge the stained area. Pour very hot water over the stain and dab detergent directly on the spot; then wash. 3. To remove gum, rub a piece of ice on the gum until it hardens and can be lifted off. This may take a while, so have a book handy. 4. To remove the smell of cigarette smoke from your clothes, pour some white vinegar into the washing machine when you add detergent. (This will also work on your hair if you add it to your shampoo.) 5. Yes, you can throw your sneakers in the washing machine! Obsessive types can use an old toothbrush to scrub the hard-to-reach places. Rinse well, and stuff the sneakers with towels so they’ll keep their shape while they air-dry. (They’ll shrink and/or become discolored if you put them in the dryer.) 6. To remove wax stains or gum, place a brown paper bag (or a clean absorbent cloth) over the stain and apply a warm iron to melt and absorb the wax. Remove the remaining residue with dry-cleaning solvent. 7. For chocolate stains, scrape off all you can with a dull knife. Then try a mixture of 1/4 cup mineral oil to 2 cups dry-cleaning solvent. Blot with this after rinsing in cold water, then flush with more of the solvent. Finally, wash the item normally. 8. To remove bloodstains, soak the clothes in cold water (warm water may cause the blood to “set”), then apply stain remover or hydrogen peroxide. If the stain is fresh, try applying salt before soaking. The sooner the better. 9. For tea stains, try soaking washable items in a solution of 1/2 quart warm water with a little detergent and a small amount of vinegar, then flush with water. If it’s a dry-clean-only item, try rinsing with cold water and then dab with vinegar; blot with a clean towel. 10. For alcohol stains, blot up all liquid possible. Apply detergent solution and blot, follow with a vinegar solution and blot again. Rinse with cold water, and blot dry. If this doesn’t work, you might need to add bleach to the wash.
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6 tips for choosing a bank Does the bank offer attractive checks that make a personality statement about you? Here are some better ways to choose a bank that’s right for you. 1. Go for convenience. Is there a branch or bank machine near campus? 2. Choose the same banking group as your parents; it’ll be easier to transfer money. 3. Are there monthly checking fees? Is there a flat fee, or does it depend on your balance? Some banks charge for every check you write if your balance falls below a certain amount; others offer free checking no matter what. 4. Is the bank staff friendly and helpful? If they treat you like a second-rate citizen because you’re a student, this is not the bank for you. You need to understand how your account works, and you’ll need someone with patience to explain it all to you. 5. Does the bank provide bank statements, and will they send you your cancelled checks every month? 6. Do you have the option of ordering duplicate checks, if needed?
9 tips for managing your checking account 1. Establish an account with a bank in your college community, or an interstate bank, with a 24-hour ATM. If your bank is in another state or city, you may be charged as much as $3.50 every time you get cash from an ATM, and $1.00 every time you check your balance at an ATM. 2. To avoid extra charges, use ATMs that are part of the same network as your bank. 3. Don’t forget to record ATM transactions in your checkbook. 4. Get your local address and phone number printed on your checks. 5. Your checks will be numbered. When you order yours, request that they begin numbering with the number 101 instead of the number 1. Some merchants will give you a hard time if
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you try to use checks with low numbers — it’s a dead giveaway that your account is new. 6. Signing up for on-line banking is a good way to keep track of your spending and balances. This is a free service at most banks. 7. Remember that it can take a couple of days (or more) for your checks to clear, so you might think there’s more money in your account than is really there. Write every transaction in your checkbook as soon as possible. If you’re unsure of your balance, call the bank. There’s usually an automated hotline just for this purpose. 8. If your folks send you money from out of state, remember that the bank might hold on to the funds for as long as ten days before the money is available for your use. 9. If you write a check and there isn’t enough money in the bank to cover it, the check will bounce, and you will be charged an overdraft fee of about $25. Do this four times a month and — well, you do the math.
glossary of college finance terms Accrued Interest: Interest that is added periodically on the unpaid principal balance of a loan.
Adjusted Gross Income: Income listed on your family’s income tax return.
Amortization: The gradual reduction of a loan debt by making regular payments of principal and interest.
Balloon Payment: Sometimes a lender will make a loan look more appealing by offering an arrangement where the last payment is much larger than all the earlier payments. This is called a balloon payment, and it should be clearly stated in the loan contract. Capitalization of Interest: Addition of unpaid interest to the principal balance of a loan. This increases the total amount owed. Compounded Interest: The frequency with which interest is computed and added to the principal to arrive at a new balance. practical matters
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Cosigner: Someone, often a parent or guardian, who is sharing responsibility for repaying a loan.
Credit Bureau: An agency that gathers and distributes an individual’s personal information to creditors — including payment habits, number of credit accounts, balances due, and length and place of employment. Deferment: A period during which a borrower doesn’t have to make loan payments. For some loans the federal government pays the interest during deferment. On others, the interest accrues and is capitalized, and the borrower is responsible for paying it later on. Disclosure Statement: A document that states the total cost and amount of a loan, including interest rate and any additional finance charges. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): Any payment that is initiated electronically, from one account to another, rather than via a paper check. Endorser: Someone who agrees to pay if the primary borrower can’t. If you have a troublesome credit history, you might have to find a creditworthy endorser in order to receive the loan. Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The amount your family is expected to contribute toward your college education, and is calculated based on family size and earnings, net assets, savings, and the number of students in college. Fixed Interest: Rate of interest that is determined when the loan is negotiated, and does not change during the life of the loan. Forbearance: An arrangement in which a loan repayment schedule is adjusted temporarily because of financial hardship. Graduated Payments: A payment schedule in which the amounts change over the life of the loan — based on periodic income appraisals, or simply by the passage of time. Grants: Money awarded to students with financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid. Interest: The cost of borrowing money.
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Interest-only Payment: A payment that covers only accrued interest and none of the principal balance.
Maturity Date: The date on which a promissory note becomes due and payable.
Merit-based: A way to evaluate eligibility for some kinds of financial aid where special talents or accomplishments (rather than financial need) are the determining factors. Need-based: A way to evaluate eligibility for financial aid using financial need as the determining factor. Per Diem: Daily. Principal: The amount borrowed, and the amount on which interest is calculated. Promissory Note: Contract between a borrower and a lender that includes all the terms under which the borrower promises to repay the loan. Secondary Market: Institutions that buy student loans from the original lender. Simple Interest: Interest calculated only on the original principal. Variable Interest: Rates of interest that change periodically.
10 things you should know about credit cards Just because you got something in the mail that says you’re ready for a credit card doesn’t mean you are. A certain — ahem — level of maturity is called for here. Do you really qualify? 1. Read the fine print! Desirable features are: low annual percentage rate (APR), reasonable grace period, no annual fee, no minimum or penalty fees, and rewards such as airline mileage or “cash back” offers — but know that you’re paying an annual fee for those “freebies.” 2. Avoid cards that charge for cash advances, balance transfers, and other transactions. 3. Credit card debt adds up fast. If you have $1,000 debt and pay the minimum amount due each month (2 percent or $10), it will take nineteen years and cost you $1,900 in interest to pay the darn thing off!
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4. Credit card facts: there are 5 billion cards in circulation, nearly four cards for every citizen. Seventy percent of all cardholders carry a revolving balance every month and pay the minimum amount due; your goal is to pay the whole balance each month, thereby becoming one of the proud debt-free 30 percent. 5. Charge only what you can afford to pay off each month. If you fall behind and end up with a revolving balance, pay more than the minimum payment due each month until you are caught up. 6. Don’t have more than one credit card, two at the most. 7. Pay off any balance 75 percent faster by splitting it in half and making half payments every fourteen days. 8. Keep your credit card records in a safe place, so that if your wallet is lost or stolen you’ll be able to provide the credit card company with necessary information. 9. Try to use some restraint. 10. Don’t use the checks that are offered with most credit card accounts. You pay far more for each of those than you do for the bank checks that come with your checking account.
3 alternatives to regular credit cards 1. Visa BUXX is one that’s popular with parents, because they deposit money into an account, and the student user is only able to charge up to the amount already deposited. Parents can add money on a regular basis or whenever they choose, and parents and students can track spending from the account on-line. 2. Debit cards look and act like credit cards, but are connected to a checking account, and will only work if there’s enough in the account to cover the charge. They also double as ATM cards. 3. Smart cards look like regular debit or credit cards and contain a tiny computer chip that can store and retrieve all kinds of data. Smart cards can serve as dorm security keys, or electronic ID cards as well as credit/debit cards. They should be guarded like cash.
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32 DORM SAFETY TIPS It’s imperative that you keep a fire extinguisher in your dorm (and that you know how to use it) and that smoke detectors are in use. Here are some guidelines that really do save lives:
ELECTRICAL SAFETY . . . 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Don’t overload extension cords, power strips, or outlets. Get a power strip with an over-current protector. Be wary of outlets that are hot to the touch. Do not connect a string of extension cords together. Do not route cords under doors or carpets. Do not staple extension cords. Look for the UL Mark on any electrical product you use; these have automatic shut-off features. 8. Use light bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps.
COOKING SAFETY . . . 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Pay attention, and don’t wander away when you are cooking. Cook only where the rules allow it. Look for UL-listed appliances with automatic shut-off features. Never plug more than one high-wattage appliance into a single outlet. Have fire-resistant potholders on hand. Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces. Store flammable cleaners away from heat sources. Clean grease off cooking surfaces.
GENERAL . . . 17. Extinguish candles when not in use. 18. Halogen lamps should not be covered with fabric or other flammable materials.
19. Never leave cigarettes unattended in an ashtray (or anywhere else). 20. Do not use kerosene lamps, lanterns, or hurricane lamps indoors. 21. Lighters and matches should be kept away from heat sources, as well as visiting children.
22. Keep portable heaters away from walls and flammable objects. 23. Turn off electrical appliances (such as hair dryers, irons, and toaster ovens) that are not in use.
24. Never hang anything from or around fire sprinklers.
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IF A FIRE ACTUALLY HAPPENS . . . 25. Never ignore a fire alarm. 26. Never disable a smoke alarm, no matter how annoying it is, by remov27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
ing the battery. Always call the fire department or 911 immediately. Make sure you know your building’s escape plan. Know at least two ways to exit the building from your room. Never pour water on a grease fire. Know where to locate a fire extinguisher. Never use the elevators in a fire.
22 personal safety tips 1. Believe it or not, campus security guards are there to protect you. Don’t make their job harder by torturing them. 2. Many campuses provide a free escort service for students who have to walk alone at night. Even if you don’t use this service on a regular basis, program the number into your cell phone or memorize it. Should a creepy occasion or feeling arise, you can call and get an escort to your dorm. 3. Walk in well-lit areas, and down the middle of the street if there’s no traffic. 4. Don’t get too close to parked cars when walking alone at night. 5. Try not to weigh yourself down, especially with items that scream “Hey, look at me, I’m expensive.” 6. Always try to let someone know where you’re going and who you’re going with. 7. Know where the campus emergency call boxes are located, in case you ever need to use one. 8. When walking alone at night (or even in a small group), never stop to talk to someone you don’t know. 9. Don’t ever hitchhike. 10. Don’t live in fear, but be aware that muggings, stalking, and date rape do sometimes occur on college campuses. Taking a few reasonable precautions can help keep you safe. If you feel threatened, talk to your adviser and the campus police. If you
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continue to feel threatened, talk to the local police department as well. 11. If the worst happens and you are attacked, try to stay as calm as you possibly can. The more you can remember about your assailant’s physical appearance, the more you’ll be able to help the police later on. 12. Don’t leave outgoing phone greetings that say, “Hi, we’re away for the weekend here in Birch Hall Room 227.” 13. Label things like CDs, videos, and books with your name and/or e-mail address if you want to hold on to them. Put your name on everything. 14. Hide valuables like money and jewelry in a not-too-obvious place. Or better yet, leave them home. 15. Bring a bathrobe with a pocket for your key so you don’t end up stranded outside your locked dorm room wearing nothing but a towel. 16. Don’t invite people to your room unless you know and trust them. 17. Keep track of who borrows what, and return stuff that you borrow, too. 18. Personalize your laptop so you can recognize it at a glance. 19. Take care with passwords, student ID numbers, and entrance codes. Don’t share these with anyone. Change your passwords from time to time. 20. Know the public transportation routes. 21. If you screw up and get into trouble, try to learn from your mistake once the dust clears. 22. Always have a Plan B.
what you should know about reporting campus crimes Although your campus administration is bound by federal law to provide you with a safe learning environment, campuses are not free from crime. Here are some of the rules by which they are bound, according to the Higher Education Amendments of
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1998; the Campus Sexual Assault Victims Bill of Rights of 1991; and the Campus Security Act of 1990. 1. Schools are required to maintain a public police log of all reported crimes. These include murder, forcible and nonforcible sex offenses (including rape), robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arrests for violations of liquor, drug, and weapons laws. 2. There are certain exceptions to protect ongoing investigations and victims of sensitive crimes, such as sexual assault. 3. Universities are potentially subject to a $25,000 civil penalty for violations of the reporting requirements. 4. Schools may release information about alcohol- or drugrelated disciplinary violations to parents of students who are under the age of twenty-one. 5. As part of their campus security report, all institutions of higher education must develop and publish policies regarding the prevention and awareness of sex offenses and procedures for responding after a sex offense occurs. (A key point in here is the responsibility of university officials to inform students of their rights and provide them with clear information about how to report sex offenses and about the assistance — medical, legal, and psychological — available for victims.)
7 atm safety tips 1. Etiquette dictates that people in line behind you keep enough of a distance so they can’t read your secret code. If there are people around who are not polite enough to do this, find another ATM. 2. Always take your receipt with you. 3. If something feels weird but you’ve already started your transaction, you can always hit the “cancel” button, take your card, and find another ATM. 4. Change your PIN every now and then. 5. Don’t pick a PIN that would be obvious to any random person who happened to find your wallet. 6. If you must use an ATM at night, try to find one that is in a very bright place, or (ideally) inside a building.
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7. Don’t always use the same ATM at the same time. Stagger your visits so your habits cannot be predicted.
10 signs of depression 1. Prolonged sadness, crying spells, irritability, or an overwhelming feeling of apathy. 2. Inability to take pleasure from things that once made you happy. 3. Significant change in your eating habits. 4. Low self-esteem, guilt, shame, and the feeling that you are seeing the world through gray-tinted glasses. 5. Lack of focus, inability to concentrate, study, or recall events. 6. Difficulty in making decisions. 7. General fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, or loss of energy. 8. A general feeling of hopelessness; a belief that the future holds nothing good. 9. Fear about nonspecific aches and pains. 10. Recurring thoughts of death and suicide.
7 ways to handle depression This list and the next one are provided by the National Mental Health Association, whose purpose is to educate the public about mental disorders and offer referrals to local resources. For more information, including news and referrals, contact them at 2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311; 800-969-NMHA; www.nmha.org. Sometimes the multitude of life’s changes that occur during your college years can trigger serious depression. At this vulnerable time, the smartest thing you can do for yourself is to seek help. If your feelings of constant stress and sadness go on for weeks or months, you may be experiencing more than just difficulty adjusting to life’s changes. Seek assistance from a doctor or mental health professional, the university counseling service, or the student health center. While you’re in treatment, there are a number of steps you can take to help you cope on your way to recovery. practical matters
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1. Carefully plan your day. Make time every day to prioritize your work. Prioritizing can give you a sense of control over what you must do and a sense that you can do it. 2. Plan your work and sleep schedules. Too many students defer doing important class work until nighttime, work through much of the night, and start every day feeling exhausted. Constant fatigue can be a critical trigger for depression. Seven or eight hours of sleep a night is important to your well-being. 3. Participate in an extracurricular activity. Sports, theater, fraternities and sororities, the student newspaper — whatever interests you — can bring opportunities to meet people interested in the same things you are, and these activities provide welcome change from class work. 4. Seek support from other people. This may be a roommate or a friend from class. Friendships can help make a strange place feel more friendly and comfortable. Sharing your emotions reduces isolation and helps you realize that you are not alone. 5. Try relaxation methods. These include meditation, deep breathing, warm baths, long walks, exercise — whatever you enjoy that lessens your feelings of stress and discomfort. 6. Take time for yourself every day. Make special time for yourself, even if it’s only for fifteen minutes a day. Focusing on yourself can be energizing and gives you a feeling of purpose and control over your life. 7. Work toward recovery. The most important step in combating depression and reclaiming your college experience is to seek treatment. Your physician should communicate to you that remission of symptoms should be your goal and work with you to determine whether psychological counseling, medication, or a combination of both is needed.
5 tips for coping with disaster For many college students, the horrific September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., mark the first major national catastrophe they have ever experienced. In the aftermath of the attacks, students across the country may feel uncertain about a future they had just begun to carefully map
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out. Some may have suffered the loss of parents, relatives, or friends. Others may wonder how our nation’s response to the attacks will involve them. Nobody is unaffected. Whether you have been directly or indirectly impacted, it is important to know that each person reacts differently to disaster, and it is normal and expected to experience a range of responses. Emotional responses can appear immediately or sometimes develop months later. Those students who live away from home may have a more difficult time coping without the reassurance of family nearby. But understanding what you’re feeling and taking positive steps to address those feelings can help you cope. Below is a list of common responses to be aware of, plus practical tips on how to deal with your reactions. Remember that things may never be quite the same, but they will get better, and you will feel better. Some common responses to disaster and its consequences are disbelief, shock, and fear; anxiety about the future; disorientation; difficulty making decisions or concentrating; emotional numbness; anger; and depression. Most of these reactions will decrease as time passes and you begin to resume your daily activities. Because everyone experiences stress differently, don’t compare your progress with other people’s or judge their reactions and emotions. Here are some ways to cope. 1. Talk about it and encourage others to share their perspectives. Sharing your feelings with friends, professors, classmates, and family will help you work through what happened. Talking with others will relieve stress and help you realize that other people have similar feelings. 2. Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and exercise. Do things that you find relaxing and soothing. Remember to eat nutritious foods. Limit your exposure to media reports and images of the tragedy. Avoid excessive drinking and risk-taking activities. As soon as you feel comfortable, go back to your usual routines.
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hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.
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3. Stay connected to friends and family. Make plans to visit family or other people who can offer reassurance. If you can’t be with them in person, increase your contact through phone calls and e-mails. 4. Do something positive that will help you gain a greater sense of control (for example, give blood, take a first-aid class, or donate food or clothing). Get involved with campus activities planned in response to the disaster, such as a candlelight vigil, benefit, discussion group, or special lecture. 5. Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed by lingering thoughts about the disaster — it’s not a sign of weakness. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or faith leader. Use oncampus resources such as the college counseling center and health center. If you have strong feelings that won’t go away or if you are troubled for longer than four to six weeks, you may want to seek professional help.
19 national hotlines you might need Most colleges have student health centers where you can, at the very least, get a referral to an appropriate licensed professional. Your first step should be talking to your adviser and/or someone in the student health center. If your problem is more complicated and/or urgent, or you feel that campus resources are too limited or unresponsive, there are many other things you can and should do. If you’ve been raped or mugged, you should call the police immediately — 911 is the number to call in a genuine emergency, and it works everywhere in the United States. You can find information about these services on-line. But having a human being to talk to can make a big difference.
ALCOHOL TREATMENT REFERRAL HOTLINES 1. Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with someone who has a drinking problem. Similarly, Alateen is a recovery program for young people. Alateen groups
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are sponsored by Al-Anon members. 800-344-2666 (U.S.) 800-443-4525 (Canada) 2. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc. Provides information about AA and worldwide referrals to local meetings. 800-923-8722
DRUG ABUSE 3. National Cocaine Hotline Refers callers to local drug treatment centers and private practitioners throughout the country. 800-COCAINE 4. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) Provides help and information for those who are practicing potentially life-threatening “huffing.” 800-729-6686
RAPE AND ABUSE 5. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) This nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., operates America’s only national hotline for victims of sexual assault. 800-656-HOPE 6. National Child Abuse Hotline Dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the United States, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam, the hotline is staffed twenty-four hours daily. 800-4-A-CHILD 7. National Domestic Violence Hotline Detailed information on domestic violence shelters, other emergency shelters, legal advocacy and assistance programs, and social service programs. 800-799-7233
PREGNANCY 8. Crisis Pregnancy Hotline Education on pregnancy and fetal development; information about adoption and abortion; and help for new parents. 800-848-5683 9. National Profile Pregnancy Hotline Counseling and information referral, specifically for free pregnancy testing, adoption, and foster care. 800-238-4269 10. America’s Pregnancy Helpline More information about your options. 800-672-2296
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PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP HOTLINES 11. The National Suicide Prevention Directory (NSPD) Acts as a central source of contact information for organizations committed to providing educational and counseling programs aimed at long-term suicide prevention action. 800-SUICIDE Calling this number will automatically route your call to your nearest local crisis line or mental health center. 12. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Provides education and referrals. 800-826-3632
HEALTH HOTLINES 13. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) National AIDS Hotline Provides information, education, and answers to questions regarding the disease, testing facilities, and medications used for treatment. 24 hours. 800-342-AIDS 14. National Sexually Transmitted Disease Hotline A health information hotline dedicated to providing accurate basic information, referrals, and educational materials about a wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases. 800-227-8922
EATING DISORDERS 15. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders Provides a listing of support groups and referrals in your area. 847-831-3438 16. Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention, Inc. The nation’s largest nonprofit organization devoted to the awareness and prevention of eating disorders. 206-382-3587
OTHERS 17. Attention Deficit Disorder Association Connects callers with experts who can answer their questions. 888-ASK-ADHD 18. Grief Recovery Institute Seeks to ease the isolation of those suffering from a loss and assists them in coping with their grief. Offers information, handbooks, resources, and news to help individuals deal with grief. 800-445-4808 (hotline hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) 19. Shoplifters Anonymous Provides information and help to those with this compulsive disorder. 800-848-9595
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11 laundry tips 1. Next time you’re at the bank, buy a couple of rolls of quarters ($10 per roll). You’ll need them for the laundry room in your apartment or dorm. 2. A big box of detergent at the supermarket is a lot more economical than those teensy little boxes from the vending machines, though those are great in a pinch. If you’re concerned about how much to use, you can buy detergent that comes in pre-measured cubes. 3. Read the washing instructions on your clothes labels, and set the washer and dryer knobs accordingly. If you have red stuff that hasn’t been washed before, don’t put it in the machine with your whites unless you want pink underwear. To preserve colors, always use cold water. 4. Keep an eye on the time, and make sure you remove your laundry as soon as possible after the washer or dryer cycle ends. Otherwise you might find your stuff dumped unceremoniously all over the place, if others need to use the machines before you get your things out. 5. If you’re going to do two loads anyway, wash the darks separately from the lights. 6. If you put clothes away in your drawers when they’re still damp, they’ll smell funny. 7. Keep orphan socks; the other one may show up in the next load.* 8. If you’re a guy, and you look helpless enough, you might be able to get that cute girl over there to help you figure out how to turn on the dryer. The rest is up to you. 9. If you fold clothes neatly right out of the dryer, you’ll almost never have to iron anything. You can also buy a commercial wrinkle remover at the supermarket. * No, this doesn’t defy the laws of physics. Here’s how it works: In the dryer, one sock manages to make its way into the leg of a pair of pants or the long sleeve of a sweatshirt. It seems to have disappeared — and you can wear the garment without even realizing it. Next time you do the laundry, the item is likely to work its way back out again. Tell your mother you know this. It is one of the secrets of the universe and well worth the price of your education.
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10. Keep a bottle of spray stain remover (like Shout) handy. When you get a stain, spray it before you put it in the hamper or laundry bag. Then spray again right before you put it in the washing machine. 11. If you’re really slammed for time and can’t get to that laundry room at all, large chain drugstores like Walgreens and Rite Aid sell packaged underwear at modest prices.
cars on campus 1. Before you decide to bring your car to school, make sure it’s legal. Many colleges do not allow freshmen to have cars, for example. 2. Check out the public transportation near the campus, and see if it will get you all the places you need to go. It might be so good that you won’t need a car. 3. Parking fees may be stiff, and parking spaces scarce. 4. If you do decide to bring your car to school, be prepared to spend a lot of time driving your pals around, loaning your car to acquaintances, or feeling guilty about saying no. 5. You might be able to offset the cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs by offering an informal delivery or errandrunning service on weekends.
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he job of an educator is to teach students to see the vitality in themselves. — Joseph Campbell
15 ways to lower your car insurance costs 1. Be a good driver. Observe speeding limits, especially. 2. Take a course in defensive driving. It’s only one day, and your rates will automatically get discounted. 3. Let them know if you’ll only be driving the car occasionally, like on weekends and holidays. 4. If you have received special recognition, like a spot on
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the dean’s list, let them know. Some companies have special discounts for students with good grades. 5. Get a higher deductible. A deductible is the amount you’re going to have to pay for any accident before the insurance kicks in. A typical deductible would be, say, $500, so if there’s $2,000 worth of damage to your car, you’ll pay the first $500 and they’ll pay the rest. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium (the amount you pay for the policy). 6. When you buy a new car, opt for the safety features: airbags, antitheft systems, antilock brakes, and your VIN etched into the windshield. Your insurance rate will be lower if there’s less chance of your car getting stolen. 7. If you have other insurance policies — or if your parents do — try to work with the same company. There’s sometimes a discount for “bundling” policies. 8. Check Consumer Reports to find out which cars are considered low-risk, and buy those. Such cars are usually heavier and cheap to repair. 9. Don’t report minor damage to your car. Every time you file a claim, your rates may go up. If there’s $700 worth of damage to your car, you’re going to have to pay the first $500 deductible anyway, and the insurance company will only pay $200. You’re probably better off paying the whole $700 yourself and keeping your record clean. (It’s true; life isn’t fair.) 10. Shop around for the best rates. Insurance rates vary greatly from one company to another. Don’t be intimidated into going with the first price that’s quoted. When you do decide on a company, try to bargain them down further. There’s usually some wiggle room here. 11. Consult an insurance agent, who will be familiar with many types of policies. If your parents use an agent, you’ll probably do well to use the same one they’ve trusted. 12. If your car is old and not worth much, you might want to consider omitting collision and comprehensive coverage altogether. You’ll save money on premiums, and the fact is that if your car was totaled, the “book value” (the amount you’d receive) will be much smaller than the car’s actual worth to you anyway.
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13. Medical payment might not be needed at all if you’re covered by regular health insurance. Check your policy (and your parents’, if you’re still covered as their dependent) — no point paying for the same thing twice. 14. Discounts may also be available to younger drivers who don’t smoke, or who are married. 15. A lot of other insurance-buying tips can be found at www.tirekick.com
what to do if you get arrested There may be times when giving an innocent explanation of your activities will cause the police to leave you alone. If this does not happen, don’t argue. These guys are just doing their job to the best of their abilities. Follow instructions and say as little as possible, other than your name and address. 1. Make sure you know why you have been arrested. 2. You risk physical injury and criminal charges if you physically resist a search. If you feel the search is unwarranted, you can take legal action later. 3. At the police station, you have the right to be treated humanely and with respect, and to have someone notified of your arrest. 4. If you are arrested as part of a group (for example, in a political demonstration), shout out your name, so people will know who is being arrested. 5. Do not panic. The police cannot keep you locked up indefinitely. Make sure the correct time for your arrest is on the custody record, and try to stay calm. 6. Don’t mouth off or act disrespectful no matter how innocent you believe you are. If you’re in the right, bad behavior won’t help make your point. 7. Swallow your pride and call the people who care about you. 8. Get a lawyer. Don’t make any statements or sign anything until you get one.
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6
Brave New World: Life After College
23 things that will change the second you graduate 1. No homework! You might have to bring some work home once in a while but it’s nothing like being swamped with papers and books every night and weekend. 2. You get paid for your troubles. Of course, you also get to spend that money on bills you never had to worry about — rent, phone, food, transportation, movies, and more. 3. You’re more or less able to focus on areas of interest at work, whereas in school you have to study multiple subjects. 4. You might have to work harder to get your boss to notice your accomplishments. In school your professors are required to give you a grade. If you work in a big company, you’ll have to stand out in order to move up. 5. No more grading systems. This time it’s all about promotions, raises, and layoffs. 6. You usually have one set schedule rather than a smattering of classes at different times of the day. 7. At a job, you’re usually around the same people all the time. 8. Chances are there’ll be a dress code. 9. You’ll have to start worrying about things like health insurance, filing tax returns (see “You and the IRS” later in this chapter), and even opening a retirement account (it’s not too early!). 10. Unless there’s a vending machine in your bedroom, you’ll probably lose weight. 11. It’ll be up to you to educate yourself about how the world works — no more syllabi or course notes. 12. You’ll lose your ranking. As a senior, you were at the top of the class. It’s now time to start the process all over again. 13. You get to read books for enjoyment. 14. People will expect more of you. 15. If you’re fired from your job you won’t be able to do it over again next year. 16. Once you get a job, no one will really care about your GPA.
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17. No more summer vacations. 18. The closest you’re going to get to Spring Break is watching it on MTV. 19. You can’t skip work for six months and then just show up for the final. 20. Precious papers and keepsakes will suddenly seem useless and dated. (This is a good time to store your future memories safely and out of the way; get a large plastic storage box.) 21. Weekday late-night parties mean an early-morning angry boss. 22. If you show up late for work, no one has the notes for you. 23. Things will feel different when you go home; you’re no longer the center of the universe, and you’re expected to pull your weight.
10 common fears of college grads These are the fears that college grads most commonly report. If none of these issues bothers you, you’re probably not paying attention. 1. What if I don’t get a job? 2. Where will I live? 3. What if I have to move home with my parents? 4. What if my friends move away? 5. How will I make new friends? 6. Should I go to grad school? 7. What is my career path? 8. How will I budget my expenses? 9. How will I pay for my college loan debt? 10. What will happen to my love relationship now that we’re both moving on?
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graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that ‘individuality’ is the key to success. — Robert Orben
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10 questions to ask before you take a risk We all have our own comfort levels, and it’s, well, comfortable to stay inside their confines. But there’s a lot to be said for taking risks. In fact, lots has been said about taking risks: “To dare is to lose one’s footing temporarily. To not dare is to lose oneself ” (Søren Kierkegaard); “The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously” (Friedrich Nietzsche); “Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes the furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The ‘sure thing’ boat never gets far from shore” (Dale Carnegie). But before you jump into the deep end . . . 1. If I am successful, will I be closer to achieving a life goal? 2. Are other safer options available? 3. Have I researched this subject carefully? 4. Can I possibly lose more than I am willing or able to lose? 5. Do my family and friends and the people I trust support this idea? 6. What will happen if I change my mind? 7. Will taking this step prevent me from participating in other activities I care about? 8. If I fail, who besides myself will be affected? 9. What are my chances of success? 10. What is the worst-case scenario?
10 essential tips for networking The saying “It’s not what you know but who you know” is especially true when it comes to your career. Networking is key, and it should be second nature, like a habit. 1. Everyone you know is a contact. Everyone that they know is a contact. Think of all the people that can assist you in your job hunt and you’ll be surprised at how many are willing to help you. 2. Make contact through networking letters, e-mails, or calls. Establish some form of connection: Recall the last time you spoke to this contact or mention someone you both know.
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THE 9 MOST COMMON LIES JOB APPLICANTS TELL You may think of them as little white lies, but overstating your case on your resume can land you a job that you’re just not ready for. Below are some common ways in which people bend the truth.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Enhancing their present or former job title Lengthening employment dates to cover unemployment gaps Embellishing their job duties and achievements Increasing their past salaries Changing their school or degree Exaggerating their previous experience Lying about their criminal past Increasing or decreasing their age Making up false references
3. Explain why you are contacting him. Did you just graduate from college? Are you going to graduate in a year? Are you interested in learning about his career? 4. Ask for advice. Inquire about what companies are doing well. See if your contacts can check out your resume and give suggestions. Don’t ask for a job. If they know of an available opening, they will tell you. 5. Ask if there is anyone else that they know in or outside of their company that can help you. 6. Make sure you let them know how to get in touch with you. Give them your name and phone number. 7. If you feel comfortable, meet them for lunch. 8. Keep copious notes on your contacts — how to locate them and special affiliations they may have. If they are recognized for a special achievement at any time, write a letter of congratulations. 9. When they help you, send a thank-you letter with a copy of your resume. 10. Keep in touch with your contacts at least once a year. Fill them in on what’s been going on and show interest in their activities. life after college
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18 things you can do if you just graduated and have no idea whatsoever about what you want to do with the rest of your life Not everyone hops right into a career after college. Sometimes it takes a while to really figure out what you want to do. Even if you do have a career goal, it may be hard to get into the field at an entry level. If you feel like you’re in a rut, take a look at this list for a variety of suggestions: 1. Join VISTA or the Peace Corps. 2. Become a waiter/waitress or bartender or work in a store. Take some time to contemplate your future and meet people who may spur ideas and offer contacts. 3. Travel. Become a flight attendant or work your way around the world on a freighter. 4. Talk to a career counselor. 5. Take a class to enhance your skills and make you more qualified for a job. 6. Start your own business. 7. Try to get an internship or volunteer in a field that you may be interested in. It may even be a stepping stone for a future job. 8. Grad school, anyone? 9. Teach English in another country. 10. Sign up with a temp agency where you temporarily work for different companies. You’ll get a feel for different types of work environments and you just might get an in with a company. 11. Become a tour guide or a park ranger at a national park. 12. Volunteer in your community. 13. Join Teach for America, a national organization that selects recent college grads and places them in full-time, paid teaching positions in rural public schools for two-year stints. 14. Work as a freelancer until you find your path. 15. Talk to people in various fields. What do you have in common with these people? How are you different? 16. Look at “The 10 Fastest-Growing Occupations, 2000–
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2010” and the lists of possible career choices later in this chapter. Read magazines and ’net surf to learn about the jobs that are available in a particular field. 17. Attend career fairs and grad school presentations. 18. Try to spend some quality time with the professors who have shown the greatest interest in you, with good friends, and even the ’rents. Ask them what impressions they have about you and where you might fit in the job market. What do they perceive to be your natural abilities?
14 ways to describe yourself Whether you’re applying for grad school or for a job, you’ll often be asked to “tell us a little something about yourself.” If you’re like most, you will suddenly forget your own name when this question is sprung on you. You don’t have to respond with every detail of your life. They’re not interested in everything that happened to you; they’re interested in how you reacted to everything that happened to you. Here are some things you can write or talk about that will reflect the real you. 1. Describe how you felt on the most important day of your life. 2. Write about how your favorite book affected you. 3. Talk about the person you admire most and tell which qualities of theirs you are trying to develop yourself. 4. Talk about what you look for in a friend. 5. Describe yourself as your friends would describe you. 6. Describe the thing in the world you are most passionate about, and explain why it exhilarates you. 7. Concentrate on your one greatest accomplishment, and talk about what you did to achieve that goal.
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eople will frighten you about a graduation. . . . They use words you don’t hear often . . . ‘And we wish you Godspeed.’ It is a warning, Godspeed. It means you are no longer welcome here at these prices. — Bill Cosby
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8. Explain how you have gone about coping with the worst thing that ever happened to you. 9. Talk about where you’d like to be in ten years. 10. Define the word success. 11. Write about the most exciting place you’ve ever been to and why you would want to live or work there someday. 12. Tell about the day you first figured out that you wanted to do whatever it is you’re applying for, even if you were four at the time. 13. Talk about the relationship between you and your siblings. 14. Write about yourself in the form of a list: “12 Things My Friends Like About Me” (this is no time for modesty); “6 Reasons I’d Make a Great Cadet”; “7 of My Favorite People and What I Learned from Each One.” Write explanatory paragraphs for each of your entries.
graduation etiquette 1. Announcements — Send announcements only to close friends and family members. Otherwise it seems like you’re seeking gifts. If you want to send announcements to others, indicate “no gifts, please.” 2. Invitations — These are different from announcements because they include a request for attendance at the ceremony. Think carefully about who you want to invite, since you’ll probably be given a limited number of tickets. Ideally, invitations should go out three to four weeks before the event. If there is to be a party afterward, include the pertinent information with the invitation. If your parents are divorced and there may be problems between them, let them know they are both invited and that it would mean a lot for you to have them both there. Suggest that they sit in separate areas. If your guests will most likely need directions for traveling to the ceremony, include them with the invitation. If they will need to stay in the area overnight, send them information about nearby motels. 3. Dress — Women, wear something elegant but not too
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dressy. A blouse and a skirt or a simple dress is perfect. Guys, wear a tie and a nice pair of pants like khaki or olive. Don’t wear jeans or shorts. Graduation gowns don’t breathe very well, so wear light, airy fabrics like cotton and linen. 4. Footwear — Since the only clothing that’s noticeable to the audience during the ceremony is your shoes, you want them to look decent. That means leaving the sneakers at home. Women, wear moderately dressy shoes with low or no heels and guys, loafers or dress shoes will do. 5. Punctuality — Partying the night before graduation sounds like fun, but stumbling down the aisle with a hangover as your parents look on is not. 6. Thank-you’s — Be sure to send a thank-you note within a couple of weeks to everyone that sent you a gift. This is also a good time to send notes to those instructors with whom you hope to stay in touch.
11 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO ANSWER Whether you’re on a job interview, writing an essay for an English class, or meeting people who might become part of your support team someday, here are questions you should always have answers for.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
What is your greatest interest outside of school? What are your goals? How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you? What has been your most stimulating intellectual experience? Describe your home life. What outside viewpoints have challenged you the most? What is the best book you’ve ever read? What skills do you have that make you different from the rest? How would you describe your most important role model? Where do you expect to be ten years from now?
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11 creative things you can do with your diploma 1. Take up origami. 2. Roll it up and learn to play the kazoo. 3. Sell it on eBay. 4. Kindling. 5. Use it as wrapping paper for someone else’s graduation gift. 6. Laminated, it makes a great placemat. 7. Compare it to the strength of paper towels. 8. Line your birdcage with it. 9. Practice your paper airplane technique. 10. Use it as a welcome mat. 11. If all else fails, you can make a paper cup out of it and use it for panhandling.
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raduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference. — Arie Pencovici
great graduation gifts If you’re hoping for something other than a pen, a wristwatch, or a cute little stuffed bear in a graduation gown, drop polite hints about these: 1. Knock ’em Dead, by Martin Yate. It’s basically the bible for job hunters. This book tells you everything about how to write a resume, how to look for a job, how to find a job, and even popular interview questions and answers. 2. Imprinted note cards. Every graduate needs thank-you cards, and as your career progresses, you’ll have more occasions to send personal notes. Simple ones printed with your name or initials can be impressive.
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3. PDA. Expensive, but if a few people are chipping in for your gift, this one will enable you to keep your new life and schedule organized. 4. Briefcase. A useful tool for the corporate-climbing grad. Hope for leather in a conservative color. 5. Phone card. Of course, you won’t have any excuses not to stay in touch. 6. Tool kit. This may not sound glamorous, but as you move into your own place, you’re going to find that everyone needs one of these. (How else will you hang up your diploma?) 7. Gift certificates (or cold, hard cash). Drop hints about your favorite home furnishings and clothing stores. You can even register at these stores. 8. Clothing. Let them know you’ll be shopping for a professional wardrobe. 9. Concert or theater tickets. Here’s an item you probably won’t be able to afford on your own for a while. 10. Cap & Compass Starter Kit. This Web-based kit helps new grads with everything they need to know after school. Cap & Compass provides easy access to voter ID registration forms; contact information for phone, cable, and electric companies; local insight on neighborhoods; advice on how to get an apartment; and a ton more. One-year access to all of this information costs only $9.95. There’s also a deal where you can add a book titled life after school. explained. for $18.95. The book draws upon advice from Cap & Compass seminars given across the country. If you’re interested, visit www.capandcompass.com.
8 ways to make sure your graduation day is memorable You can go naked under your gown, you can bodysurf into the audience once they hand you your diploma. Hey, you can even switch identities with a friend and confuse the hell out of your family when you each accept your diplomas. There are, however, better ways to prove that you’ve achieved the maturity associated with college graduates.
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1. Plan ahead. Think about how many invitations you are allowed and plan to spend the day with people you really care about. If there’s to be a party, prepare your guest list well in advance and make the appropriate arrangements. Don’t leave it all for the last minute. 2. Present your parents with a diploma to mark the day and as a way of saying thank you — for their love, support, and funding. 3. Create a time capsule. Include items like a newspaper, lists of your favorite books and records, photos of the graduation ceremony, and artifacts from school and home life. Encourage others to do the same and bring them to your ten-year reunion. 4. Write an essay describing yourself. List your five-year goals, ten-year, and so on. Try to imagine what your life will be like at each stage. Referring to this document later in life will give you real insight as to who you are at this point. And your kids will get a big kick out of it. 5. Get the yearbook and the class ring, even if you don’t think you want these. They take on more meaning as you get older and move on. 6. Videotape your graduation day. Interview your friends and include the campus grounds. Don’t forget to get shots of your favorite professors. 7. Make a donation to a special cause or charity (or the school’s scholarship fund) to mark the event. It doesn’t have to be a large donation; perhaps you promise yourself that when circumstances allow, you’ll write a bigger check. Of course, if you’re independently wealthy, you can ask those who are planning to give you graduation gifts to make donations instead. 8. Plan a road trip that begins right after graduation and before you take a job. This might be the last chance you have for a very long time to be out there doing something for no other reason than your own enjoyment. Road trips with good friends can provide a lifetime of great memories, and it’s an exhilarating way to mark the end of your formal education. Take a zillion pictures.
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37 great commencement addresses Usually the speaker spends about ten or twelve hours (at least that’s what it seems like) relaying words of wisdom about your future in the “real world” and in, like, twenty minutes, you forget it all. Unless you have speakers like David Bowie, Oliver Stone, and Dr. Seuss. These speeches didn’t put anyone to sleep. 1. David Bowie. Berklee College of Music, Boston, Mass., May 1999. Bowie delivered a wild speech filled with rock-star memories such as peeing in a sink in “Tokyo-Spaceboy” attire and playing tricks on John Lennon. He invited anyone left at the end of the procession to join him and his wife at a local pizzeria. 2. Chris Hedges. Rockford College, Rockford, Ill., May 2003. This liberal reporter was booed off stage when he called the United States “pariahs, tyrants to others weaker than ourselves” for going to war with Iraq. He never finished his speech. 3. John F. Kennedy. American University, Washington, D.C., June 1963. The president spoke of what he was most famous for, his desire for world peace, by saying, “I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children — not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women — not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.” 4. Tenzin Gyatso (the fourteenth Dalai Lama). Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., May 1998. His Holiness delivered a soothing and inspiring speech about the important balance between knowledge and compassion for humanity. “If you have only education and knowledge and a lack of the other side,” he said, “then you may not be a happy person, but a person of mental unrest, of frustration.” 5. John Cougar Mellencamp. Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., May 2000. Mellencamp refused to wear a robe; instead, he spoke to the graduating class in a white t-shirt, saying, “Play it like you feel it, baby, and live it up. You’ll be all right.” 6. Dr. Seuss. Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Ill., June 1977. Seuss, unsurprisingly, read nothing but a fourteen-line
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poem called “My Uncle Terwilliger on the Art of Eating Popovers.” 7. Neil Simon. Williams College, Williamstown, Mass., June 1984. The playwright and screenwriter of the popular hits Lost in Yonkers and Brighton Beach Memoirs gave a hilarious speech filled with ridiculous advice, such as “Upon leaving this day, do not tell any faculty member you think he is a creep. Faculty members have relatives everywhere.” 8. Ray Bradbury. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., June 2000. This famous author told the graduating class to make a list of all the people who didn’t support them and then call them up and tell them to go to hell. 9. Sting. Berklee School of Music, Boston, Mass., May 1994. Sting spoke about following the wrong career path (he was a math teacher) while never wanting to be anything else but a musician. 10. Fred Rogers. Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., June 2002. Mr. Rogers gave a quietly cheerful speech in his usual good-neighborly manner about the significance of helping others. He asked his audience to set aside a silent moment for everyone to recall those who helped them in their lives. 11. Oprah Winfrey. Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., May 1997. Winfrey listed five lessons that have helped make her life better: “(1) Pursue the idea of being yourself, (2) When people show you who they are, believe them, the first time, (3) Turn your wounds into wisdom, (4) Be grateful, and (5) Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.” 12. Ben Cohen. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., May 1993. The cofounder of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Cohen spoke about his unusual holistic and spiritual business philosophy and working to amend social and environmental needs. 13. Oliver Stone. University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif., May 1994. The famous filmmaker recounted the shocking tragedies that he has encountered in life, such as Vietnam and JFK’s assassination and how they influenced him to write and produce such films as Platoon and JFK. 14. Carl Sagan. Wheaton College, Norton, Mass., May 1993. One of the world’s most famous scientists, Sagan spoke about a
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study in the Arnhem Zoo colony of chimps in the Netherlands. There, they concluded that female chimps, more than males, are mediators in times of trouble. Since we share 99.6 percent of genes with chimps, he said, the world would probably be a more peaceful place with more women in power. 15. Robert Fulghum. Smith College, Northampton, Mass., May 1991. This author of the famed book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten did what he does best: He inspired the graduating class with two poignant children’s stories. 16. Drew Carey. Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, May 2000. Actor and comedian Carey inspired grads with these profound words: “But look at me now, I’m a millionaire. And all of you now have degrees from Cleveland State, so maybe someday you’ll be millionaires, too.” 17. Billy Joel. Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn., May 1991. The singer, musician, and songwriter reminisced about his success even though he never graduated high school. 18. Madeleine Albright. Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., June 1997. Secretary of State Albright humorously attempted to solicit the help of the audience for the State Department budget, which was under $2 billion. 19. Bill Clinton. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., June 1998. At a time when the economy was booming and dot-coms were sailing on the waves of the rising stock market, President Clinton encouraged everyone to take advantage of the information age and the rise in technology. 20. Russell Baker. Connecticut College, New London, Conn., May 1995. Two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning political and social satirist Baker told the students that he didn’t want to bore them with pointless advice. So instead he listed “10 things to help you avoid making the world worse than it already is.” 21. Ralph Nader. Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., June 1981. Nader, a famous social critic, emphasized the importance of civic work, saying that it is accountable for the main developments in American justice. 22. Cathy Guisewite. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., April 1994. Guisewite, the creator of the comic strip Cathy simplified life by prescribing four goals: “(1) Give up the quest for perfection and shoot for five good minutes in a row, life after college
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(2) Remember what you love, (3) If you want something to change, do something different, and (4) Let yourself re-graduate every four years.” 23. General Colin Powell. United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., May 1990. The future Secretary of State recounted how things have changed since the Cold War and how much further we still have to go. 24. Steven Tyler. Berklee College of Music, Boston, Mass., May 2003. The lead singer of Aerosmith dazzled the crowd with his philosophy: “We’re all here ’cause we’re not all there. And that’s a really good thing.” 25. Michael J. Fox. School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Fla., May 2003. The TV and film star exhorted the graduates: “I urge you to be challenged and inspired by what you do not know.” 26. Yoko Ono. Maine College of Art, Portland, Maine, May 2003. According to the performance artist, “You can’t dance if you’ve got too much muck in your head.” 27. Tony Shalhoub. University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine, May 2003. This star of TV and film told the audience, “I am living proof that uncertainty is vastly underrated and oftentimes a blessing in disguise.” 28. Jessica Lange. Marlboro College, Marlboro, Vt., May 2003. According to the award-winning actress, “Everything is transient. Everything is constantly changing. The only thing we really have is now.” 29. Meryl Streep. University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H., May 2003. The Academy Award–winning actress confessed, “I have agonized over this speech, mostly because I don’t usually give speeches, or when I do, it’s at my house, and nobody listens.” 30. Sandra Day O’Connor. George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C., July 2003. The Supreme Court justice reminded the graduating class: “A great lawyer is always mindful of moral and social aspects of the lawyer’s power and position as an officer of the court.” 31. George W. Bush. U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., May 2003. President Bush spoke to the nation as well as to the class of ’03 when he said, “We will not permit ter-
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rorist organizations or states to blackmail the world with weapons of mass destruction, as we have shown in the battle of Iraq.” 32. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Pace University, Pleasantville, N.Y., May 2003. The senator from New York told the class: “It is what in large measure brings this class here today — families who sacrifice so that their children can have better opportunities, people who do a good day’s work in order to build something, to make their job mean something.” 33. Lady Margaret Thatcher. The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va., May 2003. According to the former British prime minister, “Great schools and great universities do not in themselves make great nations. It’s individuals who do that, as the founding fathers understood so well.” 34. Laura Bush. School of Nursing and Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., May 2003. The first lady told the students, “If I could give you any advice, it would be this — take time for yourself.” 35. Dick Cheney. College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., May 2003. The vice president offered these reassuring words: “I’ve met some very successful people in my day, men and women of talent and character who have risen to the top of their field, and it’s the rare one who hasn’t experienced a failure or a false start along the way.” 36. Pete Seeger. The College of St. Rose, Albany, N.Y., May 2003. Folksinger Seeger performed “When the Saints Go Marching In.” 37. Bill Murray. Columbia University, New York, N.Y., May 2000. The distinguished actor delivered his address wearing a grass skirt, a coconut bra, and a blonde wig, boasting: “I have a degree — from high school. But I am a fucking millionaire!”
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o those of you who received honors, awards, and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States. — George W. Bush
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cap and gown trivia The cap and gown first came into use during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, when diplomas really were made of sheepskin. Long gowns were necessary for warmth in the unheated halls of early medieval universities, and the cap did a good job of warding off the rain. Both students and teachers had to adopt this method of dress. Here are some interesting facts about the significance of your graduation attire. 1. In 1321, the University of Coimbra in Portugal mandated that all doctors, bachelors, and licentiates wear gowns. 2. By the time of England’s Henry VIII, Oxford and Cambridge began prescribing a standard form of academic dress, which was controlled to the tiniest detail by the university. 3. Not until the late 1800s were colors assigned to signify certain areas of study, but they were only standardized in the United States. 4. The shape and size of the hood and the sleeve design of the gown show the degree a student pursued. 5. A bachelor’s gown has pointed sleeves and no hood. 6. A master’s gown has long, closed sleeves with arm slits and a narrow hood. 7. A doctor’s has bell-shaped sleeves and a draped, wide hood. 8. The color of the hood’s lining tells which college or university conferred the degree. 9. The field of study is designated by the color of the hood’s facing. 10. Caps should only be made of black cotton poplin, broadcloth, rayon, or silk, matching the gown they are to be used with. 11. Velvet may only be used for a doctor’s robes. 12. The tassel should be fastened to the middle of the cap’s top and allowed to lie where it will. It should be black or the color of field of study, unless it is for a doctor’s degree, in which case it may be gold.
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arguments against grad school Grad school isn’t for everyone and certainly not for every type of career. Some graduates stay in school for that extra degree just because they can’t think of anything else to do. That’s a bad reason to go. Here are some others. 1. Grad school takes up at least one year of your life — most likely much longer. Doctoral candidates and studying physicians are sometimes in school and training for a decade or more. And don’t forget, these years of work are more demanding, stressful, and time-consuming than college. 2. Just because you have a master’s or Ph.D. doesn’t mean that you’re going to be fully employed and wealthy. You could spend four years in grad school and be working part-time at a university, scraping for money. Getting a job depends on many factors, including the state of the economy, demand for people in your field, and personal ambition. 3. Graduate school is not a place to “find yourself.” You go there when you have a good solid idea of what you want to do. If you’re not sure about your career goals, try out a career or two. Get some experience. Otherwise, grad school is an expensive and lengthy life quest. 4. Some careers don’t require that you have a graduate degree in order to get a job and be promoted. In fact, grad school may overqualify you in some fields, making it even harder to get a job. 5. Graduate school can get very expensive. If you don’t have funding, loans can drag you deep into debt. 6. It can be hard to make ends meet financially while you’re in school full time.
arguments for grad school Whether or not you should go to grad school can be a tough decision. It’s a huge investment, it’s hard work, and it takes up a lot of your time. But hey, it may be worth it. It may even be necessary for the career you wish to pursue. Here are the right reasons for choosing the grad school route. life after college
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1. A graduate degree will help you earn a higher salary. According to the Employment Policy Foundation in Washington, D.C., the lifetime income of people with master’s degrees is about $335,000 more than those who received only their bachelor’s. Professional and doctoral graduates earn $890,000 more than bachelor’s degree holders. 2. Certain jobs require advanced degrees; for instance, university professor, head of an industrial research division, or doctor. 3. In some fields, you can only move up with a graduate degree. Many graduate students report that they got that extra degree because, with only undergraduate degrees, they quickly reached a “glass ceiling” in their industry. 4. You get to explore, learn, and discover new ideas. 5. You’ll meet highly respected professionals in your industry. 6. If the economy is bad, grad school will keep you off the job market that much longer. 7. You can defer your loans.
10 tips for finding the best graduate schools Researching grad schools can be a bit different from investigating colleges, although it usually involves the same amount of stress. Be sure to organize all the information you obtain so that it’s usable. Keep names and contact information for everyone you talk to. 1. Read U.S. News & World Report’s grad school issue. Each year the magazine publishes an annual that lists information about grad schools. It provides rankings, helps you pick the ideal program in any discipline, and tells you how to finance your graduate education. It also includes information and statistics on each individual school, such as tuition and application deadlines. 2. Look on-line. Read articles, visit school Web sites, and research information. The Internet provides endless opportunities to explore the world of graduate schools.
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3. Talk to your college adviser. Your adviser is most likely involved in your field of study and will probably know a lot about the best grad schools so she, of all people, would know about the best grad schools in your area of study. 4. Talk to a career counselor. Make an appointment with your college career counselor to discuss your options. 5. Talk to your fellow students. If they’re in your field, they may have researched information you need. 6. Consider which professor you’d want to study with. If you’re considering a Ph.D., you’ll have to work under a professor. If you’re planning on pursuing your Ph.D. at the school where you earned your master’s, talk to the professors who interest you most. If you’re searching elsewhere to earn your Ph.D., look through catalogs or school Web sites and meet with your teachers to find the best professor for you. 7. Check out the library in your college career office. The career office should be filled with helpful books, magazines, pamphlets, and all sorts of resources regarding grad schools. 8. Visit campuses. Just as you did when you researched colleges, it is essential to check out the campuses that you’re interested in, speak to the faculty, and get a feel for the atmosphere, location, and kinds of students. 9. Talk to grad students. When you’re visiting the campus, don’t be shy. Ask people in the department of your interest whether they can set you up with a grad student to talk about the university. If you or someone you know has a friend or relative who attends the school that you’re interested in, meet with him or talk on the phone about the program. 10. Interview people in your chosen field. Don’t be shy about calling executives with whom you’re not familiar. Let them know you admire their success and want to follow in their footsteps. Most will probably be too busy to meet with you, but even so, they’ll be impressed by your resourcefulness. These could prove to be valuable connections for you down the road.
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he fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match, each one of you is a fuse. — Ed Koch
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6 reasons to join a professional association Joining a professional association is an excellent way to make connections. Almost every field has some kind of an association. Some have hundreds of them. Even if you’re a college student looking for a way to get your foot in the door but feel intimidated by the thought of mingling with older, experienced businesspeople, don’t worry. Some organizations have membership fees and classes for college students. If you want to learn about what professional associations might exist in your desired field, check out the Encyclopedia of Associations, by Kimberly Hunt (published by Gale Research) at the library. It lists pertinent information about 35,000 business, nonprofit, and trade organizations. 1. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet people and make new contacts in your field. When you join an organization, they give you a membership directory, which provides you with a direct networking resource. There are also regular meetings and events where you can mingle with professionals on an informal basis.
SO YOU WANT TO BE A PHILOSOPHER Here are some career choices. Check the want ads.
1. Business analyst 2. Copywriter 3. Director of corporate 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
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acquisitions Editor Fundraiser Grant writer Human resources specialist Lawyer
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
Mediator Museum curator Research assistant Personnel director Social worker Student services officer Teacher Technical writer Tour guide
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2. Some professions have multiple associations. Between the state and national associations, you may be able to find hundreds of businesses that could provide employment. 3. Professional associations have newsletters. You can use the help-wanted section or receive advice on issues such as which markets are thriving or what businesses are hiring. 4. You can volunteer to help out in the organization. For instance, you may want to assist at an event or write for their newsletter. This gives you even more of an opportunity to make yourself known. 5. If you’re employed, membership in professional associations often helps you maintain long-term stability in your career. You might get to know people in your company better or meet people in other companies in your field. That makes you less likely to get laid off or fired. Even if you are, you’ll have contacts to help you out. 6. Many organizations maintain short-term residences with meeting rooms, health clubs, and libraries, all of which you can make use of.
6 ways to get the alumni association to work for you The alumni association in your college is an excellent tool for job searching and networking. These people are there not only to beg for your money when you graduate, they also keep you in touch with alumni from your school. Not all alumni associations are the same, though, so check yours out to see what it has to offer. Here are some suggestions on how to take advantage of this useful tool. 1. You have access to a membership directory that usually lists alumni, where they presently work, and contact information. The people on this list can offer valuable networking and job shadowing opportunities. 2. If you’re an undergraduate, participate in discussions, lectures, and other alumni association events. Sometimes they have networking seminars where you can listen to alumni speak about their careers. life after college
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3. Some alumni association Web sites have job banks that you can search. 4. If you are a graduate, you can participate in alumni events in your area. Even if you live far from your alma mater, you can take advantage of sports events, shows, cruises, and even an evening at a local bar through the alumni association. Don’t forget to attend networking nights where you can bring your business card and schmooze. 5. Your dues are put to good use. Many alumni associations participate in service projects for the school, such as planting trees, sponsoring school events, and setting up daycare programs. 6. Joining an intercollegiate alumni association can connect you with an even larger network.
how to be a good alum 1. Join the alumni association. It’s a good way to stay in touch, and your dues are used for good purposes. Let the people who publish the alumni newsletter know what you’re up to. Your accomplishments can inspire others. 2. Contribute to the newsletter. Write articles about your field from which others with your major can benefit. 3. Send money. They need it for scholarship programs and educational events. 4. Teach at your alma mater. 5. When you are in a position to hire employees and award internships, consider applicants from your school first. 6. Talk about the school to others. 7. Go back and visit. Talk to your old professors and let them know what impressed you most about your classes. Offer to be a guest speaker at career-day events.
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think sleeping was my problem in school. If school had started at 4:00 in the afternoon, I’d be a college graduate today. — George Foreman
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7 ways to turn your favorite pastime into a career Is there something that you absolutely love doing? Is it hard to imagine yourself doing anything else? Consider doing it for a living. 1. Decide what pastime skills you enjoy most. Do you like painting? Do you enjoy adventure? Do you love sailing? Talk to people who do those things for a living and find out how they managed it. 2. Sell what you do or make. You can do this by working in an established business or starting your own. Look around you: Is there a way for you to reach potential customers? What’s the competition like? Can you improve on what’s already out there? 3. Teach your pastime. You might be able to create a course at an elementary school or a community college. Or you can just let people know, via local advertising, that you’re willing to teach math/saxophone/computer skills, or whatever your specialty is. Many art and hobby stores often pay experts to teach classes. 4. Learn to repair equipment. For instance, fixing computers, tuning pianos, or restoring art can give you the skills you need to work in the field. 5. Join clubs and organizations. You’ll learn more about the field, and you’ll make contacts who might show you new ways of exploring your area of interest. There are plenty of associations where people who do the same pastime meet to share ideas and make connections. You can bounce new ideas off the group and discover different ways to make a living doing your pastime. 6. Write about it. Look at periodicals that cover your area of interest. Are there magazines that might want you to write a piece about your summer in Spain, your success at dog-training, or a special craft? 7. Volunteer. If you’re headed for a medical profession, there’s no better start-up experience than working in a hospital. The local animal shelter, the university’s science lab, the library, and various child and senior neighborhood facilities can probably all use your help in return for a place for you to get your feet wet. life after college
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POSSIBLE CAREER CHOICES 26 CHOICES FOR ANTHROPOLOGY MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Archaeologist Archivist Art restorer Biographer Community recreation developer Cultural resource manager Curator Dentist Economist Editor Educator Genealogist Government
14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Health administrator Historian Journalist Lawyer Librarian Museum guide Paleontologist Peace Corps Physician Public advocate Social worker Technical writer Zoologist
22 CHOICES FOR ART HISTORY MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Advertising executive Antiques dealer Architect Archivist Art appraiser Art restorer Arts administrator Art therapist Cartographer Curator Editor
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Fundraiser Historian Industrial designer Interior designer Librarian Merchandise display specialist Museum guide Music publisher Photographer Retail buyer Teacher
29 CHOICES FOR BUSINESS MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
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Accountant Account executive Bank manager Benefits manager Bookkeeper Business writer /book reviewer Chief executive officer Computer operations manager Construction supervisor
10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
Credit analyst Employment counselor Entertainment agent Government services administrator Health services administrator Hotel manager Market researcher Media planner
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18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
Mortgage loan officer Payroll manager Personnel manager Promotions manager Purchasing agent Real estate agent
24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29.
Restaurateur Retail sales manager Securities trader Stockbroker Traffic manager Travel agent
31 CHOICES FOR COMMUNICATIONS MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Actor Advertising executive Campaign manager Communications attorney Copywriter Editor Film director Film producer Graphic artist Literary agent Managing editor Media buyer Media manager Museum guide Personnel interviewer Photographer
17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.
Photojournalist Radio DJ Reporter Sales representative Scriptwriter Speechwriter Sportscaster Teacher Technical writer Telemarketer Theater manager TV engineer TV news anchor Video programmer Vocational counselor
32 CHOICES FOR ENGLISH MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Advertising executive Archivist Bank teller Book /magazine editor Claims supervisor Copyeditor Copywriter Desktop publisher Editor Educational specialist Employment interviewer Film editor Foreign service officer Freelance writer Insurance agent Interpreter
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17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
Job analyst Journalist Lawyer Layout assistant Librarian Literary agent Marketing manager Media planner Medical writer Paralegal Personnel director Proofreader Public relations specialist Teacher Translator TV/film writer
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26 CHOICES FOR MARKETING MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Advertising executive Art director Bank officer Claims adjustor Commercial artist Comparison shopper Consumer affairs specialist Copywriter Credit /loan administrator Direct mail specialist Distribution manager Franchise manager Fundraiser
14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Government administrator Internet market analyst Lobbyist Market researcher Media buyer Merchandising Product manager Promotions director Property manager Public relations manager Sales manager Traffic coordinator Urban developer
25 CHOICES FOR MATH MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Actuary Appraiser Auditor Bank examiner Benefits administrator Budget analyst Commodities trader Computer programmer Contract administrator Controller Credit /loan officer Cryptologist Database manager
14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
Editor Engineering analyst Financial aid director Insurance agent Investment analyst IRS investigator Market research analyst Payroll manager Purchasing agent Quality control analyst Teacher Technical writer
20 CHOICES FOR MUSIC MAJORS 1. Artist and repertoire (A&R) 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
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person Bandleader Composer /arranger Copywriter Critic DJ Engineer /mixer Music teacher Music therapist Orchestra librarian
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Piano tuner Promoter Public relations specialist Rigger Rights clearance professional Soundtrack editor Studio musician Talent agent Teacher Tour manager
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33 CHOICES FOR PHYSICS MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Aerodynamist Airplane pilot /navigator Air traffic controller Biomedical engineer College teacher Computer-systems engineer Crime laboratory analyst Curator, natural history collections Editor Environmental scientist Geophysicist Industrial health engineer Industrial hygienist Laboratory tester Laser technician Librarian
17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.
Medical lab technician Medical physicist Metallurgist Meteorologist Microbiologist Nuclear engineer Optometrist Physician Radiologist Safety manager Salesperson, scientific apparatus Seismologist Stress analyst Teacher, science Technical secretary Technical writer Zoologist
24 CHOICES FOR THEATER MAJORS 1. Acting coach 2. Advertising or marketing 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
specialist Amusement park entertainer Art director Booking manager Casting director Costume designer Drama coach Lighting designer Lobbyist Makeup artist Media planner
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
Model Movie theater manager Narrator Paralegal Props manager Radio /TV announcer Sales representative Set designer Stuntperson or stunt coordinator 22. Talent manager 23. Theater critic 24. Tour guide
17 CHOICES FOR WOMEN’S STUDIES MAJORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Admissions counselor Bank manager Birth control counselor Business manager Career counselor Copywriter Editor Health policy planner Hospital administrator
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Human resources specialist Journalist Politician Psychologist Social worker Teacher Welfare worker Women’s rights advocate
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how to get a job as a teaching assistant Assistant teaching is one of the best ways to get to know a professor, make connections, and broaden your knowledge in a particular subject. Usually TA positions are filled by grad students but some schools accept undergrads, depending on the responsibilities. As a TA, you usually teach classes or study groups and help a professor with grading papers, tutoring students, filing, and anything else that he or she might need assistance with. It’s a great job to have while you’re a student, especially if you want to become a professor. Although every school is different, here are some suggestions on how to become a TA: 1. Join a graduate program. Some of them require you to be a TA in order to pursue your master’s or Ph.D. 2. Talk to your professors and find out who may be looking for a TA next year. 3. Find classes that interest you in the school catalogue and ask their respective professors if they need a TA. 4. Check the department bulletin for postings for TA openings. 5. Talk to your adviser about it. She may know a professor who needs a TA or have other suggestions. 6. Search your university’s Web site to see if there are listings for TA positions under college jobs or human resources. 7. Visit your college career center for postings of TA positions among the on-campus job listings. Post messages to let people know you’re looking. 8. Read the help-wanted section of your college newspaper.
how to use the internet to find a job Be patient as you hunt. There’s tons of information out there and you don’t want to get sidetracked. 1. Visit the large job databases first. About two days a week check out the virtual libraries and large recruiting sites. These include CareerCity, Monster, Hot Jobs, America’s Job Bank, and Career Builder.
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2. Then move on to the smaller, more exclusive resources. These consist of on-line resource guides and sites that focus on your field or industry. Sometimes job postings on these types of sites have networking contacts or links to employers. For instance, some jobs are posted by employment agencies that concentrate on your profession. Or the ads may list a contact name you can call and ask if there is anyone else in the company that can help you. Lastly, if a company is hiring in one department, that may be a sign that they’re expanding and perhaps hiring in another department. Check out its Web site for more information, give a call, or send a resume to human resources. 3. Visit local job banks. Your town, city, or county may have job banks with listings in your area. 4. Post your resume on career Web sites. Many of the large job search engines, such as Monster and Hot Jobs, allow you to post your resume on-line, so a potential employer can look among a pool of resumes and find yours. Just be careful. Some of these Web sites give your e-mail address to companies that will send you spam. To avoid this problem, create a new e-mail just to use on these sites. 5. Use search engines to look for specific companies or discover new ones. If you are interested in a certain company, search the company name. Also type in its products and any variations or nicknames that it is known by. Or type in your desired field and see what companies are listed. 6. Visit on-line journals that specialize in your field. Find out which magazines specialize in your line of work. Many published field journals have a Web site where you can read their articles on-line. Some Web journals even have their own pool of job listings. 7. Check out the Web sites for professional associations in your field. Almost every field has a professional association, but you don’t have to join it in order to search its Web site. These associations have on-line articles and news clips where you can learn information and news about your industry. They also provide a list of their members, and some even have links to their Web sites. Check them out for networking contacts. Better yet, such a site may also have a job search engine. life after college
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A
ll that stands between the graduate and the top of the ladder is the ladder. — Old saying
8. Read the on-line newspaper classifieds. Why pay for a newspaper if you can read it on-line? 9. Try typing your desired job and location into a search engine. See what comes up. Sometimes a random posting that you never would have found elsewhere pops up. 10. Use the Internet for networking. Join mailing lists, newsgroups, and chat forums regarding your field. 11. Research and contact employees on the Web. On-line telephone books, business directories, industry sites, and employer Web pages are all ways to find contacts and information about companies. 12. E-mail your resume. Instead of mailing your resume, you can also prepare a plain text version to be copied and sent on demand. 13. Create your own Web site. Have a lot of information you want your employer to know about? Create a Web site. You can post your resume, contact information, a link to your e-mail, and even a portfolio, if you have one, on your site. Your potential employers will be impressed.
the 10 fastest-growing occupations, 2000–2010 Wondering where the jobs are? According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are your best bets. 1. Computer engineers, applications 2. Computer support specialists 3. Computer engineers, systems software 4. Network and computer systems administrators 5. Network systems and data communications analysts 6. Desktop publishers 7. Database administrators 8. Personal care and home health aides 9. Computer systems analysts 10. Medical assistants
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17 tips for acing any job interview 1. Be sure you know where the interview is being held and show up there on time. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, you can go there the day before for a “practice run.” There’s no excuse for being late to a job interview, and it’s a guaranteed way to blow it before you even get out of the starting gate. 2. While you’re waiting in the reception area, be very friendly to the receptionist and spend the time reading whatever literature about the company might be lying around. (You should already have familiarized yourself with details about the company.) 3. Bring a few copies of your resume with you. They should be absolutely pristine and letter-perfect. (There are tons of books that tell you how to prepare a resume; get one, even if you think yours looks “okay.”) 4. Turn off your cell phone! 5. When you meet the person who will interview you, shake the person’s hand and thank him or her for agreeing to meet with you. Say, “It’s very good of you to see me.” 6. Don’t sit down until you are asked to do so. 7. If refreshments are offered, decline politely. 8. Treat everyone you meet with respect. If you’re introduced to other staff members and have time to chat, ask useful questions about their work. 9. Listen. Don’t interrupt, and don’t go on about yourself if you haven’t been asked to do so. Do not take notes. 10. Don’t ask questions that could have been answered with a little preparation on your part. 11. If you have no idea what you want to do with the rest of your life, don’t say so at the interview. You are there (let’s hope) to make a contribution, not the other way around. 12. Learn the difference between confidence and egotism. Talk about your accomplishments only as they apply to the work you might be doing. 13. Ask whether other people are being interviewed for the job. 14. If the interviewer tells you something about the job that disappoints you (you’ll need to work until nine on Wednesday life after college
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nights!), keep it to yourself for now. You want to leave the impression that you want this job no matter what. If you are offered the job, you can weigh your options then and use the late hours on Wednesday night to negotiate your salary or other possible perks. 15. If you’ve had negative experiences in past jobs, mention this only in passing. Don’t badmouth anyone, and don’t whine about the incident. Give the impression that you can handle anything. 16. When the interview is over, the interviewer will let you know. Rise, shake hands, thank him or her again. You can ask what the next step might be or when you can expect to hear back. Then leave. Don’t linger to use the rest room, the phone, or to chat with others there. 17. Always send a note thanking the interviewer, even if you have no intention of working there. Even if you don’t get the job, try to keep the door open. The right position may open up soon, or this interviewer could wind up being your supervisor at the job you eventually take.
how to dress like a college graduate In school you can get an A wearing pink fuzzy bunny slippers and a coonskin hat to class. Once the ink on your diploma dries, you’re going to need to fit into the business world. You don’t have to spend a fortune on your job-hunting wardrobe. 1. Purchase, say, one or two outfits and expand your wardrobe as you go along. If possible, invest in one “power suit” (a great graduation gift) that you’ll have for years to come; a conservative design will ensure its usefulness over the long term. You’re aiming for a simple overall look, which means tailored designs in basic colors. 2. If you’re interviewing with a nontraditional type of company and you’re really not sure what’s appropriate, call the department of human resources and ask them what type of dress is acceptable. Remember that, whatever your look, neatness counts — big time. Here are some other guidelines that will help.
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3. For both men and women, conservative dark-colored suits or blazers with skirts or pants, in blue or gray, are best. Don’t ever wear a suit jacket without the matching skirt or pants. Pants are okay for women who are interviewing in a creative business. 4. Your clothes should fit properly and appear to have just gotten back from the cleaners. 5. Don’t wear anything too tight or too baggy. No overly long sleeves, no oversized shirts and sweaters. Try on your outfit the night before to make sure it’s perfect. 6. Your clothing should be season-appropriate. Wool and gabardine are proper for fall and winter months, cotton and linen in the summer and spring. 7. Men should avoid flashy or “theme” ties. A conservative silk tie is best. 8. You’ll need clean, polished conservative shoes. Men should always wear dark socks, making sure they’re long enough so the tops don’t show when they sit down. Women should stick to skin-colored hose and flats or medium heels. 9. A well-groomed hairstyle is important. For men, short hair works best in interviews; women should avoid “big” hairdos. Where hair color is concerned, know that primary colors won’t impress. (Tip for men: interviewers generally have a negative reaction to beards. If you must wear a beard or mustache, keep it neatly trimmed.) 10. Pay attention to the details. Make sure your nails are neatly trimmed. Women should opt for clear nail polish or a simple French manicure. Keep your pockets empty to avoid bulges; leave candy, gum, and cigarettes at home. Use deodorant, but only a minimal amount of perfume or cologne. 11. Bring with you only materials you might need during the interview. Carry them in a simple leather briefcase or portfolio. Never bring a shopping bag to an interview. 12. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Women should wear no more than one pair of earrings and one ring on each hand. Never wear anything noisy, like a charm bracelet (even if it’s your lucky one!) to an interview. 13. Men should wear no earrings at all and no rings other than a college ring. life after college
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14. If you have any normally visible body piercings, studs, or tattoos, remove or hide them. 15. Women should keep makeup to a minimum; they’re looking for the real you.
WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR Michigan State’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute conducted a study among organizations to find out what they looked for in college graduates who were first interviewing for jobs. Here’s what makes them happy:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Career-related work experience Computer literacy Ability to solve problems (as opposed to memorizing solutions) Ability to work on teams Good communication skills Good logic and reasoning skills Leadership experience Coursework in character building, ethics, or protocol /etiquette
how to ask for — and get — great references References can be one of the most important influences on your chances of getting a job, so you need good ones. It’s essential to know who to contact, what to say, and what they’re saying about you. 1. Gather up a list of as many potential references as possible. The more you have, the better your chances of getting good references. If you are in or just out of college and don’t have any past managers or coworkers, use professors that know you well. Also ask people of authority who may have known you for most of your life. If you have issues about pride, we advise you to put them aside and feel free to call your parents’ friends and associates. These people might be able to open doors for you, but it will be up to you to keep it open. 2. Make sure that your list only includes people who will
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say good things about you. You don’t want your old manager telling your potential employer about the time that you used the company Xerox machine to photograph your butt. This is an especially good reason to . . . 3. Call all the people on your list and ask them if you can use them as references. While you’re at it, update them on what you’ve been doing recently and what type of opportunity you’re looking for. Politely remind them of your accomplishments (“You really helped me win that regional essay contest back in 2001, and that’s actually what’s put me on the road to my writing career”); tell them which of your skills you hope they’ll emphasize. 4. Don’t wait until the last minute to make contacts. You don’t want to have to ask people to drop what they’re doing to write you a recommendation. 5. Send all potential references your resume so they have all your information handy. 6. If you’re going to be asking someone for more than one letter of reference, let that person know so he or she can save the letter and reuse it. 7. If you are sending someone a reference form to be filled out and then mailed, be sure to include a pre-addressed stamped envelope so the person doesn’t have to hunt for mailing information. 8. If you have any extra time, you can tell the reference some of the questions that he or she might be asked, such as how you became interested in archaeology in the first place, or which role models have influenced you in your decision to become a botanist. 9. Let your references know when a potential employer is going to call them. 10. Be sneaky. Have a friend call your reference and pretend to be a prospective employer. Find out what they’re saying about you. You can also visit www.myreferences.com or call them at 248-651-9299 and they will confidentially check your references for you. 11. Thank people for good references and let them know when you get the job. These people are now full-fledged members of your lifetime support team! life after college
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12 questions to ask a potential employer Intelligent questions can impress, but your interviewer doesn’t have all day, so pick a few from the list that are the most important to you. Don’t ask questions that are common knowledge or that were probably answered in any literature you were given. 1. How long has the job been open? 2. Why is it open? 3. Who had this job last? What are they doing now? (Have they been fired/promoted/moved to another department?) 4. How long have you worked at the company? 5. When would you need me to start? 6. What are the first projects that I will work on? 7. What will be my most important day-to day responsibilities? 8. What would you expect in order for me to be a success in this job? 9. Will I be working with a team or solo? (If there’s a team, ask about the other members.) 10. What would my salary be? Will I be paid for weekends or compensatory time (paid time away from the job)? 11. Do I get a benefits package (insurance, stock options, employment contract, 401(k) plan, retirement plan, personal days off, vacation, short- or long-term disability)? 12. When will you get back to me about your decision on filling this position?
the 5 biggest mistakes job interviewees make 1. They’re not prepared for the interview. Read up on the company and be aware of any recent news stories about the company. If they’ve enjoyed a recent success, bring it up at the interview. If they just announced four thousand layoffs, you might want to address that, too. Don’t take up the interviewer’s time asking questions that you could have answered elsewhere. 2. They’re not qualified for the job. It’s important for you to get all the interview experience you can. And hopefully, you’ll
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learn from the ones you do go to and gain enough experience to become really comfortable with the process. But if the job description clearly requires fluency in languages and you had to take French 101 twice, after which you majored in accounting, don’t waste an interviewer’s time. Don’t lie on your application. 3. They dress inappropriately. Find out as much as you can about the office culture before you go. If you don’t have the appropriate attire, borrow it. If others in the office dress in jeans and sneakers, count on dressing that way as well — but not on your first interview. If you have to choose between too formal and too casual, choose the former. 4. They talk about their private lives. Stick to the subjects that the interviewer raises. This is not the time to get personal on any level. 5. They don’t follow up. You may be one of hundreds of candidates for the job; your interviewer will need all the memory-boosters he or she can get. Send a thank-you note after the interview, even if you found out right away that you weren’t right for the job. If you can, call or e-mail the interviewer and ask what qualifications would have made you a stronger candidate. Keep the conversation brief.
the 6 biggest mistakes people make on their resumes 1. They’re unprofessionally prepared. There are set, accepted forms for resumes, and these don’t include pink paper, illustrations, or long introductory paragraphs about band camp. Find a resource that guides you and follow it. 2. They give too much info. This is a list of your background details and accomplishments. Ideally, it should all fit on one page. 3. They don’t provide enough information. It’s not enough to say that you interned at IBM. Explain what your responsibilities were. See “102 Words That Will Look Good on Your Resume” later in this chapter. 4. They don’t explain their goals. If your goal is to just get a job — any job, just as long as you can afford cable — don’t say life after college
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that. They want to know where you see yourself in, say, five or ten years. Also, be sure to explicitly state the position you are applying for. 5. They’re not qualified for the job. We know — all you need is a chance. But if the position clearly calls for three years of experience and you’re still wearing your cap and gown, don’t waste an interviewer’s time. 6. They send the resume to the wrong person. In an ideal world, this wrong person would then forward your resume to the right person. But the world is far from perfect. Call beforehand to find out whether your resume should be sent to a particular individual or to the department of human resources. Get a name and make sure you spell it right.
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he whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards. — Anatole France
7 things to ask for if they won’t meet your salary requirements In this tight economy, you may have problems getting the starting salary you’ve been counting on. Here are some arrangements you might be able to negotiate to make the job acceptable after all. 1. Suggest that you start at the salary they’re offering but that it be reviewed after three or six months. 2. Ask for more time in paid vacation. 3. Can you work at home one day a week? 4. Can you shorten the work week to four days? 5. If you’ll need to relocate to take the job, will the company agree to offset some of the expenses? 6. Can they offer you a better title? 7. Ask for a sign-on bonus to be paid in cash the day you begin work or a performance bonus to be paid after certain goals are met.
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102 WORDS THAT WILL LOOK GOOD ON YOUR RESUME We won’t take time here to give you detailed instructions on how to write a resume. There are tons of books that do that, or you can visit www.jobweb.com for instructions and more on finding a job. The following words all imply energy, ambition, and sophistication. For instance, instead of saying that it was your job to make sure the coffee maker was always working, you can say you oversaw diagnostic issues regarding service failures. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34.
accomplished administered advanced amortized analyzed appraised assigned attained audited automated balanced budgeted built calculated catalogued chaired classified communicated computed conducted consolidated contained contracted contributed coordinated counseled crafted decreased delegated demonstrated designed developed devised diagnosed
35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68.
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directed diversified earned educated energetic engineered enlisted ensured evaluated executed expanded expedited extracted fabricated facilitated familiarized focused forecasted formulated guided honed influenced insightful installed interpreted joined launched lectured led maintained managed marketed maximized mediated
69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102.
moderated motivated negotiated operated overhauled participated persuaded pioneered planned programmed projected promoted provided publicized reconciled recruited referred rehabilitated remodeled repaired represented researched reversed schooled solidified solved spearheaded streamlined suggested tracked trained upgraded unified witnessed
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12 advantages of moving back home After college or during other life changes, many people choose to temporarily move back home. Sometimes it can be tough. You’re more grown-up, you’ve been living away from them all this time, and all of a sudden they’re throwing a curfew at you. Although there’s a stereotypical stigma attached to it, there are positive aspects to moving in with your folks. For instance: 1. You don’t have to pay for rent or worry about others paying it. 2. Free laundry. 3. You can build a closer relationship with your parents. 4. You come home every day to people that love you and care about you unconditionally. 5. You don’t have to deal with annoying roommates you don’t know. 6. You don’t have to deal with your roommates’ annoying friends you don’t know. 7. You get your own room. 8. The food’s a lot better. 9. They may hand you extra cash now and then. 10. You have fewer annoying responsibilities. You may not have to cook, clean, or shop for groceries. 11. You’re able to save up more money. 12. Usually, home offers more space than a crowded dorm room.
what to do if you can’t pay back your student loan Paying back college loans can be a long and agonizing process, but if you know what repayment plan is right for you, you’ll be in much better shape. Before you talk to your lender, consider these options for paying off your educational expenses: 1. Form a consolidation loan, or a way of combining all of your federal student loans under a single repayment schedule. Depending on how much you owe, your repayment can range
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from ten to thirty years. Once you are out of school, you must first discuss it with a holder of at least one of the loans that you wish to combine. If none of your holders agrees to consolidate, consult another lender. If you need a referral for a lender, call the Student Loan Counseling Service at 800-633-4850. 2. Apply for a deferment, which postpones payments on your account if you meet certain requirements. Usually deferments are given to people who have returned to school, are unemployed, or are experiencing economic difficulties. 3. If you do not qualify for a deferment and are temporarily unable to pay back your loans, ask your lender about a Mandatory Forbearance for High Title IV Debt, or a hold on your student loan payments for up to three years. You can qualify for this if the combined amount that you pay on your educational debt is greater than 20 percent of your gross monthly income. 4. Talk to your lender about alternative payment plans. The most common type is one where the fee remains the same until the loan is finally paid in full. You can also have a graduated repayment plan, where your bill is lower at the beginning of your repayment schedule and then it gradually increases. This plan is based on the assumption that your salary will increase in time. You may also have an income-sensitive repayment plan, where your lender adjusts your bill once a year to reflect your earnings. 5. If you can pay off one loan and not another, pay off the loan with the highest interest rate first. 6. If you receive a substantial job offer, ask your new employer if the company will help pay your loan. If multiple employers are fighting over you, suggest that you’d take the offer that also included loan repayment. 7. Stay in school. Most loans aren’t repayable until you’ve been out of school for six months.
I
will try to follow the advice that a university president once gave a prospective commencement speaker. ‘Think of yourself as the body at an Irish wake,’ he said. ‘They need you in order to have the party, but no one expects you to say very much.’ — Anthony Lake
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9 ways to get out of repaying your college loan Rules change from time to time, but these strategies generally work. 1. Join VISTA or the Peace Corps. 2. Become a community service worker in an area such as law enforcement, corrections, or teaching in a lowincome neighborhood. 3. Go to graduate school. Most times they can’t touch you if you’re still a student. 4. Prove that you’re unemployable. 5. Enlist in the armed forces. 6. Work with the elderly on a full-time professional basis. 7. Become a full-time nurse or medical technician. 8. Join the Head Start program. 9. If you die, your loan is automatically forgiven.
4 reasons that stafford loans are forgiven 1. If you’ve become a community service worker in an area such as law enforcement, corrections, or teaching in a low-income neighborhood. 2. The school shuts down before you’ve been able to graduate. 3. You become personally bankrupt. 4. You become disabled.
you and the irs It’s time for you to file your own tax return once your parents no longer claim you as a dependent. So before reading any further, check to see how your parents plan on filing their yearly tax return. 1. When to file: A student whose unearned income (in the form of scholarships and/or fellowships) equals more than $750 must file an individual tax return. If a student is an unmarried
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dependent (and is still reported on his parents’ income tax return), he needs to file a tax return if he made more than $4,700 (in 2002) in earned income (wages, salary, and tips). He also needs to file a tax return if his gross income is more than $750 and exceeds his earned income by more than $250. 2. Taxes and your parents: Your parents will probably continue to claim you as a dependent on their own tax returns if you are under nineteen at the end of the year, or if you are under twenty-four at the end of the year but are a full-time student. You will want to check with your parents to make sure. 3. The standard deduction and you: Standard deductions reduce the amount of income that will be taxed. The amount of the standard deduction depends on your filing status, your age, and whether you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. Your total income can also be reduced by certain amounts, such as for interest on a student loan. 4. Student loans: School loans are not taxable when you receive the money. Therefore, they should not be included as income on your tax return. A loan is not considered income because you are expected to repay the amount you borrowed (plus interest). If, at a later date, any part of your loan is forgiven, the amount forgiven would be considered income in that year. Under some circumstances, student loans that have been forgiven are not income. 5. Academic scholarships: Certain scholarships and fellowships are tax-free if the following conditions are met: • You are a degree candidate at an educational institution. • The money you received in the form of a scholarship or fellowship is used for the tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at your college, or for the books, supplies, and equipment required for your courses. • The money you received is not payment for services of any kind. 6. If you aren’t a degree candidate: All — or part — of a scholarship or fellowship can be taxed if you are not a degree candidate at your college or university. If you are a degree candidate, you can generally omit from income the part of your grant life after college
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that is used for tuition and other fees required for enrollment. Neither do you have to declare the part of your grant that you use for books, supplies, and equipment that are required for your courses. 7. Room and board: You must list as income any part of your grant that’s used for room and board. 8. Work-Study: You need to report as income any earnings made as a work-study student. If you are enrolled in a state or local work-training program under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, payments you receive as compensation for services are wages and includable in gross income. 9. If you have a real job: Unless specifically excluded, all wages, salaries, commissions, and bonuses are taxable. You should use the W-2 Form to complete your individual income tax return. 10. But I’m just a waiter! Sorry! Waiters have to report their wages and their tips. 11. But it’s a gift! Sorry again. If your employer compensates you by providing gifts, awards, or services (say she teaches yoga and gives you a private lesson in exchange for your working the telephones at her spa), that’s still considered taxable income and it must be reported. 12. But I’m an entrepreneur: Even if you started a tiny business from the discomfort of your tiny dorm room, your earnings are still taxable and still must be reported.
7 steps to establishing credit You won’t be able to lease a car, rent an apartment, or obtain a credit card without a good credit rating. Here’s a brief roadmap. 1. Open a bank account. 2. Apply for some credit cards. If you don’t qualify for the biggies — unimaginable in a world where MasterCard and Visa all but shove credit cards down the throats of college students — open a few gas company and department store accounts. When you do this, ask if they report credit status to the credit bureaus. Your goal, after all, is to make sure the credit companies hear about what a good customer you are.
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3. Use these credit cards. Don’t go into hock, and don’t spend more than you can afford to pay when the statement arrives. 4. If you don’t qualify for any cards, get a secured card, which gives you a credit limit based on a required deposit that you make into a savings account. 5. If you are denied a card, find out why by requesting a copy of the credit report. If you haven’t any credit at all (and therefore can’t possibly have bad credit), perhaps there was a mistake. 6. Pay your bill in full, on time, always. You’ll establish the best credit and you’ll avoid expensive interest and late charges. 7. Don’t let other people use your credit cards or give anyone access to their numbers. If a card is lost or stolen, report it immediately.
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ive me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime. — Chinese proverb
how to scratch your entrepreneurial itch Maybe those t-shirts you’ve been printing for your friends can become the basis for a new business. Or maybe you and a group of friends want to get together and start a Web design business. The risks of self-employment are great. The possible rewards are even greater. If you’re thinking of taking this route, you’ll need to take these steps first. 1. Learn all you can about the business you’re thinking about. Network, observe, research. 2. Make lists of your strength and weaknesses; be honest about your chances of succeeding. How strong is the competition? 3. Figure out who your customers will be and whether they can afford your product or service. Are these people easily reachable? 4. Decide on a physical location for the business. Does it provide ample work space, facilities, and parking? 5. Prepare a business plan and include all the details of how life after college
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the business will be run. How much will everything cost? What happens to the profits? What will be the hours of operation? 6. Secure the capital you’ll need to get started. 7. Purchase or lease the equipment, supplies, and furnishings you’ll need. Print business cards, stationery, and invoice forms. 8. Hire the people who will work for you. Call your local department of economic security or workforce commission to find out what forms need to be filed for your employees. 9. Register the name of your business with the Secretary of State. Find out what other forms might be necessary. 10. Obtain any permits, licenses, or zoning variations that are required for your type of business. 11. Open a bank account for your business that is separate from your personal account. 12. Register for a Federal tax ID number (Form SS-4) and request employee tax and withholding information from the IRS. Ask for their free “Small Business Tax Kit.” 13. Publicize and advertise your business. 14. Have a Plan B.
the 8 most unpredicted living costs These are things you probably never had to worry about before. Now you do. Welcome to the real world. 1. Auto repair 2. Auto insurance 3. Food bills 4. Transportation
5. Entertainment 6. Taxes 7. Health insurance 8. Lodging
the 5 biggest surprises for those who have never rented an apartment before If you grew up in a private home and then spent four years in a dorm, you’ll be surprised to know that: 1. They don’t send you a bill each month. You’re responsible for sending in your rent check each time it’s due.
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2. There’s not a whole lot you can do about noise. Walls are thin and voices carry. Get a pair of earplugs. 3. When something goes wrong, you’re not necessarily responsible. The super has to deal with repairs. 4. You usually have to fork over one or two months’ rent as a deposit, so if, when you move out, there’s been damage to the place, it’s paid for out of your deposit. If the apartment is in good condition when you leave, your deposit will be returned. 5. You have to sign a lease guaranteeing that you will rent the place for a certain period of time. You must read the lease carefully; it contains all the terms of the rental.
10 clauses to avoid when signing a lease A lease is a legal document. If you don’t live up to your end of it, you can be taken to court. If the landlord doesn’t live up to his part of the agreement, you have the same recourse. Here are some common “small-print” issues that renters often overlook. 1. The premises are being rented “as is.” That means that if the toilet doesn’t work, you’ll have to fix it at your own expense. 2. The landlord won’t be responsible for future repairs. You should make sure that you won’t have to pay for electrical, plumbing, or security problems, all of which can get very expensive. 3. The improvements you make to the property become the property of the landlord. That means that those built-in bookcases you’ve worked so hard on will have to be left behind when you move. 4. The tenant will occupy the unit alone. That means the landlord can charge you if you have overnight or long-term guests. 5. The tenant agrees to pay higher rent at the request of the landlord. Meaning the landlord can double your rent any time for whatever reason. 6. The landlord can enter your home at any time to show the premises to prospective renters. Try to change the lease to indicate that you need to be given at least a couple hours’ notice. life after college
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7. The tenant waives the right to sue for any reason. 8. No subletting is permitted. 9. You lose tenancy if you’re absent from the apartment for an extended period. 10. The landlord has the right to repossess the premises at any time.
17 questions to ask when renting an apartment 1. What is the length of the lease and what is the penalty for breaking it? 2. Are utilities included? 3. Is the apartment air-conditioned? 4. Are there blinds on the windows or at least privacy in the bedroom? 5. Is there a cable TV connection? 6. Is there a phone jack in every room? 7. Does it have ample closet space? 8. How’s the water pressure? Is the hot water really hot? 9. Are the kitchen appliances in good condition? 10. Are there any signs of bugs or other pests under the sink? 11. What laundry facilities exist? 12. Is there ample security, including locks on the doors, outside lighting, and an intercom system for admitting guests? 13. Are there clearly marked emergency exits and smoke detectors throughout? 14. Are you close to public transportation — or is there space to park your car? How will you get to work? 15. How close are you to a grocery, a bank, etc.? 16. Who else lives here? Are you likely to fit in? 17. Is the neighborhood very noisy? Are you liable to be kept awake by traffic or trains?
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t is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. — Albert Einstein
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3 things to do if you experience housing discrimination 1. Notify the city’s department of housing. 2. Notify the state’s department of human rights. 3. Notify the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 800-669-9777.
how to keep learning forever Four years are actually just the beginning. In a society that seems to change overnight, staying competitive means being on top of new developments, future trends, and the world at large. Here’s your homework for the rest of your life. 1. Read books. Read about subjects you never knew about or you want to learn more about. 2. Attend lectures. If there is a university in your area, it probably presents lectures by authors, political figures, and prominent individuals in all types of fields. 3. Listen to talk radio. Yes, talk radio has its share of trashy talk shows but there are some interesting programs such as NPR and the BBC that discuss and inform you about issues in the world. 4. Visit museums. They always have new (and old) exhibits where you can learn about tons of different subjects. 5. Try a new hobby. Ever try painting? Woodcarving? Mountain biking? Decorating your house? Try it. You’ll learn a lot by doing something totally new. 6. Read the newspaper. You’ll be in the know about what’s going on in your community, your country, and abroad. 7. Travel. Visit countries, cities, towns, and even areas around your town that you’ve never been to before. You’ll learn about history, culture, and maybe even about yourself when you see new places. 8. Watch educational TV programs and channels. Turn on the Learning Channel, National Geographic, even a cooking
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show on the Food Network. You’ll learn everything from the life cycle of an albatross to how long you need to broil salmon. 9. Read enriching magazines. In Time, you’ll learn about political viewpoints and encounter detailed articles about world issues. In Consumer Reports you’ll learn about what and what not to buy. There are so many interesting magazines out there, you can expand your knowledge about almost anything. 10. Take a class. As long as you’re not living in the remotest of the remote boondocks, your neighborhood should have courses. Look in the newspaper, check on-line, look at the community bulletin boards in your local coffee shop or grocery store or call your city office to find out what classes are offered. Better yet, if there is a nearby university, audit a course or two. 11. Hang out with smart people. If you get lucky enough to wind up in the presence of the truly great, keep your mouth shut and listen carefully to what they have to say. Don’t waste your three minutes with Robert De Niro telling him how much you enjoyed the lie detector scene in Meet the Parents. 12. Share what you know with others. Join or create groups of people who share your interests. Remember that the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. 13. Reach out. Write to your favorite authors; complain to authorities when something doesn’t seem right; be especially open to those who might want to learn from you. If you found errors in this book or have ideas you want to share in a future edition, let us know: College in a Can P.O. Box 74 Haworth, NJ 07641
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o matter how good teaching may be, each student must take the responsibility for his own education. — John Carolus S. J.
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INDEX
A+ Homework Web site, 151 abbreviations for customizing textbooks, 152 for instant messaging, 66 for note-taking, 143 abortion, 216 acceptance rates, 2–3, 26–28 accessibility requirements, 48 activism. See political activism ADD (attention deficit disorder), 131, 262 Adderall, as “study” drug, 203 AIDS, 204, 262 Alabama versus Auburn football rivalry, 28 Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, 260 Al-Azhar University (Cairo, Egypt), 22–23 Albright, Madeleine, commencement address, 281 alcohol consumption, 193–96 binge drinking, 186 during Spring Break, 188 treatment referral hotlines, 260–61 alcohol poisoning, 195 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 261 alertness, aromas that enhance, 159 Alice McArver Ratchford Scholarship (Univ. of North Carolina), 236
index
Alpha Lambda Tau International Social Fraternity, 25 alumni associations, 289–90 famous, 3–4 amenities, basic, 47–50 American Graffiti (movie), 38 American Pie II (movie), 37 American Society of Travel Agents scholarships, 233 America’s Pregnancy Helpline, 261 AmeriCorps scholarships, 233 Amigos de las Americas, 99 Andreano, Joe, 41 anger, 63, 84. See also political activism Animal House (movie), 37, 38 announcements, about graduation, 274 anorexia nervosa support services, 262 anthropology majors, 292 anxiety after graduation, 269 about math, 156–59 about public speaking, 148–49 about tests, 171–74 social, 162 apartment rentals, 314–16 applications for jobs, 271 arguing with roommates, 63 Army-Navy football rivalry, 29
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aromas energizing, 159 relaxing, 172 arrest, handling, 265 art history majors, 292 Ask Dr. Math Web site, 151–52 Ask Our Tutor Web site, 151 associations, alumni and professional, 288–90 astrological signs, roommate matches, 60–63 ATMs, 248, 255–56 attending classes, 120, 132, 138 attention deficit disorder (ADD), 131, 262 Attention Deficit Disorder Association, 262 Auburn versus Alabama football rivalry, 28 Auden, W. H., 32 audiovisual materials, as research tool, 147 Back to School (movie), 35 Baker, Russell, commencement address, 281 Baking School scholarships, 233–34 banking choosing and using a bank, 248–49 direct deposits, 241 financial terms, 249–51 student loans, 233 Barnum Festival Jenny Lind Contest, 234 Barry, Dave, 104–6 Bellarmine University (Louisville, Ky.), 8 Beta Phi Omega Sorority, 25 Bias Incident, 86 bibliography of books to read, 110–18 Big Chill, The (movie), 38
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bill of rights for college students, 47–50 for roommates, 61 binge drinking, 186 biology majors, 127 birth control, 214–16. See also sex birth control pills, 215 Black American Cinema Society Filmmakers Grants Program, 234 bloopers, in movies about college, 38–39 body piercing, 77–78 book reviews, as research tool, 146 books, commonly cited, 110–18 Boston Market healthy meal choices, 72 boundaries, personal, establishing, 192–93 Bowdoin College (Brunswick, Me.), 6 Bowie, David, commencement address, 279 Bradbury, Ray, commencement address, 280 Bradford College (Bradford, Mass.), 20 Breaking Away (movie), 34 Brown University (Providence, R.I.), 6 Bucknell University (Lewisburg, Pa.), 237 Burger King healthy meal choices, 72 Bush, George W., commencement address, 282–83 Bush, Laura, commencement address, 283 business dress, 300–301 business majors, 124–25, 292–93 Business and Professional Women’s Foundation scholarships, 234
index
cafeterias, 71 calendars, for time management, 129 California community colleges, 80 Camden County College (Camden, N.J.), 20 campus crimes, 255–56 candles, using safely, 253 candy snacks, 75 Cap & Compass starter kit, 277 caps and gowns, trivia about, 284 careers. See also jobs and employment determining preferences, 127 and interests, 291 and majors, 292–94 preparing for during college, 220–24 Carey, Drew, commencement address, 281 Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, Pa.), 6 cars, 263–64 Cash for College (McKee and McKee), 233 CBI (Collegiate Broadcasters Inc.) radio, TV awards, 15, 17 CDC (Centers for Disease Control) National AIDS Hotline, 262 Centenary Collegiate Institute (Hackettstown, N.J.), 20 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) scholarships, 234 Centre College (Danville, Ky.), 21 chancroid, 205 Chariots of Fire (movie), 37 cheap dates, 209 cheating, 174–76 checking accounts, 248–49 Cheney, Dick, commencement address, 283 Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest, 237
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child abuse hotline, 261 childish behaviors, 4 chlamydia, 204 chocolate snacks, 75 choosing a college, bad reasons, 2–4 classes access to, as basic student right, 48–49 grading policies, 137–38 interesting, choosing, 107 lectures, 140–41 note-taking, 141–42 sleeping through, 4, 126, 140 speaking in, 137–38 Clinton, Bill, commencement address, 281 Clinton, Hillary Rodham, commencement address, 283 clubs, 187–88 cocaine, 200–201 cocktails, nonalcoholic, 196–97 Cohen, Ben, commencement address, 280 college dropouts, successful, 31 college food chain, 135 college life amenities, basic, 47 packing for, 50–51 right to personal safety, 47–48 taking advantage of, 44–47, 220–24 college loans. See financial aid College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, Va.), 23 CollegeBound Network Web site, 2 Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. (CBI) awards, 15, 17 colors of computers, 52 Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) awards, 11–13 Columbia University (New York, N.Y.), 24, 27
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Columbus State (Cleveland, Ohio), 21 communications majors, possible career choices, 293 computer centers, 49 computers choosing, 52 used, 241 condoms, 215 confusion, as freshman characteristic, 55 congenital warts, 205 Conover, Ted, 97 consolidation loans, 308 cooking safety, 253–54 Cooper, Kathleen Cross, 41 Cooper Union (New York, N.Y.), 28 copying information, and plagiarism, 147–48 Cornell University (Ithaca, N.Y.), 8 costs of cars, 263–65 of fraternities and sororities, 187 of living, 314 money-saving tips, 209, 228–29, 238–39 Council on International Educational Exchange, 99 courses, 6–8, 120–22 Coverdell Education Savings Account, 235 crack cocaine, 201 Craig’s List Web site, 240 cramming, 165 credit, establishing, 312–13 credit cards, 251–52 crime, campus, 254–56 Crisis Pregnancy Hotline, 261 crystal meth, 202 CSPA (Columbia Scholastic Press Association), 12
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Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, Pa.), 26 date rape, 210–14 dating and dates, 206–10 Dead Man on Campus (movie), 35 deadlines, 120, 121, 138 debates, winning strategies, 150 decorating dorm rooms, 65–66 deferments, for loan repayment, 309 degrees, on-line, 101–2 Delta Lambda Phi fraternity, 25 Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Inc., 25 demographics and statistics, 7 DePauw University (Greencastle, Ind.), 236 depression, 191–92, 257–58, 262 Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 262 Descendents of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence scholarships, 234 describing yourself, tips for, 273–74 diaphragms, 215 Diet Center National Scholarship, 234 dining. See meals and dining diplomas, 276 direct deposits, 21 disabled students, resources for, 131 disasters, coping with, 258–60 discounts for students, 228–29 discrimination, housing, 317 domestic violence hotline, 261 dorm rooms decorating tips, 64–66 safety tips, 253–55 douching, 216 Dow Jones Newspaper Fund scholarships, 234
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Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), commencement address, 279–80 dress after graduation, 300–301 for graduation, 274–75 Drew University (Madison, N.J.), 21 drinking. See alcohol consumption dropouts, successful, 31 drug use decisions about, 200–203 treatment referral hotlines, 261 Drumline (movie), 37 dyslexia, supports for, 131 eating disorder support services, 262 economics majors, 125 ecstasy/X, 202 editing essays, 144–45 electrical safety, 253–54 embarrassing situations, 192–93 Emerson College (Boston, Mass.), 14 employment. See jobs and employment English majors, 105, 124, 293 enrollments at Ivy League colleges, 5 entertainment, availability of, 49 Erickson, Kristin, 94–95 essays plagiarism, 147–48 on tests, 170 writing and editing, 142–45 ethical dilemmas, 55–56 etiquette, sex, 216–17 exercise facilities, 48 exercises mental, 168 for study breaks, 161
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eyewitness accounts, as research tool, 147 failure or failing grades, 176–77 Fantozzi, Joseph A., Sr., 2 fast food, healthy meal choices, 72–73 Federal Perkins loans, 232 Federal Stafford loans, 232, 310 Federal Work-Study Program, 230 feelings, negative, and depression, 191–92, 257–58, 262 financial aid, 229–31 federal tax credits, 235 as student right, 49 financial terms, glossary of, 249–51 fires, dorm, preventing, 254 Florida State University (Tallahassee, Fla.), 16 font choices, 52–53 food chain, college, 135 football rivalries, 28–29 footnotes, personalizing textbooks using, 152 Fordham University (Bronx, N.Y.), 13 Fox, Michael J., commencement address, 282 fraternities for gay students, 24–26 hazing, 89–92 pros and cons, 184–87 trivia about, 88–89 Frederick and Mark F. Beckley Scholarship, 236–37 freebies, 228–29 freedom, 4 Freshman, The (movie), 35, 39 freshmen, 54, 220–21 friendships diversity of, 5 establishing boundaries, 192–93
323
friendships (cont.) long-distance, 54 making, 67 Frontier Nursing Service (FNS), 94–95 fruit, dried, for snacks, 75 FTC scholarship fraud prevention Web site, 229 Fulghum, Robert, commencement address, 281 Future Farmers of America (FFA) scholarships, 236 games, party, 197–99 Gamma Lambda Mu fraternity, 25 gay and lesbian students fraternities and sororities for, 24–26 and gay-friendly colleges, 30 Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.), 6–7 Georgia State University (Atlanta, Ga.), 14 Gertrude J. Deppen Scholarship (Bucknell), 237 ghost sightings, 20–22 Global Volunteers, 40–42, 99 goals of college students, 11 gonorrhea, 204 Good Will Hunting (movie), 34, 39 Gorog, Toni, 95 government documents, as research tool, 146 grades failing, 176–77 getting changed, 138–39 GPAs (grade point averages), 109 inflation of, 5 registering of, 139 staying on top of the system, 137–38 grading policies, 164
324
Graduate, The (movie), 38 graduate school and choice of major, 122 pros and cons of, 284–85 researching, 286–87 and student loan repayment, 310 graduates life changes, 268–69 what to do next, 272–73 graduation cap and gown trivia, 284 commencement addresses, 279–83 etiquette surrounding, 274 in four years, 47–50 gifts, 276–77 making memorable, 277–78 “Grandma Scholarship” (Hood College), 236 Green, Russell, 55 Greenman, Lithia, 41 Grief Recovery Institute, 262 Gross Anatomy (movie), 37–38 Guisewite, Cathy, commencement address, 281–82 Gyatso, Tenzin (Dalai Lama), commencement address, 279 gyms, 48 Habitat for Humanity International, 100 habits, from college, 102 handicapped access, 48 hangover cures, 196 harassment, sexual, 212 Hardee’s healthy meal choices, 73 Harvard University (Cambridge, Mass.), 23, 26–27 hate crimes, 86–88 haunted colleges, 20–22 hazing, 89–92 health services, 48, 262
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heaters, using safely, 253 Hedges, Chris, commencement address, 279 help from teachers asking for, 134–35 when to get, 165 hepatitis B, 204–5 heroin, 203 herpes, 204 Higher Learning (movie), 35–36 highlighting in textbooks, 152 high-risk students, 237 Holtan, Tim, 96–97 home, moving back, 308 home visits, 4, 54–55 homesickness, 4, 54, 67–68 homework help resources, 151–52 Homework & Tutoring Web site, 151–52 Hood College (Frederick, Md.), 236 hotlines, 260 housing basic amenities, 47 discrimination in, 317 off-campus, 56 on-campus, 57 roommates, 58–63 safety tips, 253–54 space-saving tips, 64–65 Howard University (Washington, D.C.), 80 Hubbard, Elbert, 42 humility, 55 hunger, as distraction, 162 ice cream snacks, 74 Icy Front Bridge Scholarship ( DePauw), 236 Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Club scholarship, 237 income taxes, federal, 310–12 inhalants, abuse of, 202 instant messaging (IM), 66, 162
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Institute for International Cooperation and Development, 100 insurance, car, 264–65 Intel scholarships, 235 interdisciplinary majors, 123 interests, personal, 122–24 International Partnership for Service-Learning, 100 international work, study programs, 97–100 Internet, the job-finding resources, 296–98 as research tool, 146–47 , 151 Internet Public Library, The (IPL), 151 internships, 107, 242–43 interviewing, as research tool, 146. See also job interviews invitations, to graduation, 274 Ivy League colleges, 5 Jackson, Janet, 83–84 James Madison University, 81 job interviews describing yourself, 273–74 mistakes to avoid, 304–5 preparing for, 299–300 questions to ask during, 304 questions to be prepared for, 275 resumes, 305–6, 307 what employers look for, 302 jobs and employment. See also volunteer work abroad, 96 balancing schoolwork with, 129, 245–46 dressing for, 300–301 fastest-growing, 298 Internet search tools, 296–98 lying on applications, 271 negotiating salaries, 306 on-campus, 242
325
jobs and employment (cont.) outdoors, 96 and preparing for careers, 220–24 references, 302–3 self-employment, 313–14 as teaching assistant (TA), 296 traditional and nontraditional, 244–45 work-study programs, 230 Joel, Billy, commencement address, 281 judging right and wrong, 55–56 Juilliard School (New York, N.Y.), 26 Juniata College (Huntingdon, Pa.), 236–37 juniors, 222–23 Kashkooli, Giev, 95 Kearney, Michael, 27 Kennedy, John F., commencement address, 279 Kentucky Mountain Bible College (Vancleve, Ky.), 8 ketamine, 202 key words, during lectures, 140–41 KFC healthy meal choices, 73 Khat, 201 King, Ocie Tune, 41 King, Raymond, 41 Klingon Language Institute scholarship, 236 Kraft foods scholarships, 235 Lange, Jessica, commencement address, 282 laundry, 262–63 learning, ongoing, 317–18 learning-disabled students, supports for, 131 leases, for apartments, 315–16 lectures, words to listen for, 140–41
326
Legally Blonde (movie), 38, 39 lesbian students. See gay and lesbian students Levine, Kristin, 95–96 Lewis and Clark College (Godfrey, Ill.), 21 liberal arts college course requirements, 123 lice, pubic, 205 Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, 235 linguistics majors, 127 lists, 129, 164–65 living costs, 314 loans, student not paying back, 310 paying back, 308–9 the “small print”, 231 types of, 231–33 loneliness, 5. See also homesickness Long, Dorothy, 41 long-distance relationships, 54 Loser (movie), 35 loss and grief, 262 Love Story (movie), 35 Loyola University (Lewisburg, Pa.), 236 LSD, 200 magazines, 10, 12 majors of celebrities, 32–34 choosing, 104–6, 122–27 Mandatory Forbearance for High Title IV Debt, 309 marijuana, 200 marketing majors, 294 Martin, Joe, 83 mascot names, 29 math anxiety, 156–59 math majors, 294 MathActive Web site, 151 McDonald’s healthy meal choices, 73
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meals and dining college meal plans, 47, 70–72 fast food restaurants, 72–73 healthy meals, 107 snacks, 74–75 before tests, 169, 170, 172 toaster oven meals, 76–77 medical emergencies alcohol poisoning, 195 date rape, 214 long-term depression, 257–58 STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), 203–5 Meeker, Jessica, 27 Mellencamp, John Cougar, commencement address, 279 memory, tips for enhancing, 154–56 mental exercises, 168 mentors, qualities of, 130 methamphetamine, 202 Michigan State University (East Lansing, Mich.), 16 Microsoft scholarships, 236 military service, and loan repayment, 310 Mills College (Oakland, Calif.), 9 mnemonic devices, 154, 155–56 money, money issues. See also jobs and employment money-saving tips, 238–39 soliciting from parents, 241–42 textbooks, 239–41 moods, bad. See feelings, negative Moore, Charles, 52 Moore College of Art and Design (Philadelphia, Pa.), 8 Moravian College (Bethlehem, Pa.), 24 motivators, 108–10 movies about college, 34–39 multiple-choice test questions, 170
index
Murray, Bill, commencement address, 283 museum catalogues, as research tool, 146 mushrooms (’shrooms), 200 music, playing when studying, 160 music majors, 294 nachos snacks, 74–75 Nader, Ralph, commencement address, 281 National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Diseases, 262 National Child Abuse Hotline, 261 National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI), 261 National Cocaine Hotline, 261 National Direct Student Loans (NDSL), 232 National Domestic Violence Hotline, 261 National Mental Health Association, 257–58 National Profile Pregnancy Hotline, 261 National Sexually Transmitted Disease Hotline, 262 National Suicide Prevention Directory, The (NSPD), 262 Navy versus Army football rivalry, 29 nervousness. See anxiety networking, 107, 270–71 New Jersey City University (Jersey City, N.J.), 21 New York University (New York, N.Y.), 80 Newman, Carrie Lee, 96 news items, unusual, 8–9 newspapers, 10, 12 nicknames for colleges, 22–23
327
nitrous oxide, 202 No-Doz, as “study” drug, 203 noise, 162, 315 nonalcoholic cocktails, 196–97 Norton, Ron, 126 notes and note-taking, 141–43, 164 O’Connor, Sandra Day, commencement address, 282 off-campus housing, 56 office hours, 49 Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio), 21–22, 28–29 Oklahoma versus Texas football rivalry, 29 oldest colleges, 23–24 oldest graduates, 41 ombudsmen, 50 Omicron Epsilon Pi Sorority, Inc., 25–26 on-campus housing, 57 on-campus jobs, 242 on-line banking, 242 degrees, 101–2 homework help, 151–52 research, 146 shopping, 240 Ono, Yoko, commencement address, 282 Operation Crossroads Africa, 100 opium, 202 orientation, 118–20 outlining essays, 144 overstaying college, 179 packing for college, 50–51 for Spring Break, 190 Paper Chase, The (movie), 38 parents sharing bad news with, 175–76, 226–28
328
soliciting money from, 241 parties in fraternities and sororities, 186 party games, 197–99 party schools, 4 and taking drugs, 200–203 pass/fail courses, 121 passing out, 194–95 payment plans (student loans), 309 periodicals, as research tool, 147 personal interviews, as research tool, 146 personal safety, 47–48, 254–55 peyote, 200 philosophy majors, 105, 162, 288 phone calls, as distraction, 162 physical fitness facilities, 48 physics majors, 125, 295 piercings, body, 77–78 Pizza Hut healthy meal choices, 73 pizza snacks, 75 plagiarism, 147–48 pledging fraternities or sororities. See also hazing Plus loans, 233 poisoning, alcohol, 195 political activism. See protests and protesting political issues, important, 11 political science majors, 127 popcorn snacks, 75 pot, 200 Powell, Colin, commencement address, 282 pranks, 182–83 pregnancy hotlines, 261. See also sex prereading, speed-reading, 121, 153–54, 164 prerequisites, 122 presidents without college degrees, 10
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Princeton University (Princeton, N.J.), 24, 27 privacy, 55 production awards, 14–15 professional associations, 288–89 professors and teachers asking for help, 134–35 basic types of, 119 behaviors that annoy, 132 dating, 207–8 deciphering, 133, 136–37 evaluating, questions to ask, 132 expectations for, 49 tips for impressing, 133–34 proofreading, 145 protests and protesting, 80–88 psychological help hotlines, 262 psychology majors, 105–6, 125–27, 205 public speaking, 148–50 Qat, 201 questions, asking during class, 107 questions to ask about clubs, 187 about on-line degrees, 101–2 about rental apartments, 316 before taking risks, 270 when evaluating professors, 132 racism, 83–85, 186 radio stations, 13–17 rankings, college, 3 Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 214, 261 rape, date, 210–14 Rat Olympics, 9 Real Genius (movie), 36 references, for jobs, 302–3 rentals. See apartment rentals research and information sources, 146–47 researchers, 5
index
resident assistants (RAs), famous, 33 resumes, 305–6, 307. See also job interviews Revenge of the Nerds (movie), 37, 39 risk-taking, 270 Ritalin, as “study” drug, 203 Road Trip (movie), 39 Rogers, Fred, commencement address, 280 roommates, 4, 58–63 safety schools, 2 safety tips for dorm living, 253–54 personal safety, 47–48, 254–55 using ATMs, 255–56 Sagan, Carl, commencement address, 280–81 salaries, negotiating, 306 San Diego State University (Calif.), 8 Santa Monica Community College (Calif.), 13–14 scabies, 205 scams, scholarship, 229–31 Scary Movie 2 (movie), 39 scholarships. See also financial aid and choosing a college, 2 not well known, 233–36 and the “small print,” 231 unusual, 236–37 school breaks learning during, 94–97 Spring Break, 188–91 School Daze (movie), 36 schoolwork, balancing with employment, 245–46 Seeger, Pete, commencement address, 283 self-employment, 313–14 seniors, 223–24
329
Service Civil International, 100 Seton Hall University (South Orange, N.J.), 15 Seventeen on-line career quiz, 127 sex assaults, 186 birth control, 214–16 date rape, 210–14 pregnancy hotlines, 261 sexetiquette, 216–17 sexually transmitted diseases, 203–5 versus studying, 184 sexual harassment, 212 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), 203–5, 262 Shalhoub, Tony, commencement address, 282 Shoplifters Anonymous, 262 Shotwell, Marguerite, 41 ’shrooms (mushrooms), 200 shyness, 54, 208–10 Sigman, Aric, 52 Simmons, Michael, 80 Simon, Neil, commencement address, 280 skipping classes, 98 sleep getting more, 68–69 importance of, when studying, 162, 165 before tests, 172 as tool for success, 107 sleeping in class, 4, 126, 140 smileys, 53 Smith, Greg, 27 snacks, 74–75 sobering up, 194–95 social issues, important, 11 social life, 182–88. See also dating and dates; friendships Society of Performers, Artists, Athletes, and Celebrities
330
for Space Exploration scholarships, 237 sociology majors, 106 Son-in-Law, The (movie), 39 sophomores, 221–22 sororities hazing, 89–92 for lesbian students, 24–26 pros and cons of joining, 184–87 trivia about, 88–89 S.O.S. MATHematics Web site, 151 Soul Man (movie), 36 souvenirs from home, 55 space-saving tips, 64–65 speaking in class, 138 speed/crystal meth, 202 speed-dating, 206–7 speed-reading, 130, 153–54 Spring Break, 188–91 St. John’s College (Santa Fe, N.M.), 23 St. Joseph’s University (Philadelphia, Pa.), 81 stain-removing hints, 247 Stanford University (Stanford, Calif.), 28 state student loans, 232 STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), 203–5, 262 Sting, commencement address, 280 Stone, Oliver, commencement address, 280 Streep, Meryl, commencement address, 282 stress, 5 student bill of rights, 47–50 Student Loan Interest Deduction, 235 student loans. See loans studio art majors, 125 study abroad, 97–99
index
study breaks exercises for, 161 napping during, 225 relaxing aromas, 172 “study” drugs, 203 studying best and worst places for, 159–60 common distractions, 162 to music, 160 strategies for effective, 162–65 study breaks and exercise, 161 study centers, 49 study groups, 165–66 versus sex, 184 Subway healthy meal choices, 73 successful students, 106–7, 224–25 suicide prevention hotlines, 262 Sure Thing, The (movie), 36–37 surveys, as research tool, 146 syllabus grading policy, 137 learning from, 120–21 symbols for note-taking, 143 smileys, 53 syphilis, 204 Taco Bell healthy meal choices, 73 Tan, Nicole, 27 tattoos, 79 Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001, 235 taxes, federal, 235, 310–12 teachers. See professors and teachers teaching assistants (TAs), 49, 296 television shows, favorite, 10 television stations, award-winning, 15 term papers, 178–79 tests anxiety about, 171–74 cheating on, 174–76
index
failing grades on, 176 myths about, 166–67 self-tests, while studying, 165 tips for taking, 167–71 Texas versus Texas A&M football rivalry, 29 textbooks cheap, sources for, 239–40 customizing, 152–53 prereading, speed-reading, 153–54 thank-you notes, after graduation, 274–75 Thatcher, Margaret, commencement address, 283 theater majors, 295 theft prevention, 255 time management strategies, 128–30 time off from college, 94–97 time-wasters, 54 toaster oven meals, 76–77 trade associations, as research tool, 146 trail mix snacks, 75 transferring to another college, 93–94 trichomoniasis, 205 true-or-false test questions, 170 tuition costs, 2 Tuition Deduction, 235 Tulane University (New Orleans, La.), 16 Tyler, Steven, commencement address, 282 United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, Conn.), 26 United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, Md.), 28 University of California, Berkeley, 81
331
332
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), 6 University of Chicago (Ill.), 81 University of Delaware (Newark), 24 University of Florida (Gainesville), 7 University of Louisville (Ky.), 8 University of Maine (Machias), 7 University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), 80–81 University of Minnesota (Minneapolis), 6 University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 236 University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), 14, 24 University of San Francisco (Calif.), 14 University of Tehran (Iran), 82 University of Texas at Austin, 7, 34 University of Washington (Seattle), 15–16 University of Wisconsin (Madison), 8 urban legends, 16–20, 182–83 used computers, 241
Washington & Jefferson College (Washington, Pa.), 8 Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Ky.), 24 Wayne State University (Detroit, Mich.), 14–15 weight gain, 70–72 Wendy’s healthy meal choices, 73 Wesleyan University (Lincoln, Neb.), 9 William Paterson University (Wayne, N.J.), 21–22 Winfrey, Oprah, commencement address, 280 wiring money, 241–42 With Honors (movie), 35, 39 women, safety issues, 47–48 women’s studies majors, 295 Wonder Boys (movie), 36 work habits, efficient 106 working. See jobs and employment; volunteer work World Lecture Hall Center for Instructional Technologies Web site, 151 writing essays and term papers, 141–45, 178–79
visitors, as distractions, 162 visits home, 54–55 VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), 97 volunteer work benefits, 96–97 and career choices, 291 international programs, 99–100 internships, 242–43 opportunities for, 272 and student loan repayment, 310 Volunteers for Peace, 100
X (ecstasy), 202 Yale University (New Haven, Conn.), 23, 28, 81–82 yearbook award recipients, 12–13 youngest college students, 27 Zolp Scholarship (Loyola), 236
index
