Redwall Abbey

Hello! I don't think there is a thread exactly like this one, which is all about one my favorite topics, student life. Here you can talk about how school has been for you, what your aspirations are (for example, regarding colleges, school-related competitions), and basically anything academic. I think many of us on the forums are students, and even those who aren't can join in if they have something to say! I'm not sure how this thread will go, since I don't know how much you all like school. But I must say I enjoy it, and I have high goals in mind.

To start, I have put a poll regarding your grade level (I understand grades probably differ around the world but I don't understand them if they're not from the USA).

I've been an above-average student all my life; sometimes I don't like it. (Like when I get frustrated over a single answer wrong. . .)
School is stressing, but I'm getting closer to what I want to do as a job by doing it: welding. My advice: get your high school credits done EARLY. It's so much less headache in later years of academics.
My favorite subject is probably history, specifically the ancient to near-modern civilizations like Egypt, Persia, and Greece.

I am in high school, I can tell you that.

Yup. 4.0 kid here. For some reason, I always turn into an answer machine...  :P

Can you change your vote? Because I don't want to look back and see my boy says my grade for two years ago.

Quote from: Soren the Warrior on January 21, 2015, 12:26:01 PM
Can you change your vote? Because I don't want to look back and see my boy says my grade for two years ago.

Sorry, but what do you mean? ???

I get straight A's (even in the dreaded English and chemistry). However, the only subjects I actually enjoy aren't exactly in high demand (Latin and Euclidean geometry, anyone?) so I've got no clue what to major in when I go to college.

Anyhow, I've got the SAT this weekend, and it it'll be the first one I've ever taken (aside from a practice test I did last fall to prep for the PSAT). Hopefully it will be smooth sailing :P.

I enjoy Latin, but History is my favorite, second probably being Math.

History is a subject regulated solely to my short term memory. It just never seems to stick. I don't do too well in subjects requiring a lot of detailed memorization, but if I'm doing something that involves a lot of guesswork reasoning I tend to shine.

I tend to soak up information like a sponge. . . :P

I love history. It's so interesting. I also love chemistry, but I hate my math class. I actually like applied math (I want to be an engineer), but school math is just busywork. I hate it.

I have finals this week. I am totally drained... :P

Quote from: Skyblade on January 21, 2015, 02:34:48 AM
To start, I have put a poll regarding your grade level (I understand grades probably differ around the world but I don't understand them if they're not from the USA).

You're right. I have a friend from Venezuela, and he had to skip a grade to be with people his age.

I'm in year 9/ninth grade this year. I'm Australian. The grades aren't all that different.

I really like English, especially the vocabulary side. ;D I also have a soft spot for history. I get to do history this year, yay.

Poll change :)

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on January 21, 2015, 03:37:58 AM
I am in high school, I can tell you that.

Yup. 4.0 kid here. For some reason, I always turn into an answer machine...  :P

I'm 4.0 too!!! *fist-bumps Wylder* Granted, that's my weighted GPA.

I took the SAT this morning, but I don't know if my commentary on it should be in here or in Random Rants...

Anyhow, what's a weighted GPA?

Quote from: Tiria Wildlough on January 23, 2015, 11:49:49 PM
I'm in year 9/ninth grade this year. I'm Australian. The grades aren't all that different.

I really like English, especially the vocabulary side. ;D I also have a soft spot for history. I get to do history this year, yay.

Wow, someone get Sunpaw! It's the original Tiria!
Er, anyway.
I guess I would be in 9th/10th grade. Something like that.

Quote from: Mhera on January 24, 2015, 07:18:01 PM
I took the SAT this morning, but I don't know if my commentary on it should be in here or in Random Rants...

Anyhow, what's a weighted GPA?

Feel free to put it wherever you wish. I know about the SAT, so we can rant together :P

A weighted GPA includes weights for classes. In my school, some classes have a weight on them. Whatever grade you get, a higher grade is actually added to the GPA. For instance, if you get a 100 in a Pre-AP class, what will really go in to the GPA is a 105 because Pre-AP classes have a weight of 1.05; AP and IB classes have an even larger weight :D This is how I managed to get a GPA higher than a hundred.

Ah, okay. That makes sense. I haven't had to deal with GPA's yet, so thanks for the explanation.

I'm a little frustrated about the SAT; I goofed big time and the Procter wasn't the best. Eh, better luck next time, hopefully.

I never had to take the SAT, thankfully.  I hope you did better than you think you did! 

I'm a junior at a prestigious university in the States, so if you all have any questions about college - admissions essays, grades, finances, majors, anything - I am full of advice.  One of my favourite things to do is lessen the fears of others about the pressures of college and the future.  This life is awesome. 

I have a certain class, instead of History I have Social Studies (economy, etc.)

Quote from: Banya on January 28, 2015, 06:55:00 PM
I never had to take the SAT, thankfully.  I hope you did better than you think you did! 

I'm a junior at a prestigious university in the States, so if you all have any questions about college - admissions essays, grades, finances, majors, anything - I am full of advice.  One of my favourite things to do is lessen the fears of others about the pressures of college and the future.  This life is awesome. 

That's so cool! Congrats! And thank you. I'm a junior in high school :D
Could you give us a bit of advice for applying to prestigious universities? One of my dreams is to attend a college that would honor my parents and family... :)

Skyblade!  Thank you for asking!  This makes me so excited.

Firstly, essays.  The most important part of the application.  Essays are often read first and initial judgment is passed.  Grades reaffirm what is seen in your writing.  Counselors at my school acknowledge throwing out apps with poor essay before the rest is even looked at.  If you know someone at the school, have them edit your essays.  Have your teachers tear them apart.  Start them all over again after you've gotten feedback.  The hardest part will be cutting them down to fit the max word limit. No sweat.
Secondly, volunteer.  It looks good.
Thirdly, you've heard this before: show yourself off but don't be arrogant.  Do not say things like when I am accepted, say things like if accepted, I hope to take advantage of...
Fourthly, research your school.  Know what they're known for and talk about how that interests you, whether it's building solar cars or studying an uncommonly taught language like Korean or Armenian.
Fifthly, grades are important, but not that important.  Again, admissions counselors will make judgments about you based on your words first.  All A's is great (and props to all you who have them), but one or two C's didn't hurt me, especially if they're in a subject like Calc that is irrelevant to studies in Sociology, International Studies and Environmental Science.  I'm studying with valedictorians from across the country and some of the best students from around the world, and we were each selected for our various strengths.  My degrees will carry the same weight as theirs.
Sixthly, stay organized.  There will be a lot of paperwork and busywork on top of school, but moms are great for this.  Mine loved looking up early scholarships and keeping track of deadlines.
Seventh, Presidential scholarships.   Many universities have these, and students are selected around November.  Look into these.  My friend got a full ride out of it.
Eighth, early admission.   Admissions are on a rolling basis.  Spots fill up quickly.  My school accepted 6,000 students out of 50,000 applicants last year.  It's tough; get in first.
Ninth, don't play the bidding game.  Don't name other schools in your essays.  Save that for when schools compete over you and entice you with the better financial aid package.  Until you're in, UDub doesn't care that you were accepted early admission into Northwestern and Dartmouth.
Tenth, diversity.  Know how you contribute to your community/what role you play in it.  Are you defined by geography, race, religion, ethnicity, ideology, income, refugee status and how has this role in your community shaped you? (This was one of my questions.) What can you contribute to campus diversity?  What makes this college a good college for you?  Tough but common questions. 
Eleventh, contribute to your university.  Contribute by learning a less common language, like Turkish.  Express interest in internships and study abroad.  Want to join the Peace Corps or take on a service project?  Talk about it.  Contribute to their stats by being a community college transfer student or 2nd generation alumnae or having a year's worth of AP credits.  Take part in a creative arts in prison project with the Soc department and use your drawing or writing skills.  We all stand out in some way.
Twelfth, visit campus and communicate.  If it's the right fit, you'll feel it.  If it feels wrong, don't convince yourself otherwise.  While you're there, stop in and talk to a financial aid advisor and admissions counselor if you can.  Talk to your tour guide.  I emailed my admissions counselor (you can find them on the university website) before being accepted concerning my application because I have an incredibly common name and wanted to ensure they hadn't mixed up my materials, and asked when the soonest I might get a response would be, and putting a face and polite tone with my app didn't do me any harm.
Thirteenth, visit a college fair in high school.  Talk to the reps.  Steal pens.  They might waive your app fee.  You haven't done enough research until you know as much as they do about the admissions process. 
Fourteenth, express interest in leardership positions.  ResStaff, Student Gov, writer for the campus paper, Model UN, etc.  NHS will help you immensely here (I wasn't in it, but almost everyone I know was).  If you're an Eagle Scout or Girl Scout with a Gold Award, you've about got it made.
Fifteenth, CommonApp.  Numerous universities use this.  It uses one general app for all colleges you're applying for.  Individual essays come later.  It's faster and easier.  Use it.
Finally, you'll be stressed out, but it's the least stressed out you'll be in the next ten years.  It's not the "real world" yet but living on your own is as abrupt as it is fun.  Keep your head on.  Stay on the Redwall forums.  Hold on to high school friendships – it gets difficult with time.  Don't buy a fake ID.  Keep an open mind.  Get ready to make lasting, meaningful friendships.  You'll have a blast.   

I know I just threw a lot at you and took up a lot of space.  This is what I can think of right now.  I hope I helped you in some way, Sky.  You're all bright, clever people with your heads on soundly (and I like your brand of weird).  Please keep us updated on applications and acceptance letters!

I can't speak for Sky, but your post helped me get a better idea of what applications require. Thanks! (I'm a high school junior as well.)

Oh my goodness! I'm with Mhera here; that is so helpful! Thank you for typing up that long post, must've taken some time. We appreciate it, our dear college friend :D

I do try. I'm at the top of my class and I'm involved in quite a few extracurriculars (music, and writing, and technology, etc.). I just don't know how well I can stand out in the crowd of extremely qualified students applying with me! It's tough. I know it's not good to compare, and I try not to, but to be honest I can get discouraged when I see that there's such perfect people out there who are varsity captains and doing hardcore competitions and such :-[

Quote from: Banya on January 30, 2015, 08:12:15 AM
Fourthly, research your school.  Know what they're known for and talk about how that interests you, whether it's building solar cars or studying an uncommonly taught language like Korean or Armenian.

I speak Korean, because it is my native language. Hee ;D

Don't worry! My application will make yours look fantastic! ;D (Actually, you'll make your application look fantastic. Top of the class, good writer, extracurriculars, etc.) The only things I've really got going for me right now are my grades and PSAT score.

As for comparisons, I'm inclined to say that to a certain extent they're a good thing. For example, there is no way I would have gotten an A in chemistry if I hadn't been under the impression my brothers did as well. Nothing wrong with friendly competition or looking at standards others have. On the other hand, if it crosses into the realm of being cutthroat or gets depressing then yeah, stay away.

And nobody's perfect. Perfect is a myth.

Yeah, great post, Banya! I'll be applying to college in a couple of years and that was an interesting read.

As for what is my favorite class, it would definitely be the science related subjects. I'm taking chemistry this year and a geology class at my local community college and they are both really fascinating subjects. Can get a little confusing sometimes (especially chemistry) but I'm really enjoying them.

Quote from: Mhera on January 31, 2015, 04:14:05 AM
Don't worry! My application will make yours look fantastic! ;D (Actually, you'll make your application look fantastic. Top of the class, good writer, extracurriculars, etc.) The only things I've really got going for me right now are my grades and PSAT score.

As for comparisons, I'm inclined to say that to a certain extent they're a good thing. For example, there is no way I would have gotten an A in chemistry if I hadn't been under the impression my brothers did as well. Nothing wrong with friendly competition or looking at standards others have. On the other hand, if it crosses into the realm of being cutthroat or gets depressing then yeah, stay away.

And nobody's perfect. Perfect is a myth.

Thanks, Mhera! ^.^ Very good points there, except for the thing you said about yourself. I'm sure you're very, very qualified! ;)

Revive! :)

New poll up. What are your schools like? Do you like it? Why or why not?

I love my university!  I love upper-level classes; I'm taking all 300- and 400-level classes now and I like them much more than 100-level courses.  I also love our beautiful campus, the amazing surrounding city, and that everything I need is within walking distance.  My college town is the 5th happiest city in the U.S., according to a study taken last year, and that's hardly surprising.  My school is huge, diverse, and there are so many opportunities and so much to do here.  I could go on forever about my school.

QuoteQuestion:What type of school do you go to? Select the answer that most applies to you (Wow, I sounds like a standardized test)

No, not quite a standardized test. You didn't ask if we feel like our school has adequately prepared us, if we feel safe there, or if we have positive connections to an adult (they asked those on the ACT).

Anyhow, homeschooler here. I like it. Besides the usual stuff people talk about like religious and political freedom, not being in a poor social environment, statistically smarter on average, etc. when it comes to the advantages of homeschooling, the flexibility it provides is something my family has really appreciated. There have been years where it's made more sense to take summer vacation in the late winter/spring, and so being able to do that has been wonderful. And then to quote my dad, "If your mother'n I had put you kids in public school we'd be under insane pressure to medicate you." Thanks Dad :P. But it's true. Homeschooling has let us learn any way that's best for how our minds work. I tend to either zone out or get fidgety during lectures, so my mom just throws textbooks at me and lets me teach myself. My brother studies best in the middle of the night so he did his physics lessons at 1 A.M. Maybe not the best practice for the real world, but adjusting for whatever idiosyncrasies we each have has allowed us to learn the material better which is the ultimate goal.

All in all it's worked well for my family.

Public. Boy, I wish I were homeschooled. I've been trying to get back to homeschooling ever since I left it. Let me tell all you homeschoolers out there: You have it easy. Public school is not about learning: it is about making teachers happy. Do they care if you understand? The good teachers. How many good teachers have I had? In 5 years of middle and high school, I can name 5. School takes up way too much time and also, its stupid. Plus, there are too many people. So yup, I'd stay away from it. Especially if you are in the category of students known as the "Gifted and Talented". All it will do is drive you insane.

Well, that's my vent for the day. ::)

It's actually been scientifically proven that schools are bad for children multiple times

That's interesting...

I honestly like my public school. It's tiring and stressful, I'll admit it. But I think the challenges are worth it for college preparation. Lile Banya, I really could go on and on about the place I get my education. I like that it's a magnet school and has the program I'm in now, IB. It's small, and we don't have many sports or a huge band. But I would never want to graduate from anywhere else. So many opportunities. I have grown fond of it, especially the music room, which is (I'm being serious) a place I feel connected to, a place one would call "a home away from home".

I will miss this place when I leave :)


Wow, that's a lot of homeschool people. What is it like? I have never gone anyway other than a public school, and I'm curious what it's like to be educated in a different way.

Heh, I've only been homeschooled. About it preparing me for college and beyond, I'm not too worried about that as I've seen my brothers and every other graduated homeschooler I know do fine.

As for the actual mechanics of homeschooling, it depends on the laws of the state you live in (for example, I live in a state that basically has no regulations regarding homeschooling and my cousin lived in one that requires review by a government official once per year and attendance of some sort of school once per week).

Once you're compliant with state law things can vary quite a bit. There are various curriculums for every subject targeted specifically towards homeschoolers. Sometimes the schooling isn't totally done at home, as some students go to classes designed for homeschoolers one day and then receive assignments and schedules to do on their own for the rest of the week. Other times a text used for public or private schools is adapted. Dual credit is another option. There might be other educational avenues I'm forgetting, too.

For social activities there are lots of homeschool groups to get involved with, as well as 4-H and homeschool co-ops. Private schools are often willing to let homeschoolers onto their sports teams. And then there's robotics, JROTC, martial arts classes, church groups, etc.

Standardized testing, like the Iowa test, is optional in some places and mandatory in others. Again, depends on the state.

Schedule wise, some people have everything laid out to the minute each day and some just wing it. People experiment and eventually come up with what works for them. Time off is the same; some take summer off, some work through it, some stick it in the winter.

That's all the stuff I can think of off the top of my head, I hope it helps. :)

I've been homeschooled my entire life as well and have absolutely loved it. I'm at the age now where my mom basically lets me decide how and when I do my school. On most days I'll get up around 6:30 and laze around until about 8 or 8:30 and then start school. I use several different curriculums, some just a textbook, others online. This year I'm also doing an AP class as well as a duel credit class at a college. I also go to a homeschool P.E. class at my local college. So that's mostly how I fill my days and it keeps me busy until around 3 or 4 in the evening.

The field trips can also be amazing. I remember one time I mentioned that I was interested in tide pools, so my parents planned  a week long vacation/field trip to a coast where we spent several days camping and exploring the tide pools. It was incredible and so interesting. Towards the end of the trip I mentioned I was interested in volcanoes, so we took a detour to visit a nearby volcano. That was one of the greatest field trips I've ever had.

Wow  :o that's so cool!

I was homeschooled for Preschool and Kindergarten, but after that my mom sent me off to public school. 

Those are great perspectives; thank you all for sharing :) It's nice to hear the different point of views!

I manage to get on the Redwall forums in free time during class and at my house.


It may also be interesting to hear a typical day of schooling from different members, like what Russano did. Here's mine:

5:00-7:00: Depending on how much work I have to do, I will get up as early as 5. Otherwise, I wake up at 7 and get ready for school.
7:45-9:00: I'm at school, and I have over an hour to do things I need to do before classes start.
I have two periods before lunch, then I have two periods after. Classes end at around 4 but I usually stay after school, and get home at 5:30.

I wing it. Some days I get a lot done of everything, some days only a little, and some days I'll just focus on one or two subjects. It all gets done eventually :P. I'm trying to get more organized about it, though. It also depends on weather; I try to get my runs done during whatever time of day has the most favorable conditions and I tend to group my chores around the time I run. So if it's winter more school gets done in the morning and evening then the afternoon and during summer chore/run time shifts to the mornings.

As for when I get on here, usually during breaks or if it's night time and I'm still wound up.

Hey Mhera (and anyone else who knows about these tests), want to talk about the SAT and ACT? ;D

I signed up for the March SAT and April ACT, and am wondering what I have just done.

Yeah, I've got lots to talk about on those; I've taken both (and the PSAT). ;D

Anything in particular about them?

Yeah, I've taken the PSAT too ;D

Well, I want to get a 2300+ on the SAT and 35+ on the ACT... how did you prepare, may I ask? Of course, I am studying. These are not easy scores to get.

I said other because my school is both Christian (religious-based) and private. Was this poll inspired by what we were talking about, Sky?  ;D

I have taken the ACT once. I took it early and without real preparations, but I still did well on it. Hopefully I can bring the score up to an even better level though!

I made it before then :D

And that's neat. And cool that I'm learning about different types of schooling. I wonder how so many homeschooled people found their way onto these forums.

Oh, okay. ;)

Quote from: Skyblade on February 13, 2015, 09:51:53 PMI wonder how so many homeschooled people found their way onto these forums.

Generally, homeschoolers like to read more than others. Also, they have our connections and can recommend reading materials to each other. I know this because I was homeschooled until several years ago. I was still homeschooled when I joined this forum, actually.

Quote from: Skyblade on February 13, 2015, 09:25:43 PM
Yeah, I've taken the PSAT too ;D

I really liked the PSAT. I wish colleges would accept it instead of the SAT or ACT, heh.

Quote from: Skyblade on February 13, 2015, 09:25:43 PM
Well, I want to get a 2300+ on the SAT and 35+ on the ACT... how did you prepare, may I ask? Of course, I am studying. These are not easy scores to get.

I'm shooting for at 2200+ on the SAT and hope I never have to take the ACT again :P.

Also, I'm flattered that you think I would have the foresight and wisdom to prepare for these. Thank you. ;D. In all seriousness, I took one SAT practice test way back in September or something last year, and that's it. However, I've been getting more serious about it and have started studying (just got some practice tests today, in fact). My next test is in June, so there's lots of time to prepare. May I ask how you're studying?

And on another note, have you heard that the SAT is changing next spring to align with Common Core?

Quote from: Skyblade on February 13, 2015, 09:51:53 PM
I wonder how so many homeschooled people found their way onto these forums.

I was googling Taggerung fan fictions when I found this work of art (http://redwallabbey.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=hphvks80jkt1qrtbel7vq31p77&topic=4356.msg207678#msg207678) by a user named Blazemane. After reading through it several times I wandered into the rest of the forum and joined soon afterwards. In this case being a homeschooler was a coincidence (at least in finding the forums; whether or not being homeschooled had anything to do with my picking the books themselves up is debatable).

I heard about the redesigned SAT; however, that change will not affect us as current juniors. It will happen starting March 2016.

As for how I'm studying...I will admit that I've actually been preparing since middle school. My parents did a very good job of raising me the SAT way. Right now, I'm scoring around 2200. Here are some things I did/am doing to get ready:

- Memorize vocab words for Critical Reading sentence completions. Some will disagree, but honestly, it helped soo much for me. Based on my own experience, the best SAT vocab lists are Direct Hits 1 and 2 and Princeton Review's Hit Parade (it's contained in a giant SAT prep book that costs a bit of money, so I suggest checking the whole thing out in the library or looking for the list online or just plain buying it).

- When you take a practice test, look over the questions you get wrong, skipped, or guessed on. Even questions that you were iffy about. Why did you get it wrong? This is especially important for math, I believe. I think if you do practice tests from the official SAT guide, 2nd edition, you can find answer explanations online.

-Learn the content for SAT math and grammar. Math will be more of a review. Grammar has a lot of random rules. I am not kidding when I said that the SAT made me a grammar nazi.

- In addition, it's good to know strategies for the Math section. Many books have these, and you can find some online.

- Speaking of online, here's a GREAT resource you may or may not be using already, and it's free! I don't know if we're allowed to post outside links, so Google search "college confidential sat and act", and one of the first links should lead you to its SAT and ACT foruns. I found so much good advice there. You don't even have to join to benefit (Though an account there is nice, also).

- I recommend Brian Leaf's Top 50 Skills books, but they're a a bit pricey. Some poking around online can also help you find prep books.

- Pray and work hard. It's a deadly combination 8)

Great tips, thanks!

No problem! :) Anyway, as one can easily tell, I enjoy talking about academics! If anyone else wants some help or advice, just let me know!! ^^

So, how's school and stuff.

It's going good well.  ;)

And now to change the subject...

Do you think the importance of college is overemphasized in our culture? It seems that a commonly held belief is that if you don't go to college or if you drop out you're destined for a mediocre and unsuccessful career, which looking at guys like Bill Gates and Rush Limbaugh (love him or hate him he's the second name that popped into my head) show that that's not always the case. For some (like you) it makes sense to go to college, but for plenty of people I can't help but think they'd be better off skipping a degree they won't use and a great deal of debt.

So what I'm asking is, what do you think about the cultural expectation that every high schooler needs to go to college?

(This was sort of inspired by my brothers, some of whom have either bypassed or stopped attending college for the time being and yet are still doing pretty well.)

I think the importance of college is definitely overemphasized.  My brother is on the trade school track and he's going to do just fine in life.  He's incredibly smart but he couldn't write a research paper, and he doesn't need to.  Part of it is that schoolwork neither interests him nor holds his attention.  I think it's important that he has the option to go to college, but he is free to choose a different path.  Parents of student at my school were shocked when in conversation, my mother told them he wouldn't be taking AP classes because they're not his style.  So what?  He doesn't need them.  He's an incredibly gifted welder and an Eagle Scout, has remarkable savoir faire, and I'm proud of him.

This is great topic.  In the poll there are 2 people who selected "other" and I'm curious about what that means for them.

Higher education is not worth it. TRADE school, yes depending on the circumstances . But I am related to and are close friends with people who agree that a four-year college degree isn't worth the time, money, tome spent away from family, and the other effects it brings. To support oneself, and two year trade school is definitely worth it, especially if that trade is for something that pays well, like a hygienist. But a 4 year degree often leads to family deterioration.

I don't know yet if my 5 year degrees are worth it; I'll tell you a year or so after I graduate.  I do know that the opportunities I'm gaining at my college (the internships, professional connections, career planning, research) are worth the time and money I'm putting into my education (though I would argue that it's a ridiculous amount of money for anything - I could by a new car for each semester I study here, and that's after scholarships and financial aid).  I also would disagree about a 4 year degree often leading to family deterioration; I personally feel closer to my family than ever now that I don't live with them.  When I see them, I have to put effort into seeing them and work everything else around it.  I think our relationship has only been strengthened by my leaving for school and their support for me.

Wow, I'm the only private student.

@Banya
Well good for you! I'm glad it's working out for you. But I was just saying what I've been told from people I know.

.

Quote from: PluggFiretail on February 13, 2015, 09:39:21 PM
I said other because my school is both Christian (religious-based) and private.

Thanks for clarifying, Plugg.  I was curious if that option was maybe selected by someone who went to trade school, or got a job after high school and never went to college but plans to someday, or something else.  I'm not familiar with any private schools that aren't religious based, but I know they exist.

Good question, Mhera, thank you for posting :)

In my opinion, though, college truly is important. It provides stability. True that some people somehow become successful without a college degree; however, that does not apply to everyone. The way I was brought up, I was not told, "You are going to to go college"; I was told, "You are going to go to a prestigious college". It was all to create a future for me that will be more stable and less shaky. This may also be why my parents don't want me to major in something like creative writing or music: it's risky. Colleges decrease risk in general

Another thing: I don't see how college can be so bad. Personally, I consider more of its beneficial qualities. They make us more qualified for our pursued careers. Imagine if not as many people didn't go to college. That would result in a population filled with people less qualified in their respective careers. A more educated population is probably a good thing. Really, it's for our future, and the future of the world and its people.

For many people, yes, college is good. The world increasingly revolves around businesses, and many most jobs require or will require college degrees. For manual or artisanal jobs, I would not recommend college- it often provides little value and ends up loading students with debt. Also, I don't think every highschooler should go to college- many highschoolers end up going to college unprepared for the level of skill and rigor required by colleges and, especially in community colleges, end up taking on debt and then failing their classes. That said, most high-paying and skilled jobs require college education- professions such as being an engineer or some types of technicians, finance, etc. Generally (unless you are a longshoreman in Seattle) manual labor is not enough to support a family on.

Interesting ya'll. I basically agree with Banya; I believe college is important but it's not for everyone. Also, on Soren's point about family deterioration: even though they've been gone awhile, my brothers and I are just as close as ever. It's a simple matter of staying in touch.

Changing the topic again, this time shifting to tests like the SAT and ACT. It seems strange that these exams are weighted so heavily as they seem to be a better judge of how well you can take a test then of how well you can actually function, learn, and contribute in an academic environment. Put another way, studying for them feels a bit funny because for the first time I'm not studying to learn but to take a test, if that makes any sense. Thoughts?

One final bit in about the colkedge-away-from-home, I was only saying what I've seen and learned from people I know.
Anyway, back to the SAT and ACT.
Yes, I do agree with Mhera. Because the test hold so much of a grade, it's all about passing it so you know enough to move on. Also, the teachers put so much emphasis on it. It's never about "Learn this so you won't be unprepared for the real world" it's more like "Study this so you can past the test and not have to do all this over again."

It's interesting how it works in America. I might share how it works here generally.

Almost everyone goes to primary school, homeschooling is not popular here, mainly just kids who live on remote cattle stations. The public schools here are almost always better than private so most people go there. Same with high schools. About 60% are grade 7-12. This is where it really splits. After graduating, most will either go to Uni (most are quite good) or apprentices.

So yeah. A lot of 'most' s but that's because I don't know everyone :D

Another interesting question, Mhera ;) And Masky 2.0, that's cool. Global connections!

I agree that the SAT and ACT (and other standardized exams) shouldn't be weighed especially heavily. After all, which is a better measure of intelligence, a GPA built over four years of schooling, or a tricky and random test taken in four hours on a Saturday morning that may or may not be the student's best day? Test anxiety plays a role too; really, the test is not a completely accurate way to see how ready students are for college. I will admit, though, the things tested seem applicable, and it's likely that most students who score very well on these (rather difficult, I must say) exams are hard workers. If a student can drive himself to reach an exceptionally high score on these exams, I think that right there shows universities that that person has the dedication and should be considered for acceptance. As mentioned earlier, I just don't like how one test can go wrong and show an inaccurate viewpoint of a student. Still, there isn't much one can do about that because the world is bound to have imperfections.

Having said the negatives, I will acknowledge that while I don't think test scores should be an especially crucial factor in college admissions, they should definitely at least be considered. The reason for having these exams is to find a solid way to compare all types of different students from across the country. Schools are, of course, not all the same. A 99 in two different schools, even if they are for the same class, do not mean the same thing. Some schools are easier on the academics, preferring to be more focused on sports and the marching bands, while others are academically challenging, magnet academies. Similarly, a rank of 1 or 2 in a school like the first I mentioned does not mean the same as the same rank in a school such as the latter. I find that standardized exams are necessary because, otherwise, there might be some unfair comparison (not that there might not be some already). With all these distinctions among schools, exams like the SAT and ACT remain constant - they are methods of seeing where a student is at.

Quote from: The Mask on February 18, 2015, 09:23:35 AM
It's interesting how it works in America. I might share how it works here generally.

Almost everyone goes to primary school, homeschooling is not popular here, mainly just kids who live on remote cattle stations. The public schools here are almost always better than private so most people go there. Same with high schools. About 60% are grade 7-12. This is where it really splits. After graduating, most will either go to Uni (most are quite good) or apprentices.

So yeah. A lot of 'most' s but that's because I don't know everyone :D

Very neat! Lots of time, and this is a growing problem, metropolitan public schools can sometimes be violent and underfunded. I've never been to a private school to know about that. Homeschooling has gained some popularity because of the problems in public schools. But there are still a lot of people who think that homeschooled children don't socialize. Which we do, by the way.

What are some of you all's' favorite universities? :)

One of the ones I recently got intrigued by is Carnegie Mellon. I really like how a student can major in two (seemingly) completely different subjects. I also like its way of thinking and style.

Another one I like a lot is Rice University, because I've been obsessed with it since I was in 8th grade.

Those are just two of them!

@Sor:Yep, contrary to popular belief we're not friendless heathens. ;)

@Sky's standardized test comments: That all sounds about right. While I think the tests should be de-emphasized some to allow students to allocate their time towards learning more applicable subjects, I can see the value of having them for preliminary selection purposes. You're also right that the fact I'm ranked number one in my class doesn't mean a whole lot, heh. :P

@colleges: I don't know yet. I'm looking through information and getting some ideas, but at the moment I'm more concerned with figuring out my area of study.

Hmm... I plan on going to BYU for two years, then transferring to (hopefully) MIT or CalTec for a degree in Aerospace Engineering. As it is, I got a 33 on the ACT as a freshman, and I hope to get a perfect this year, so I should be cinched on admissions... I hope...

There are so many great colleges around, and I am so proud of you all for succeeding academically and looking into these incredible schools.  Still, my favourite university is my university.  ;)

@Mhera: You're number one on your class? That's cool. Actually, more than cool :)
And you're right to focus more on your area of study first. I tried to do that and am still trying, but I still don't know what I would like to do :-\ Do you have an idea?

@Wylder: You are really smart!! Kudos, I imagine it's from a combination of talent and hard work. What extracurricular activities do you do?

@Banya: Thank you! :) I am truly glad you're here on the forums because you're such a great person! And yes, it's good for you to like your college most. Keep liking where you live and what you do (even if it changes) ;D

Er, let's see... It will be quite a list...

>MCJROTC (Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps)- Leadership education program run by ret. U.S. Marine Corps servicemen. Is actually a class and comprehensive program offering extracurricular activities as well. These include drill (precision formation marching), rifle marksmanship team, color guard, and PT (physical training) team. I am on every team except the drill team.
>FIRST Robotics- Competition team for designing, building, and programming a robot over a period of time for a competition. FIRST is widely recognized and offers millions of dollars in scholarships.
>Band- Kind of an extracurricular activity. I am a flutist.
>Orchestra- While it was available. I play violin.
>Young Authors Club- I actually founded this one. The goal is to connect young authors and give them a place to share their work and learn about publishing opportunities.

Er, I think that's all of them.

Great activities; I can tell you're strong in and committed to academics.

I have my own extracurriculars... many are competitions. They vary. I may post my own list too.

Quote from: Skyblade on February 19, 2015, 04:42:17 AM
@Mhera: You're number one on your class? That's cool. Actually, more than cool :)

Lol I'm homeschooled! Not only am I at the top of the class, I'm the only one in the class! ;D

Quote from: Skyblade on February 19, 2015, 04:42:17 AM
And you're right to focus more on your area of study first. I tried to do that and am still trying, but I still don't know what I would like to do :-\ Do you have an idea?

Not really. I've got no outstanding talents or interests and I like learning about almost everything under the sun (except chemistry *shudders*). I've got some ideas as to what to pursue, but nothing definite yet.

Looks like I still don't understand how homeschooling works, then ;D


Nah! I bet you do have your own outstanding talents. I'll admit, though, I don't see myself as very talented either... but everybody is good at something. And I like chemistry, actually. It's my favorite science x)


I agree a lot with Mhera, though, in that I like to learn about almost everything... I'm more of a rounded person, I think, so I don't lean too much towards one subject. That's one reason why it's very hard for me to choose a career. I know about "pursuing your passions", but I honestly would like to do multiple careers - at the same time! :o Or maybe combine different interests into one dream career. There're many things I enjoy, and do I really have to choose just one?


Banya, do you mind giving us some advice about this topic? Choosing a career/major?

I'll have something for you soon.  (I'm in class.)  :)

Quote from: Banya on February 19, 2015, 03:38:44 PM
I'll have something for you soon.  (I'm in class.)  :)

Posting in class Banya? *tisk tisk*
Quite scandalous.

Quote from: Soren the Warrior on February 19, 2015, 04:53:55 PM

Quote from: Banya on February 19, 2015, 03:38:44 PM
I'll have something for you soon.  (I'm in class.)  :)

Posting in class Banya? *tisk tisk*
Quite scandalous.

Gotta get through lecture somehow.

Quote from: Skyblade on February 19, 2015, 12:20:53 PM
Looks like I still don't understand how homeschooling works, then ;D

Since I don't have any sisters I can also say that I attend what was formerly an all-boys school ;D.

Choosing a major/career

I'm a lot like Sky – there are so many different things I want to study and so many different careers I want to pursue.  Yet now that I'm faced with actually having to choose one, I'm exhausted and overwhelmed.  Trying to imagine the job you'll spend your life doing is a huge task for a teenager.  It's hard to think that far ahead when you're not even sure what you want to study or where you want to study it.  Here are a few places to begin:

1)   Start with your dream job.  You have one because you know what you'd like to do every day of your life.  How realistic is it, and how can you make it happen?
2)   Utilize your languages.  Do you know/want to learn a foreign language, and which?  Languages like Russian, Arabic, and Korean are prized by government agencies, and any of these will suit your job in the tech industry.  Germany has a huge growing economy.  French is spoken by numerous populations around the world.  Spanish is an unofficial language of the US and bilingual employees are sought by domestic employers in healthcare.  Where can you go with the languages you know?  (I know, Latin learners, I know.)
3)   Take introductory classes.  This is huge.  When graduating HS, I had no idea what I wanted to study, so I spend two years studying cheaply at a community college (a great idea if you're paying your own way through.) Many colleges will make you spend the first year or so distributing your credits across many subjects, and this is the reason.  I thought that the introductory classes would give me an idea of what I wanted to study.  Miracle of miracles – it worked.
4)   Read up on majors.  You know what subjects you like.  You have schools in your mind.   What are their majors? Read the descriptions.  That's how I found mine – I read about it online, found out my dream college offered it, and set my mind on that.
5)   Understand the true value of majors.  Here's a secret: it's better to graduate with an English degree and a high GPA than an Econ degree and a low GPA.  Your major will not limit what you can do.  You can go to law school with a degree in Earth Science.  You can obtain an MBA with a BA in Psych.  What really matters? Your experience and passion.  Make sure it's something you love.  That leads into...
6)   Gain experience.  Internships. Paid internships.  International internships.  Clubs.  Field study.  Volunteer.  Hands-on experience will help you realize whether or not you like what you're doing.  Figure it out now, so you can avoid completing a 4 or 6 year degree in civil engineering and realizing "Hmm... I don't like this." (This will also help you gain professional connections – important for later.)
7)   Realize that there is no useless degree.  Most employers want to see you have a degree so they know you can make commitments and are willing to work hard.  Some degrees are easier to earn than others, but, guys, they're college degrees.  They're valuable.  The catch: you have to be willing to accept that you may not get the job you desired.  For example, you majored in Classical Studies?  Interesting, not incredibly relevant to many fields, but certainly not useless.  However, the on-site research you completed in both New Mexico and Romania speak volumes for your level of commitment to your passion and the amount of effort you're willing to put into your work, but you may not get that dream job as Smithsonian curator.  You'll have to work your way up to the top by starting with a base job.  That leads into...
8 )   Recognize that some degrees force you to max out immediately, some don't. Some degrees won't allow you to advance further without more education, like degree in Dental Hygiene.  As soon as you get a job, you've maxed out.  You'll get a raise every few years, maybe promotion to supervisor.  But without going to dental school, you can't go further.  On the other hand, social science degrees are nearly limitless.  You can take a degree in Sociology into numerous fields, and there will nearly always be room for promotions and career-switching.
9)   Analyze your environment.  Where do you feel comfortable?  Working in a lab? Watching kids? Fixing up a historic site? Traveling frequently?  Find out where you feel comfortable and what that means for you.  Then go back to "gain experience," (no. 6) so you realize sooner rather than later if this decision was the right one.
10)   Always be open to changing your major.  My college won't let you declare if you're under 55 credits and you're not at least a 2nd-semester sophomore.  Until then, you haven't taken enough credits to determine a plan.  Don't settle on one yet - explore.  Again, you're a teenager.  You're not expected yet to know what you want to do for the rest of your life yet.  This is about building the skills, experience and connections you will use for the rest of your life.
11)   Get to know your academic advisor.  They are knowledgeable of all majors.  If they know you well, and your likes and interests, they can make a few recommendations and put you in contact with the right people.
12)   Forget what you liked and didn't like in high school.  A teacher can make or break a class.
13)   Sit in on a class or look at a textbook from a class in a certain field, maybe one you don't know much about.  Does the book on Physical Geography interest you?  Take a class on that for your lab credits.  Does the book on the philosophy of logic bore you?  Find something else.
14)   Talk to your professors.  What did they study?  Chances are they may not have an undergrad degree in the subject they teach.  What did they do when they first graduated?  Additionally, professors often bring back alumni to talk to students about what they've done since graduating.  Make space in your calendar for these.
15)   Consider two or three majors.  I'm dual majoring because I love my main major and have enough credits to make a second.  Many classes can be used between majors so it doesn't take extra time.  This also gives you more options in a career field.
16)   Finally, bonus tip: If you think you need it, give yourself more time.  When you get your degree, find out if you like it.  I've heard of so many people getting a Master's degree, then finding out they like studying architecture but they don't like working in the field.  Personally, it's been my dream since I was little to join the Peace Corps, and that's where I'll be after graduation.  I hope it'll give me more time to figure out what I want to do with my life.

I hope this helps each of you in some way.  Thanks - this was fun!

^^ I disagree with one thing-- there is a useless degree. Creative Writing is the most useless degree in existence. I want to be an author, but would I ever get a degree in creative writing? No.

^heh.

Thanks for putting that post down, Banya. It helps a lot, and I'll keep it in mind.

Hmm... my university offers CW as a sub-concentration, not as a major.  I know it's offered at other schools and would bet it's been done at mine as part of a build-your-own-concentration plan.  I have no doubt that this degree would help students become better writers and orators and improve their communication skills.  I see this being relevant to journalism, editing and publishing, translating, teaching, screenwriting, PR, making speeches, and becoming a playwright.  As I said, while a particular major may not be relevant to more than a handful of fields, a major like this would not doom you to living in a cardboard box on the streets of NY.  What really matters is the experience you gain as you work toward your major.
Small side-note: It took me a while to stop calling degrees useless.  I know Political Science majors, German Studies majors, fine arts majors, and Organization Studies majors, and I had to train myself to stop thinking, "What on Earth are you going to do with that?"  I saw people intern, work, and go on field studies, and realized that they were gaining business or lab experience that was filling their resumes and teaching them to be versatile.  I could just as easily call a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology useless, for it's the experience in the field that matters, and I can't call others' passions useless.
Second small side-note: And with that...I personally wouldn't get a degree in CW either.  :)

Anyway, Wylder, I hope you find the perfect major for you (if you choose to go to college, that is).  And I'd bet you'll be an excellent author.

I'm glad it helps, Mhera.  Thank you for the feedback, both of you.

Even so, I would caution those who are interested in going for a particular degree, especially 'cute' creative degrees, to make sure that they have some sort of plan for how exactly they're going to pay it off, and a plan B (and even C) if they can't immediately hop into that "high-paying dream job". My oldest sister spent years and racked up massive loans to get some top-notch arts-related degrees from top universities... those debts from loans are still haunting our family today. She's done plenty of stuff, sure, gotten some publicity, but she's never made anything besides living wages on it. With that experience in mind, I can't emphasize this enough: make sure that what you learn can pay itself off. If it probably won't, then at least make sure that you're well set up in something more profitable, so that you'll have something to keep you financially safe, before you study something that you're not sure will lend a monetary return.

Quote from: James Gryphon on February 21, 2015, 06:37:03 AM
make sure that what you learn can pay itself off

^^^^
Being something like a hygienist or something that pays well for the money to learn.
(It worked really well for several people I know.)

Banya, that is so, so helpful!! :D Thank you for taking the time to help me and other members out. We truly appreciate it.

You're welcome, Sky.  Thanks for asking me.

Also, since many of you are HS juniors it's about time for you to be visiting schools.  Let us know where you're visiting – we want to know how it goes!  (And if you visit my school, you can sit in on a class or eat in the dining hall or do something they don't normally include in campus visit, if you'd like.)

That's a helpful post too, James :D

Yes, good idea!! I've visited one of my options several times, and there's one not too far from me that I would like to go to. The others so far, however, are admittedly out of state. They would be hard to visit.

WHY IS THIS THREAD ON THE SECOND PAGE!!! :o

*revives* Okay x) Anyway, what classes are you all taking? I still don't know so much about homeschooling, but I'm pretty sure you have different classes (English, math, science, history, electives).

For instance, I'm taking all IB core classes and IB Spanish and IB Computer Science and some others.

The IB classes are because I'm pursuing the IB diploma.

I did public, private AND graduate school, so I don't really know what to answer ^^U

I went to a private for the longest time so... yeah.

School was always a big let down for me, like it always seemed to discourage natural curiosity on the student, in favor of the standard manners. Glad that's over.

Quote from: Skyblade on March 07, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
Anyway, what classes are you all taking? I still don't know so much about homeschooling, but I'm pretty sure you have different classes (English, math, science, history, electives).

No, we combine all the subjects into something called Scienglishistorelectimath. It's quite efficient ;).

All kidding aside, I'm taking Pre-Calculus, English, Advanced Biology, Latin, and some electives. I'll might put up a more thorough explanation of how the curriculum is laid out later.

What's IB?

@Sierra: How? :o

That's cool, Mhera! :) IB stands for International Bacca-Baccaleua...uh....something (Wait a moment while I look this up)

A minute later...

International Baccalaureate. It's a diploma program that's quite rigorous. It's amazing I have this much time to spend on the forums, is all I can say! :D

Quote from: Skyblade on March 08, 2015, 02:24:12 PM
@Sierra: How? :o

Let's just put it this way: you are not allowed to learn about military history more than superficially.

I partly agree with Sierra on school squelching curiosity, but I'm blessed with parents who are willing to let me temporarily drop anything to explore new topics. Homeschooling is fun :).

Speaking of homeschooling, I said I'd go a bit further into how my family goes about it, so here's a somewhat random memory dump on it:

First, we have to meet the various credit requirements just like every other high schooler has to do to graduate. However, there's no strict curriculum we have to use or any government monitoring in our state.

Next, here's a cursory breakdown of my schooling:

0-6 years- Some stuff about shapes and crayons. Most of the learning at this point came from just exploring stuff like every other kid. I learned that paper seems to get smaller when you crumple it, cactus is prickly, you can make cakes in shapes that aren't circular, that the Confederates wore grey and the Union wore blue, and that Chuck-E-Cheese's is a creepy place, among other things. Read my first chapter book (either Mister Popper's Penguins or Hank the Cowdog) during this time.

7 years-9th grade (you shall not know my age! ;))- I can't remember too much of these years except that I somehow skipped a grade in math and science, acquired my deep-rooted loathing of English, spent a lot of time in 4-H and homeschool co-ops (more on this later), and that every spare moment was spent with my nose in a book. Also took three or four standardized tests during this time, ingraining the vital bubble-filling skills necessary for success in the SAT/ACT :P. 

9th-11th (current grade)- I'll go a bit deeper into each course here:

Science: we use a curriculum called Apologia, which teaches science from a Christian perspective. The actual course is very straight forward as it's just reading from a textbook, testing after each chapter, and all the experiments are laid out. We've also got a good microscope, slides (both prepared and blank), and and buy various dissectables (pigs, worms, etc. and yes I just made "dissectables" up ;D) when needed. Basically, there's a lab sitting on my shelf.

Economics: just a textbook and tests.

History: nothing at the moment. I'll probably take a class at local community college this summer.

Latin: textbook and tests. I also took a year of Spanish with a tutor but later switched.

Math: textbook and tests again, as well as CDs that have each lecture on them as well as explanations for each problem. Admittedly, I never use the CDs, but they're a good example of an adaption to a course that was made with homeschoolers in mind.

English: I'm currently taking a once-a-week English class. We go over whatever it's time to learn (for example, we just finished going over satire and irony) on class day and then get a week's worth of homework.

Co-op: a once-a-week course of two or three classes that goes on for two months twice a year. The classes range from being ridiculously easy (bread making) with no homework to being something with substance that can actually be put on a transcript (speech).

Field trips: we incorporate these into road trips. I've been to D.C., the Alamo, stood on the Continental Divide, and saw where the Lincoln-Douglas debates took place, among other things.

That's about all for now, though I might think of more to add later. This is just a sort of brief overview of my experience with homeschooling, so feel free to ask questions if you have any.

We use Apologia!

And have you ever tried Omnibus for history?

No, never even heard of it.  :P

What Apologia course are you in now (General, Physical, etc.)?

Physical.

And Omnibus is an extremely rigorous history course that takes you through history by reading the books of that time period. Right now I am in the Middle-Ages and Early Church Fathers. You read the Song of Roland and The History of the Kings of Britain. Both books I have mentioned extensively on here.

Physical science was a lot of fun. I take it you've already covered the plate tectonics module by your comment in the Religious Q&A thread?

And for history, I admit that that's probably my weakest subject. At this point though, it's probably better for me to enter an actual college class and get some dual credit during the summer than to do more at home stuff now. That said, we've got I-don't-know-how-many historical books on the shelves and it's quite possible we own one or both of the ones you mentioned.

It's great that you learn a Christian-based science. I go to a public school where I get bombarded with all of these different un-Christian viewpoints. It's like a test of my faith or a challenge just to go to school.

Anyway, this is the Academic thread and not the Christian thread. I don't want to start a fire that burns this whole thread down ;D

Homeschooling sounds really cool. It's nice to get a look into it, so thank you all for posting :) plus, one of the characteristics of an IB student is open-minded.

Quote from: Skyblade on March 09, 2015, 10:58:57 AM
It's great that you learn a Christian-based science.

Apologia really is a great science course, but it can be annoying at times. For instance, at the very end of the chemistry textbook, there's a paragraph saying that the course is designed so that a C average means you're well prepared for college, and an A or B indicates that you should consider a career in a chemistry related field. Getting an A in that course was, academically speaking, the hardest and most frustrating thing I've ever done, and seeing that little blip at the end kind of made me want to burn the book :P.

Quote from: Skyblade on March 09, 2015, 10:58:57 AM
I go to a public school where I get bombarded with all of these different un-Christian viewpoints. It's like a test of my faith or a challenge just to go to school.

Regarding the secular influence in science classrooms, I am expecting college to hurt a bit in that area. According to my dad the best thing to do is keep your mouth shut and remember that you're being tested on what's in the textbook, not your actual beliefs. I think I've got the latter part down...

Quote from: Skyblade on March 09, 2015, 10:58:57 AM
Anyway, this is the Academic thread and not the Christian thread. I don't want to start a fire that burns this whole thread down ;D.

Don't worry, I'm not looking to start a debate. As hard as it is to believe, I'm pretty much all debated out at the moment :-\. I'm just trying to talk about a shared science course :).

Quote from: Skyblade on March 09, 2015, 10:58:57 AM
Homeschooling sounds really cool. It's nice to get a look into it, so thank you all for posting :) plus, one of the characteristics of an IB student is open-minded.

Glad I could help!

Heh, I had a question to ask you but I forgot it. :P Whoops! I probably think of it later. :)

I am doing my best to get back into homeschooling. I hate public school so much. I spend 7 hours a day in unproductive activities. We spent a week in math learning stuff I could have learned in 30 minutes. In AP World history, I don't read the textbook or take notes in class,and I have an A. Chemistry is amazing because of my teacher, he is the best teacher ever (Mostly because I can distract him by asking a question about antimatter or space exploration or California or politics, and then we have an awesome tangent discussion for like 30 minutes), but I don't take notes or read in that class either, still got an A. English is evil. Nothing new there. Band is good, we play awesome songs there, and JROTC is OK, I'm really in it for the extracurriculars. Really though, high school is eating my soul.

My brothers and sisters are smart too, and my sister in middle school recently passed the hallmark of the gifted kid: Realizing that school does not help you learn- it hinders you.

I sound super pessimistic here, but I'm just sick of it all. Everything goes so slowly, with so much unnecessary stuff tacked on. With what I'm doing now, I'm pretty sure I could have graduated high school when I was 12.

Well, here's my rant for the day. Guess I'll go look for recent articles and try to find literary connections in them with the Silmarillion for my English assignment. :P

In light of Wylder's statements, the best way I can summarize homeschooling (or at least my family's approach to it) is that the focus is more on learning than schoolwork.

I have stated before that I go to a Christain School. It's pretty good, but I feel like some of the stuff we learn there is either just busy work or stuff I wont need to use. The basic classes (English, History, Math, Science, and Bible) is the same used in grades such as 8th and 9th in other schools, so that's a plus. I would want to home school, but I am overly lazy and procrastinate too much. It sounds fun being able to study one thing for a while that I would be interested in instead of learning how to diagram an adverb clause with the subordinating conjunction being in the indirect object, while the prepositional phrase intersects the two which adds extra words that may or may not be valid in the statement. Flaws it may have, but I enjoy my schooling.

Quote from: Gonff the Mousethief on March 10, 2015, 03:17:27 AM
[D]iagram an adverb clause with the subordinating conjunction being in the indirect object, while the prepositional phrase intersects the two which adds extra words that may or may not be valid in the statement.

Ohh another example of stuff I learn in homeschooling...not this^ ;D

Really though, there's no better education system beyond the one you like best. If you enjoy what you're doing and making progress then that's fantastic. :)

I go to a Christian School. The only non-Christian school in my town is incredibly bad. I must say, I really dislike it. It's like the opposite of what Sky said, I'm constantly having to do forced praying; listening to the bible; going to services and often, being told I'm going to hell. I think they should tone it down a little. Yes it's a Christian school, but they know what the schooling situation in my town is.

Well...I dunno. I want to ask some stuff about that but as Sky said this the Academic Thread. If it helps any I don't agree with forcing folks to pray, though I'm not even sure that's actually possible.

Anyhow:
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uin30vLjcdo/VHDR3Wpd1qI/AAAAAAAAhnA/BVVAk69odZk/s1600/the%2Bmeanning%2Bof%2Ba%2Bstorypo.jpg)
This seems representative of many of my English experiences ::).

That is one of the many beautiful things about stories and poems: you can interpret them in a countless number of ways.

@Mask: I'm sorry you dislike your school but feel stuck in it.  Your school seems like a contradiction.  I hope you have some great friends to be through it all with you.

I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, Mhera. I know you're self-controlled and know what you're doing ^^ I just fear a massive debate in this thread and want to do what I can to prevent one.

Schools are different and my sympathy goes out to those who dislike their educational system. I hope you find the right place for you. If you haven't done so already, maybe try talking to your parents?

Great point too, Plugg.

Quote from: Skyblade on March 11, 2015, 08:58:21 PM
I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, Mhera. I know you're self-controlled and know what you're doing ^^ I just fear a massive debate in this thread and want to do what I can to prevent one.

No need to be sorry. Given my past track record, I can see why you said what you did and there was absolutely nothing wrong with that. :)

Quote from: PluggFiretail on March 11, 2015, 02:36:45 PM
That is one of the many beautiful things about stories and poems: you can interpret them in a countless number of ways.

That's what annoys me :P

Quote from: Banya on March 11, 2015, 07:57:21 PM
@Mask: I'm sorry you dislike your school but feel stuck in it.  Your school seems like a contradiction.  I hope you have some great friends to be through it all with you.

Thanks Banya! Thankfully I do have some good friends so that helps.

@Mhera and Plugg. The only thing I hate even more is how English teachers will go on and on about some plot device that everyone got straight away. We're not that stupid ;)

Quote from: Mhera on March 11, 2015, 09:18:39 PM

Quote from: PluggFiretail on March 11, 2015, 02:36:45 PM
That is one of the many beautiful things about stories and poems: you can interpret them in a countless number of ways.

That's what annoys me :P

That's what I love.  One solid answer, as in math, isn't enough; even the most complex problem isn't captivating, and if I can't find the single answer I'm upset with myself.  With prose and poetry, there is always more than one answer; there are always other ways of looking at something.

There is only one right way to do things: my way. ;D

A conversation from English class:

Me: "I'm having trouble grasping any symbolism in this story."
Teacher: "Okay, we can work on that. Who knows what the beach represents?"
Other student: "Childhood!"
Teacher: "Absolutely right!" *looks at me* "You don't get that at all, do you?"
Me: "I thought the beach represented a beach..."

Math, please ::)

Quote from: Mhera on March 12, 2015, 02:28:13 PM
A conversation from English class:

Me: "I'm having trouble grasping any symbolism in this story."
Teacher: "Okay, we can work on that. Who knows what the beach represents?"
Other student: "Childhood!"
Teacher: "Absolutely right!" *looks at me* "You don't get that at all, do you?"
Me: "I thought the beach represented a beach..."

Math, please ::)

I can totally relate except I was homeschooled and my mother was a lot less sensitive.

I've always been homeschooled; this is just a once per week class I go to.

And the teacher is very understanding unless she learns you did all of your homework the night before class. Then all students get a no-nonsense speech about effort and procrastination :P.

I didn't do anything in school better than procrastinate.

Even in my college courses, I regret to say, I haven't done much better. I actually failed my first attempt at a college dev-math course (which I was doing online) because I kept putting off the work on it that I should have done.

My second attempt at it, I went to classes in person, which really helped me. I still ended up phoning it in the last part of the course, but I made it that far, instead of falling behind after a week. Still, the multiple-choice test at the end is what saved me. I didn't have enough skill to do every problem, but I could do it well enough to tell which answer (out of 4) looked right, so I still got a good grade.

So, the moral of the story: don't procrastinate. But if you do, at least make sure that your final test is multiple-choice first. ;)

Quote from: Mhera on March 12, 2015, 02:28:13 PM
A conversation from English class:

Me: "I'm having trouble grasping any symbolism in this story."
Teacher: "Okay, we can work on that. Who knows what the beach represents?"
Other student: "Childhood!"
Teacher: "Absolutely right!" *looks at me* "You don't get that at all, do you?"
Me: "I thought the beach represented a beach..."

Math, please ::)

My teacher was exactly like that... So I can relate.

It is frustrating, isn't it?

I remember that time when we were reading "Los Arboles Mueren de Pié" (a precious piece of literature) and, at the time, I couldn't think of any reason of why to look deeper than the author's own words. The guy was trying to be as direct as possible and, yet, my teacher would always put the reading on halt just to invent meanings.

Quote from: Mhera on March 12, 2015, 02:28:13 PM
A conversation from English class:

Me: "I'm having trouble grasping any symbolism in this story."
Teacher: "Okay, we can work on that. Who knows what the beach represents?"
Other student: "Childhood!"
Teacher: "Absolutely right!" *looks at me* "You don't get that at all, do you?"
Me: "I thought the beach represented a beach..."

Math, please ::)

Yay! That is totally me.

Far to often I get this feeling that English teachers put more meaning into the book than the authors meant. Way more. I mean, come on. Sometimes, curtains are just curtains. And maybe, that blanket on her bed is just blue because she likes that color!

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on March 12, 2015, 04:33:55 PM

Quote from: Mhera on March 12, 2015, 02:28:13 PM
A conversation from English class:

Me: "I'm having trouble grasping any symbolism in this story."
Teacher: "Okay, we can work on that. Who knows what the beach represents?"
Other student: "Childhood!"
Teacher: "Absolutely right!" *looks at me* "You don't get that at all, do you?"
Me: "I thought the beach represented a beach..."

Math, please ::)

Yay! That is totally me.

Far to often I get this feeling that English teachers put more meaning into the book than the authors meant. Way more. I mean, come on. Sometimes, curtains are just curtains. And maybe, that blanket on her bed is just blue because she likes that color!

I've always wondered that too.  I don't think prose authors put as much symbolism or other literary devices into their writing as we take from it.  We might be digging a little deeper than we need to be.  Still, beach = childhood, love it.

I had that argument with my teacher, she said "It doesn't matter what it actually means, what matters is what it could mean and that you show off your own skills"

LYING ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE'S WORK IS NOT SHOWING OFF YOUR SKILLS

Quote from: Jetthebinturong on March 12, 2015, 06:41:55 PM
I had that argument with my teacher, she said "It doesn't matter what it actually means, what matters is what it could mean and that you show off your own skills"

LYING ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE'S WORK IS NOT SHOWING OFF YOUR SKILLS

And it doesn't make any sense neither.

How is academic life for you all? :P

Great, holidays are my favourite part of the year

Quote from: Skyblade on April 04, 2015, 04:49:06 PM
How is academic life for you all? :P

Nonexistent for me :P How is it going for you?

Stressful :P But I'll be okay.

I changed the poll.

I graduate next year. I feel really old now because I remember my brothers graduating and thinking that they were really old because of that. :P

2020! Sounds like a cool year to graduate in, plus easy to remember!

Quote from: Mhera on April 06, 2015, 04:14:44 AM
I graduate next year. I feel really old now because I remember my brothers graduating and thinking that they were really old because of that. :P

I thought that you were younger than that, but that's really cool! Are you planning to go to college after that? :)

That's the plan!

Quote from: Mhera on April 06, 2015, 04:58:54 AM
That's the plan!

Wise decision :)

College is great.  I was watching tour groups of admitted but uncommitted high school seniors wander around campus from my window for a while this morning.  We get hundreds each day; each year about 15,000 of 50,000 applicants are admitted, and about 6,000 eventually commit.  Other than that, I have the due dates of several final papers coming up soon.  Two weeks of class left, then exams, then break!

Still undecided (but thankfully more clear than I was before), I took a free online majors test and got this for my top five choices. Frankly, I'm surprised. I will admit, however that these results are rather pleasant - and terrifying at the same time :o I'm not sure how accurate this test is, but it seemed pretty good. It's a guideline, anyway.

1. Music (I thought I would get this, but as my first choice??)
2. Music Education (Whaaat? Ok)
3. Journalism (Yes! It's one of my serious options)
4. Biochemistry (I've considered this before)
5. Religious Studies (Because of my faith, I think)


What's up with you all? School doesn't end in the summer, in a way.

*Shocked face* Sacrilege! How dare you violate the sanctity of summer free time! :D

Well, I'm (kind of) looking forward to next year. I'll be doing high school by taking college classes- The high school I'm going to is actually attached to the local community college. For the past 5 years, the school has had a 100% grad rate, and all graduates end up with an associates degree- that puts me 2 years ahead. Of course, the school closed its admissions in February, but I have a way around that.

That's amazing.

Indeed. Also, it's a bit weird- where I'll be, schools have 10 periods. My school now only has 6.

Sounds rigorous, which is good for a person/student like you. Best wishes!

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on June 06, 2015, 01:38:32 AM
Indeed. Also, it's a bit weird- where I'll be, schools have 10 periods. My school now only has 6.

Well, mine has 8 so, it met in the middle.


8th grade next year won't be that hard. I've talked to some of the ones who just finished and it just the stuff we already learned with a little more. By the time I get to college most of y'all will be either finished or almost. Well, I at least Rocktree is younger than me.

Mine is also eight.

Gonff, there are many young, active members in the forums :) For examples, The Mask, Corny, Russa... and probably more.

Hmm.  My high school had 5 periods to each day.  Each period lasted 75 minutes.

While at community college I took anywhere from 5 to 7 classes each semester.  Some of them were 1-credit music courses, but most classes were uncomplicated, so it was possible to take more of them.  The most credits I ever took at once was 19, and while it went well, I know to never do that again.

Now, at a much more rigorous university, I take only 4 classes each semester (and next spring I'm treating myself with only 3 classes and 13 credit hours).  The number of credits I usually take varies from 15-17 per semester.  It's enough to keep me busy.  Add in all of the meetings I attend, panels, discussions, and lectures from visitors, and time for studying, and it's a full schedule.

Quote from: Skyblade on June 06, 2015, 01:20:13 AM
Still undecided (but thankfully more clear than I was before), I took a free online majors test and got this for my top five choices. Frankly, I'm surprised. I will admit, however that these results are rather pleasant - and terrifying at the same time :o I'm not sure how accurate this test is, but it seemed pretty good. It's a guideline, anyway.

1. Music (I thought I would get this, but as my first choice??)
2. Music Education (Whaaat? Ok)
3. Journalism (Yes! It's one of my serious options)
4. Biochemistry (I've considered this before)
5. Religious Studies (Because of my faith, I think)

I see you going the journalism route.  Another career option that you have always made me think of is music therapy.

Hmm, I like to help people, and I would really like to use music to do so! But I am not sure. Thank you for the feedback!

I know from experience that "Religious Studies" is a good career for you, Skyie. But I can definitely see you doing journalism as well :)

(timidly) ...thank you... :)

I have 400 pages of course descriptions to go through, courtesy of the two colleges in the town I'm moving to. Of course, most courses I won't even consider, seeing as I can't for example be a part of the nursing program, but I still have to hack out a schedule. You see, there are perks to having your father be a college instructor. Like free access to the entire state's secondary public education system until I'm 24 (or married).

So, until you're 24.

But that's really cool, Wylder.  Good luck with all of it.

 ::)

I'm Mormon. Of course I'll get married. Pretty easy to do that. All it takes are these few simple steps:

1. Go to BYU (Or BYU-I. Also known as "BYU I Do")
2. Mention you are a return missionary
3. Wait while all the girls fall over you
4. Find the right one
5. BOOM. One temple trip and this eternal marriage is history

Here. This video ought to be instructive. ;D



Of course, all you non-Mormons won't find it as funny as I do, but... Oh well.

Pardon me, I need to go die laughing...

Sure, Wylder.  Step 3 is easy enough for guys or girls.  It's Step 4 that's decidedly less so.

O.o

I'm surprised about the number of people who voted for "Already graduated". Most of the people here are rather young.

Pardoned. Who doesn't like Mormon comedy? (One of our more redeeming features, see...)

Double post... :P

^That was Scott Sterling!  The man, the myth, the legend!

In other news, it feels strange to tell others that I'm a rising senior.  It doesn't feel like much time has passed since I was a high school senior.

It must be very exciting for you, Banya :)

I keep getting a 10 on the SAT essay :P

Have a paper due tonight and all I can write is trash. :-\

Is there any way we can help? :-\

Sure, write it for me. ;)

There's nothing anyone can do. I just have to overcome this block somehow.

Quote from: Blade on July 03, 2015, 03:17:32 AM
I keep getting a 10 on the SAT essay :P

I scored 8 the first time and 6 the second... TEACH ME YOUR WAYS ;D

Quote from: James Gryphon on July 03, 2015, 03:20:05 AM
Have a paper due tonight and all I can write is trash. :-\

Hate it when that happens... :-\ I hope it works out anyway.

What? I'm honestly surprised; you're really good at writing. We should share tips on here anyway!! I don't know what happened to my math section last time; I thought it was super easy.

I'll post essay writing tips for the SAT.

'Tis true. The SAT essays are not kind to me, and any tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks :) I might be able to scrounge up something helpful for math.

Well, I sent my report in. I'm not looking forward to the grade.

It was supposed to be four pages long. I barely got it up to one. It was supposed to have three sources; I could only scrape up two (which I tacked on after the fact). It was supposed to be thoroughly researched and investigated. I did most of it as I went along. It was supposed to be done today -- well, that I managed, by all of literally several seconds... if my computer had stalled just a moment more I wouldn't have made that.

Still, I'm guaranteed at least 15 points for naming the file correctly and putting my name and the course information at the top. It's better than submitting nothing, which is what I did last time.

I hate my college life. :-\ This is a subject I know, and the best I can do is break even...

@Mhera: Thank you :)

@James: I'm not in college yet (though I hope to be in a very good one soon), so I wouldn't really know how you feel, but I've procrastinated before (like, a lot of times :P)... and it sucks. I hope things get better for you. I mean, if there's any way we can help, you can tell us! :)

*sigh* School is giving me a headache. And I'm not even in it yet! Misread legal terms, late registrations, paperwork, permanent addresses and weird school zoning are all conspiring to restrict me.

Dang, Wylder; I wish you the best, and I know how you feel to an extent :-\

Keep calm and battle on. I'll pray for ye.

Man, I hate school. It manages to bother me and give me work even when it's on vacation. Seriously, doesn't it have anything better to do with its time? I mean, go write a standardized test, or something. You change them every other year anyways. Or at least make your registration process comprehensible and not in three different parts. And for heavens sake, don't stick kids in performing arts schools who don't want to be there!

I don't agree with everything about school, but I am going to just have to deal with it. And (try to! >:() do my best.


Watch me. I'm planning to change the world someday... somehow.

I'm sure you will, Sky. I'll be keeping an eye out.

On another note, while changing the world is indeed a worthy goal, you might consider the fact that changing people is, perhaps, more important.

Thank you.

That's really good advice. And I think that is what I was planning to do...

And I should start with myself. *looks at myself. Sighs*

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm thankful that I am the way I am, especially because I know I could be so much worse! :D And I do have good qualities. But I read this quote that said that the surest way to change the world is to start with what you can change for sure - yourself.

Something all of us should work on.

External circumstances are temporary. They come, go, change with the wind and the times. But character, built on solid foundations, never wavers. If you are able to instill in men character, they will do what is right regardless of those circumstances. That is true philanthropy. In the words of an old adage, "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." Or, for a more religious take, here's a good quote:

The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.
-Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

Apparently, exercise science is one of the worst degrees you can get right now...

Guess who's going major shopping!

What do you mean? What?

That's the major I'm looking at (along with some closely related ones). A bit of research has revealed that the work you can get with it is very little and relatively cheap :P On further thought, though, it shouldn't be too big a deal, as my intention is to use it to enter a physical therapy program. Still, I'm going to keep looking around (not that I already wasn't...).

That sounds great :)

But yeah, do what you enjoy (you already know this, but just to remind you).

I still don't know my major. If I had to choose right now, probably Journalism, but I am unsure if that's the right path for me.

Eh, there's plenty of time to figure it out :) I'm trying to pick something or get it narrowed down soon for reasons, but it's not an urgent decision.

:)

Yeah, school makes it so pressuring.

I have to pick three thoings I can do to make a career for my dad. Isn't it strange that HE practically my extra two? ::)

Well, you need freedom, too :-\

My dad said I would be best as a lawyer or journalist, and that those careers fit me. I'm still unsure for now.

Odd... how many high schoolers know exactly what they're going to do for a career? I'll be an author, and I'm going into the Army (maybe an Army Ranger... that's what I'm going for). I've already finished my book, now I'm looking for an editor to send it to (when I'm done proof reading).

Quote from: Skyblade on July 22, 2015, 01:53:34 AM
Well, you need freedom, too :-\

My dad said I would be best as a lawyer or journalist, and that those careers fit me. I'm still unsure for now.

Yeah, I know. I'm sure computering is a great skill, and I appreciate te effort. . . . Why won't you listen to my choices as well?

Sorry, rant over.

Quote from: Eulaliaaa! on July 22, 2015, 10:31:56 PM
Odd... how many high schoolers know exactly what they're going to do for a career?

None ;) Even the best plans are subject to change. However, having a sense of direction- even if it ultimately doesn't pan out -can be very helpful.

Quote from: Eulaliaaa! on July 22, 2015, 10:31:56 PM
How many high schoolers know exactly what they're going to do for a career?

How many high schoolers can tell the future?

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on July 23, 2015, 06:27:17 PM

Quote from: Eulaliaaa! on July 22, 2015, 10:31:56 PM
How many high schoolers know exactly what they're going to do for a career?

How many high schoolers can tell the future?

None, but I do know I'll be in the Army. Or at least the military. There's no question about that, it's what I'm going to do. And writing is something I really enjoy, I love to write. I've already written a book that's around 200 pages. I'm getting ready to send it to an editor.

While I may not know exactly what my life will look like in the future, I have an idea of what I'm going to do.

The Army... ever seen that one army Toyota ad? That cpuld be you.

I haven't seen it, actually.

Quote from: Eulaliaaa! on July 22, 2015, 10:31:56 PM
Odd... how many high schoolers know exactly what they're going to do for a career? I'll be an author, and I'm going into the Army (maybe an Army Ranger... that's what I'm going for). I've already finished my book, now I'm looking for an editor to send it to (when I'm done proof reading).

Sounds great.

I'm almost done with high school and I don't know :P Consider yourself blessed.

I just found out that I'm getting academic credit for this summer job.  It's their way of bypassing the proper visa process, since the Turkish work permits were taking too long to come through.  We entered Turkey with special student visas, and giving us a transcript and academic internship credit is the only way they've found that they can pay non-Turkish citizens without a work permit.  I'm happy with the way this has turned out.

Great!

I sound fake, but I'm just trying not to be saccharine :P 99% of the time, I'm being serious.

You don't sound fake.  Even if you were being sarcastic, I think it's great, so I wouldn't care.

My sister wan to be a Marine biologist; at least she likes it... For sure I'll do something with my viola, but writing, (thanks Brian and every writer ever) is my thing.

Graduated what seems like ages ago (2002).

I've skimmed the thread a bit.  For those who are graduating soon, or will be in the next few years, just a piece of advice.  You never truly know what you will do or what you are capable of until you try and you might be surprised at where life takes you--even if it goes away from your original decision.  I had no real plan upon graduating, except attend a two year school and get a generic associates degree in liberal arts that will basically go towards anything.  Its a good start to get your feet wet with the scheduling of classes, homework and papers to complete, and hopefully won't be a waste of money starting off with a degree (or decision) you later decided you didn't want.  I didn't know until my second year in school that I truly could be a teacher, that I wanted to be a teacher, or that I would be good as a teacher.  Fast forward to the real work world and I ended up teaching in a tough school, in fields and with students I never thought I would be able to handle.  Glad my life took me here since I feel I can handle just about any situation thrown at me in the career.  :)

So be prepared for some things that get in the way---and maybe they're not all bad. ;)

I graduate in 2018. Man, I'm so sad the first year of high school is already. Only three more years of it. Really, Gonzaga is the best place I've ever been; I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Lutra, that sounds great. Thank you for the advice.

I wish you all the best in your academic endeavors. Keep calm and battle on.

Well, I'm either crazy, have a death wish, or both. I'll either be attending college early and graduate with my associates degree or be taking 5 AP classes at the same time. In addition, due to weird class arrangements, I've skipped a year (or half of one, anyways) of math- therefore I'll be taking calculus without having taken pre-calculus. I am now studying like mad to learn what a derivative is and how to use it in the remaining 4 days before the school year begins- and that's not even counting my summer assignments.

And that's the improved version of my schedule.

And I was complaining about my own academic life...

We wish you only the best. Please don't overwork or burn yourself out. It sucks. I reckon you know that already, though, which should give you more reason not to do it again! Life is short, might as well do our best to enjoy it. So please rest enough.

Feel free to PM me if you need anything.

*sigh* Worst part of it is, I still don't know what school I'm going to... :P

Ah, well. I'm sure I'll be fine. I've survived what, 8 years of school? This can't be that much worse. It's just absolutely impossible for me  to take anything less than the most challenging classes possible- even if I hate the subject *coughenglishcough*

Still, I can't be studying that frantically- I'm on here, aren't I? I think I've got it mostly down. Review basic parent functions, take a quick look at limits and derivatives on KhanAcademy and check out a couple very useful although slightly insulting (I am not a dummy, thank you very much. At least, not about math, anyways) books, and I've pretty much got the basic idea.

To me, burnout is the definition of school. A necessary evil, so it is. See, what I really need is a time-turner, like from Harry Potter! Then, I could do school, homework would take up no time, I could do whatever I wanted and I'd have clones! Now why doesn't somebody invent one of those... *scribbles notes*

I don't understand everything you're going through. However, I understand your turmoil - to an extent.

School is rough. It sucks sometimes. But there are good things about it too, trust me. It is amazing we even get an education.

I'm not sure what else to say. Not stressing out from school is a very difficult thing to do. But rest assured that it will all pay off in the end.

Plus, who said taking challenging courses is all bad? It shows where you are in your class: at the top.

Life is not just what happens to us, but how we view what happens to us. You're a fine person with good qualities; clearly, you're a good student and that's a blessing. I could compliment you more, Wylder, but some people don't like that.

Not sure how much this helps :P But I felt like writing it.

- Sky

Just signed up for another course. I'm already worried.

2020 I think.

Went to the art museum today! (half of the trip was interesting, other half wasn't. I finally got another look at the Asian collection, I've been wanting to for a while!)

Really thankful for my IB exam scores...and being thankful makes me feel better! :D

Quote from: James Gryphon on August 25, 2015, 09:57:42 PM
Just signed up for another course. I'm already worried.

PM me if you need anything.

I just ordered my fall textbooks a few days ago.  They should beat me home.  I've been on summer break for four months, and I have two weeks remaining until classes start.

*bump*

How are everyone's semesters/trimesters/quarterlies going?

This is how conversation went in my small group (a portion of my church group) on Tuesday:
Leader/Friend/Fellow Senior: "Icebreaker!  Let's talk about our first days of school."
Freshman 1: "It was good, I think.  I got lost once or twice, but I liked my classes.  I think this one class is going to be really hard, but it fits into my distribution requirements, so I'm getting it out of the way now.  Otherwise, this semester should be fine."
Freshman 2: "I'm not sure about one class, but it relates to this major I'm considering, so we'll see how it goes.  I'm also taking this class and this class, which sound super interesting.  I have one class with a friend from high school, so I get to see her often, and we can study together!"
Freshman 3: "I love my professors, so I think I'll love my classes.  My classes are one right after the other, so I'm like gogogo all over campus from like 10 to 4, and I had to bring a granola bar for lunch.  That's only two days a week, though, and my other days are pretty chill, with lots of time for studying, so I'll be all right."
Me: "I went to all my classes, so you could say I'm off to a strong start."

I hope you all are doing well.

I used to be enthusiastic about school. I liked learning. I really liked extracurricular activities. Now my fire is out, and I don't know how to get it back.

I'm doing fine. Power of the Pen is going to be my main extra curricular activity after the end of the soccer and field hockey season, I'm running for student council (secretary), I'll ask for Mock UN possible candidates tomorrow, and I'm doing soccer. I've got a great start. (This is all slightly hilarious/stressy for me, since I was put in school a year early.) I'll be trying out for the fall ply this year, and hopefully I can master the Vivaldi piece I'm playing in orchestra.

Ninja'd: Sky, what extra curricular activities do/did you do?

Thank you for asking, Sage. I truly appreciate it.

I'm most involved in flute/piccolo playing. I'm in our band, do UIL Solo and Ensemble, take lessons, and am President of our (little) music organization. Here lies my biggest passion, and yet I'm getting unenthusiastic about this too. *Shrugs*

I also do a technology organization, NHS, and a writing competition. Among others.

So Power of the Pen is an activity, cool. What's it about?

Competitive writing. I love it. The overseer gives you a prompt, you write a story about it to the best of your ability. 40 minutes, highest grade 5 lowest 1. If you ever want to complete you'll need stamina and a good hand, it's only written submissions. (Some competitions, I think, allow you to come along and "shadow write" as an unofficial contestant, and they will give you a score but they do not comment on it like they do for official contestants). It's a day long thing.

Anyway, why are you not enjoying flute?

Honestly, my school is not going well right now :P I'm on a half load for the time being (it's easier on the principle (my mom)), so it's hard to get into the swing of things, and I've been (almost) literally running myself into the ground lately. Hopefully that'll all change for the better soon, though.

@Sky: Senioritis?

@Sage: That's neat. What sort of prompts do you get? (Like an essay, story, etc.)

I'll post one of my favorite writings that also is a pretty good example of a 4 or 5. (I'm pretty sure.)

The prompt is, "Describe a door that is closed to you."

Spoiler'd for length

"Get in there- no, stop, you silly girl. I said get in! IN!"

He kicked me, sending my body flying back into the room. Before I could rise again, he had slammed the door and locked the three dead bolts.
"Let me out! Now!"
"Shaddup! One more word and you and your family will suffer more than ever before!"

I bite back my retort and glance around. Two other people have been tossed into this room, but they didn't resist like me. Mother and Father observe me through hollow eyes, long since starved into submission. Sitting cross-legged, I dig the dirt out of my fingernails and attempt to comb my hair with my fingers. It's grown long since we were yanked from our normal life and tossed into this prison. I contemplate my position as I put my hair back into a ponytail for probably the hundredth time that week. The grimy door in front of me stays as closed as ever, locked to me and my family.

It had been a pretty easy life before then, our middle-class house, my private schooling, my dad's job as an accountant for several prominent people, and my mom's small corner store, which we turned a large profit off of. I had lots of friends, and, unlike many other Japanese my age, was very popular at school. Whenever we saw a homeless person or someone wandering the streets in a tattered suit, my father always said, "Count yourself among the lucky. The door is closed for them"

Then the military came to call.

I had been in my room, sketching out a view of the front of the school (I had always liked the scenery there) when I heard a knock. There was a couple minutes silence, then my father called out "???????????" (please wait a moment) and eased himself up from the chair. Peering into the hallway, I saw him hurrying to the front door, where I could see shadowy figures past the frosted glass. My mother, also looking into the hallway, noticed me watching and gestured for me to go back into my room.

There was a crash from the front door, and I could hear splinters of wood hitting the floor. There was a softer thump, and I drew farther back into my room. I heard smaller crashes from the different rooms, first Father's study, then he and mother's room, then the kitchen and dining room, the bathroom, and finally-

"Stay where you are."

I looked up. Three intimidating, armed men dressed in a green uniform were standing in the doorway. I had seen them around town, their numbers progressively larger. I knew from the looks Mother and Father gave them that they must be bad.

"Come here."

One of the men detaches himself from the group and grabs my arm, yanking me to my feet.
"You're coming with us!"

I had gotten one last look at our old home, before being shoved into the back of a truck. I could see men boarding up the destroyed doorway. Locking me forever from my life.

[close]

Obviously, that was a practice thing I did on my iPad, otherwise I wouldn't be able to write the Japanese character, let alone know what they mean.

Quote from: Mhera on September 11, 2015, 12:05:51 AM
@Sky: Senioritis?

My thoughts too.

@Mhera: Do you think your school load will pick up soon?  Also, what do you mean about the running?

@Sage: That was a great short story.  Do you ever think you'll take one of your writings and expand it into a longer story?

Well, in that case I seem to be getting senioritis early. I wonder what that says about myself :(

It says squat, other than that you're overworked. I developed that several years before what would have been a senior year.

Thank you James, and I know how you feel because I had "junioritis" :P

Quote from: Banya on September 11, 2015, 12:34:46 AM

Quote from: Mhera on September 11, 2015, 12:05:51 AM
@Sky: Senioritis?

My thoughts too.

@Mhera: Do you think your school load will pick up soon?  Also, what do you mean about the running?

@Sage: That was a great short story.  Do you ever think you'll take one of your writings and expand it into a longer story?

I don't know. I find myself to be better at short stories, however, then I am at long pieces of writing. (this is why the first, say, five chapter of my first forum fanfic were so unconnected)

@Sage: That was very good :)

Quote from: Banya on September 11, 2015, 12:34:46 AM
@Mhera: Do you think your school load will pick up soon?  Also, what do you mean about the running?

Hopefully. If it doesn't I'll probably just jump ahead myself, though it kinda annoys my mom when I mess with her schedules :P I'm running cross country this year, and the practices are in the afternoon. Given the heat, I push harder than I probably should and pay for it later.

Quote from: Sagetip, the hare on September 11, 2015, 01:25:42 AM
I don't know. I find myself to be better at short stories, however, then I am at long pieces of writing. (this is why the first, say, five chapter of my first forum fanfic were so unconnected)

Mmm.  They were a little hard to follow, but I think that also had to do with reading them in segments.  That's just how it is. 
You say 'first.'  Does this mean you're writing or have written other forum fanfics?

I said first as in it was the first fanfic I'd written, I'm in the process of the sequel right now.

Quote from: Skyblade on September 11, 2015, 01:10:25 AM
Thank you James, and I know how you feel because I had "junioritis" :P

Then apparently I had 3^rdgrader-itis or some such thing. I've been trying to get out of school as long as I've been in it! The only reason I go is because, well, it's awfully hard to support a family without a good education. As much as I would love to go live out in the woods like a wildman... ::)

Anyways, my schedule is crazy. It's supposed to look like this when I come home:
1. Read seminary scripture assignment
2. Do homework
3. Practice violin
4. Go biking/ Go to the pool
5. Write/Work on other skill

Lately it looks like this:
1. Read seminary scripture assignment
2. Do homework
3. Eat dinner
4. Do homework until late
5. Sleep
6. Get up at 5am to do more homework before seminary
7. Do homework in class and at lunch so I can turn it in next period

Etc. It kind of... sucks. But whatever. Two more years. Then I can go relax... on my mission ::)

Sage, I forgot to answer your question :-[

I enjoy flute, but I've been tired lately and playing an instrument requires energy. Also, the band warm ups are getting repetitive. This is my 5th year playing them ;)

Quote from: Skyblade on September 16, 2015, 08:07:12 AM
Sage, I forgot to answer your question :-[

I enjoy flute, but I've been tired lately and playing an instrument requires energy. Also, the band warm ups are getting repetitive. This is my 5th year playing them ;)

Mmmmm, I found that was the case the the public school I used to go to. Do you have a private tutor?

Ah. Well, playing an instrument in itself is a blessing :) Yes I have a private tutor, and she's the best.

What do you do with your viola? (You play viola, I believe)

Good. You can't be accepted into any large important orchestras without a private tutor. (Just saying. It looks good on the resume.)

I don't have a set course for my tutoring, though we get to do plenty of Bach, with some Suzuki mixed in.

Haha :D Do you like viola?

Anyway, AMAZING NEWS. My dad called literally minutes ago. His news? I don't have to retake the SAT! He said he's noticed my stress (no duh ;D) and wants to alleviate it. Since I have my 33 ACT score, I can just use that for colleges. There's no need for both a good ACT and SAT score.

AND GUESS WHAT? I should get a ribbon for overachievement! My parents said I don't have to retake the ACT, but I decided to SO I CAN GET A HIGHER SCORE!

Er, I'm really hyped. I prefer ACT over SAT, to be honest. This is a lot off my back. Maybe my depression will get better.

HAH! I told you the ACT was better! I took it two years ago.

Oh, by the way, great job! I may have been carried away by my "I told you so" mode... ::)

I'm doing something similar. Ridiculously similar, actually. I also happen to be retaking the ACT. Twice, actually, because I paid to retake it and then found out I will take it again for free through the school... :P

In all seriousness, great job, though! If I remember correctly from my score report, that's 99th percentile!

Thank you, Wylder! :) I bet you'll do very well. Seriously.

I don't think 33 out of 36 is 99th percentile, but it's nothing to sneeze at.

No, you're incorrect. I just ran to my desk and got my score report, and it definitely says that a 33 is 99th percentile in the US. Unless test-takers have gotten significantly smarter in the past two years, you're right up there at the top. Show a little more pride in yourself!

I looked the subject up online earlier, and if those sites are accurate, 99th is supposed to be about right.

If PrepScholar is correct, there are only about 5 colleges in the country where 33 on the ACT isn't good enough to give you a chance.

Wow, thank you, Wylder. I truly appreciate it ^-^ What score did you get, by the way? I bet it's great!

Thank you, James :) Well, maybe retaking a 33 is overkill. I am pretty busy, but I might be able to fit in ACT studying :P I'll talk to my school counselor about it; I'll have to make a decision soon.

Quote from: Skyblade on September 17, 2015, 03:57:03 AM
Well, maybe retaking a 33 is overkill.

Maybe?

33, same as you. That's how I know the percentile. That's why I thought it was weird we were both gonna retake. Same idea, same score...

As for me, I'm shooting for a 36. I could use a full-ride- because there's no way I'm paying $42,000 a year tuition just to go to MIT! I love the school, but not to the order of $160,000 of student-loan debt. If that's the case, I'll take my chances with BYU. Actually, I may go there for my undergrad anyways and go to MIT for a masters.

Sky, that's fantastic! And it only further affirms what I said in my Ask thread about identical scores/tests. I got a 33 as well, and am skipping the SAT but retaking the ACT (though maybe not until next year) ;D

@James: A 34 instead of a 33 could possibly garner an extra $10,000 at one of the schools I'm considering.

Woah. That's even stranger. But, whatever. It's cool, I guess.

Thanks, Mhera! And wow, that's weird but cool too! ;D

Wylder, I wish you the best. Don't stress (well, try not to). I know you'll be great. We all will. I mean, look at us. Nerds for life ;D

Psh, I'm fine. I've even got two opportunities. Besides, last time the only thing I didn't do well in was math, and that was because the highest math class I'd taken was Algebra 1 (I got a 25 in the Math section).

Quote from: Mhera on September 17, 2015, 04:36:00 AM@James: A 34 instead of a 33 could possibly garner an extra $10,000 at one of the schools I'm considering.

All right.

If it's to save money, then that's one thing. I just don't want Sky to feel like being in the 99th percentile is inadequate.

@Sky: I missed it when I first read this topic, but caught it the second time around. I'm glad to hear about not doing the SAT.

Thank you :) I plan to talk to my school counselor, like I said :)

Quote from: Mhera on September 17, 2015, 04:36:00 AM
...and am skipping the SAT...

I shouldn't have said that, because now, for reasons beyond my comprehension, I am registered to take the November SAT.

Well, good luck on that, Mhera.  (Seriously though.)

My Russian class is interesting.  My instructor is awesome, in contrast to my former Arabic professor, who was so horrible that I stopped taking Arabic classes.  In Arabic, though, we spent the first three weeks learning only the alphabet, learned only numbers 0-10, and then spent the rest of the semester cramming in two textbooks.  In Russian, we had to know the alphabet by last Friday (class only started Tuesday), and we had to know it verbally, in print, and in cursive.  We know numbers 0-29 and are already holding and translating simple conversations.
I like this pace.

Yeah, really ::) Thanks!

That's funny, and kinda sad :P Are you still going to try and learn Arabic on your own, or was it just another class?

I've decided not to retake the ACT :P Do you guys think I'll be okay? I do plan to apply to prestigious universities with low acceptance rates.

Yes. I think you will be amazing, no matter what happens. One thing, though: whatever you do, do not study for the ACT one to two days before the test. Focus on getting plenty of rest and having a healthy, protein-filled breakfast the day of. An active, awake mind is better than a tired one that has a few hours more knowledge. My sister did this and raised her ACT score by four points, ultimately earning her a full ride at her college. I did the same and already received an amazing score as a sophomore. When it comes to any hard test, rest equals success.

Kudos, Plugg!

Thank you for the advice. Well, actually I'm planning not to retake the ACT...

*Reads posts* Oh. Well, never mind then. :P Do whatever you are sure is best. ^ _ ^

One can't be sure of anything. But I try, and I hope people see that. Thanks, Plugg.

I love philosophy. ^w^ And, of course. I am sure we all notice the huge effort you put into everything.

EDIT: Oh, and how can you be sure that you are sure that we cannot be sure of everything? :D

*awkwardly interrupts*

Quote from: Skyblade on September 18, 2015, 01:08:57 AM
I've decided not to retake the ACT :P Do you guys think I'll be okay? I do plan to apply to prestigious universities with low acceptance rates.

According to all that is on the intewebs, your scores are fine. Plus, you're a valedictorian with crazy grades taking AP or IB or whatever the classes are that signify super-smartness ;D Universities don't just overlook that stuff.

@Plugg: And, if you're taking the test in June or something, pray that the building's air conditioner isn't broken. And that your water bottle doesn't leak and no one steals your snacks. And make sure you mark all your answers in the right sections. Yeah.

I have taken a few tests before, but thank you for the advice. ^ _ ^ Any of those things would be horrible. Do you have experience?

Thank you, Mhera ^^

Quote from: PluggFiretail on September 18, 2015, 01:29:43 AM
I have taken a few tests before, but thank you for the advice. ^ _ ^ Any of those things would be horrible. Do you have experience?

With all of them. The worst was the air conditioner; one kid actually collapsed. On the plus side, we got an extra five minutes during the break :P

@Sky: No problamo.

Oh, that sounds terrible. :( Hopefully you still got good scores, though.

Quote from: Skyblade on September 18, 2015, 01:08:57 AM
I've decided not to retake the ACT :P Do you guys think I'll be okay? I do plan to apply to prestigious universities with low acceptance rates.

You'll be fine. Stop worrying! It's not helping anyone, least of all yourself! *Hugs*

Be more confident in your decision, Sky.  It's a good one.  Please don't be disappointed in where your hard work has gotten you, because it's put you in a secure place.

@Corny: Thank you *Hugs*

@Banya: Thank you :)

Okay, I went on my first college visit today. It lasted about seven hours and was, contrary to all expectations, really enjoyable.

Which college?  (Or is that confidential?)  Is it one you're seriously considering?

It is kinda confidential, since it's very likely I'll end up going there :P

Soccer finished yesterday, we won our last game 2-1. Now that the one and a half hour practice is out of the way, I'll have more time to procrastinate on homework.

Who's ready for school after break?

Not me :P

Me :P

I haven't even been on break for a week yet.  If you said that to my face I'd throw something in yours.
:)
Really, though, no.  Not ready.  Let me pretend for a while longer to be a human with interests who does things.

Don't have to go back till the 11th 8)

Quote from: Mhera on December 27, 2015, 02:54:00 PM
Me :P

I take that back. I'm not ready.

@Wylder: When did you get off?

I go back on the 5th...

I've got your back, Del.  It's the 6th for me.  One week....  My break only began last Monday....

We got the 18th off and our break goes 'till Jan. 11th. It's a three week break.

14th - probably the 4th for me.

Here, we can talk about academics and share news!

I'm confused - Are you going to Harvard or not?

To answer your question, probably not for various reasons.

Well that's great! At least you get a second chance!

And stop being such a pessimist. Honesty. *Scowls* Do you want to get in or not? Think positive!

That's true. I'm grateful for that.

This post will make you highly motivated overachievers cringe.

Just took my last test for this semester. I could retake it and the last test, which I got mediocre grades on (a little higher than 80% each), but I don't care enough to bother with it. Final grade for this course (with weighed homework and test scores; .2 for homework, which is 99.9%, .8 for tests, which are denoted by the variable x) is 92.3%; not great, but good enough.

I probably have the best high grade/least work ratio of anyone in the class.

It's amazing that you can pull that off. I actually have to do work :P

I applied to two colleges and got accepted into both. Neither is anywhere near being a prestigious genius factory, but they'll do ;D

As for current school work, I'm on track to finish up the year (or at least most of it) by the end of next month...

(https://livingjourney.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/end-of-world-the-end-is-near-sign.jpg)

@Mhera:  Wow, congrats!  Do you know what you want to major in?

Congrats, Mhera! :) Hearing good news from others is nice, especially when we on the forum have been so troubled.

The end is near, be glad ;D

What do you hope to major in, Skye?

I don't know. It's something that's been on my mind.

What about you?

I don't think I'm gonna go to college. :P  (But I suppose you never know what could change in the coming years...)

You do never know. What are your future plans, then?

I don't know.  Just generic stuff like getting a job, finishing high school, etc. :P  Medical transcription would be a great job because you work from home and make a pretty good amount of money just for typing several hours a day.

Wow, interesting!

But you do have to go through training first, which takes about a... year(?) and costs a couple thousand bucks, I think.  Anyway, I don't know what I wanna do. :P  What job do you want?

I've got a load of book work for college that I need to catch up on. Then I've just got to finish my project and be ready for my GCSES by May!
(I'm going to die)

@Jukka/Sky: Whatever you guys do, keep writing.

Quote from: Jukka the Sling on December 23, 2015, 02:22:09 AM
@Mhera:  Wow, congrats!  Do you know what you want to major in?

Mechanical or aerospace engineering or kinesiology/health and exercise science/other degree that has the prerequisites for PT school built in.

Though I've said forever that physical therapy is what I want to do, I'm really wavering on it. For one thing, a four year kinesiology degree is basically worthless on its own, so by going into that I'd basically be committing myself to 6-7 years of school and I'm not sure if that's a good idea for me :P There's a few other reasons I'm turning against it, but I'd rather not go into those. (As a side note, I got to shadow a PT last month, and that was extremely informative. I'm also friends with a physician's assistant and have talked to him about that track quite a bit. If you guys are in the least bit interested about some type of work, it's really helpful to seek out someone who does it and talk to them.)

Meanwhile, engineering is something I've got a knack for and have considered in the past, but I brushed it off largely out of respect for one of my brothers. We talked about it, though, and he doesn't mind me going in that direction at all. So I'm currently researching that.

I want to go into aerospace engineering! ;D ;D

It's not... Oh wait, it is rocket science ;D

Quote from: Mhera on December 23, 2015, 12:56:23 AM
I applied to two colleges and got accepted into both. Neither is anywhere near being a prestigious genius factory, but they'll do ;D

As for current school work, I'm on track to finish up the year (or at least most of it) by the end of next month...

(https://livingjourney.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/end-of-world-the-end-is-near-sign.jpg)

Awesome!

I'm on track to finishing high school by August or September.

@Mhera:  Interesting.  ^_^

@Soren:  ...Wow.  Congrats!

Thanks, Mhera. I'll keep writing :)

Cool, Soren! :)

Quote from: Jukka the Sling on December 23, 2015, 04:03:46 AM
But you do have to go through training first, which takes about a... year(?) and costs a couple thousand bucks, I think.  Anyway, I don't know what I wanna do. :P  What job do you want?

Okay, well keep thinking :)

I don't know which job I want :P It's why I don't know my major.

Thanks for asking Jukka, quite thoughtful of you :)

I'll just say "Sounds great!" to you all because it really does.  You all seem to be in a good place at the moment with regards to your future plans and current academic standings.

In a recent fit of exhaustion (with 18.5 years of schooling behind me already), I considered dropping a major.  This would clear me of extensive foreign language study and allow lighter course loads for the next 3 semesters, as well as enabling me to return to Istanbul next summer.  Lots of pros to dropping a major, but I've made it this far, so as it stands now, I'm keeping my two majors and continuing with my current foreign language, including studying intensively through the summer.  But I can't wait to be done, and the end doesn't seem very near.

Hmph, y'all are just copying me. I've wanted to go into aerospace engineering since I was 8 years old.

Well, actually I wanted to be a fighter jet pilot, but my vision is terrible and, of course, uncorrectable, so I decided I would design the vehicles rather than fly them.

I remember your saying that before.  A friend of mine just graduated with a degree in aerospace engineering two weeks ago.

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on January 03, 2016, 03:35:32 AM
Hmph, y'all are just copying me. I've wanted to go into aerospace engineering since I was 8 years old.

Well, actually I wanted to be a fighter jet pilot, but my vision is terrible and, of course, uncorrectable, so I decided I would design the vehicles rather than fly them.

I was wanting to do something more along the lines of NASA... ;D

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on January 03, 2016, 03:35:32 AM
Hmph, y'all are just copying me. I've wanted to go into aerospace engineering since I was 8 years old.

Well, actually I wanted to be a fighter jet pilot, but my vision is terrible and, of course, uncorrectable, so I decided I would design the vehicles rather than fly them.

Ha, I wanted to do that to. 'Course, my dad was in the Air Force, as a civil engineer... The interest sort of faded away.

Quote from: Delthion on January 03, 2016, 06:18:52 PM

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on January 03, 2016, 03:35:32 AM
Hmph, y'all are just copying me. I've wanted to go into aerospace engineering since I was 8 years old.

Well, actually I wanted to be a fighter jet pilot, but my vision is terrible and, of course, uncorrectable, so I decided I would design the vehicles rather than fly them.

I was wanting to do something more along the lines of NASA... ;D

Well, yeah, my interests have evolved over time. Now, I wouldn't mind working for SpaceX (I can't deal with gov. bureaucracy at NASA), and colonizing Mars is my ultimate ambition.

Although I did think about majoring in music... for about 5 seconds.

My ultimate ambition is finding some way to travel at the speed of light, or faster, whichever comes first!

Also I really want to see nebulae.

First: Warpdrive or wormholes are the only possible solution to that problem.

Second: (http://images4.alphacoders.com/893/89358.jpg)

You can't actually see nebulae with the naked eye, those are filtered by wavelength to have color.

I enjoy stabbing the life out of people's hopes and dreams with the knife of truth, too.

It's painful, but it must be done, I suppose :P

Quote from: Banya on January 27, 2016, 12:13:16 PM
I enjoy stabbing the life out of people's hopes and dreams with the knife of truth, too.

THE WORLD ISN'T FLAT! http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-flat-earth-bob-diss-track-20160126-story.html

Quote from: Mhera on December 23, 2015, 12:56:23 AM
As for current school work, I'm on track to finish up the year (or at least most of it) by the end of next month...

Due life stuff, myself, and a quirk of homeschooling (namely, the ability for more course work to be spontaneously added at the discretion of the supervisor), this did not happen. Not a big deal (it should only be... I don't know, however long it'll take to read and be tested on a couple thousand pages of miscellaneous subjects), but I'm significantly less motivated :P

That said, English (or Literature, or English/Literature (the name isn't important, right? ;D)) has gotten much more tolerable lately. After I had to give the family a rather painful oral summary of The House of Seven Gables, my dad decided I should be reading (his words) "proper literature", suggesting Heinlein instead of Hemingway. Since science fiction wasn't quite what my mom had in mind at the start of the year, a middle ground was found on first The Screwtape Letters and now with The Lord of the Rings. Much better than the The Great Gatsby ;D

(No, we're not making (all) this up as we go along. I assure that there is a method to our madness.)

Yeah, school is tough. English sounds good, anyway :D

Quote from: Wylder Treejumper on January 27, 2016, 01:03:03 AM
First: Warpdrive or wormholes are the only possible solution to that problem.

Second: (http://images4.alphacoders.com/893/89358.jpg)

You can't actually see nebulae with the naked eye, those are filtered by wavelength to have color.

Whatever Wylder... ;D

Sky, that's great!

I dropped half my courses before the deadline, so it's been a pretty good semester with only two classes.  That's an hour and a half a day, but it's still a lot of work outside of class.

Thank you, Banya! :)

That sounds nice, too! ;)

I got a 75% scholarship to one of the most prestigious schools in my area. It's also the school I want to go to. I'm stoked.

That's amazing Kit!  ;D

Thanks. ^_^

Quote from: Rosie Willowwater on February 25, 2017, 11:41:48 PM
That's amazing Kit!  ;D

Thanks again. XD

Awesome!  I'm so happy for you!

Dude, lucky! Congratulations!

That's awesome, Kit! Congratulations!

Congragulations, Kit! :D

So, I've been considering switching from homeschool to private school. Do you guys have any pointers or warnings you could give me, or any reasons I should just stay homeschooled?

Because any school system will fill your head full of useless junk? And you can't really learn it at your own pace.

Quote from: Rosie Willowwater on March 27, 2017, 04:20:49 PM
So, I've been considering switching from homeschool to private school. Do you guys have any pointers or warnings you could give me, or any reasons I should just stay homeschooled?

I went to a private school from Kindergarten till 4'th grade, and from what I recall, Everyone (or almost everyone) there are complete snobs.

Private school has a reputation for being more academically advanced than public school, and I don't know how true that is, but I can tell you that from my experience, the atmosphere is really negative and awful

But that could just be the one I went to. The one I went to was a Catholic school, which shouldn't be a problem. But in time, it became a place for parents to isolate their children from other religions and ideas, and less of a place for learning more than in public school.

Though that is just my experience. For all I know, most private schools could be great places to learn.  :-\

Quote from: Rosie Willowwater on March 27, 2017, 04:20:49 PM
So, I've been considering switching from homeschool to private school. Do you guys have any pointers or warnings you could give me, or any reasons I should just stay homeschooled?

-It's expensive.
-It's where stuck-up kids go.
-You lose all innocence.
-You might get better education and opportunities. Might.

I expected these responses but I was hoping I wouldn't get them.

Quote from: Peony on March 27, 2017, 06:25:07 PM
Because any school system will fill your head full of useless junk? And you can't really learn it at your own pace.

I agree with half of that statement. But the way I'm learning at home isn't sticking so I think I should at least try to learn the way school teaches. Also I went to the school for a year couple years ago and was pleased with the results I found. The people were nice and the classes were challenging in a good way.

Quote from: alexandre on March 27, 2017, 06:57:42 PM

Quote from: Rosie Willowwater on March 27, 2017, 04:20:49 PM
So, I've been considering switching from homeschool to private school. Do you guys have any pointers or warnings you could give me, or any reasons I should just stay homeschooled?

I went to a private school from Kindergarten till 4'th grade, and from what I recall, Everyone (or almost everyone) there are complete snobs.

Private school has a reputation for being more academically advanced than public school, and I don't know how true that is, but I can tell you that from my experience, the atmosphere is really negative and awful

But that could just be the one I went to. The one I went to was a Catholic school, which shouldn't be a problem. But in time, it became a place for parents to isolate their children from other religions and ideas, and less of a place for learning more than in public school.

Though that is just my experience. For all I know, most private schools could be great places to learn.  :-\

I'm really sorry your experience was not the greatest. :-\

Well, I myself like the religious aspects of the Catholic school. I am a strong believer of Christianity/the Catholic faith and I like to learn as much as I can about it while being surrounded by others like me.

I hope you're in a better environment now Al *Hugs*

Quote from: Kitsune on March 27, 2017, 08:52:03 PM

Quote from: Rosie Willowwater on March 27, 2017, 04:20:49 PM
So, I've been considering switching from homeschool to private school. Do you guys have any pointers or warnings you could give me, or any reasons I should just stay homeschooled?

-It's expensive.
-It's where stuck-up kids go.
-You lose all innocence.
-You might get better education and opportunities. Might.

Not the one I'm going to. Luckily.

I'm already surrounded by those kind of people. A couple more can't hurt.

I can't imagine it.

Well, to that I agree. It doesn't change much from homeschooling to private schooling in that spectrum.

---

Thanks for your input guys. *hugs*

Quote from: alexandre on March 27, 2017, 06:57:42 PM

Quote from: Rosie Willowwater on March 27, 2017, 04:20:49 PM
So, I've been considering switching from homeschool to private school. Do you guys have any pointers or warnings you could give me, or any reasons I should just stay homeschooled?

I went to a private school from Kindergarten till 4'th grade, and from what I recall, Everyone (or almost everyone) there are complete snobs.

Private school has a reputation for being more academically advanced than public school, and I don't know how true that is, but I can tell you that from my experience, the atmosphere is really negative and awful

But that could just be the one I went to. The one I went to was a Catholic school, which shouldn't be a problem. But in time, it became a place for parents to isolate their children from other religions and ideas, and less of a place for learning more than in public school.

Though that is just my experience. For all I know, most private schools could be great places to learn.  :-\

Yeah they also have like a million pointless rules in private schools, but the curriculum is marginally harder than in public school- but just a little not nearly as much as they make it out and plus universities could care less whether you come from a private or public school so they really are pointless- basically overhyped money pits for the rich... That's my experience with the two anyway. Never been to Catholic or any religious schools though and id probably go crazy there because I'm not a religious person...

@Rosie Willowwater Have you considered public school?

No, the public schools around where I live are not the most inviting places.

IT'S SCIENCE FAIR TIME, FOLKS! GET EXCITED! And I need help coming up with a project title. Coming up with the title is one of my favorite parts. I am fairly known for having decent names. Here are my previous titles:
"Melt Down"
"Pickle Power"
"Refracting Nutrition"
and... "The Best Way to Die" (this still stands as my favorite)

Any ideas would be appreciated. I apologize ahead of time if I say, "That's a good idea, but I don't think so."

Oh, y'know maybe knowing what I'm planning to do may help. It's going to be measuring the affects of magnets on the flow of diamagnetic liquids such as water. My experiments based off of something like this: http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/print_project_1209_57 (http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/print_project_1209_57) I'm going to make it more detailed. I will definitely take each measurement more than once to ensure accuracy and all, but I'm also thinking of different liquids to use. One idea I had was maybe trying out different fruit juices? We'll see about that one. Either way, there will be a lot more in the variable department. OH OH TEMPERATURE. MAYBE I'LL CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE. (Yes, I did just think about that while typing and now I'm getting really excited so I'm going to post this before I start screaming my head off. I must go research.)

Quote from: Rosie Willowwater on March 28, 2017, 01:38:21 PM
No, the public schools around where I live are not the most inviting places.

stay homeschooled!!!!!!!

Though I've heard some nasty things about public school, I think going to schools that are public or private offer an opportunity to broaden one's perspective  which'll help prepare you for the future. Don't live in America so take my word with grains of salt.

Quote from: 321tumbler on December 28, 2017, 11:25:17 PM
IT'S SCIENCE FAIR TIME, FOLKS! GET EXCITED! And I need help coming up with a project title. Coming up with the title is one of my favorite parts. I am fairly known for having decent names. Here are my previous titles:
"Melt Down"
"Pickle Power"
"Refracting Nutrition"
and... "The Best Way to Die" (this still stands as my favorite)

Any ideas would be appreciated. I apologize ahead of time if I say, "That's a good idea, but I don't think so."

Oh, y'know maybe knowing what I'm planning to do may help. It's going to be measuring the affects of magnets on the flow of diamagnetic liquids such as water. My experiments based off of something like this: http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/print_project_1209_57 (http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/print_project_1209_57) I'm going to make it more detailed. I will definitely take each measurement more than once to ensure accuracy and all, but I'm also thinking of different liquids to use. One idea I had was maybe trying out different fruit juices? We'll see about that one. Either way, there will be a lot more in the variable department. OH OH TEMPERATURE. MAYBE I'LL CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE. (Yes, I did just think about that while typing and now I'm getting really excited so I'm going to post this before I start screaming my head off. I must go research.)

*Gets excited*

Hmm, should the name have a pun?

Puns are definitely not out of the question. Any little type of funny word device works really. It is important that the title still sums up the experiment pretty well though.